Spain in general is a fabulously family friendly vacation location but nothing beats Andalucía when it comes to family fun. Whether you’re into beach time and water parks, exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites and, castles and pueblos blancos or hanging out in museums, there is something for everyone in this gorgeous region of southern Spain. In this article we’ll take a look at the very best things to do in Andalucía with kids to ensure you make the most of your next family holiday in the south of Spain.

Where is Andalucía?

​🧭 Andalucía is an autonomous region in Southern Spain. It is made up of eight provinces, some more visited than others: Sevilla | Malaga | Cádiz | Cordoba | Huelva | Granada | Jaén | Almería

📍 The top cities of Andalucía, the ones tourists tend to visit are: Seville, Malaga, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, and Ronda. Andalucía is more than these cities though. It’s natural parks, mountains, beaches. It’s castles, history and magic too.

📍 If you’re short on time or thinking of basing yourself in one city, chances are you’re considering Malaga or Seville – but which is better? I’ve tried to answer that in the linked article.

This article is divided up by province so if you already know where you’re visiting, use the links above to jump straight to the section you need. I highly recommend reading the whole article, though as Andalucía is just overflowing with wonderful activities for families and kids.

⭐️Remember, Seville is the English name for Sevilla. Andalusia is the English name for Andalucía. They aren’t misspellings ⭐️

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🚗 The perfect way to explore Andalucía is to rent a car and take an Andalusia road trip.

🚊 Sevilla is just three hours from Madrid by train so if you’re wondering, it’s even possible to head to Madrid for a short trip.

✈️ There are two big airports in Andalucia, Seville and Malaga.

Sevilla Province

While families will have a wonderful time in the city of Sevilla, it’s also worth considering day trips to other fabulous locations within the province of Seville.

General Highlights: Plaza de España, the Alcazar and Cathedral in Seville, nature walks outside of the city, paddle boarding on the Guadalquivir River.

City of Seville with Kids

📍Sevilla is a great place to visit with kids. It is a beautiful old city with many cultural monuments to check out, some of which will be of interest to the children, others less so. When visiting Seville, I recommend taking time to see the top monuments: the Plaza de España and the Alcazar Réal (the Royal Palace) but also letting the kids play in Parque Maria Luísa, visiting the exceptional aquarium and as a true highlight for kids, visit Las Setas at night. Kids will also love it if you let them lead you through the maze-like narrow roads of the old Jewish quarter in Seville. 

Don’t forget that it’s possible to take a paddle boarding or kayaking tour for the older kids if they are interested in heading up the Guadalquivir.

➡️ Book skip the line tickets to Sevilla’s main monuments

➡️ My 5-day itinerary for Seville includes 1 off-the-beaten path day that older kids will really enjoy

Acebuchal

_{by Victoria from Guide Your Travel}

📍 Acebuchal, often called the “Lost Village,” is a hidden gem in Andalucía that promises families a unique and memorable experience. Nestled in the heart of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, this once-abandoned village offers a fascinating blend of history and natural beauty, making it an excellent destination for families exploring Andalucía with kids.

✅ A visit to Acebuchal is like stepping back in time. The village, meticulously restored to its former glory, showcases traditional whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets. It’s a tranquil spot for families seeking a break from bustling city life. The surrounding natural park is a playground for adventure, offering myriad trails suitable for all ages. Hiking through these paths, children can discover the rich flora and fauna of the region, turning a simple walk into an educational experience.

🍽 One of the highlights of Acebuchal is its local cuisine. The village’s sole restaurant serves delightful traditional dishes, providing a tasty insight into rural Spanish life. Their homemade bread and local specialities are a must-try, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it a family-friendly spot.

From a personal perspective, Acebuchal’s charm lies in its simplicity and the sense of peace. It’s a place where kids can safely explore and learn, and adults can unwind in the serene surroundings. Whether you’re a family of history buffs, nature lovers, or just seeking a unique spot in Andalucía, Acebuchal is a destination that shouldn’t be missed. Its blend of history, nature, and gastronomy makes it an enriching addition to any family trip to the region.

➡️ Acebuchal is an hour’s drive from Seville so is best visited as a day trip.

Sierra Morena 

📍 The Sierra Morena is a mountain range that stretches some 450 km across Spain. Part of it lies in the north of Seville Province and is a perfect spot for kid friendly hikes and walking. The Sierra Morena is a place of legends for the Spanish – there are local myths about bandits, snakes and children being brought up by wolves. 

✅ Two very enjoyable day hikes in the Sierra Morena that are suitable for all are the Ruta Molino del Corcho and the Cerro de Hierro.

✅ The Ruta Molino del Corcho is a lovely flat place to walk alongside the gently flowing Huesnar River. There’s around 4 km of path through cork oak forest to enjoy as well as spots for bathing in the summer. In autumn and winter this is excellent mushroom picking land (if you know what you’re doing).

