Málaga with children: charming villages and special museums
Júzcar is a small, charming village in the Málaga mountains. It’s the first ever ‘Smurf Village’ because when it was chosen to promote the release of the 2011 The Smurfs film, everything in the village was painted blue. The colour change was such a big success that local residents decided that the blue should stay. They have also set up adventure and graffiti routes, plus new activities such as two zip-wires that fly through the village, Tibetan bridges and hanging walkways. Júzcar is just as charming as the real smurf village because its houses are hidden away and hard to spot until you’re actually there.
Nerja Caves
Descending into a cave is always an adventure for children so make sure to visit this natural marvel that is just one hour from Málaga. The caves have activities for children such as the “Journey to the beginning of time” tour and pre-historic workshops where you can learn about how cave dwellers lived and discover what archaeologists do. But what children are sure to love the most is visiting the cave itself and following a mysterious route among stalactites and stalagmites.
Fuente de Piedra Lagoon
This nature reserve contains a huge wetland that is home to the biggest colony of flamingos on the Iberian Peninsula. What makes this space special is that it has both salt and seasonal water making it a popular stop-off for numerous bird species.
You can also visit the nearby Refugio del Burrito, a typically Andalusian country house surrounded by olive trees, which is used as a temporary rescue shelter for donkeys and mules. Children can meet the donkeys and learn the story behind each one. They can even sponsor a donkey.
Málaga
Occidental Fuengirola
- A hotel right on the seafront in Fuengirola
- Totally refurbished 4 star hotel
- Rooms with views
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Málaga
Barceló Málaga
- The best-connected hotel in Malaga
- Ideal for conventions, trade fairs and conferences
- One of the top 50 business hotels in the world
- B-Heaven Relax&Ambience
Málaga
Barceló Marbella
- Ideal for families
- All Inclusive service
- Santa María Gastrobar, a new dining concept
- Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol
Málaga
Occidental Torremolinos Playa
- On the beachfront in Torremolinos
- Suites and rooms with private balcony or terrace
- 2 outdoor swimming pools
- Ideal for events and weddings
Málaga
Barceló Marbella
- Ideal for families
- All Inclusive service
- Santa María Gastrobar, a new dining concept
- Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol
Selwo Marina
In Benalmádena, you can take you children to visit this theme park with animal species from around the world. Highlights include penguins and dolphins. Check the programme when you arrive so you don’t miss the exotic bird, dolphin and sea lion shows. And if you’d like to do something truly special for your children, give them the unique experience of meeting the dolphins or swimming with sea lions.
Parque de la Paloma, no number. Benalmádena
Museo Alborania
This museum focuses on everything the Alboran Sea has to offer, with 12 aquariums and an exhibition displaying the remains of aquatic animals, including the jaw of a tiger shark, turtle shells and two giant squid. Children can also pretend to be real cabin boys and girls at the helm of a life-size ship.
Palmeral de las Sorpresas. Quay No. 2, Port of Málaga
Centro de Ciencia Principia
Visit this interactive museum and show your children the most impressive advances made by science and technology. It comprises a planetarium with a 5 m dome that can seat 30 people. There is also an astronomical observatory on the terrace with a 3.5 m mobile dome where guided observations are held once a month. Advance booking is required.
Avenida de Luis Buñuel, 6. Málaga
Museo Interactivo de la Música de Málaga (MIMMA)
Málaga Music Museum is one of the most comprehensive museums in Spain with a collection of 1,000 musical instruments from different ages and cultures. But that’s not all—it’s also interactive. Tours are personalised to each visitor and you’re given a radiofrequency bracelet on arrival that adapts to the wearer’s age, preferences and knowledge of music. The museum also runs activities for families with children between 6 and 12 years old. The route through the exhibition has spaces specifically aimed at children to make their visit as fun as possible.
Palacio Conde de las Navas. Calle Beatas, 15. Málaga
Picasso Museum
This museum dedicated to Málaga’s best-known son runs weekend workshops for children between 4 and 10 years of age. “Bring the children” visits to the Picasso Museum are a way for little ones to experience the work of this artistic genius while their parents can discover the permanent collection and enjoy access to the palace’s terraces. You can also do guided visits with children. To keep kids interested, download activity books from the museum website beforehand; they’re aimed at children between four and seven years of age.
Palacio de Buenavista. Calle San Agustín, 8. Málaga
Water parks in Málaga
No summer in Málaga with children is complete without visiting a water park. Children love shooting down the water slides and adventuring through rapids on an inflatable ring. If you’re not quite so keen in taking part, you can always wait for them in the hammock or chill out zones. It’s a great way to beat the heat on a fun day out. There are three large water parks in Málaga: Aqualand in Torremolinos, Aquavelis in Torre del Mar and Aquamijas. In summer, some beaches set up adventure circuits on platforms over the sea so children can run and play non-stop while you don’t miss out on your day of sun and sand.
In short, Málaga makes the perfect destination to visit with children, where there’s no time to get bored.
Málaga
Occidental Fuengirola
- A hotel right on the seafront in Fuengirola
- Totally refurbished 4 star hotel
- Rooms with views
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Málaga
Barceló Málaga
- The best-connected hotel in Malaga
- Ideal for conventions, trade fairs and conferences
- One of the top 50 business hotels in the world
- B-Heaven Relax&Ambience
Málaga
Barceló Marbella
- Ideal for families
- All Inclusive service
- Santa María Gastrobar, a new dining concept
- Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol
Málaga
Occidental Torremolinos Playa
- On the beachfront in Torremolinos
- Suites and rooms with private balcony or terrace
- 2 outdoor swimming pools
- Ideal for events and weddings
Málaga
Barceló Marbella
- Ideal for families
- All Inclusive service
- Santa María Gastrobar, a new dining concept
- Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol