12+ Fun Things to do in Benalmadena with Kids

Is Benalmadena a good holiday with kids? Yes!

It’s the best place in Costa del Sol to enjoy a holiday with children, as there are many things to do in Benalmadena for families.

From relaxing in one of the many kid-friendly beaches in Benalmadena and having a picnic in Parque de la Paloma to encountering animals at Selwo Marina, visiting a nearby water park or learning a bit of history through monuments such as Castillo de Colomares.

Having visited most of these places when I was a kid and later with children, I can tell you that you’ll have a fantastic time in Benalmadena.

Let’s dive into the best things to do in Benalmadena for kids, my opinion on whether some of these attractions are worth it and a few extra tips to make the most of your holiday.

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The best things to do in Benalmadena for families

1. Have a picnic at Parque de la Paloma

One of the best free things to do in Benalmadena with kids is to visit Parque de la Paloma.

It’s a fantastic park with plenty of green spaces, playgrounds, a lovely lake and animals. No matter your kid’s age, they’ll love this park.

There are many things to do – from playing in the playground and seeing the friendly ducks and swans at the lake area to feeding the chickens and rabbits to simply relaxing in the shadows while having a picnic.

I love how many small animals you can find and that animals run freely across the park. You can walk around the park and encounter chickens, peacocks, doves, and rabbits, among others.

The park also has two cafes, where you can grab an ice cream on the warmest days, public toilets and plenty of benches to rest.

2. Spend the day at the beach

While Benalmadena is home to plenty of attractions perfect for kids, you can also enjoy the beautiful beaches of Benalmadena.

Most of them are suitable for families, but be aware that there are some nude beaches you might want to avoid. For example, Playa Benalnatura. 

Playa Bil Bil is great for families if you’re staying in the Arroyo de la Miel area, and it’s also considered one of the best beaches in Costa del Sol. 

This dark sand beach has moderate waves and is in a good location – next to restaurants and bars, toilets and attractions such as Parque de la Paloma and Bil-Bil Castle.

3. Encounter the animals at Selwo Marina

Located next to Parque de la Paloma, Selwo Marina is one of the most visited family attractions in Benalmadena.

The park is home to animals from around the world, so it’s divided into different areas according to the continent where these animals come from.

You can see anything from a wide range of penguin species from the Antarctic to Red macaws and tucans from South American jungles.

Spend a few hours walking through the park to discover unique plants and animals and attend the presentations to learn about exotic birds and dolphins!

Selwo Marina also offers dolphin and penguin encounters and swimming with sea lions. Just be aware that this isn’t included in the admission ticket, and these activities aren’t suitable for children under two years old.

Having visited this marina, I think it’s expensive because of its size, and other animal parks are better. However, it might be for you and your family if you’re passionate about sea animals.

I prefer Selwo Aventura in Estepona, a safari-like park with more animals and fun outdoor activities. You can also stay in its hotel: Hotel Selwo Lodge.

4. Take the Benalmadena Cable Car

Older kids will be excited to take the Benalmadena cable car. The cable car stop is in Arroyo de la Miel, near what used to be Tivoli World, a former theme park which closed during the pandemic.

It’s a great family tourist attraction for those who love getting a view! But it isn’t for everyone. The ride is ok until it approaches Mount Calamorro, as it becomes very steep.

You can take incredible photos from the cable car, but please be careful with your camera.

Once you’re in the mount, you can take in the views, explore the surroundings and even go to Fundación Valle de las Águilas to see exhibitions of birds of prey.

If you don’t really like the idea of taking the cable car, you can also access the mount by car, but be ready for some bumpy roads. You can park your car and then go on a short hike.

5. Have some fun at Puerto Marina

Puerto Marina is a popular area among families. This marina is home to many shops, international restaurants and family activities, such as a dolphin-watching cruise and visiting the famous Sea Life aquarium.

It’s a lively area that becomes even busier in summer. Although I recommend visiting Puerto Marina to see what it’s like, it’s very touristy and not the best place to have an authentic experience if that’s what you are looking for.

There are definitely other better and cheaper places to enjoy a meal with your family.

6. Visit Sea Life

Sea Life Benalmadena is the most popular aquarium in Costa del Sol. It’s home to sea creatures, such as blacktip reef sharks, jellyfish and green turtles.