✅ The Cerro de Hierro (in the Parque Natural Sierra Norte de Sevilla) makes for a great spot for a day of adventuring with the kids. Park the car and let them run free. There are clear paths to follow around the abandoned ancient quarry areas and through the incredible paleo-karst rock formations that are filled with iron deposits. Any kids who love to climb and explore will go wild for this spot.  

Either of these walks can be enjoyed alongside time at the Cascadas de Huesnar, just to the north.

➡️ These areas of northern Sevilla Province are easily visited as a day trip from the city of Sevilla

Alcalá de Guadaíra

📍 A short 20 minute drive from Sevilla and you find yourself in the small, old town of Alcalá de Guadaíra. While the town itself is very cute, it is the enormous Parque Oromana that draws the Sevillanos to Alcalá de Guadaíra at the weekends. If you’re looking for somewhere to escape for the day and want a relaxing walk along a river or through a forest, there is nowhere better or closer to Sevilla than Alcalá de Guadaíra. 

✅ Be sure to find all the molinos (water mills) in the park, grab a drink at the recently opened river-side cafe and let the kids go wild in the brand new and enormous playground underneath the Oromana Hotel. 

➡️ Alcalá de Guadaíra is easily visited as a day trip from the city of Sevilla

Malaga Province

Let’s be honest, Malaga Province is the most popular province of Andalucía. It really does have so much to offer families visiting the region.

General Highlights: Costa del Sol, sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Caminito del Rey, Caves of Nerja, Ronda, Mijas Village, Antequera and walking in the incredible Torcal de Antequra

Malaga City

_{by Sabrina from Shades of Summr}

📍 Malaga is one of the coolest cities in Andalucía to visit with kids. The beautiful coastal city has a lot to offer – for young and old. One of my favourite things to do in Malaga with kids is hike up the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro castle. The hike is not difficult, so even smaller kids can manage it. You’ll get a great view of the city and the young ones will learn a lot about the medieval structures. There is also a bus going up periodically in case you need to bring a stroller.

🏝 After the hike, you’ll probably want to relax at the beach. Malagueta Beach is in the middle of the city and is famous for being very family-friendly.

🍽 Of course, you also need to sample some super traditional turron in one of the many artisanal stores. For me this was a highlight of the city, and the sweet stuff will definitely appeal to the kids as well.

On the way back from the beach walk by the marina and see luxurious yachts, street artists and impressive cruise ships that dock in Malaga. 

Mexico Cassie adds that there are excellent museums in Malaga including the Picasso Museum, the Pompidou Centre (featured in the photo above) and the Car and Fashion Museum

➡️ Take the kids for a fun tuk-tuk tour of Malaga

➡️ Use your Ipad or Tablet to play a historical game as you explore around Malaga

Shopping and Mall Fun in Malaga

_{by Tristina, from Love at First Adventure}

📍 If your family loves shopping as much as mine, head to sunny Málaga! Known for some of the best shopping in Andalucía—if not all of Spain—there’s something for everyone!

🛍 In central Málaga, head straight to Calle Larios, Málaga’s main shopping street. Stroll the marbled walkway, window shop, and treat the entire family to an ice cream. From Calle Larios, you can easily branch out to the rest of Málaga’s popular shopping areas. Highlights for families include Flying Tiger Copenhagen, admiring traditional items for sale, or visiting to the Mahatma Showroom for educational toys and creative workshops.

🛍 For a fun day out, go to Plaza Mayor, Málaga’s outlet mall. Connected via walkway to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, you’ll find stores for every age, interest, and budget. When you’re ready for a break, head to the food court—which is designed just like a traditional Spanish plaza! In my opinion, the plaza is the main draw to the centre.

🍽 Adults, grab a coffee, relax, and people-watch while littles play on the outdoor playground or splash pad. Teenagers love the comfy lounge chairs, spending their hard-earned allowance at their favourite stores, or going to the cinema.

Back in the city centre, there are several good-sized malls. Many have indoor playgrounds, arcades, and cinemas to give kids a break from sightseeing.

Lastly, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention how Malaga’s retail establishments get into the holiday spirit. Whether it’s Halloween goodies, Christmas lights, or free workshops, Málaga’s main shopping areas do a fantastic job of catering to families.

However you travel and explore, don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you go.

Benalmadena

_{By Cristina of My Little World of Travelling}

📍 Benalmadena, located in the province of Malaga, is a fantastic destination for families with kids. There are many fun attractions that children and adults will love.

✅ Selwo Marina is one of Benalmadena’s most popular activities for families. It is home to many sea animals, including sea lions, penguins and dolphins, and the always entertaining exhibitions to learn about them. If you love sea animals then Sealife, located in Puerto Marina, will be a good option for your family. However, I highly recommend visiting Parque de la Paloma if you prefer animals roaming free. Enjoy a picnic, see small animals like rabbits and chickens, and let the kids play in the playground.

🚠 The Benalmadena cable car is a good idea for older kids and teens who love a bit of adrenaline and aren’t afraid of heights. It goes from Benalmadena-Arroyo de la Miel to Mount Calomorro, where you will enjoy incredible coastal views.

