Nine Plans to Do with Kids in July and August in Málaga Beyond the Beach

Having a budget for long family trips during the summer isn't always possible, but the province of Malaga, one of the best destinations to spend the summer, offers many spots and plans to enjoy in July and August without leaving the area. There are accessible caves, water and theme parks, and natural pools and ponds inland that are relatively easy to access. The beach is also an option, but with activities that go beyond just playing on the shore. These are some of the options for summer plans with children.

It's the most refreshing plan each summer. On the Malaga coast, there are three great options for children to enjoy with slides, wave pools, and lots of adrenaline. These are Aquavelis, between Vélez and Torre del Mar; Aqualand, in Torremolinos; and Aquamijas, in Mijas, but very close to Fuengirola. Additionally, there are other alternatives like the various floating parks that are set up each year on the coast or even in the Chorro reservoir. Another option is the Alhaurín El Grande Water Park, which is open only to children up to 12 years old. The entrance fee, which must be purchased online in advance, is 4 euros.

Even though it's hot, some take the time for high-adrenaline activities that aren’t necessarily related to water. Thus, these days there are several adventure parks designed for children and that remain open to the public. Among them, there is Amazonia in Marbella; Jungle Family, next to Plaza Mayor; or Sunview Park, among others. To these physically demanding spaces, there is another alternative which are the amusement parks, like the two operated by Sould Park, in Fuengirola (at the marina and, smaller in size, at the Miramar shopping center). This company is planning another larger one next to Plaza Mayor.

Another plan for children to enjoy in summer are the various spaces related to fauna and flora in the province of Malaga. Among them, this summer on the coast await those of Selwo (Cable car and Selwo Marina, in Benalmádena; and Selwo Aventura, in Estepona), the Butterfly Park and Sea Life, in Benalmádena, Crocodile Park, in Torremolinos, Bioparc, in Fuengirola, or the Orchidarium in Estepona, among other options.

Night visits to Torcal, family treasure hunts with Marco Topo, or light shows are some of the activities that can be enjoyed in the cultural and leisure cycle organized each summer by the Antequera City Council. All these proposals take place in the late afternoon or at night, but many of them can be done with the little ones, at a time of day when temperatures drop and make it especially pleasant to walk through the streets of the city of Torcal and the Dolmens.

Malaga is rightly among the best destinations to understand cave art. Perhaps younger children might find it harder to grasp its importance, but they can also enjoy cooler underground tours through the main accessible caves in the province. The most famous is the Nerja Cave, both for its size and the number of visitors it receives each year, but others like the Treasure Cave in Rincón de la Victoria, or the Ardales Cave, where, however, you must book your visit well in advance, should also be added. Similarly, for children over ten years old, a guided tour of the La Pileta Cave can be a very interesting immersion.

Although summer is inevitably associated with the beach, there are also other ways to enjoy water in a more natural manner, thanks to the various pools and ponds in the interior of the province of Malaga. Some of them, like those at La Ermita and La Llana in Jimera de Líbar, are easily accessible by vehicle. To these must be added others such as those at Las Viñas in Ojén, those at the San Juan bridge in the Genal Valley, or the Cueva del Gato in Benaoján, although the latter has very cold temperatures.

Summer also provides a good opportunity for the little ones to learn or practice some water sports. Kayaking, paddle surfing, or introduction to scuba diving are some of these possibilities. Along the Malaga coast, there are several companies that teach the little ones how to manage on boards, kayaks, or underwater. There is also the option of doing guided or free family excursions to places such as the natural site of the Maro Cliffs or the Chorro reservoir in Ardales, among other options.

It can be an exciting activity for both children and their parents to embark on a marine excursion from the coast to try to spot the friendly dolphins that move in this Mediterranean strip. It's never easy to know for sure if they will be seen, but there are many chances of doing so when going through experienced tourism companies. There are several boats that depart daily from the marinas of Malaga and the Western Costa del Sol, in addition to the Zostera catamaran in La Caleta de Vélez.

Throughout the months of July and August, there are many opportunities to enjoy fairs in various municipalities of the province. In addition to that of Malaga, others such as those in Antequera, Archidona, Campillos, or Rincón de la Victoria must be added, among many others, where children's attractions will not be missing. Another option is to go to some of the historical-related festivals that take place in the summer in various towns, such as the American Independence Day in Macharaviaya, the Moors and Christians in Benadalid and Benalauría, or Douglas' Days in Teba.