Malaga, capital of the Costa del Sol, is an ideal destination for family vacations. Its mild climate, beautiful beaches, cultural heritage and amusement parks mean there’s plenty to do in Malaga for families with children.
Whether you love nature, history, art or adventure, you’re bound to find something to suit you in Malaga. Here are a few suggestions for making the most of your stay in Malaga with your children.
Discover Malaga’s historical and artistic heritage with your family and children
Malaga, a city steeped in history, was the birthplace of the famous painter Pablo Picasso. You can visit the house where he was born and the museum dedicated to him, which houses 200 of his works.
If your children love art, they can also discover the Centre Pompidou Malaga, a branch of the famous Parisian museum, which offers temporary and permanent exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
Malaga also boasts a rich architectural heritage, reflecting successive civilizations. You can visit the Alcazaba, an 11th-century Arab fortress with a breathtaking view of the city and the sea;
From here, you can also climb up to the Castillo de Gibralfaro, a 14th-century castle that dominates the town and houses a military museum;
If you love religious buildings, don’t miss Málaga Cathedral, nicknamed “la Manquita” (the one-eyed woman) because only one of its two towers has been completed.
Enjoy the beaches and water activities in Malaga with your family and children
Malaga is renowned for its fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, where you can swim, sunbathe or make sandcastles with your children. The closest beach to the city center is La Malagueta, which offers a wide range of family-friendly facilities and games.
Or head to Pedregalejo beach on the outskirts of town in the direction of Nerja, where you can enjoy grilled fish in the chiringuitos (beach restaurants). Their speciality is sardine kebabs.
Looking for a thrill on the water? Among the family activities with children in Malaga are surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking or jet-skiing.
And don’t forget a trip on a sailboat or catamaran to admire the coastline and perhaps catch a glimpse of dolphins. If you prefer to explore the seabed, you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in the coves and reefs along the coast around Malaga.
Fun at Malaga’s theme parks and zoos with the family and kids
Malaga and the surrounding region boast several theme parks and zoos to entertain children of all ages. If you’re a thrill-seeker, you can rent a car and visit Tivoli World in Benalmeda, which offers over 40 attractions, including roller coasters, rides and shows;
If you prefer to cool off in the water, you can choose between several water parks, such as Aqualand in Torremolinos, Aquamijas in Mijas or Aquavelis in Torre del Mar, which offer giant slides, wave pools or zones for the little ones.
If your children love animals, another family activity in Malaga is discovering local and exotic wildlife at the various zoos and aquariums in the Malaga region. You can visit the Bioparc Fuengirola, a zoo that reproduces the natural habitats of African and Asian species;
You can also visit Selwo Marina in Benalmeda, a dolphinarium featuring dolphins, sea lions, penguins and tropical birds. If you want to learn more about marine life, you can visit Benalmeda’s Sea Life, an interactive aquarium housing over 2,000 aquatic creatures.
Walking through Malaga’s green spaces and nature parks with the family and children
Malaga is a green city with numerous green spaces and natural parks for strolling, relaxing or playing sports with the whole family;
You can stroll through the Parque de Malaga, a botanical garden stretching along the harbor, with fountains, statues and exotic plants. You can also visit the Jardin Botanique Historique La Concepcion, a 23-hectare park that is home to over 2,000 plant species, some of which are centuries old.
Explore the natural parks surrounding Malaga, such as the Parc Naturel Montes de Malaga, a mountain range offering hiking trails, picnic areas and panoramic views.
You can also discover the El Torcal de Antequera Nature Park, a unique geological site featuring spectacular rock formations sculpted by erosion. Here you can see fossils, orchids and wild animals such as goats, foxes and vultures.
Malaga has everything to please families looking for an unforgettable vacation with their little ones. With its beaches, museums, theme parks and natural areas, you’ll find a multitude ofactivities for children in Malaga. They can have fun, learn and discover. Don’t wait any longer and book your stay in Malaga with your children now!