30 Fun Packed Family Activities on the Costa del Sol

Whether you’re visiting the Costa del Sol for a family holiday or you’re thinking of relocating your family here permanently, you’re always sure to find something fun and exciting to do. The Costa del Sol is jam packed with exciting family activities. Here are 30 of our favourites for you and your family to enjoy, conveniently categorised to suit your specific family needs:

Animal Encounters

1. 1.     Crocodile Park, Torremolinos

The crocodile park in Torremolinos is home to over 200 crocodiles. Animal lovers and daredevils can come face to face with some of the larger crocodiles, whilst you will even be given the opportunity to hold some of the smaller crocodiles, and of course pose for a photo opportunity.

Find out more on their website.

1. 2.     BioParc Zoo, Fuengirola

The BioParc in Fuengirola is so much more than just a zoo: it is also an animal breeding centre where several endangered species have been successfully bred. Here you’ll find elephant, gorillas, tigers, crocodiles and many more. 

1. 3.     Butterfly Park, Benalmadena

One of the more sedate yet beautiful of the animal kingdom’s offerings, there is nothing quite like getting close to a butterfly. Styled like a Thai temple, you can walk amongst more than 1,500 different butterflies, including a range of rare and exotic breeds.

Find out more on their website.

1. 4.     Sea Life Aquarium, Benalmadena

Walk under a glass tunnel, allowing you to view a wide array of marine life as if you were really walking along the ocean floor. From crabs to sharks, star fish to tropical fish, adults are sure to enjoy this fun, family day out just as much as the kids.

1. 5.     Selwo Marina Delfinarium, Benalmadena

The Selwo Marina Delfinarium is the only dolphin park in Andalucia, making it an incredibly popular tourist destination for visitors As well as dolphin shows and encounters, visitors can also interact with a host of other animals.

Find out more on their website.

1. 6.     Dolphin Spotting, Fuengirola

If you prefer to encounter dolphins in the wild, in their natural habitat, then why not take a dolphin spotting tour from Fuengirola? There are a number of dolphin spotting boats available in the port and, although encounters aren’t guaranteed, their captains are experts in finding these majestic creatures.

1. 7.     Birdwatching, Guadalhorce Nature Reserve, Malaga

The Guadalhorce Nature Reserve in Malaga is not only beautiful, it is an incredible place to enjoy birdwatching, thanks to its location on one of the main bird migration routes from Africa.

1. 8.     Jardin de las Aguilas, Benalmadena

Otherwise known as the garden of eagles, the Jardin de las Aguilas is home to 160 different species of birds of prey, including the golden eagle. Visitors can get up close and personal to the birds, and there are also bird shows and displays to enjoy too.

1. 9.     Eco Reserva, Ojen

Miles away from a traditional zoo, this is a wildlife reserve where you can see local animals in their natural habitat. Deer, mouflon, Wild boar, fox, Chamaleon, and Spanish Ibex can all be viewed in complete freedom and surrounded by indigenous mediterranean flora. As educational as it is fun, families will be given the opportunity to find out more about the animals they meet.

 Water-Based Fun

1. 10.   Aquamijas Water Park, Mijas, Malaga

For thrill-seeking families looking for water-based adventures, Aquamijas waterpark is a great destination. It offers 5 waterslides, a mini golf course, climbing wall and jacuzzi, and is regularly listed as one of the best waterparks in Spain.

Find out more on their website.

1. 11.   Aqualand Waterpark, Torremolinos

If you’re looking for a whole day of adventure then Aqualand is the largest waterpark in the Costa del Sol.  It has 25 slies in total, as well as pools, play areas, and scenic gardens to enjoy.

Find out more on their website.

1. 12.   Sea Kayaking, Maro, Malaga

Sea Kayaking is always fun, but the route from Maro to Burriana Beach is particularly worthy of note thanks to its hidden beaches, waterfall passageways and some of the most beautiful coastlines in the region.

1. 13.   Smile High Parasailing, Fuengirola

Smile High Parasailing is located in Fuengirola harbour, right on the beach, and provides short 10 minute introductions to Parasailing. You can enjoy incredible mile-high views of the sea and coastline below, whilst feeling the wind in your hair: an amazing adventure for both water lovers and thrill seekers.

1. 14.   Costa Water Park, Fuengirola

The Costa Water Park is a water park with a difference: it is a giant inflatable obstacle course floating in the sea, right off the beach in Fuengirola! With slides, obstacles and other attractions, Costa Water Park is loved by adults and kids alike.

Find out more on their website.

