Malaga as a mature destination has a huge offer of leisure and entertainment. Discover with us the best kids attractions in Malaga and on the Costa del Sol.
The Costa del Sol is one of the best family destinations in Europe, due to its proximity and connections with more than 120 cities and a wide range of hotels and services.
And of course, as a leader in tourism, this offer also includes some fantastic proposals for a great family holiday on the Costa del Sol.
- No refuelling fee
- Free cancellation
- Hire without intermediaries
- Pay when you pick up your car
Table of Contents
Water parks on the Costa del Sol
Do you want to spend a day of refreshing fun? The water parks on the Costa del Sol offer large fresh water pools and a large number of water attractions for the whole family.
There are water parks in Mijas (Fuengirola), Torremolinos and Torre del Mar.
In addition, there is another no less fun modality, the floating water parks.
They are installed a few metres from the shore and the entrance fees are paid by the hour. Have a cold beer while you watch your children having fun. Or join them!
- Everything you need to know about Costa del Sol Waterparks
Selwo Parks on the Costa del Sol
There are 3 Selwo parks on the Costa del Sol.
Selwo Marina Delfinarium Benalmadena
One is Selwo Marina in the centre of Benalmadena. It is dedicated to marine wildlife and you have the opportunity to swim with sea lions and dolphins.
Benalmadena Cable Car
If you fancy taking to the heights to see the coast from the top of Mount Calamorro, you can ride the Benalmadena cable car and visit the Eagle garden.
Selwo Aventura Estepona
And a different experience is Selwo Aventura in Estepona. There you can immerse yourself in 40 hectares of land in an African experience with animals in semi-freedom.
In the park you can also enjoy exciting adventures: a zip line, trampolines, archery, a 65-metre long and 15-metre-high suspension bridge or go on an off-road safari.
Selwo Aventura offers the possibility of a stay in the heart of nature in comfortable African-style villages.
- Discover the Selwo Parks on the Costa del Sol
Boat trips on the Costa del Sol
The ports of the municipalities offer boat trips perfect for children to experience the great feeling of sailing.
There is for example a regular route between the ports of Benalmadena and Fuengirola.
We have a very complete article where we tell you many good ideas to rent a boat in Malaga, along 160 km of the Costa del Sol, and we introduce you to the best companies in each municipality.
By the way, did you know that for small boats you don’t need a licence? So, take a look, it’s a very nice idea!
Whale watching
Have always dreamed of seeing dolphins and whales up close? Then you have to go a little further away from the coast.
The best place for this experience is undoubtedly the Strait of Gibraltar.
There are some excellent whale watching companies in Tarifa.
We have done it ourselves (on another birthday) and it was a very nice experience. We can personally recommend Fundación Firmm.
Although there are dolphins all along the coast, the best places for sightings are: Nerja and beyond Marbella and Estepona towards the strait.
Attractions for kids in Malaga
Malaga Music Museum
This interactive music museum in the old town offers many interesting activities for children.
Museum of Imagination Malaga
This space located in the centre of Malaga is full of optical illusions. Great fun to take some fantastic photos.
Aeronautical Museum at Malaga Airport
Free museum is located next to the airport (and almost opposite our Malagacar.com office). It´s a must if you’ve always wanted to see a cockpit from the inside.
Automobile Museum of Malaga
If you like classic cars you can visit the Automobile Museum of Malaga.
Attractions for kids in Torremolinos
Crocodile Park Torremolinos
Situated next to the Aquapark. In this enclosure you can get up close to 200 crocodiles and also the baby crocodiles with a guided tour.
La Batería Park Torremolinos
This 74.000 m2 park has an artificial lake, cycle paths, jogging tracks and even rowing boats for hire. From its tower there is a nice view of the coast.
Attractions for kids in Benalmadena
Sea Life Benalmadena
Situated in the marina of Benalmadena. There you can see almost all kinds of tropical fish and even some sharks.
Butterfly Park Benalmadena
The Benalmadena Butterfly Park is located in a beautiful building in the style of a Thai temple. Marvel at more than 1500 butterflies in all their stages of growth.
By the way, just a few metres away is the magnificent Enlightenment Stupa, in fact the largest Buddhist Stupa in the West, you’ll definitely want to see it while you’re there!
Attractions for kids in Fuengirola
BioParc Zoo Fuengirola
This small animal park in the centre of Fuengirola offers the zoo immersion concept. There is a family of lemurs, turtles, gorillas, tigers and crocodiles among others.
Adventure Golf Fuengirola
You can have a fun time at this mini golf course. It is located next to the Miramar shopping centre and the river park in Fuengirola. If you get thirsty, there is also a bar.
Go Karting Miramar Fuengirola
Located on the terrace of the Miramar shopping centre. It has a circuit for adults and one for children, as well as an open-air bar-cafeteria.
River Park Fuengirola
Just below the famous Sohail Castle in Fuengirola, in the river park. You can combine several activities for a fun afternoon.
You can combine two zip line jumps with a canoe ride on the river. And then have a refreshing drink in one of the bars by the river. We did it for a birthday and had a great time.
Throughout the park you will also find ping pong tables, a bio-healthy area, a basketball court and a large Skate Plaza just a few metres away. There are games for all ages and picnic areas with barbecues.