✅ For those who are into history or architecture, Castillo de Colomares needs to be on your itinerary.

✅ Also, you can spend the full day in Aqualand, which is located a short drive from Benalmadena. It is considered one of the best waterparks in the Costa del Sol as it has various attractions, including slides, a wave pool and more.

🏖 Last but not least, you can spend the day at the beach. Benalmadena has many beaches which are accessible and have good facilities. Plus, your kids can engage in water activities at places such as CostaWaterpark on Playa Bil Bil, an inflatable waterpark perfect for teens.

⭐️ There are a myriad of excellent reasons to visit Spain, keep reading to learn more about this magnificent country ⭐️

Ronda

📍 Ronda is famous for being the city that spans two sides of the Tajo Gorge and while that might not immediately sound like a super crazy interesting kid spot, there are plenty of things to do to keep the kids interested in the beautiful city of Ronda. 

✅ Instead of just admiring the three bridges and the deep gorge from above, why not take the kids on a hike down under the Puente Nuevo for great views and a fun time exploring. There are safe paths where the kids will get to feel a little like Indiana Jones as they pick their way through boulders, forest and abandoned buildings. If this seems too much for your smaller kids, it’s also possible to find places to play at the river edge down by the Puente Romano. My kids spent hours playing happily here skimming stones and finding ways to cross the narrow stretch of river there.

✅ The best and most kid friendly museum in Ronda is Museo Lara, a strange little place full of artefacts, weapons, instruments of torture and more. The reason it’s so great is that kids can touch everything. 

✅ Visit Casa del Rey Moro if the kids are big enough to manage lots of steps (mine went at 10 and 8 and were perfectly fine). The steps here lead right down to a wooden dock on the River Guadalevín where you can sit with your feet in the water and look up at the steep gorge sides.

➡️ Find a hotel in Ronda 

➡️ Take a day trip to Ronda from Malaga

Bioparc and Fuengirola / Mijas Aquapark

_{by Joanna of World in my Pocket}

📍 One of the best things to do in Fuengirola, when you visit with children, is go to the BioParc. This park focuses on conservation programs of animals from endangered species, from different habitats in Africa and Asia. They have recreated their natural environment, and here it’s the visitor who enters the animals’ home, and not the other way around, like in a classic zoo. The visit provides an immersive experience and a learning opportunity for children, to discover where the animals hosted are coming from and how they live in other parts of the world. The Bioparc used to be a zoo which was converted into an animal sanctuary. Besides the animals, there are daily events and exhibitions.

✅ Another great thing to do in Fuengirola is going to the Mijas Aquapark. This is where locals love to come for a fun day out with children. The aquapark has water slides, a wave pool, as well as a play area for children. It is good to know though that the aquapark is only open during the summer season.

➡️ Find a hotel in Fuengirola

➡️ Book your Biopark tickets

Júzcar – the Smurf Village

_{by Linn of Amused by Andalucia}

📍 If you’re traveling with kids in Andalucía, the Smurf-themed village of Júzcar is a must-visit. Nestled in the lush Valle del Genal in Serrania de Ronda, it is a fun treasure for anyone traveling with little ones. While traditionally Andalucia’s villages are white, Júzcar is painted blue and there are wall paintings of Smurfs on every corner. At the entrance of the village, you find a small Smurf themed playground which is popular with the kids. There are also a few large Smurf statues worthy of a family picture.

On the weekends, there are often Smurf-themed workshops for the kids, face painting, concerts, and shops selling everything Smurf-related. Why not get the kids’ names on a Smurf hat?

While Júzcar is small, there is enough to do for families to spend an afternoon there and have lunch at one of the restaurants. Among all the villages near Malaga, this might be the most unique.

🚗 It is easiest to reach by car as it is off the beaten path. Surrounded by nature, you can spend a couple of hours taking a hike nearby too. I really enjoy the Chorreras de Balastar in Farajan, a village next to Júzcar. It is a short (but steep) 1-hour hike that takes you to 2 mesmerising waterfalls. I do not recommend this with small children, but kids of 5-6 years and up should handle this without problems and most likely enjoy it just as much as the adults. Just make sure to bring enough water on a hot day (avoid the summer months altogether) and cover from the sun.

➡️ Book a day trip to Júzcar and two secret waterfalls

Algarobbo-Costa

_{by Samara of Spain Awaits}

📍 Algarrobo-Costa is a small town and municipality on the Andalusia coast and there is no shortage of fun things for families in this little town.

✅ In the evenings, the boardwalk is chock-a-block with small stalls selling everything from jewellery and toys to tapestries, bags, and even wine. Kids will love stopping at all the tables and looking at the little treasures. There are several ice cream parlours along the boardwalk as well as a diverse selection of restaurants with outdoor tables and a wide range of food that caters to kids. Some restaurants have live music.