1. 15.   Fuengirola - Benalmadena Boat Trip, Puerto Marina, Benalmadena

A more sedate adventure that the whole family will enjoy, why not take a boat trip around some of the region's most famous coastlines? This will give you an opportunity to enjoy life on the water as well as views of the beautiful harbours too.

1. 16.   Aquavelis Waterpark, Torre del Mar, Malaga

Aquavelis may be one of the oldest waterparks in Malaga, but what it loses in modernity, it gains in excitement! Here you’ll find 8 slides and two large pools, one of which has a wave machine. You’ll also find playgrounds and gardens for children.

Find out more on their website.

1. 17.   River Walk, Rio Chillar, Malaga

How adventurous is your family? Because the higher you walk up the Rio Chillar, the more beautiful and exciting the scenery becomes. You can walk through river pools, waterfalls, and other breathtaking natural attractions. A classic family activity.

 Historical Attractions

1. 18.   Castillo de Colomares, Benalmadena

If you’re a family that embraces the history of the places you visit then you’ll be fascinated by the Castillo de Colomares. It’s a huge castle and a magical site for kids, whilst adults can learn a little more about the history of this local treasure.

1. 19.   Parque la Bateria, Torremolinos

With more than 74,000 metres of grass, trees and a huge lake, the Parque la Bateria is much more than just a park. It also features a historic tower which offers incredible views of the city, as well as cycle paths and playparks: and as everything is free of charge, this is a great option for families on a budget.

1. 20.   Sohail Castle, Fuengirola

Sohail castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the years, but it is now fully reconstructed, and towers over the town of Fuengirola. Visitors travelling with older children can enjoy a full programme of plays and concerts in the castle, which now features an open air auditorium.

Find out more on their website.

1. 21.   Roman Theatre, Malaga

If your children like to sword fight, pretend to be soldiers, and embrace their imagination in historical locations then they will love the Roman Theatre in Malaga. This is a surprisingly well preserved example, and a wonderful place to children to spark their imaginations whilst their parents enjoy learning something about the region’s rich history.

1. 23.   Castillo Gibralfaro, Malaga

Another castle well worth exploration, the magnificent Castillo Gibralfaro sits on top of a hill in the heart of Malaga, dominating the skyline. Originally built as a look out point, the whole family will enjoy the views from the top of the castle as much as the castle itself.

1. 23.   El Torcal Nature Reserve, Malaga

From modern history to ancient history, let your children's knowledge and imaginations run wild in this prehistoric, fossilized rock nature park. From rock spotting to rock climbing, you’ll be amazed by how much adventure and fun simple rocks can bring.

 Fun with Transport

1. 24.   Cable Car, Benalmadena

What better way to enjoy the views of Benalmadena than by cable car? This is a 15 minute ride that takes visitors up to the summit of Mount Calamorro. Here you will enjoy spectacular views of the city and the coast, whilst sitting at 771 metres above sea level.

1. 25.   Mini train city tour, Fuengirola

Get to know Fuengirola with this hop on and hop off train: you can enjoy finding out more about the city, and give your feet a rest between attractions at the same time!

1. 26.   Go Karting, Miramar, Fuengirola

Go karting is the very definition of family fun! Perfect for speed demons and Sunday afternoon drivers alike, this is the ideal opportunity to finally determine who the best driver in the family is!

 Something For Everyone

1. 27.   Adventure golf, Fuengirola

Adventure golf really does offer something for everyone: whilst the kids battle against each other on the 19 hole golf course, complete with exciting obstacles, mum and dad can enjoy a cocktail or a home made locally sourced dish in the on site restaurant: everyone will be happy!

1. 28.   Molina de Inca Botannical Gardens, Torremolinos

Set in huge grounds covering more than 40,000 square metres, the botannical gardens have something to offer for everyone. From unusual plants and flowers for mum and dad to discover to birds, wildlife and water features for the kids, this is an attraction that feels truly magical.

1. 29.   Park de la Paloma Family Park, Benalmadena

The family park is a lush green oasis where families can enjoy a nature walk alongside a lush and verdant lake. However, what makes this site so popular with children are the animals who have organically decided to call the site home: from rabbits and goats to emus and peacocks, the friendly wildlife here are a hit with kids.

1. 30.   Underground Caves, Nerja, Malaga

The Nerja caves are frequently listed as one of the best attractions in the Costa del Sol: they are also the most visited attraction in the region. Here you’ll find the world’s largest stalagmite and a host of awe inspiring chambers: you’ll certainly regret not exploring this attraction with your family.