It’s the perfect place for kids to see and learn about sea animals. Not only can they see these animals through the big aquarium glasses, but they can actually interact with some animals.

For example, they have the opportunity to touch a starfish and even feed a ray.

7. Visit Colomares Castle

Tucked away from Benalmadena’s main tourist areas, Benalmadena Pueblo (the old town area), you’ll find Colomares Castle, Castillo de Colomares in Spanish, a unique monument in Benalmadena.

Although it’s in the shape of a castle, it isn’t a castle but a monument built to commemorate the adventures of Christopher Columbus.

It isn’t a place for small kids to run around and have fun but a place for families with curious and older kids who might be interested in history or love taking photos.

As you walk through this small monument, you can learn more about Christopher Columbus and his adventures around the world.

Due to the location of Colomares Castle, you can also enjoy beautiful coastline views.

8. Go to the Butterfly Park

Mariposario de Benalmádena is a few minutes drive from Benalmadena’s old town, next to the Budha Temple.

Immerse yourself and your family in a tropical jungle with beautiful plants and flowers from countries such as Bali and Costa Rica, artificial waterfalls and over 1,500 exotic butterflies.

It’s the perfect place to learn about butterflies and see other small animals like birds, fishes and turtles.

The Butterfly Park is also home to a small shop where you can buy all butterfly-related things and a cafe with outdoor seating overlooking the Budha Temple.

Is this attraction worth the money? In my opinion, it’s a bit pricey for what you see, but it can be a good experience if you love butterflies.

Things to do near Benalmadena with kids

9. Spend the day at Aqualand

Are you visiting Benalmadena in the summer? There’s no better activity to keep you cool on warm days than visiting a theme park.

Aqualand is in Torremolinos and is only a 15-minute drive from Benalmadena. It’s a great place to visit with children and teenagers because there are many attractions for all ages.

It’s the biggest and best water park in Costa del Sol, so you’re guaranteed a fun day with your family.

I’ve been visiting Aqualand for many years, and I’m always surprised at how everything is kept in good condition. They’ve added new attractions throughout the years that this water park has been open.

The downside of visiting Aqualand is definitely the price. It can be an expensive activity for some families, especially if you’re a big family.

10. Go to Parque de la Batería

Visiting Parque de la Batería is another free thing to do near Benalmadena. This lovely park is in the upper area of Torremolinos, and it’s a fantastic place to spend a few hours with your kids.

Although it isn’t as big as Parque de la Paloma in Benalmadena, it’s worth a visit. Here, you can let your kids run freely in the numerous green spaces and the playground, rent a rowing boat or go on the carousel.

They also added the Ratoncito Perez house. It’s the equivalent of the Tooth Fairy if you’ve never heard of it. You and the kids can get in the tiny house and see where this little house used to live and the story behind it.

Another thing to do in Parque de la Batería is to climb its tower, which offers incredible views of Torremolinos and the coast. I love watching the sunset there!

11. Learn about animals at Bioparc Fuengirola

20 minute drive from Benalmadena, Bioparc Fuengirola is the main zoo in Costa del Sol. It’s home to hundreds of animals and plants from different parts of the world, including Africa and Asia.

You can see anything from monkeys, crocodiles, and flamingos to unique species like the Komodo dragon from Southeast Asia and the Sri Lankan leopard.

It’s a great place for kids to see and learn about animals by exploring the park or attending interactive exhibitions.

12. Explore Selwo Aventura

Selwo Aventura is my favourite activity to do with children. It’s located on the way to Estepona, just under 1-hour drive from Benalmadena.

This safari-like park is huge, and it’s easy to spend half a day discovering its different areas, seeing and learning about animals and taking part in adventurous activities.

What I love the most about Selwo Aventura is that many animals live in semi-captive conditions, so they have more freedom to roam, and it doesn’t make you feel like you are in a zoo.

Grab a map at the ticket office and start making your way through the park! There are plenty of animals to see – from meerkats and monkeys to elephants, zebras and hippos. 

I suggest taking some time to look at the map and exhibitions you want to attend. 

Create your itinerary based on the exhibition location, time, and nearby animals, so you make the most of your time.  

During the warmer months, walk through the water sprinklers to cool down and stop by one of the kiosks for a slushie or ice cream. 

My favourite activity is the Safari Serengueti, a 4×4 tour where you get closer to see animals. But you and your kids can enjoy other activities such as the zip line and archery.

