Are we there yet? The Costa del Sol for kids
Monday, 14th May 2012by Richard Speigal, Editor
Taking kids on a sunny holiday is all very well but quite often the little blighters aren’t happy just sitting on the beach and looking after themselves while mum and dad lounge about reading best sellers and sipping fruity drinks. They want entertaining, at least some of the time. But before you start filling your suitcase with DVDs and computer games, check out our guide to what Costa del Sol has to offer parents and kids. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Tivoli World
What is it?
The word Tivoli is taken from a town near Rome which was, during Roman times, regarded as a bit of a pleasure resort, so it sort of makes sense that this place, although in Spain also regards itself as a centre of pleasure. Filled with fairground attractions – Ferris wheel, bumper cars, rollercoaster, go-karts, pony trek, drop tower and [deep voice with echo needed] the Passage of Terror. This year is the park’s 40th anniversary so there is a special price too plus some events including flamenco dancing.
Where is it?
Tivoli is in Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena. There are numerous ways to reach the park: By car: motorway exit of the Mediterranean 222. Ample free parking. By train: RENFE vicinity. Station Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena. By bus: bus stop Tivoli Portillo, Arroyo de la Miel.
Does it cost a fortune?
No but in busy months it is advised to book in advance online. The prices vary depending on when you are going and what you want to do when you are there. There are various discounts but prices start at €4. You can see the full pricing at www.tivoli.es. One more thing – like most of these places food is pricey so think about pack lunches or just eat ice cream.
Yoyuba Adventure Park
What is it?
Don’t be fooled by the park bit, Yoyuba is an indoor soft play centre and does provide an escape from the sun. Opening times are 5pm to 11pm and closed on Sundays. It has all the usual soft play centre stuff plus a climbing wall and cafe. Excellent softplayability.
Where is it?
It’s in an industrial park (as these things usually are) so you would need a car or taxi to get there. The address is:
Pol. San Rafael Nave 5
Camino Viejo de Coín
29649 Mijas Costa
Málaga
Does it cost a fortune?
3,75 € - one hour
4,50 € - one hour and half
5,50 € - unlimited time
Parque Aquatico Mijas
What is it?
Love water slides? It’s quite simple. Parque Aquatico Mijas has all the right ingredients, especially on the Costa del Sol – sun, water and slides. Can’t go wrong. This is a great mix of pools of various sizes and depths, slides, rapids, wave pools, lounging areas and err, mini golf.
Where is it?
It’s in Fuengirola, on the A7, a few minutes from Fuengirola bus station. There is a free car park, a bus service to Fuengirola city centre and a taxi rank.
Does it cost a fortune?
There is a 10 per cent discount online but it’s not cheap so you’d have to make a good day of it.
Family ticket is €55 (two adults and two kids aged 4-12). Adult tickets cost €20 and kids €15. Three and under go free and over 65s cost €12.
Selwo Marina
What is it?
Staying on the water theme, why not go and see some dolphins, sea lions and penguins? The kids will love the dolphin show and there are parrots too. If you have been to a Sea World then don’t expect something similar. This is smaller and probably better for it. If you want to pay a bit extra, you can even go swimming and patting with the large fishy dolphin and sea lion things.
Where is it?
It’s in Benalmadena. RENFE suburban train: Arroyo de la Miel stop (Benalmádena); Portillo Buses: line 110 (Málaga - Benalmádena), Portillo Buses: line 120 (Torremolinos - Fuengirola), Local Bus: L2 Stops: Selwo Marina Delfinarium or Molinos de Viento, Local Bus: L1 Stops: Parque de la Paloma.
If you are driving use Motorway A7, exit 222 Benalmadena - Arroyo de la Miel or on the N-340(Coast): Avda. Antonio Machado.
Does it cost a fortune?
It’s not cheap but it’s not something you can do in Britain either so worth thinking about. Adults (10-65) = €18, Kids (3-9) €13. You get a Euro off if you book online. See all the pricing packages at www.selwomarina.es
Best of the rest
There are of course plenty of other places to visit, so try these for size if the above don’t tickle your parental fancy…
Selwo Aventura – wildlife park in Estepona
Parque La Bateria – free open park for families offering picnics areas and playgrounds in Torremolinos
Biopark – Great looking zoo/nature reserve in Fuengirola
Crocodile Park – Park full of crocs in Torremolinos. Go on, hug one
Tags: aqua parks, costa del sol, kids, theme parks, zoo
Related holiday pages: Costa del Sol, Benalmadena, Estepona, Fuengirola, Torremolinos
About the author
Richard quit his job and founded España Breaks with wife and business partner Lisa back in 2002. The couple enjoyed a life in Spain for some years and brought back a passion for all things Spanish. They now run their company from Bath where they live with their very lively son Oscar. Richard remains madly enthusiastic for everything Spain, travel and web related.
Recommended holiday villas and apartments
 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms Estepona, Costa del Sol from £395p/w |
 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms Estepona, Costa del Sol from £545p/w |
 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom Estepona, Costa del Sol from £244p/w |
 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Estepona, Costa del Sol from £500p/w |
 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom Estepona, Costa del Sol from £257p/w |
 3 bedrooms, private pool Fuengirola, Costa del Sol from £475p/w |
10,440 HOLIDAY RENTALS IN COSTA DEL SOL FOUND ELSEWHERE
Related posts
-
Are we there yet? Keeping the kids entertained in the Costa Blanca
25th Jun 2012 by Annie Granger -
Five things you simply must do in Salou!
9th Jul 2012 by Annie Granger -
Torremolinos sheds poor image to become family destination
30th Apr 2012 by Annie Granger -
Mallorca's top attractions for kids (and parents)
23rd Jul 2012 by El Ship -
Marbella 101: urban beaches and roman ruins in the Costa del Sol
18th Jun 2012 by Richard Speigal
