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Nerja beach Spain 22 Fun Activities To Do With Kids On The Costa del Sol Expat Tips

If you’re planning a summer family holiday here on the Costa del Sol you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained around the clock.

Although, swimming in the pool or spending a few hours at the beach will go a long way, you will no doubt need to find other stimulating activities and days out for the little ones.

Below we have listed 22 activities for families with children on the Costa del Sol and have included activities in all the major holiday destinations such as Benalmadena, Marbella, Fuengirola, Estepona and Torremolinos.

The great thing about the Costa del Sol is that there is always something to do, including outdoor activities, water parks, boat trips, city parks and cultural activities among others.

The list below has been divided up by area and also provides you with other important information such as pricing.

You will find that many of the sites offer discounts for booking more than one activity for example book the Automobile Museum and get the Bioparc ticket at a further discount. Well worth doing if you are planning on visiting more than one of the activities below.

Benalmadena

Mariposario Butterfly Park

For nature lovers the Mariposario butterfly park in Benalmadena is well worth a visit. The butterfly park is located next to the Buddhist Stupa, close to Benalmadena Pueblo and boasts around 1,500 different species of butterflies from around the world.

You can walk among the butterflies within this tropical paradise and also learn how they reproduce. There is a snack bar on site where you can refuel.

Prices: Adults €10, Children €8.50, Over 65’s €8.50
Website: https://www.mariposariodebenalmadena.com/

Buddhist Stupa

Opened in 2003, the Buddhist Stupa has become one of Benalmadena’s biggest and best landmarks and tourist attractions.

Sitting proudly, overlooking the Benalmadena coastline, a visit to the Stupa not only provides you with a wonderful cultural experience, but also offers some amazing views and photo opportunities.

Price: Free
Website: http://www.stupabenalmadena.org/en/

Parque Paloma

Parque Paloma (Pigeon Park) is another popular place to visit for those looking for a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the town or beach.

The main focal point of the park is the large lake, which sits among over 200,000 sqm of beautiful garden areas. At the lake you will find fish and turtles along with a variety of birds. Animals such as rabbits, chickens, peacocks and hens wander freely around the park, which is a real treat for younger children.

There are also a number of cafes dotted around the park for somewhere to cool off and enjoy some refreshments and a number of children's play areas. Parque Paloma is a must for anyone visiting the Benalmadena area.

Price: Free
Website: http://www.visitcostadelsol.com/things-to-do/paloma-park-p81661

Selwo Marina

Situated next to Parque Paloma you will find one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular attractions, Selwo Marina.

Here you can enjoy live dolphin and sea lion shows, watch the feeding of the penguins and experience and exotic birds exhibition. There are three restaurants on site for refreshments.

Price: From €12.90 to €21.00
Website: https://www.selwomarina.es/

Sea Life Aquarium

Located in the Benalmadena Marina, the Sea Life aquarium is a popular attraction for families with children. Open 364 days per year, Sea Life is the perfect choice to keep the kids entertained and as it’s under cover, it’s great for those rare occasions that you encounter a rainy day.

There is a Jurassic Tunnel, where you can see sharks and other creatures from the Jurassic era. Why not also enjoy one of the feeding displays on offer where you can see sharks, rays and otters being fed!

Prices: From €10.50
Website: https://www.visitsealife.com/benalmadena/en/

Teleferico Cable Car

If you are in search of some of the most amazing views of the Costa del Sol, then a trip up to the top of Monte Calamorro mountain is a must.

After the 15 minute journey up, you will have the perfect opportunity to take some pictures while enjoying a stroll along designated pathways. You can also enjoy a bird of prey and falconry exhibition, which takes place daily.

Prices: Book online from €10 for children (3 to 10 years) return and €12.90 for an adult return.
Website: https://www.telefericobenalmadena.com/?lang=en

Tivoli World

If you have children, Tivoli World is a must-visit and will keep the little ones entertained for hours on end with a wide range of theme park style fun rides to enjoy as well as live music and dance shows. There are also a number of bars and restaurants you can enjoy.

Tivoli World is open every day from 5:30 PM to 1:30 AM

Prices: Purchase online for up to 21% discount. €6.95 for basic park entry including shows, or €19.95 for unlimited access to rides.
Website: https://www.tivoli.es/en/home

Tourist Train

Another delightful choice to kill an hour or two is the Benalmadena Tourist Train, which meanders around the town linking Tivoli World and the Marina. The trip lasts around 1 hour and takes in a number of tourist landmarks such as Parque Paloma, the Buddhist Stupa and Mariposario Butterfly Park.

Prices: From €5

Mijas Costa

Aquamijas Waterpark

Water parks are always a popular choice, especially in July and August when temperatures can soar. What better way to cool off than with a visit to one of the Costa del Sol’s favourite water parks.

