The Wagoner’s Abroad have always been my go to blog for anything Spain related. I love their story about how they left their busy American lives behind to settle in the South of Spain. We were also lucky enough to meet this lovely family when they travelled through Penang. Below, Heidi Wagoner shares her best things to do in Malaga with kids!

Málaga is perhaps best known as the place to land when visiting southern Spain. Many people arrive at the airport and then drive to their destination in the mountains or along the coast. However, Málaga is a city worth spending a few days exploring and learning the extensive amount of history behind it.

Málaga may be reached not only by air, but also bus, car and high-speed train, which runs straight from Madrid in just under 2 and a half hours.

It is a perfect family destination and allows you to experience the beautiful southern coast of Spain. You will not be disappointed, as there are also many kid friendly things to do in Malaga.

Top 10 Things to do in Málaga with kids

1. Run free at the Park of Málaga

The Park of Malaga, also known as the Parque de la Alameda or simply as El Parque (the park), is situated right in the city center between the port and the city center. The rectangular shaped park is wedged between two of Málaga’s most iconic streets, the Paseo de las Curas (the monk’s walkway) and the Paseo del Parque. There is plenty of room for the kids to run around amidst nature as well as several playground and hands on activities along the paths.

It is within walking distance from all of the main sites in town, so a perfect spot to grab a baguette and jamón (ham) and have an impromptu picnic for lunch.

2. Zip around the city on Segways!

Segway Malaga Experience

Now this isn’t for little kids, but if they meet the height and weight requirements you are good to go. There are several segway tours around the city, but we highly recommend the Segway Málaga Experience along the Port. Read more about Wagoner Abroad’s experience with riding Segways in Málaga.

3. Visit Málaga’s Central Market

Malaga Central Market

Just about anything you can think of here is here. It is a kid’s dream to taste their way through the market. Most stands have samples of their goods, so be prepared to taste fresh fruit, almonds, olives, nuts, jamón, cheese and more. If you are hungry for a meal there are several stalls which are great for an inexpensive lunch. Try Cafe-bar Mercado Atarazanas for fried fish tapas “Pescado frito,” or grilled “Pescado a la plancha”, “Boquerones” anchovies, “Calamares” squid, or even the “Brocheta de gambas” (prawns) and pulpo (octopus).

The market is free, but bring some cash to buy some great food.

4. Explore the Gibralfaro Castle (Castillo Gibralfaro)

Malaga city port and bull ring, view from castle

This castle, built-in the fourteenth century to house the troops and protect the Alcazaba, is one of the most popular monuments of Málaga. Here you can walk the walls with stunning views of Málaga and the port below or enter Interpretation Center to learn the history. You should be able to see the Málaga bull ring from above as well.

Hours: Daily 09:00 to 18:00 (winter) 20:00 (summer) and the cost is 2.20€ or 3.55€ for a combined visit to Gibralfaro Castle and Alcazaba. Children are given a reduced price.

5. Ham it up, at the Roman Theater and Alcazaba

Malaga Roman Theater and Alcazaba

From outside you can view all of this for free. You can see where performances were once held by the Romans and just behind you may see the Alcazaba walls. Let the kids imagine what it would have been like to be a part of a play and act in front of a crowd.

6. Fly high in the Málaga Ferris Wheel

The Ferris wheel (La Noria) is about 70 meters high and offers fantastic views over the port area, and from the Plaza de la Marina area to the Cathedral and Gibralfaro. In the evening, the sun shines on the cabins when they’re at the top of the wheel, while those at ground level are in the shadow of the city’s fine buildings.

Each ride is 15 minutes long and has 42 air-conditioned cabins, each holding 8 passengers. Hours: Daily 11:00 to 24:00 and the fare is 10€. Children are given a reduced price or free, depending on age.

7. The Málaga Airport Museum

If the kids love everything about airplanes then this is the place in Malaga for kids. The museum is located at the airport just behind the San Miguel Brewery, and is a great place to take curious kids. Lots of hands-on interactive displays and you can even sit in the cockpit of a real airliner. This is a free thing to do in Malaga.

8. Build sand castles at the fabulous beaches of Málaga.

With over 320 days of sun along the Mediterranean Sea, this should go without saying. You should make sure you have the time to bask in Málaga’s beaches. The most popular beaches near the city are El Candado beach, El Palo Beach, Las Acacias Beach. El Candado is a beach that is very popular with families and has plenty of family facilities and watersports to enjoy. Remember your sun screen.

9. Have a Splash at a Waterpark!

Take a trip to Aqualand Torremolinos, which is the biggest water park in the Costa del Sol! Located at Calle Cuba 10, and open from May to September each year, this is a place which the kids will absolutely adore. They will be splashing from dawn to dusk here!

10. Play at Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor Movies and Activities

Plaza Mayor is a large outdoor shopping center located on the outskirts of the city, close to the airport. It includes a large cinema with 20 screens. featuring movies in both English and Spanish. There is also a very large arcade as well as outdoor kids’ activities in Malaga, including a train, bouncy houses and more.

We highly recommend purchasing the Málaga Pass, which will provide you with free entry into most of these activities and discounts to several other. They may be purchased for 1,2, 3 or 7 days to several days.

Places to eat in Málaga

El Tintero II

This may be good fun for the kids. Eating at El Tintero is so much more than a restaurant, it is an experience. There is no traditional menu and ordering here, nope! The waiters just walk by with trays of prepared food, fresh from the kitchen. They call out the dishes they are holding and like an auction, you flag them over to deliver. They wander around with huge plates of fish and salads, all you need do is point. At the end of the meal you are charged by the plate (6€), so taste it all.

Cafe Central Malaga

Plaza de la Constitucion

The perfect spot to enjoy a traditional Spanish breakfast, with coffee served in a unique fashion specific to Málaga. Located right on the edge of Plaza de la Constitución, there is plenty of people watching to do as well.

Visit Wagoner’s Abroad for additional resources for visiting Spain, for day trips from Málaga or other destinations to visit within Spain.  Wagoners Abroad also has a very handy guide providing you 9 Useful tips for car hire in Spain. You can also like them on Facebook.

Places to stay in Malaga

If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Malaga with kids, we suggest the following hotels.

• Petit Palace Plaza Malaga – a central location close to the best tourist attractions, this hotel offers affordable quadruple rooms with bunk beds which are perfect for families. Click here to see the latest prices.
• Apartamentos Debambu – modern apartments close to major tourist attractions. Apartments have free WiFi and there is a restaurant and bar onsite. Click here to see the latest prices.
• Ilunion Malaga – a luxury hotel for families that want even more comfort. The hotel has interconnecting rooms, a pool, sauna, restaurant and lounge bar and is perfectly positioned for sight seeing. Click here to see the latest prices.

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