Marbella, a town of palm trees, bougainvillea and marinas with luxury yachts, is also a perfect setting for travelling with children. It has beaches with calm waters and avenues full of ice-cream parlours, as well as a variety of proposals designed for the family: boat trips to see dolphins, zip-lines that cross pine forests, castles by the sea, unusual museums and trails that wind through the hills. There, children’s recreation mixes with the beauty of a privileged environment, creating memories that will last well beyond the summer.
- Water activities with children: from paddle surfing to pirate ships
- Adventure activities for children: zip lines, nature and adrenaline tailored to their needs
- Amusement and water parks: laughing and splashing around all day
- Recommended visits in the area: fairytale villages, castles and landscapes
Water activities with children: from paddle surfing to pirate ships
With almost 30 kilometres of coastline, Marbella is a paradise for water-loving families. The El Cable, Fontanilla and San Pedro de Alcántara beaches are ideal for children due to their calm waters, fine sand, lifeguard services and play areas. Many of the beaches have playgrounds, as well as beach bars with children’s menus. Nevertheless, the real attraction is in the sea: you can hire pedal boats, go paddle surfing with the family or even sign up for kayak trips along the coast.
One of the most exciting experiences for children is the themed boat trips such as the pirate tours that depart from Puerto Banús or the Marbella marina. With a costumed crew, on-board games and the chance to see dolphins in the wild, this activity turns an afternoon of sailing into a lasting memory. Some companies also provide snorkelling in safe areas or introductory diving courses for children ages eight and up, supervised by certified instructors.
Adventure activities for children: zip lines, nature and adrenaline tailored to their needs
For families looking for more than just sun, sea and sand, Marbella and its surrounding areas offer adventure options tailored to all levels. One of the most recommended destinations is Aventura Amazonia in Elviria. This park with treetop zip lines and high ropes courses has several routes divided by age and height, including specific courses for children ages 4 and up. The natural surroundings and the sensation of flying among pine trees make this one of the most popular experiences.
Another option is to explore the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, a few kilometres north, where you can go on easy hiking trails such as the Pinsapar de Yunquera, which is perfect for awakening your curiosity about its flora and fauna. Specialised companies also organise e-bike tours for families and horseback rides in the Istán area. If you prefer something more exotic, you can visit the wildlife and dromedary park at Sierra Crestellina, where children can interact with animals in a natural setting.
Amusement and water parks: laughing and splashing around all day
Although Marbella does not have its own large theme park, its privileged location provides easy access to several leisure facilities in Malaga province. Just over 30 minutes away by car is Bioparc Fuengirola, a new-generation zoo with no visible cages, where children can explore Asian and African jungles, see tigers, crocodiles and lemurs, and attend educational sessions.
In Torremolinos, less than one hour away, is Aqualand, the largest water park on the Costa del Sol. The specific areas for toddlers, the wave pools, the family slides and the interactive games ensure a whole day of fun. Also located there is the Crocodile Park, where you can see dozens of species, attend educational talks and even hold a baby crocodile.
For half-day plans or more relaxing afternoons in Marbella, there are places like Funny Beach (with go-karts, trampolines and a play area), the Costa Jump trampoline park, and the INTOOIT Kids Play Club at Puerto Banús, ideal for cloudy or rainy days.
Recommended visits in the area: fairytale villages, castles and landscapes
Marbella also invites you to explore its surroundings full of history, unique architecture and surprising nature. A visit to the old town is a great way to combine sightseeing and learning: narrow streets filled with bougainvillea, secluded squares like the Plaza de los Naranjos, and remains of the Muslim wall that can even arouse the imagination of the most curious. On Avenida del Mar, Salvador Dalí’s sculptures offer an outdoor gallery that intrigues both adults and children.
Just a few minutes away by car is the charming white village of Mijas, where donkey taxis remain a picturesque attraction. There you can visit the small but interesting Carromato de Max, a miniature museum that fascinates children with its tiny objects: from a ballerina painted on the head of a pin to a flea dressed as a flamenco dancer. Another recommended trip is to Sohail Castle in Fuengirola, which often hosts children’s and medieval shows in the summer.
For a more natural experience, the coastal path eastward from Marbella is ideal for walking or cycling with children, where there are play and swimming areas. You can also visit Nagüeles Park on the slopes of the Sierra Blanca, a Mediterranean forest with picnic areas and gentle trails.
