Summer’s here and the school holidays are rapidly approaching. Stuck for fun things to do with the kids?
Freetime Costa Blanca has got plenty of ideas! From clubs, caves, beaches, and local swimming pools, to animal and theme parks – there’s something for everyone on the Costa Blanca.
And the good news is it doesn’t have to cost a lot to entertain the kids, just take a look at some of our ads. Plus, we’ve included some of our own ideas to fill those long days. Have a great summer!
- Picnics at the beach or local beauty spots (they’re cheap!)
- A trip on a train or bus (great for toddlers)
- Walks (we live in one of the most beautiful areas of Spain)
- A visit to a play park (there’s one in most towns and villages in the area, and the promise of an ice-cream afterwards always goes down a treat!)
- Bowling (great for the older ones)
- Cinema (or have a theme afternoon with hired DVDs and popcorn)
- Swimming (in the sea or pool)
- A boat trip (short trips leave from many of the main coastal towns)
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| City of Arts and Science | ||
It’s well worth a trip to Valencia to visit this fascinating project devoted to science and culture. There are several themed areas including:
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| Where: | Valencia | |
| Contact: |  |
902 100 031 |
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www.cac.es | |
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| Terra Natura Wildlife Park |
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| Based on the outskirts of Benidorm, this modern animal park is devoted to giving the animals as much freedom as possible. Animals aren’t housed in small cages, but allowed to roam freely (with safety visitors being paramount of course!). The park is split into 4 zones: America, Asia, Europe and Pangea and contains over 1,500 animals, some of which are near extinction. | ||
| Where: | From Motorway A7 from Valencia junction 65 or if coming from Alicante take junction 65A | |
| Contact: | |
902 52 24 44 |
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info@terranatura.com | |
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www.terranatura.com | |
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| Safari Park, Vergel | ||
| A really great day out for all members of the family. Located only 10 minutes from Denia, Safari Park Vergel has over 145 species of animals, from lions, tigers, zebras, exotic birds, goats, pigs, monkeys and many more fascinating members of the animal kingdom. There is a restaurant or places to sit and picnic throughout the park, a large children’s play area, a train ride and trampolines. The highlights of a visit to Safari Park Vergel are the sea lion show and a drive through simulated African bushland where lions, tigers, hippos and zebras roam free. | ||
| Where: | Ctra CV700, El Vergel | |
| Contact: | |
96 643 98 08 |
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| Mundomar |
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| A great theme park located outside Benidorm, containing marine and exotic animals. See the dolphins and sea lions, penguins and many other species. There’s a children’s park and plenty to do for all ages. | ||
| Where: | Sierra Helada s/n, Rincón de Loix, Benidorm |
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| Contact: | |
96 586 01 00 |
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www.mundomar.es | |
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| Terra Mitica |
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| For a truly thrilling and fun experience you can’t miss a trip to Terramitica near Benidorm. This is a theme park at its best, with some of the most daring rides in Europe. But you don’t have to enjoy roller coasters and vertical drops to have fun at Terramitica. There are over 35 shows every day, including a circus, myths and legends of the Mediterranean and pirates. There are plenty of shops and restaurants and if you can’t do it all in one day you can buy a season ticket so you can go back again and again at a discounted price. | ||
| Where: | Direct exit, nr. 65A from motorway A7 to Terra Mitica | |
| Contact: | |
902 02 02 20 |
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www.terramiticapark.com | |
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| Valor Chocolate Museum |
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| You’ve probably seen Valor chocolate in most Spanish supermarkets. It’s made in Villajoyosa on the Costa Blanca, where there’s a fantastic chocolate museum where you can learn all about the history of chocolate. For chocolate lovers, both old and young, a visit isn’t complete without sampling the delicious chocolate and bringing some samples home. | ||
| Where: | Villajoyosa | |
| Contact: | |
96 681 04 51 |
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museo@valor.es | |
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www.valor.es | |
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| Caves of Canelobre | ||
| Situated in Busot, 24km from Alicante and 40km from Benidorm are the spectacular caves of Canelobre. You can view the fascinating rock formations and spend time just observing the incredible shapes and figures that the caves have formed over thousands of years. One of the caves has one of the highest roofs in Spain and resembles a cathedral roof. | ||
| Where: | Salida 67 off the A7 Autopista | |
| Contact: | |
96 569 92 50 |
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www.cuevasdecanelobre.com | |
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| Aitana Safari Park | ||
| Zebras, giraffes, parrots, lions, exotic birds, hippos, tigers and many more both popular and rare species of animals of the world can be seen at Aitana Safari Park. This is superb location for a great day out for all the family: there’s a restaurant, picnic area and children’s play area. Situated on the outskirts of Benidorm, just past Villajoyosa, visit the website for directions. | ||
| Where: | Outskirts of Benidorm | |
| Contact: | |
www.safariaitana.com |
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| Parcent Adventure Park | ||
| For an unforgettable day in the forests of Parcent visit Vital Parcentre. There are rope ladders, paths through the trees, circuits for both older and younger children, climbs, in fact everything that an active child enjoys. Routes are supervised and safety equipment is worn. You need to book beforehand. | ||
