Family days out near Marbella

Whether you plan to visit Marbella in the height of summer or during the cooler months, you will find plenty of great attractions for the whole family within a short driving distance from the city center.

Many great attractions for children can be found in Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, and Benalmadena, all within about a 30-minute drive from Marbella and Puerto Banus. Whether your kids want to experience excitement and fun at Aventura Amazonia in Elviria, or relax with over 2,000 species of wildlife at Selwo  in Estepona, the list of things to see and do is endless.

Take a trip to Fuengirola Adventure Golf, located between Myramar Centre and Dunne’s Stores, just off N-340. A great place for the whole family, with a café bar and an 18-hole mini golf course for around €8.50 per adult, €6.00 per child under 16 years, and €24 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children).

Amazonia Aventura in Elviria is just 5 km east of Marbella and features over 70 attractions, including jumps, rope bridges, zip lines, and ladders stretching over tall trees. Lots of fun for both adults and children, and full safety training is provided by experts before the fun starts.
Two of Costa del Sol’s most exciting Aqua Parks are located in Mijas-Costa (near Fuengirola McDonald’s just off the A7 motorway) and in Torremolinos, the larger of the two parks. Aqualand Torremolinos and Parque Acuatico Mijas  offer adrenaline-filled attractions that can compete with the best in Europe, including steep mega slides and water slides of all kinds. Usually open from April to September, the parks also offer plenty of sun areas for adults and smaller attractions for young children.

If you enjoy getting up close with wolves, take a trip to Lobo (Wolf) Park in Antequera, where you can meet these fascinating creatures in a safe environment. You can also learn more about the lives and habitats of these wild creatures in a rugged and natural setting.

If you like seeing wildlife in natural surroundings, Selwo Aventura in Estepona is one of the best parks of its kind in Europe. The park is home to over 2,000 species of animals and birds. Visitors can see the owls and birds, followed by a walk through the impressive aviary while eagles soar overhead. When you reach the top of the park, safari-style trucks will transport you the rest of the way where you can see the larger animals, including lions, bears, and giraffes.

Fuengirola Zoo  is one of the best zoos of its kind in Spain, attracting animal lovers of all ages. If you want to get close to crocodiles, see rare white tigers, or view some of the world’s rarest reptiles, this zoo is well-planned, well-designed, and provides a sanctuary for the animals. If reptiles are your thing, take a trip to The Crocodile Park in Torremolinos, which is home to some of the world’s oldest reptiles.

The Donkey Sanctuary welcomes old, sick, and injured donkeys and is open to the public. The animals are nursed back to health and can be sponsored by visitors for just a few euros a month. Experts at the center also teach visitors about the donkeys’ lives and explain how they came to the center.
The Butterfly Park in Benalmadena (“Mariposario”) is home to some of the most beautiful butterflies in the world. The park is located near the Buddhist stupa near the old town, and visitors should take the Benalmadena Pueblo exit from Marbella direction, then turn left and follow the signs.

Gibraltar  is one of the best places to enjoy a Dolphin (Delfin) Safari, and visitors are more likely to see these incredible mammals than on a trip from Costa del Sol. Thousands of dolphins head to the warm waters of the Bay of Gibraltar, to the delight of passengers.

Paintball Estepona offers a great day for children and adults. Paintball is about a 20-minute drive from Puerto Banus. Anyone over 7 years old who is reasonably fit can enjoy this fast-paced game of skill and agility. Lots of camouflage and unexpected obstacles provide the perfect setting for paintball.
Whether you want to enjoy team building or give the kids a great day, Laser Combat Malaga might be the ideal place. This attraction is located between Antequera and Malaga and provides a unique activity for the whole family. Laser Combat is popular for children’s parties with a difference. The weapons make real sounds, but nothing dangerous comes out of them, and Laser Combat is completely safe. If you are planning a party, book in advance.

Selwo Marina is located next to Paloma Park in Benalmadena and is home to many species of marine life, including mammals and fish. Visitors can learn about conservation and get close to rays, penguins, and dolphins.

Feria de San Bernabé  in Marbella takes place every year in June (check local press or tourist office for details on exact dates), and if you visit Costa del Sol with your family during feria time, enjoy most of the main festival square, open in the evenings, and also live music, dancing, and outdoor bars throughout the city during the day. Local women dress in their colorful flamenco dresses while sitting sideways behind the elegant riders in their red neckerchiefs and braces, and fun and games continue late into the night. This is a must-see event in Marbella, and all the local bars and restaurants decorate their terraces to make it clear to everyone that it is feria week.

If you happen to be in town, take a look down the incredible Avenida del Mar  in Marbella, where the Dali statues are. Here you have great views of the sea as you walk down towards the promenade.Orange Square ( Plaza de Los Naranjos)  is also worth a visit in Marbella’s old town.