🍽 Since you’re in the province of Malaga, it’s definitely worth trying the seafood. The typical smell of sardines being grilled on open fires, known as espetos, pervades the whole town and not only is it a local delicacy, it’s also much less expensive than in a larger city.

🏝 There are many parks right on the beach, which is ideal because once my kids finished eating,  they went to play while I finished my meal. There’s also a bungee trampoline and a bouncy castle. 

There is often a giant screen inflated right on the beach for family movie nights. Pack a picnic dinner, grab a beach chair or a blanket, and enjoy a film with the whole family with the sound of the waves in the background. We bought bocadillos at a local restaurant and watched The Lion King!

🏝 Although the beach is rocky, kids can still go swimming and enjoy collecting beautiful rocks. Right on the beach, there’s a large inflatable water park with several slides. For just 10 euros, your kids can spend the entire day inside. Mine didn’t want to leave!

➡️ Find your perfect Algarrobo-Costa hotel

Caminito del Rey

_{by Nadine of Le Long Weekend}

📍 If you’re after an adventurous activity with kids in Andalucía, look no further than the Caminito del Rey. This 7.8km trail was once considered the world’s most dangerous hike – although those perilous times have long past, and these days it’s a fun and memorable experience for the whole family to enjoy.

✅ Do it self-guided (I’d recommend booking well in advance if this is your preferred choice), or as a guided tour to learn about the history of the trail and its natural surroundings. The most interesting part of the track is undoubtedly the 3km or so of raised walkways, which cling to the side of a steep cliff.

✅ Children aged 8 and up can complete the walk (you’ll need to take a form of ID), though they’ll still need supervision to make sure they understand and follow the safety precautions. Kids will love the adventurous nature (it will still get your heart racing!), but you can be assured you’re not putting them in harm’s way, and it’ll be a talking point for years to come!

🚗 One of the best things to do in the Costa del Sol, the Caminito is an easy day trip from Malaga, taking around an hour to drive from the coastal city. Tip – while you can book your car parking at the same time as your ticket, there are actually much closer car parks to the northern entrance (where you’ll start your walk). Get there early to nab a spot, and take the shuttle bus back at the end of your walk.

➡️ Book Caminito del Rey tickets

➡️ Book a Caminito del Rey tour from Malaga

Bosque Encantado

_{By Linn of Andalucía Hiking}

📍 A fun experience to have in Andalucía with kids is a visit to the Bosque Encantado “the enchanted forest” in Valle del Genal in Malaga province. It is a round route of 3.5 kilometres from the mountain village of Parauta that is filled with fun fairytale figurines, statues, and carved wood figures. Find gnome homes in trees, giant unicorns, and owls hiding high in the branches.

✅ This walk finds fun around every corner including a picnic spot outside a colourful wooden house where the kids can walk inside (and the adults if you are a big child like me!) There is also a wishing well on the walk where you can toss a coin if you like.

🔆 If you visit in summer you will be hiking in hot weather, so bring plenty of water, caps for the children, and sunscreen too. The most popular time of the year to explore here though is mid-November when the leaves on the chestnut trees change from green to yellow and warm orange. The forest in this area is called “El Bosque de Cobre” which means the Copper Forest, referring to the incredible autumn colours.

🧣 In autumn and winter I recommend bringing layers of clothes including a scarf and a beanie for the kids as temperatures vary a lot between sun and shade even on a nice day. On the weekends, the town of Parauta usually sets up stands by the entrance of the walk where you can buy food, drinks, and snacks, so make sure you bring cash! Parauta village itself is also super cute and worth a stroll around. Their iconic street decoration is painted chairs hung on the house walls. There are a few lovely restaurants and bars for lunch.

Note: I (MexicoCassie) did this walk with my kids when they were 9 and 11 and they didn’t think it was much fun. I’d say this is more suited for smaller kids or kids who aren’t used to hiking. The walk is along a concrete path and not really though a forest although there are plenty of trees around.

Antequera

📍 Antequera is one of my favourite places in all of Andalucía. Where else can you explore neolithic burial grounds, visit a wolf sanctuary, go walking in the most beautiful karst landscape you’ve ever seen and then head into town for a fabulous meal?

✅ Kids will absolutely love every moment of a day trip (or longer) to Antequera. The Torcal de Antequera is one of the best places in you can imagine for kids to run, explore and practice their safe climbing skills.

✅ There’s an alcazaba in town to visit as well as an excellent small museum on the town plaza.

✅ When you’re done exploring for the day, take the kids to the excellent Parque de la Negrita so they can get out those last drops of energy while you sit and collapse on a bench in the corner.

➡️ Find your perfect hotel in Antequera

Cádiz Province

Cádiz is considered by many to be the most Spanish of all the Spanish provinces – that is, when people think of Spain they think of beautiful beaches, flamenco, olives, white towns, long lunches and sherry. All these are available with abundance in the beautiful province of Cádiz.

