Christmas is already approaching and children are preparing for one of the most anticipated and exciting holidays of the year for them. If you want to surprise your little ones, come to the province of Málaga to enjoy an unforgettable experience as a family. Winter sports, animal parks, adventure games and endless activities await the kings of the house on the Costa del Sol and its surrounding areas. Ask Santa for some days of rest and excitement, and note down these ten ideas we suggest for parents and children to have a wonderful time.
1. Ice rink, Benalmádena (Málaga)
Ice rink, Benalmádena. Photograph: benalpatin.com
Enjoy yourself with your children on the Benalmádena Ice Club’s ice rink. During Christmas, it is open to the public both in the morning and the afternoon. Improve your balance and get your skates on. Have a laugh with your little ones in one of the most loved activities for children. Don’t forget to protect yourself well with knee and elbow pads, especially if you are not used to skating. Everything else is just fun!
2. Sierra Nevada, Granada
Sierra Nevada, Granada. Photograph: forospiedrasobrepiedra.com
Just an hour and a half drive from Málaga is Sierra Nevada, a snowy paradise where children have a great time. Less than an hour away from the beach, you can enjoy it even in winter as Torrox (which is found on the coast) has the best climate in Europe. Here you can practise sports as a family like skiing or snowboarding, you can go sledging, or simply have a snowball fight! An adrenaline-filled activity where your children will enjoy this natural environment while they get some exercise.
3. Selwo Marina, Benalmádena (Málaga)
Selwo Marina, Benalmádena
If you visit the Costa del Sol this winter, make sure you visit Selwo Marina in Benalmadena. Its penguin area is one of the most striking around. Come by with your kids to the bowels of the North Pole and enjoy the penguin flapping their fins, and then visit the dolphins and sea lions. One more original option that the province of Málaga offers families this Christmas.
4. Hiking, Estepona (Málaga)
Hiking, Estepona. Photograph: wikiloc.com
Another way of enjoying this outdoor sport with your kids this Christmas is available in Estepona Natural, a series of hiking and cycle trails in a privileged environmental setting. Put on some warm clothes and take to the roads where you can stop along your way for tea, take photos or play in amongst the vegetation.
5. Skate Park, Fuengirola
Skate Park, Fuengirola. Photograph: streetboardermag.com
This winter, add fun and sport together in one of the most complete Skate Parks in Spain. In Fuengirola, you will find this place where children and teenagers share their passion for skating. Whether skateboarding, cycling or using inline skates, the facilities here are suitable for doing all kinds of tricks. Different ramps, three bowls and flat decks are some of the elements that make up this area. Enjoy it with your kids while they practise their favourite sport while you can sip a drink in the café or go to the retail park located opposite.
6. Cinema Park, Málaga
Cinema Park, Málaga
The Málaga Teatinos neighbourhood has one of the most unique parks in the province. It is an essential location for your kids this winter to ensure they have a great time. This is the Parque del Cine (Cinema Park), a green space inspired by the world of the Seventh Art, and where we can find little nooks dedicated to the world of books. Paths drawn as if they were colourful film rolls, yellow brick roads like in the Wizard of Oz, or a walk of fame like that in Hollywood are some of the aesthetic elements that will leave your kids with their mouths open. There is also a playground for the younger ones and another for slightly older children where they will find a zip line among other attractions.
7. Cetaceans watching, Mediterranean Sea
Cetaceans watching
The Mediterranean Sea offers a wonderful experience for all the family: whale watching. This is an educational and environmental experience which aims to promote respect and care for the environment. From Mijas and Fuengirola, you can spot these animals, but they can also be seen from Tarifa and Gibraltar. Excursions are organised in Marbella for this purpose. The boats are manned by sailing professionals, and guided tours are led by whale specialists who help passengers to spot the animals and interpret their behaviour. Dolphins jump out and welcome passengers who want to come to this seaside location during the winter.
8. Juegos de Aventura, Marbella
Juegos de Aventura, Marbella
The adventurous spirit can be shared by both parents and children. Marbella has an Adventure Park, Amazonia, which is only 500 metres from the beach. There are a wide variety of trees to play between and 20 zip line circuits which are adapted for youngsters. The MiniKids area offers adventure games, a crafts workshop and a zip line for children aged 4-7, and also offers a child care service for parents who want to have a go on the circuits and who have nowhere to leave the little ones. An adrenaline rush with your children is an unforgettable experience. The park is open during the Christmas period except on December 25 and January 1.
9. Tívoli World, Benalmádena (Málaga)
Tívoli World
Tívoli World is one of the most emblematic theme parks in the Costa del Sol and is known throughout Spain. During the winter, it opens its doors at the weekend with free admission (only the attractions for younger children are charged). Although not every corner of the park is open to the public, the most fun parts are, such as the Children Fall Tower, the Jungle, Pinocchio and the Bumper Boats. A good choice, especially for younger children. You can have a leisurely lunch and coffee here while your kids are having a great time.
10. Promenade by bike, Fuengirola (Málaga)
Promenade by bike, Fuengirola
On the Costa del Sol, you can find a fun and easy-going sport for all the family. Fuengirola has a promenade on the same level as a bike lane so you can ride on it without much effort while enjoying the coast. At the marina, you can rent a bike to make this simple route. Along the way, you see the sea, Sohail Castle in the city, the Armada bridge and the Fluvial Park, along with all the other charms that you will find in this coastal area. To round the day off, you can play around in the sand on the beach where there are also swings for children.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Fuerte Marbella
The best place to stay in the province of Málaga and make plans with your children is Fuerte Hoteles. The chain has branches where you can enjoy the best of each area throughout Málaga, in addition to its services. They are also ideal for family living and travelling with children. Its more than 60 years of experience are the best guarantee. Marbella or Torrox are some sites where you can find this amazing accommodation.