What to do in Alicante with children: family fun all year round

The Costa Blanca is an exceptional destination for families. The climate allows outdoor activities 12 months a year, there are beaches for every taste, internationally renowned theme parks, accessible nature and a festive culture that children love. If you move here with kids, weekends never run out of plans.

Family beaches

The best for families: shallow water in the first metres, fine sand, lifeguards in season, showers and toilets, easy access (no cliff stairs).

• Playa de San Juan (Alicante): 3 km of sand, shallow water, promenade with playground, ice cream parlours. The family standard.
• Muchavista (El Campello): like San Juan but less crowded. Direct tram from Alicante.
• Poniente (Benidorm): more family-friendly than Levante. Playground on the promenade.
• Postiguet (Alicante): urban beach with Santa Bárbara castle above — kids take the lift up and walk down through the ramparts.
• Gran Playa (Santa Pola): fine sand, shallow waters, boats at the neighbouring port to watch.

Theme and water parks

Terra Mítica (Benidorm)

The Costa Blanca's flagship theme park. Five themed areas based on ancient civilisations. Roller coasters, water rides, live shows. Open April-November. Entry: €30-40 (adult), €25-35 (child). Season passes available for residents.

Aqualandia (Benidorm)

One of Europe's largest water parks. Slides for all ages, wave pools, lazy rivers, relaxation zones. Open May-September. Entry: €30-40.

Mundomar (Benidorm)

Marine fauna park. Dolphins, sea lions, exotic birds, reptiles. Open year-round (reduced winter hours). Entry: €25-35. Ideal for ages 3-10.

Terra Natura (Benidorm)

Zoo-park with animals from five continents in recreated habitats without visible barriers. Open year-round. Entry: €25-35. Combo packs with Aqualandia available.

Nature and adventure

Fonts de l'Algar (Callosa d'en Sarrià)

Waterfalls and crystal-clear natural pools, 30 minutes from Benidorm. Easy 1-2 hour trail. Kids can swim in the pools (the water is cool!). Entry: €5 adults, €3 children. One of the province's most beloved family plans.

Tabarca island (from Santa Pola)

Boat from Santa Pola (20 minutes, €15 return adult, €10 child). Island with 18th-century walls, transparent snorkelling waters, rice restaurants and a sense of adventure kids love. Bring snorkel and swimsuit.

Canelobre caves (Busot)

Cave at 700 m altitude with spectacular stalactite formations. 45-minute guided tour. Constant interior temperature 16 °C (bring a jacket!). Entry: €8 adults, €5 children. Impressive for all ages.

Guadalest

Cliff-top fortress village above a turquoise reservoir, 30 km from Benidorm. Climb to the castle, cross the rock tunnel, gaze down at the reservoir. Several small quirky museums. Free village access; museums €3-5 each.

Albir lighthouse trail (Serra Gelada)

The perfect family hike: paved, pushchair-suitable, 2.5 km to the lighthouse with sea views. Duration: 1-1.5 hours return. Free access.

Museums and culture

MARQ — Archaeological Museum of Alicante

One of Spain's best (European Museum of the Year Award). Interactive exhibits where kids touch replicas, enter recreated caves and watch immersive projections. Entry: €3 (free Sunday afternoons). Recommended from age 5-6.

Turrón Museum (Jijona)

Factory-museum showing how turrón is made. Tasting included. Kids love the machinery and sweet samples. Free. 30 minutes from Alicante.

Sports activities

• Sailing schools: yacht clubs in Alicante, Jávea, Calpe, Santa Pola and Torrevieja offer courses for children from age 6-7. Summer camps (1-2 weeks): €150-300.
• Surf and SUP: schools in San Juan, El Campello and Benidorm with kids' classes. From €25-35/lesson.
• Football, basketball, swimming: all municipalities have municipal sports schools at very accessible prices (€50-100/term). The most effective way for children to make local friends.

The calendar that never stops

• January: Three Kings Parade (5 January) — THE magical night for Spanish children.
• February-March: Carnival in many municipalities.
• March-April: Easter — processions, school holidays, already-warm beaches.
• April-October: Moros y Cristianos — dozens of municipalities with spectacular historical-costume parades. Alcoy (April) is the biggest.
• June: Hogueras de San Juan — children participate in the infantile barracas, watch mascletàs and cremà.
• July-August: beach, pool, water parks, summer camps. Patron saint festivals in every town.
• October: Halloween — increasingly celebrated, with themed activities.
• December: Nativity scenes, Christmas lights, markets, ice rinks in Alicante and Benidorm.

Frequently asked questions

Are there nurseries and playcentres?

Yes. Public nurseries (0-3 years) and private ones are abundant. Municipal playcentres offer after-school activities. Many shopping centres have supervised play areas.

Are public parks good?

Generally yes. Alicante's urban parks (Lo Morant, La Ereta), Benidorm's Parque de l'Aigüera and others have renovated children's play areas. Quality varies — areas with more families tend to have better parks.

From what age can children swim in the sea?

No minimum age — it depends on the child and supervision. Shallow beaches (San Juan, Muchavista, Poniente) are safe for 2-3 year olds with direct supervision. Armbands and floats are standard in Spain. Always respect the lifeguard flag: green (safe), yellow (caution), red (no swimming).

What do children do in winter?

Costa Blanca winters are mild (15-18 °C). Children continue playing outdoors most of the time. Extracurricular activities (sport, music, languages) cover afternoons. Weekends: hiking, inland excursions (Guadalest, Fonts de l'Algar, Jijona), museums, street markets. No snow, no need for purely indoor activities — except the few rainy days.

Can you take children to restaurants at night?

In Spain, absolutely yes. Spanish culture includes children in social life — it is normal to see families with children dining at 22:00 on a terrace. Restaurants do not have 'adults only' hours and most have high chairs and children's menus. It is one of the things that most surprises foreigners: Spanish children do not go to bed at 19:00. They go to bed when they go to bed — and social life includes them.

If you are looking for a home for your family on the Costa Blanca, explore our available properties or contact us for a personalised consultation.