General Highlights: Atlantic Coastal towns and beaches, exploring the narrow streets of the white villages (pueblos blancos), Jerez de la Frontera

Cádiz City

_{By Stephanie from BeyofTravel}

📍 When travelling with kids, it can be challenging to find activities that will keep them entertained as well as educate them about the local culture and history. However, in Cadiz, there are plenty of options for families to enjoy together. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, here are lots of things to keep the little ones busy. 

🏝 Cadiz is famous for its beautiful beaches, and it’s one of the top things to do with kids. Playa de la Caleta is a great option for families, as it offers shallow waters and calm waves, making it safe for children to swim. Definitely take the kids for a walk along the walkway to the Island Castillo de San Sebastian – you can’t go into the castle but it’s a fun walk anyway.

✅ The old town of Cadiz is a must-visit for families, as it’s full of history and culture. You can take a walking tour with your kids and visit landmarks such as the stunning Cadiz Cathedral and Torre Tavira, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Don’t forget to stop by Plaza de las Flores, a charming square with colourful flower stalls and street performers.

✅ For budding historians, Cadiz is a playground for maritime history lovers. The city of Cadiz has a long history of being attacked by pirates, and your kids will love learning all about it at the Naval Museum. The museum is home to interactive exhibits that showcase the naval history of Cadiz, including models of ancient ships and artefacts from real pirate attacks. 

✅ Cadiz is also full of natural beauty, and there are many opportunities for families to enjoy outdoor adventures. You can take a hike at Parque Natural de la Breña y Marismas del Barbate, where you can see stunning cliffs and marshlands. 

🍽 And, of course, no trip to Cadiz is complete without trying some traditional Spanish tapas. It’s an excellent way for kids to try new foods and experience the local cuisine. You can book tapas tours that are specially designed for families with young children.

Tarifa with a Day Trip to Tangier

📍 The small town of Tarifa in Cádiz is a great place to visit with kids. Tarifa is located on the famous Costa de la Luz overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. On a clear day it’s possible to see the north African coast from Tarifa. Kids will love standing between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean being able to see both Europe and Africa at the time. 

🏝 While bigger kids may enjoy a surfing or kite-surfing lesson on the Atlantic coast, smaller children will enjoy playing in the water of the smaller, gentler Mediterranean beach or running wild on the sand of either beach. 

🐬 The Strait of Gibraltar is home to whales and dolphins all year round and to killer whales in the summer months. Take a day cruise to get a closer look at these magnificent creatures.

✅ If you have time, it’s also possible to take a day trip to Tangier in Morocco from Tarifa – giving the kids a taste of a new language, culture and cuisine. Just don’t forget your passports!

➡️ Book a hotel in Tarifa

➡️ Solve puzzles to help you explore Tarifa

➡️ Take kite-surfing lessons in Tarifa

Camping in Los Caños de Meca

_{by Annelies of Travelers and Dreamers}

📍 Los Caños de Meca is a small picturesque beach town on Andalucía’s Costa de la Luz. It’s one of the best places to visit if you want to explore Spanish beaches while avoiding the crowds. You will find a few hotels here and holiday homes but camping here offers an exceptional experience, especially for families with kids. Los Caños de Meca is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for camping and family adventures.

🏝 The area around Los Caños de Meca is filled with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush pine forests. The expansive beaches offer a great space for kids to play and explore, building sandcastles or splashing in the gentle waves. Moreover, the night skies here are ideal for stargazing, a magical experience for both parents and children.

🏕 Camping in Los Caños de Meca is also a great opportunity for families to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with nature. The area’s natural setting invites you to spend time outdoors hiking, bird watching, and exploring the nearby natural parks, such as the La Breña y Marismas del Barbate Natural Park. This park, offering a diverse flora and fauna, provides an educational and exciting adventure for kids, fostering a love and appreciation for nature.

🏕 There are four campgrounds in Los Canos de Meca. While the Kampaoh campsites offer amazing glamping tents, the campsites of Caños de Meca and Pinar San José offer a more traditional camping experience where you can rent a bungalow or arrive with your own tent or camper.

Playa Bolonia

📍 Playa Bolonia is one of the most striking beaches in all of Spain. Not only is it flanked by Baelo Claudia, an incredibly impressive Roman ruin, but it also has some of the best sand dunes you’ll see in Europe. The sand dunes have been declared a natural monument and there’s little that’s more fun for kids than running up and sliding down again (repeatedly). It’s worth climbing all the way to the top though as the views over the gorgeous beach and even over to Africa are just incredible.

✅ Be warned that there are no palapas or beach chair rental options on this beach so if you need shade, take your own. There are a few chiringuitos (beach restaurants) along the beach though).

Day trip to Gibraltar

📍 Although not strictly in Cádiz Province, the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar sits just at the edge of Cádiz, at the small town of La Línea de la Concepción. 

✅ When you cross the border to Gibraltar from Spain you’ll really feel as if you’ve left Spain and entered England. Suddenly there are red post boxes, signs in English, and Union Jack flags flying. Even before you begin to explore, this is utterly fascinating.

