Spain boasts a rich history of familyfriendly hotels, with some even dating back to the early 20th century, offering modern comforts and excellent service. These hotels are the perfect base for exploring the country’s diverse attractions, from theme parks to museums, beaches, and natural landscapes. Spain’s theme parks cater to all ages, with more than a dozen spread across the country. Warner Park in Madrid and PortAventura World in Tarragona are among the most popular, offering thrilling rides and entertainment for the whole family. PortAventura World also includes Ferrari Land, a unique park dedicated to the iconic Italian brand, featuring attractions like the Red Force roller coaster, the tallest and fastest in Europe. Nearby, Costa Caribe Aquatic Park offers water slides and pools to cool off in the summer heat. Families can enjoy the beach in the morning, followed by an afternoon of adventure in the park. In Madrid, Warner Park is a mustvisit, especially for fans of superheroes and cartoon characters, with themed areas like Hollywood Boulevard, Cartoon Village, and DC Super Heroes World. The park also features water attractions like Rio Bravo and the Rápidos ACME. In nearby San Martín de la Vega, there’s a Warner Beach Park, perfect for cooling off with its water slides and wave pools, all set against the backdrop of a cartoonthemed beach. The Costa del Sol in Andalusia is another familyfriendly destination, with a wide range of accommodation options. Fuengirola is home to Bioparc Fuengirola, a unique zoo where animals live in naturalistic enclosures that mimic their original habitats. The park features a variety of animals, including lemurs, gorillas, and crocodiles, and even offers night tours in July and August. Families can also visit the Sea Life Benalmádena aquarium, where they can walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by marine life, including sharks and turtles.
Further along the Costa del Sol, in Marbella, families can enjoy the Selwo Aventura, a safari park that brings the African savanna to Spain. Covering over 100 hectares, this park is home to more than 2,000 animals, including elephants, lions, and giraffes, living in vast, open spaces designed to mimic their natural habitats. The park offers various activities, such as camel rides, ziplining, and archery, making it a perfect destination for adventurous families. Nearby, the Selwo Marina in Benalmádena is a marine park where families can watch dolphin and sea lion shows, and even interact with penguins. It’s a fun and educational experience that adds to the many familyfriendly options in the region. Heading to the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a paradise for families, with its yearround warm climate and diverse attractions. Loro Parque, located in Puerto de la Cruz, is one of the island’s highlights. Originally a parrot sanctuary, it has grown into a worldrenowned zoo, featuring everything from orcas and dolphins to gorillas and tigers. The park is also home to the world’s largest indoor penguin habitat, where visitors can watch these fascinating creatures in a setting that mimics their Antarctic environment. The park’s dedication to conservation and education makes it a rewarding experience for children and adults alike. Another mustsee on the island is Siam Park, a Thaithemed water park in Costa Adeje. Voted the world’s best water park multiple times, Siam Park offers a variety of attractions, from the adrenalinepumping Tower of Power slide to the relaxing Mai Thai River. For younger children, the Lost City is a water playground with slides, bridges, and fountains designed just for them. The park’s wave pool, with its artificial beach, is the perfect place for families to unwind after a day of excitement. The Canary Islands also offer unique natural experiences. In Lanzarote, the Timanfaya National Park showcases the island’s volcanic landscape, with dramatic lava fields and geothermal demonstrations. Families can explore the park on guided tours or by camel rides, offering a glimpse into the island’s fiery origins. In Fuerteventura, the Corralejo Natural Park is a haven for nature lovers, with its vast sand dunes and turquoise waters. The park is ideal for a day of beach activities, including snorkeling and windsurfing, making it a favorite spot for active families. Back on the mainland, Valencia offers a blend of culture and entertainment. The City of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic complex that includes the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, where interactive exhibits invite children to learn about science and technology in a handson way. The Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium, is also part of the complex, featuring marine ecosystems from around the world, including a spectacular dolphinarium and an underwater tunnel where visitors can observe sharks and rays up close. For a more traditional experience, the Albufera Natural Park, located just outside the city, offers boat tours through its peaceful lagoon, home to a rich variety of bird species. The park is also the birthplace of Valencia’s famous paella, and families can enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants that line the lagoon’s shores. In northern Spain, the region of Asturias is known for its stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities. The Picos de Europa National Park is a paradise for hiking, with trails that wind through dramatic mountains and lush valleys. Families can take a cable car up to the Fuente Dé viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks. The park is also home to the Covadonga Lakes, two glacial lakes set amidst beautiful scenery, perfect for a day of exploring and picnicking. For a more leisurely experience, the Jurassic Museum of Asturias, located near the coastal town of Colunga, is a hit with dinosaur enthusiasts. The museum is shaped like a dinosaur footprint and features lifesized replicas of dinosaurs, as well as interactive exhibits that teach children about these prehistoric creatures. The nearby coastline, known as the Dinosaur Coast, is dotted with fossilized dinosaur tracks that can be explored on guided tours.