Attractions for kids in Mijas
Museum of Miniatures Mijas
In the village of Mijas is located El Carromato de Max. There you can see his private collection of curious miniature objects from all over the world.
Mayan Monkeys Mijas
You are a chocolate lover and a sweet tooth? Then you can’t miss this fun proposal.
Located in the beautiful white village of Mijas. At Mayan Monkeys you can make your own chocolate bar or eat fabulous homemade and organic ice creams.
Attractions for kids in Marbella
Aventura Amazonia Marbella
This tree park is located in Marbella. It has the longest zip line between trees in Andalusia, with 250 metres in length.
The site has 6 multi-adventure circuits of varying degrees of difficulty from 4 years old to advanced sports level.
Trampoline San Pedro de Alcántara
An indoor space with 50 trampolines to bring out the trapeze artist in you. Open every day. It can be a good option in case of rain.
Attractions for kids in Nerja
Nerja Cave
You can discover the impressive underground galleries of the largest cave in the province.
- Everything you need to know to visit the Nerja cave.
- How to get there
Kayaking in Nerja – Maro
On another birthday we tried kayaking in Nerja, a total success.
It is a guided tour of about 2 hours in turquoise waters along the spectacular cliffs of Maro.
We can personally recommend the company Educare.
During the tour they take photos with the gopro. Later they are available free of charge on their website for download.
Diving in Nerja – Maro
Whether you are already an expert or you want to try diving for the first time to discover the wonderful underwater world:
The best place on the Costa del Sol are the waters of the natural park Maro Cerro Gordo.
Although it already belongs to the province of Granada, we nevertheless include it if you don’t want to miss this experience.
- We personally recommend Buceonatura in La Herradura, with Rafa Camacho at the helm, expert diver and passionate underwater photographer.
More attractions for kids in the province
SunView Park, Alhaurín de la Torre
The longest double zip line in Andalusia, 1,3 km long.
They also offer horse riding, archery, disc golf and a bar on the hill with a terrace and panoramic views.
Júzcar, the Smurf Village
If you feel like going a little further inland in the beautiful province of Malaga, you can discover a very special village: Júzcar, the smurf village.
The whole village is painted blue. And on a stroll through its streets you can meet many of the characters from the film that was shot there.
Treasure Cave, Rincón de la Victoria
No less impressive is the Cueva del Tesoro in Rincón de la Victoria, one of the few sea caves in the world. Legend has it that there is still a treasure hidden there.
Fuente de Piedra Lagoon Antequera
This saltwater lagoon is located in the north of the province of Malaga. It is home to the largest colony of flamingos in the Iberian Peninsula and the second largest in Europe.
The best months to observe them are from March to July. The area has an interpretation centre and guided tours.
Donkey Santuary Fuente de Piedra
While you are in Fuente de Piedra to see the lagoon and its flamingos, take the opportunity to visit this sanctuary. Meet the donkeys and you even adopt one from the distance.
Wolf Park Antequera
And something else you can do in Antequera that children will love: see wolves in their natural habitat.
Lobo Park is a huge park of 400,000 m2. There you can book a guided tour to learn more about these beautiful animals and see them up close.
Adventure sports and active tourism
Do you like to try different things? The province of Malaga offers a wide range of possibilities for active tourism and adventure sports all year round.
You will be surprised at what you can do:
- Zip-lining, climbing, paragliding, rafting, kayaking, diving, snorkelling, horse riding, cycling, archery. Hot air ballooning, downhill mountain biking, canyoning, caving, paintball, via ferrata, vertigo trails, tandem paragliding (yes, we’ve done it on another birthday too!), surfing, windsurfing and much more!
- Discover them all here!
You like hiking in breath-taking places? Situated just a few kilometres from the coast, you can’t miss:
The best Escape Rooms in Malaga
Have you ever tried an Escape Room? It is a very fun activity for groups, lasting one or two hours where you have to solve various riddles and tests.
Not only is it a fabulous idea for a rainy day in Malaga. There are also several outdoor offers. They combine solving the mystery with getting to know a bit more of the city.
- Discover the best Escape Rooms on the Costa del Sol.
Why choose Benalmadena for your family holidays
There are many families who on their holidays want to relax and only move within a certain radius of their hotel.
Among all the coastal towns with their huge offer, Benalmadena is probably the most suitable destination for a family holiday without having to leave the town.
The family leisure offer is very wide: Parque de la Paloma, a huge urban park where you can picnic in the shade of the trees and see rabbits, peacocks, swans and turtles in the wild.
Two marine zoos with dolphins, penguins and sea lions. A cable car, a skate park, a butterfly park and the largest Stupa in the west, just to mention a few.
- If you want to know more about this family destination, you find it here!
The best family hotels in Malaga
We have dedicated an entire article to the best family hotels on the Costa del Sol, from Nerja to Estepona.
All of them have children’s facilities, mini-club and entertainment and some even have their own water park.
Tell us about your experiences. And share your recommendations for the best kids attractions in Malaga and on the Costa del Sol!
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Swim in the turquoise waters of Alcazaba Lagoon, unique in Europe;)
Malaga cruises and boat trips;)
Fuengirola – Multicultural city by the sea