| Where: | Parcent | |
| Contact: | |
625 408 403 |
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info@vitalparcentre.com | |
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www.vitalparcentre.com | |
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| Aqualandia | ||
| If getting wet is your thing, Aqualandia water park, near Benidorm is the place to spend a day. There are numerous water rides (from gentle to daring!), swimming pools, areas for toddlers, fountains, rides, sunbathing and picnic areas. And you don’t have to enjoy water – there are plenty of places to relax and read your book while the rest of the family soak themselves! | ||
| Where: | Sierra Helada, s/n 03503, Benidorm | |
| Contact: | |
96 586 0100 |
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aqualandia@aqualandia.net | |
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www.aqualandia.net | |
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| Fun & Quads (quad bikes and biking) | ||
| Quad biking, bicycle rental, buggy excursions, guided kayaking …. there’s plenty of action at Fun and Quads. Whether you want a relaxing cycle through the beautiful Costa Blanca countryside or a fun-packed day of adventure, there’s something for everyone. You can also hire scooters and motorbikes. Located in Denia. | ||
| Where: | Consolat del Mar, 9 Denia | |
| Contact: | |
96 578 72 28 |
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www.funquads.com | |
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| Cavas del Calaveras | ||
| Located 70m above sea level in Benidoleig, these caves hold a magnificent display of stalagmites and stalactites. There is a dark history surrounding the caves, where it is said 12 unidentified human skulls were discovered in the 17th century. If you’re looking for mystery and dark secrets then visit La Cueva de las Calaveras. | ||
| Where: | Benidoleig | |
| Contact: | |
96 640 42 35 |
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| Denia Castle | ||
| Denia’s historic castle stands high above the town and is not to be missed on a visit to the town. There are guided tours, or you can wander round and explore at your own pace. In summer there are often concerts and events held here – check with the local tourist office. | ||
| Where: | Denia | |
| Contact: | |
www.denia.net |
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| The Rock of Ifach | ||
| Rising 332m out of the sea at Calpe, the Rock of Ifach can be seen for miles on the Costa Blanca coastline. The rock is a protected nature park yet you are allowed to walk to the top along the set paths. As you walk you’ll enjoy the many protected species of plants, wildlife and seabirds that make their home here. It’s quite a steep walk, so allow about 3 – 4 hours, but once you reach the summit the views are spectacular. You can also take an easier route through a short tunnel, which still gives fantastic views. | ||
| Where: | Calpe | |
| Contact: | |
www.calpe.es |
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| Ozone Bowling Ondara | ||
| Bowling is great fun for all the family. This modern bowling centre, opened in 2008, is located in the new Ondara shopping centre. Children’s parties can be booked and every month there’s a prize draw to win a free party, with bowling and party food included! | ||
| Where: | Autovía AP-7 Ondara- Denia-Javea, salida 62 N 332, Salida Ondara. Avda. Costa Blanca, 1 |
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| Contact: | |
www.portaldelamarina.org |
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| Miniature Museum | ||
| This minature museum, just outside Benidorm, is packed with minatures of all kinds, from houses, transport and animals to trains and castles. Visit the website for a discount voucher. | ||
| Where: | Polop de la Marina (10 km inland from Benidorm) | |
| Contact: | |
96 689 67 73 |
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| Denia Toy Museum | ||
| With toys from 1904 to the 1960s, Denia Toy Museum displays toys through the ages. The youngsters of today can discover what toys were like before electronic games were invented, and the older generation can reminisce about toys they used to play with! | ||
| Where: | C/ Calderón, s/n 1ª Planta, Denia | |
| Contact: | |
96 642 02 60 |
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| Cactuslandia | ||
| If you’re fascinated by cacti and succulents (and many children are!) Cactuslandia has over 1,000 species to see. The gardens are split into two: Tropical and Desert, with both areas displaying Cacti from their native areas. There’s also a natural science museum, to keep the children entertained, plus many exotic birds and animals. | ||
| Where: | La Galera del Mar 26, Altea | |
| Contact: | |
96 584 2218 |
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| Algar Waterfalls | ||
| This beauty spot is a must for a day out on the Costa Blanca. The natural water falls of Algar are being protected and preserved to maintain their original environment. You can swim and jump into many of the natural rock pools along the path of the falls, for a really refreshing dip. Follow the path to the top where you’ll find a shop and a Mediterranean spice garden. When you reach the top you can stop and picnic, have a barbecue, or simply sit and relax and enjoy the waterfalls. There are also toilets and showers in this area. | ||
| Where: | Les Fonts d'Algar, Callosa d'En Sarria | |
| Contact: | |
96 597 21 29 |
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| Javea Cinema | ||
| Javea cinema, in the port, shows films in both Spanish and English. Check out the website for the latest viewings. Air conditioned. | ||
| Where: | Javea | |
| Contact: | |
www.cinesxabia.com |
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| Ondara Cinema | ||
| For all the latest films, in English and Spanish (€20 deposit for English headphones), take the children to the Ondara Cinema, located in the modern Centro Comercial shopping centre. Air conditioned, free parking, surround sound and of course pop corn and drinks! | ||
| Where: | Ondara | |
| Contact: | |
966 477 464 |
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www.cinesimf.com | |
Advertisers
Now’s the ideal time to promote your club or venue that’s suitable for kids. Spanish school holidays are extremely long, and there are loads of parents out there looking for ideas of how to keep the busy through the long summer months. If you’ve got the answer contact us NOW for a listing.