Extra: go on a day trip to Malaga

You can’t leave Benalmadena without visiting Malaga. It’s only 30 minutes drive and train ride, and there are fantastic things to do with kids in Malaga.

Here are some suggestions:

• Walk on Paseo del Parque, a beautiful park full of plants and lovely parakeets.
• Visit MIMA Museum, which stands for Music Museum.
• Go to Muelle Uno. Malaga’s port is always lively, has plenty of restaurants and sometimes has street performances and attractions for the little ones.
• Enjoy a delicious ice cream at Casa Mira.
• Explore Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle.
• Spend some time at La Malagueta Beach, a fantastic beach a few minutes walk from the city centre.

Best places to stay in Benalmadena for families

Apartamentos Seven Village

⭐ Reviews: 9.3 out of 10 (excellent)

If you’re looking for a tranquil stay with your family and have all the comforts you have at home, Apartamentos Seven Village is a great option.

The apartments are located on the beachfront, a few minutes from Puerto Marina, and close to some of the main family attractions in Benalmadena.

They are fully equipped with a comfortable double bed, sofa bed, a kitchen with fridge, stovetop, microwave and washing machine, a bathroom with hairdryer, air conditioning, free WiFi and a patio.

You also have access to an outdoor pool with sunbeds and are a few minutes walk from restaurants and supermarkets.

🛏️ Check out availability and rates here

Holiday World Resort

⭐ Reviews: 8.1 out of 10 (very good)

Would you rather stay in a resort without having to worry about anything? Then, Holiday World Resort is the answer.

This 4-star hotel offers the ultimate holiday for families. All the rooms include comfortable beds, an ensuite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, air conditioning and a terrace.

However, what stands out is its facilities: communal outdoor pools with a sunbed area, a children’s waterpark, a spa and gym and a restaurant and bar. Also, it’s located right on the beachfront and close to Colomares Castle and Benalmadena’s Butterfly Park.

🛏️ Check out availability and rates here

Top tips for a holiday in Benalmadena with kids

➢ Rent a car. The best way to explore Benalmadena with kids is by renting a car. This will allow you to visit all the attractions in Benalmadena and nearby towns easily.

Public transport in Benalmadena is good, but you rely on timetables, and it can sometimes get crowded.

Another option to discover the main attractions in Benalmadena is by taking the City Sightseeing Benalmadena. I haven’t been on it, but it’s an option.

➢ Book attractions online. The good thing about booking attractions online is that many offer a discounted price, and you also guarantee entry. Some of these attractions get busy in the peak season.

➢ Pack sun cream with you. Ok, you can buy sun cream in Benalmadena, but you’ll probably pay more than at home, especially if you buy from a convenience store near the beachfront. If you really need to buy one, get one from a supermarket, which will be cheaper.

➢ Don’t pack food to visit attractions. For example, attractions like Aqualand and Biopark Zoo don’t allow you to take food inside, and you’ll end up wasting food.

Frequently asked questions about travelling to Benalmadena with kids

Conclusion on the best things to do in Benalmadena with kids

Benalmadena is an excellent destination for families with kids of all ages. There’s so much to do that you won’t certainly get bored.

However, if you stay longer than a week, I highly recommend exploring other Southern Spain cities, such as Granada and Seville, besides visiting them in the summer because of the heat.

If you have any questions about visiting Benalmadena, drop me a comment or join my Costa del Sol Facebook group. I’ll be happy to help you.

Enjoy your holidays in Benalmadena!

Cristina x

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Things to do before visiting Benalmadena

• Compare and book cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner. 
• Are you looking for accommodation in Benalmadena? Get the best hotel deals on Booking.com
• Check out this Malaga food guide to discover the traditional food in Malaga.
• Rent a car to travel with ease around Costa del Sol.
• Book travel insurance with SafetyWing for your trip. This is a must for any holiday.

Read more about Benalmadena and Costa del Sol

• Is Benalmadena Safe? Tips From a Local
• Incredible Things to Do in Benalmadena
• The Best Beaches in Benalmadena
• Best Day Trips from Benalmadena
• A Local’s Guide On Best Things to Do in Torremolinos
• Fantastic Things to Do in Fuengirola
• Best Things to Do in Mijas Pueblo
• Beautiful and Secret Beaches in Malaga and Costa del Sol

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