🚠 Kids will love the chance to take the cable car up the Rock of Gibraltar and while they may not marvel at the incredible views like you will, they’ll surely love seeing the Barbary Apes that roam freely around the top of the Rock. If you’re lucky you’ll even see them snatch snacks from the hands of unsuspecting tourists! (Just don’t let this be you, it isn’t funny or permitted). Don’t miss St Michael’s cave while you’re up on the Rock. 

Once back down in town, grab a bite of English food – fish and chips, curry or scones before heading to the beach or taking in a museum or two. 

➡️ Book skip the line cable car tickets (plus dolphin spotting tour)

Córdoba Province

As we move away from the most visited provinces of Andalucía we begin to see a purer, gentler side to the region. Sure, there may be fewer famous landmarks but that doesn’t mean Córdoba doesn’t have plenty to offer.

General Highlights: Mezquita, Jewish Quarter, Medina Azhara, hiking trails around Zuheros

Córdoba City

_{by Melissa of Parenthood and Passports}

📍 Cordoba is a city that offers both historical significance and family fun – at the same attractions. While adults will love the stunning blend of Islamic and Christian architecture at the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, or Mezquita, children will enjoy racing up the cathedral bell tower and finding oranges in the Orange Tree Courtyard. The Mezquita, which is a former Islamic mosque converted to a Catholic cathedral dates back to the late 700s, and is a must on every Spain bucket list.

➡️ Check out how to take, and make the most of, a day trip from Seville to Córdoba

✅ Families will also enjoy visiting the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, (Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs). This medieval fortress boasts beautiful gardens and towers that are sure to spark the imaginations of the little ones while giving them an educational glimpse of Spain’s past. 

🌸 Of course, you can’t visit Cordoba without touring the many picturesque patios lined with colourful vases of cascading flowers. Take a leisurely stroll as a family through Cordoba’s charming old town, exploring the labyrinth of narrow streets and pausing for photos in the lovely squares and alleyways. You can book a guided walking tour that takes you to some of the prettiest and most notable patios or easily explore them on your own. 

🍽 When you get hungry, stop into any of the local restaurants for tapas – which are the perfect size for small appetites. Many of the establishments offer complimentary flamenco-style entertainment during meal times, making the dining experience enjoyable and cultural for the entire family. 

➡️ Enjoy a family scavenger hunt around Córdoba

➡️ Book skip the line Mezquita tickets

Castillo Almodovar del Río

📍 A perfect day out for the family from either Córdoba or Sevilla is the Castillo Almodovar del Río. Kids will love exploring this rebuilt eighth century castle: from chaining themselves up in the basement to trying to extract the Excalibur the smalls will have a great time. The bigger kids will love figuring out which bits of the castle featured in Game of Thrones. 

🍽 If you’ve driven yourself out this way, why not finish this fun day out with a picnic and walk in the forest at Periurbano La Sierrezuela?

Huelva Province

Huelva Province borders Portugal to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. In the north of the province we find gorgeous hills in the Sierra de Aracena. Huelva is not especially on the tourist trail but it’s absolutely gorgeous.

General Highlights: Aracena, the pilgrimage town of El Rocio, pristine beaches, Doñana National Park.

Huelva City

_{by Emma of Journey of a Nomadic Family}

📍 Almost bordering Portugal, the city of Huelva, invites travellers to experience a rich tapestry of culture, history and natural wonders.

✅ In the provincial capital, Huelva City, visit the historic Cathedral of La Merced and the Monument to the Discoverers which pays homage to the region’s maritime heritage. Take a stroll down Plaza de las Monjas; a bustling square with cafes, shops and street performers and dive into Huelva’s cultural heritage at Casa Colon. Don’t forget to watch the sunset over the riverfront promenade, Paseo de la Ria and take a walk over the wooden footbridge of Muelle de Riotinto. 

✅ Venture to the Parque Nacional de Doñana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most significant wetland reserves providing sanctuary to a myriad wildlife, from migratory birds to the elusive Iberian lynx. 

✅ Take a day trip to nearby La Rabida, a Franciscan monastery that played a role in Christopher Columbus’s journey to the Americas. Wander through the gardens and visit the Muelle de las Carabelas which showcases life-sized replicas of Columbus’s ships.

🏝 Visit Huelva’s numerous beaches. Drive or catch a boat to the peninsula of Punta Umbría, where you can play on the beach or feast on gambas blancas (white prawns).

➡️ Play an outdoor urban Escape Room game as you explore

➡️ Take the kids horse riding in Doñana National Park

Aracena

📍 The two highlights of Aracena for kids are the incredible Grutas de Maravillas and the castle on the top of the hill in the centre of Aracena. 

✅ The tour of the Grutas de Maravillas is fun for everyone as it takes in underground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites. There’s even an area where the stalactites look like penises, guaranteed to make even the biggest kids snigger. 

✅ The mediaeval castle itself is a quick visit because it is small and mostly ruined but being up at the top of the hill is fun – be sure to get the kids to take photos in the giant old window and then let them run wild to get out that excess energy!