You will find an array of shoots and slides to enjoy for all ages along with a games arcade and refreshments.

Prices: Get 30% off for entry after 2:30 PM, Adults €22.50, Children (3-7) €13.20, Junior (8-12) €17.45, Seniors (+65) €18.50. Family discount tickets available online.
Website: https://www.aquamijas.com/?lang=en

Fuengirola

Bioparc

Situated right in the center of Fuengirola, the tranquil Bioparc provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the town and beaches bringing you together with nature.

Open every day of the year, the Bioparc has long been a favourite with tourists and is a great day out for the whole family. At the Bioparc you will be immersed into the natural environment of creatures from all over the world including orangutans, chimpanzees, crocodiles, komodo dragons, pygmy hippopotamus, gorillas, sumatran tigers and many more.

Prices: Adults €20.50, Children (3-9) €15.50, Children (Under 3) Free, Seniors (+65) €16.50
Website: https://www.bioparcfuengirola.es/

Estepona

Selwo Aventura Wildlife Park

Selwo Aventura is the biggest wildlife park on the Costa del Sol and gives the whole family a great day out with the chance of getting up close (but not too close) to wild animals from both Africa and Asia.

The park is set up in different territories allowing you to experience the animals in a more natural environment. There is also plenty of activities on offer for the whole family and a number of cafes for refreshments.

Prices: From €13.90
Website: https://www.selwo.es/en

Marbella

Aventura Amazonia

Aventura Amazonia is one of the most popular theme parks on the Costa del Sol and located in the Elviria area of Marbella.

Aventura Amazonia is a zipline park with six different treetop adventure circuits. In total there are 24 ziplines one of which is 240 metres long and the longest in Andalusia.

You will also find a mini-kids area for children between 4 and 7 years.

Prices: €17-€24 depending on age and circuits required.
Website: https://www.aventura-amazonia.com/parques-amazonia/marbella-eng

Torremolinos

Parque La Bateria

Located in Torremolinos, Parque La Bateria is a great choice for families with young children. The park offers 74,000 square metres of open grass areas, a 9,000 square metre boating lake where you can hire boats and a childrens play area.

There is also a 15 metre high observation tower where once at the top you can savour the glorious views of the Torremolinos coastline. There are also cannons and underground bunkers that the kids will love to explore.

Price: Free
Website: https://turismotorremolinos.es/en/discover/places-of-interest/bateria-park/

Crocodile Park

Another firm favourite with holidaymakers is the Crocodile Park in Torremolinos, which is home to some of the biggest Crocodiles in Europe including 600 kg beast, Paco.

You will be able to experience daily demonstrations by expert crocodile handlers and if you are feeling brave, you will also have the opportunity to hold a baby croc in your arms!! The park is conveniently located next to the Aqualand Water Park (See below).

Prices: Adults €12, Children (5-10) €12, Children (3-4) €10
Website: https://www.cocodrilospark.com/

Aqualand

Aqualand Torremolinos is the largest water park on the Costa del Sol and a great day out for the whole family.

The park is open between May and August from 11 am to 6pm (7pm in July and August) with prices starting from €8.

Prices: Adults €26, Toddlers (3-4 years) €8, Children (5-10) and Seniors €18. Book online for best discounts.
Website: https://www.aqualand.es/torremolinos/en/

Malaga

Automobile Museum

Malaga’s Automobile Museum is a great place to visit although may be more suitable for slightly older children. Here you will find an extensive range of classic and vintage cars on display including Jaguars, Bentleys, Bugatti’s, Ferraris and Rolls Royce.

Prices: From €9.50
Website: https://www.museoautomovilmalaga.com/

Antequera

Wolf Park (Lobo Park) - El Torcal near Antequera

Venture slightly inland from Malaga and you will reach the Lobo Park (Wolf Park) in El Torcal, Antequera.

Open daily (Except Wednesday’s, 25th December and 1st January) from 10 am to 6 pm the Lobo Park is the only one of its kind in the Costa del Sol and is the perfect opportunity to discover these beautiful creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Your ticket includes a guided tour lasting 90 minutes. You also have the option of a ‘Howl Night’ visit during a full moon when you will hear the wolves in full cry.

Prices: Adults €11.50, Children (3-12) €7.50,
Website: https://www.lobopark.com

Other Ideas

Water Sports and Parasailing - Various
Dolphin and Whale Watching - Tarifa
Crazy/Mini Golf - Miramar Shopping Centre, Fuengirola
Local Feria Fun Fairs - Various
Skate Parks - Miramar Shopping Centre, Fuengirola, Arroyo de la Miel, Marbella, San pedro de Alcantara, Malaga

So there you go! If you are coming to the Costa del Sol and need to keep the kids active, you have plenty of options. The above is just a handful of what’s on offer in this fantastic part of Spain.

** All prices correct as of 05/08/2019