12/09/2021
When staying at the apartment the following list (collated in no particular order) is recommended for young children mainly on the basis of doing an outdoor activity, but also to nurture in them the love and need for wildlife preservation. (Courtesy of Larraín Nesbitt, Lawyers)
Selwo Aventura
In Estepona, you will find this nature wild reserve. From ferocious lions to gentle elephants, and everything in between. Personally, I loved Margarita and Florian, a couple of hippopotamuses that loved showing off their teeth to tourists (someone needs a dentist appointment btw). One of the major highlights is the bird show, where you will have the opportunity to see several majestic birds. You will be taught valuable lessons such as not to poison the food chain as this kills birds and allows harmful critters to multiply unchecked becoming a health hazard. There is also a zipline which takes you across a huge lake which is great fun!
Info: Selwo Aventura
Selwo Marina (Delfinarium)
In Benalmadena, you will find this marine park which is the home of orcs, dolphins, seals and several other marine creatures. The major highlight for me is the dolphin show and especially when the little ones get the opportunity to interact with dolphins (additional fees apply); it is well worth it.
Info: Selwo Marina
Bioparc
In Fuengirola, you will find nestled in the middle of the city a self-contained nature reserve that is the home of hundreds of creatures. The animal enclosures are built to the last detail to carefully mimic the animal’s natural habitat. A far cry from Fuengirola’s 80’s zoo which I visited back in the day and made me cringe at how bad animals were mistreated. One of the major highlights is the Baobab tree replica which is the home of several species of Lemurs and Meerkats. You also can’t miss out on the bird show, those parrots will steal your heart! Bioparc is hands down a personal favourite of mine and whenever time allows it, we pay it a visit with the family.
Info: Bioparc Fuengirola
Mariposarium (Butterfly park)
Have you ever fancied being surrounded by huge beautiful butterflies? Well, look no further. In Benalmadena you will find this amazing place that harbours hundreds of different species. This will be the delight of the wee ones.
Info: Butterfly park
Orchidarium
In Estepona, the garden city, you will find in the middle of the town this unique place that is home to hundreds of different types of orchids. The whole place resembles a Noah’s Ark devoted to orchid care. For a moment there, I felt a bit like Rod Taylor venturing in the 60’s classic H.G. Well’s Time Machine movie (fortunately for us, no Morlocks). The major highlight for me was the huge waterfall at its heart, with its impressive fishpond, where you could close your eyes and feel for one waking moment being transported far away to some wild jungle in South America.
Info: Orchidarium
Fort Naguelle’s
Who hasn’t imagined as a kid defending a besieged cowboy fort against a ferocious Indian attack? Well, you now get the chance to relive your childhood fantasies with your kids at Marbella’s Naguelles Fort, surrounded by a beautiful pine forest which is a natural preserve. It’s a real size replica of a U.S. West Fort that has it all (well, less the Indians). It’s free.
Info: Fuerte de Nagüeles
Tivoli World
Benalmadena’s theme park is a classic of the Costa del Sol. Only its name brings back fond childhood memories. It’s the perfect place to spend a family day and have your kids ride all the attractions. I assure you that when you get back home for the evening, they are going to fall asleep fast and you’ll have a wonderful night’s sleep! Guaranteed or your money back!
Info: Tivoli World
Aquamijas
In Mijas you will find arguably one of the best and most fun water parks I’ve visited. It’s the perfect place to take the young ones and explore with them all the wild water rides. I guarantee you will be exhausted by the day’s end!
Info: Aquamijas
Aventura Amazonia
Do you like Indiana Jone’s movies? Well, then this is the right place for you. In Marbella, you will be able to find this unique treetop zipline themed park for kids and for those of us who are still kids at heart. Only the dauntless may apply!
Info: Aventura Amazonia Marbella
Wolf Park
Well, not strictly on the Costa del Sol granted, but close enough. In Antequera, only an hour’s drive away, you can find this unique place in all of Spain (and Europe) that offers you the unique opportunity to visit wolves. Have you ever fancied dancing amongst wolves (property exhibitions aside)? Well, now you get the chance! You will have a guided visit that will explain how wolves live and just how unfair humans have been to them, from fairy tales to hunting them down to nigh annihilation.
