Organising a summer with children may seem like quite a challenge, but on the Costa del Sol there are plenty of ideas to turn every day into a different experience. Here you will find beaches, water parks, museums, easy trails, caves, workshops and outdoor spaces where children can play, learn and cool off.
Activities with children to enjoy summer as a family
The best activities with children are those that combine fun, comfort and a touch of discovery. On the Costa del Sol, you can start the day at the beach, continue with a museum visit in the afternoon, or set aside a full day for a water park or a nature getaway.
Cooling off in water parks
Water parks are a foolproof plan for the hottest days. In the province, you can find Aqualand Torremolinos, AquaMijas and Aquavelis, in Torre del Mar. All of them have swimming pools, slides and areas designed for different ages, from small children to teenagers looking for more intense thrills.
There are also options at sea, such as the seasonal inflatable parks set up on beaches like La Malagueta, as well as other points along the coast depending on the season. They are a great way to add extra fun to a swim.
Visiting museums where children can also play
Museums can also be a great family plan, especially during the middle hours of the day. The Museo de la Imaginación, in the city centre, offers an interactive visit with optical illusions, 3D rooms and spaces designed for touching, trying things out and taking fun photos.
For a more creative plan, it is worth checking the summer activities programme at the Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga, which includes children’s proposals designed to introduce art to boys and girls in a participatory way under the slogan “Full Sail Ahead”. It is a perfect alternative for combining culture, cool indoor spaces and learning.
Discovering animals and marine life
For curious families, spaces dedicated to animals and conservation are always a safe bet. Sea Life Benalmádena offers the chance to get closer to the marine world through aquariums, surprising species and a comfortable visit next to the marina.
Another very complete option is Bioparc Fuengirola, where children can discover species linked to tropical forests in an immersive setting. And for those looking for a full-day experience, Selwo Aventura, in Estepona, combines animals, nature and outdoor activities.
Enjoying outdoor adventures
If you are looking for active plans, there are options for children to burn off energy surrounded by nature. Aventura Amazonia Marbella is one of the best-known examples for enjoying Marbella with children, with treetop circuits, zip lines and challenges adapted to different ages.
You can also choose gentler activities, such as walks through family-friendly parks. Parque de la Paloma, in Benalmádena, and the Gran Parque de Mijas are ideal spaces for walking, playing, having a picnic and/or cooling off in the “splash park”, its children’s water play area.
Going on easy family routes
Routes with children are perfect for discovering another side of the Costa del Sol. The key is to choose easy routes, avoid the hottest hours of the day and always bring water, a cap and sun protection.
A good idea is to walk sections of the Senda Litoral, which connects coastal towns and allows you to stroll by the sea.
Spending a family-friendly beach day
The beach remains the great star of the summer, but not all beaches offer the same kind of experience. When going with children, it is best to choose sandy beaches with services, a nearby promenade and easy options for eating without complications.
Some examples are Maro Beach, ideal for enjoying a natural setting and crystal-clear waters, and Torre del Mar Beach, spacious and with a promenade, on the eastern Costa del Sol. In the western area, La Rada Beach in Estepona stands out for its convenient services, while La Carihuela Beach in Torremolinos is perfect for combining swimming, games in the sand and a meal by the sea.
A summer to play, learn and discover together
The Costa del Sol is a perfect destination for enjoying summer as a family without repeating the same plan. One day can begin among water slides, continue with a walk along the Senda Litoral and end with an ice cream by the sea. Another can be dedicated to museums, animals, caves or children’s workshops.
The best approach is to adapt each proposal to the age of the children and the rhythm of the family. With beaches, parks, nature, culture and plenty of outdoor experiences, activities with children on the Costa del Sol turn holidays into shared memories.
This summer, it is time to enjoy together.
28 June 2026