➡️ Find a hotel in Aracena

➡️ Take a day trip to Aracena

Granada Province

Granada is well known as the home of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada, but let’s take a closer look at how to enjoy Granada with kids

General Highlights: Alhambra in Granada, the Sierra Nevada, Costa Tropical, Sierra de Baza

Granada

_{by Eleanor of Elavate Your Ecapes}

📍 Granada is an excellent destination for families, thanks to its unique mix of historical charm and kid-friendly things to do. It is a beautiful, small city that’s easy to navigate for the whole family. The tourist centre is very walkable and there is public transportation, as well as Uber available. The centre is also safe and not overly-crowded.

✅ The Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most breathtaking things to see in Andalucía. It offers intricate palaces and stunning gardens that kids will surely be in awe of. The gorgeous palaces show rich Moroccan inspiration in architecture with carefully sculptured displays. The Generalife Gardens, with playful water features, provide a fun space for exploration. From the top of the Alhambra, families can enjoy fantastic views of the city of Granada.

✅ Exploring the historic Arab quarter, Albayzín, is like navigating a labyrinth of narrow alleys and squares. Climb to the top to Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset to see the Alhambra lit up at night. This is the best photo spot but be aware that it does get crowded. Consider going with a guide to show you around the historic neighborhood.

✅ The area has a vibrant atmosphere, fun for families to enjoy together. You’ll see local artisans and street performers, offering an immersive cultural experience. Kids will likely be most interested in the fast-moving flamenco dancers.

🚗 Most travellers will couple a trip to Granada with Malaga (1.5 hours by train or car) or Seville (3 hours by train or car).

Mexico Cassie adds that Granada’s Parque de las Ciencias is the most visited museum in all of Andalucía. It’s a great stop for young children and older kids alike

➡️ Book skip the line Alhambra tickets

➡️ Explore Granada and play a Sherlock Holmes murder mystery as you do

Almuñécar and Granada’s Coasta Tropical

📍 Almuñécar is a small beach town at the western end of Granada’s Costa Tropical. While Granada’s beaches don’t offer the same white sand as Malaga or Cádiz, the sand here sparkles in a fascinating manner. Kids will have a grand old time playing on the beach here between the Peñones de San Cristobal and the water park, Aqua Tropic.

✅ Be sure to climb the Peñones de San Cristobal for great views over the city before heading to the Castillo de San Miguel. If the kids are interested in birds then the Parque Ornitológico Loro Sexi will be of interest. If they’re not, still stop outside so they can have fun giggling about the Sexy Parrots (my kids are still giggling about this over a year later). Sexi, by the way, came about because the Phonecian name for Almuñecar was written SKS (like Hebrew they didn’t write vowels). This became Sexi in Latin. Loro is parrot in Spanish.

✅ If you’re visiting in summer then don’t miss the water park as it’s Spain’s only salt water water park. 

➡️ Book an Almuñécar hotel now

Skiing/Snowboarding/Snow fun in Sierra Nevada with kids

📍 Granada’s Sierra Nevada is the second highest of all European mountain ranges, after the Alps. It’s also the most southerly skiing available in all of Europe. The highest peak, the Mulhacen, is 3,482 metres above sea level and on a clear day it’s possible to see over to the Riff Mountains in Morocco. 

✅ The Sierra Nevada ski season runs from November to early May and there are plenty of ski schools offering skiing/snowboarding lessons for kids in English or Spanish.

✅ For kids who don’t want to ski or snowboard it’s possible to visit Mirlo Blanco, a snow park with ice skating, toboggans, ski bikes and a Russian sled. You can also find places to sledge for free, around town.

✅ Note: It’s also possible to visit the Sierra Nevada in summer. The cable cars remain working and there are plenty of great hikes in the area. We actually stayed in the mountains here many years ago when my kids were tiny (1 and 3).

➡️ Find a hotel in the Sierra Nevada

➡️ Book ski classes and other activities in the Sierra Nevada

Sleep in a Cave Hotel

📍 It might seem touristy or kitsch but cave hotels are a genuine part of Andalucia’s culture and history, particularly in Granada. The most traditional cave dwellings are found in the regions of Guadix, El Marquesado and El Altiplano. The first were dug by Muslims living in the area in the fifteenth century to store grain and house animals. When the Catholic conquest of the area began they fled to the mountains and began living in these structures. 

The houses were dug out of the sandy rock and all are entirely waterproof. The cave homes are cool in summer and warm in winter. Every cave hotel is different as each is built according to the rock in which it is dug.

➡️ Find a Granada cave hotel now!

Visit the two aqua parks in Granada

✅ Just outside Almuñecar is Aqua Tropic, the only salt-water water park in Spain. Outside of Granada you’ll find Aquaola.

Jaén Province

Jaén is Andalucia’s least visited province and is well and truly off-the-beaten-track-Spain. 

