Best Things to Do with Children on the Costa del Sol This Summer

Bored children!  There are countless activities that keep children entertained while creating unforgettable memories. Whether you're planning a holiday or considering making the Costa del Sol your permanent home, this part of southern Spain offers an exceptional family-friendly lifestyle.

At Inspired Homes Marbella, we know as much about the lifestyle as we do the homes. Here we recommend some of the best things to do with children on the Costa del Sol this summer.

1. Spend a Day at the Region's Beautiful Beaches

The Costa del Sol is home to some of Spain's safest and most family-friendly beaches. Locations such as Cabopino Beach, Playa de la Fontanilla in Marbella, and Playa de Burriana in Nerja offer soft sand, shallow waters, playgrounds, and excellent beach restaurants.

Many beaches also have water sports, pedal boats, inflatable water parks, and shaded areas, making them perfect for families with children of all ages.

Top Tip: Arrive early during July and August to secure parking and enjoy the cooler morning temperatures.

2. Explore Selwo Aventura

Located in Estepona, Selwo Aventura is one of the Costa del Sol's most popular family attractions. Home to giraffes, lions, elephants, zebras, and hundreds of other animals, the park offers safari experiences that feel far removed from the typical zoo visit.

Children love the suspension bridges, adventure activities, and educational wildlife experiences throughout the park.

It's an ideal full-day outing that combines fun with learning.

3. Cool Off at Aqualand Torremolinos

When temperatures climb above 30°C, a water park is always a winning choice.

Aqualand Torremolinos features thrilling slides for older children alongside dedicated splash zones for toddlers and younger visitors. There are plenty of shaded picnic areas, making it easy to spend the entire day enjoying the attractions.

It's one of the largest water parks on the Costa del Sol and remains a favourite with both residents and tourists every summer.

4. Visit Bioparc Fuengirola

Unlike traditional zoos, Bioparc Fuengirola recreates natural habitats where animals can roam in beautifully designed environments.

Families can discover orangutans, tigers, gorillas, crocodiles, lemurs, and exotic birds while learning about wildlife conservation.

Its compact size makes it particularly suitable for younger children who may not enjoy walking long distances.

5. Discover Adventure Parks

If your children have plenty of energy to burn, the Costa del Sol has several fantastic adventure parks.

Tree-top obstacle courses, zip lines, climbing walls, and rope bridges provide exciting challenges in safe, supervised environments.

These parks are perfect for older children and teenagers looking for something different from the beach.

6. Take a Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

Several marinas, including Puerto Banús, Benalmádena, and Fuengirola, offer family-friendly dolphin watching excursions.

Seeing dolphins in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike. Many tours also include opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing along the Mediterranean coastline.

Booking morning trips often provides calmer sea conditions.

7. Visit Butterfly Park Benalmádena

One of the Costa del Sol's hidden gems, the Butterfly Park is home to thousands of colourful butterflies flying freely inside a tropical environment.

Children love watching butterflies land nearby while learning about their fascinating life cycle.

The nearby Buddhist Stupa also offers spectacular panoramic views of the coastline.

8. Enjoy Evening Markets and Summer Festivals

During the summer months, towns across the Costa del Sol come alive with evening markets, live music, funfairs, and local festivals.

Marbella, Estepona, Mijas, and Benalmádena regularly host family-friendly events where children can enjoy rides, games, ice cream, and traditional Spanish entertainment.

These warm summer evenings perfectly capture the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle that makes the region so special.

Why Families Love Living on the Costa del Sol

One of the biggest reasons families choose to relocate to Marbella and the surrounding areas is the incredible quality of life.

Excellent international schools, outdoor living throughout the year, safe residential communities, world-class healthcare, and an endless choice of family activities make the Costa del Sol one of Europe's most desirable places to call home.

Whether it's spending weekends on the beach, exploring mountain villages, enjoying nature parks, or simply dining outdoors together, family life here is centred around making the most of every day.

Looking for Your Family Home on the Costa del Sol?

At Inspired Homes Marbella, we specialise in helping families find homes that match their lifestyle. As a boutique real estate company, we offer a personalised service, expert local knowledge, and access to some of the finest properties across Marbella, Estepona, Benahavís, and the surrounding Costa del Sol.

If you're dreaming of a home where every weekend feels like a holiday, we'd love to help.