📍 It is home to the twin UNESCO World Heritage sites of Úbeda and Baeza, both renowned for their incredibly well preserved Renaissance architecture. 

✅ Spain’s largest natural protected area is in Jaén. It is made up of the Sierra de Segura, the Sierra de Cazorla and the Sierra de las Villas. This is also one of the biggest protected areas in all of Europe. 

✅ Jaén is also home to more castles than any other province in the whole of Spain. Perfect for kid focused fun!

Jaén City

⭐️ Kids, realistically aren’t going to care much about Jaén City’s impressive cathedral although if you do force them to visit then they can at least enjoy the Oculus (3D) tour of the cathedral that’s part of the entrance fee.

⭐️ The ruined castle up on the hill overlooking the city of Jaén is a great spot to explore with active kids. They’ll love clambering around and looking down over the city.

⭐️ My kids loved spotting all the street art in Jaén – look out for Calle Muralla amongst other areas.

Museums in Jaén

Museo Provincial de Jaén

Kids won’t hate this museum as it isn’t too big. The first rooms offer some great local history and cleverly show ancient tools side-by-side with their modern equivalents, which my kids thought was very cool.

International Museum of Art Íbero

This modern museum is more hands-on and kid friendly than its neighbour. My kids loved playing with the replicas of ancient locks, trying to figure out how to open ancient doors. There is an excellent exhibit all about the original peoples of the region, the Iberos.

Playgrounds in Jaén

Parque de Juan Pablo II / Parque Andrés de Vandelvira

This long park has a couple of playground areas and plenty of space to play and run. There are fountains and even a large pool (not for swimming as far as we could tell). It’s an urban park so is nicely surrounded by restaurants including the excellent xPecado Smash Burger.

Parque Ciudad de los Niños

This excellent playground is good for kids of all ages. It includes a wooden pirate ship (surrounded by water), a castle, ziplines, swings and several other awesome play options. Well worth exploring.

Almería Province

I have not yet made it to Almería, however, plans are brewing and we’ll be there soon enough. 

The very best things to do with kids in Almería include visiting the Desierto de Tabernas, the only semi-desert in Europe.

Tabernas Desert

📍 Explore the semi-arid Tabernas Desert and be awed by how it resembles the deserts of the southwest United States. Here you’ll find former spaghetti western studios, with mock up wild west villages that have been used in films such as “The Good, the bad and the Ugly”, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, and even the British show, “Doctor Who”.

➡️ Book tickets to explore the desert

Spaghetti Western Film Studios in the Desert

✅ Oasys Park (previously known as Mini-Hollywood) – This is a theme park based around the spaghetti western. See shows, ride animals and enjoy the swimming pool area and zoo.

✅ Texas Hollywood / Fort Bravo – find yourself exploring the wild west in this studio/ wild west town.

✅ Western Leone – the smallest of the three theme parks. This site was originally built to film “Once Upon a Time in the West”. Although you can visit this park it remains a part-time film studio.

Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park

📍 Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is the largest protected coastal area in Andalucía. In 2006, the park joined UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network and is also designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, making this a pretty special place to explore.

Family friendly beaches include in this natural park

🏝 Playa de los Genoveses – think shallow water and sand dunes

🏝 Playa del Mónsul – this beach has shallow waters that are great for playing. Older kids may recognise the stacks of rocks here from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

🏝 Cala de San Pedro is a secret beach that can only be reached by boat.

🏝 San José town has good beaches too

Calar Astronomical Observatory

⭐️ At Gergál it’s possible to visit the Calar Astronomical Observatory. This observatory sits at 2100 m above sea level. Be sure to book tickets in advance.

Sorbas Caves 

📍 The Gypsum Karst Natural Park of Sorbas is full of rare rock formations and is one of the best examples in the world of gypsum karst. There are three cave visits possible, two of which are possible with children. 

➡️ Book tickets

Parque de las Familias – Almería

📍 This giant playground won the accolade “Spain’s best playground” in 2016. It comprises four playgrounds that recreate the Alcazaba of Almería, the Tabernas Desert, the importance of the film industry and the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Park. Fantastically, the park also has an area for learning about sustainable environmental practices too.

Salinas de Cabo de Gata

📍 Visit the salt flats just outside the pueblo of Cabo de Gata to walk and see flamingos.

Crater del Hoyzao

📍 Take the kids hiking at this geological treasure of a location where you’ll find garnets and fossilised coral (I’m not recommending taking stones by the way, just finding).

Water Parks 

📍 Almería has two water parks – Parque AcuaticoVera and Mario Park.

A Final World on Things to do in Andalucía with Kids

Phew! That’s a lot 😂. I hope you have the time and energy for a mammoth trip around Andalucía that will rock your kids’ world, because that’s what we’ve just created here!

I’m extremely grateful to everyone who shared their family experiences here to help make this article as thorough as possible. My kids and I have been to the majority of the places mentioned above and we’re looking forward to exploring Jaén and Almería more very soon.

I’d love to know where you’ll be travelling in Andalucía and what your kids loved best.