For most, planning a holiday involves thinking of the children. In Spain there are many theme parks designed for the youngsters - and to make life easier for the parents. Here are ten of the best.

On this page:

• Animal lovers
• A taste of the past
• Dinosaurs
• Discovering a new world
• Waterworld
• Science
• More ideas

ANIMAL LOVERS

Faunia
Madrid

A park designed for children to enjoy the animals and learn about the diversity of ecosystems on Earth. The park has 4,100 species of animals and plants. Children aged over five can spend a week there. Those under three get in free. Under 12s and over 60s pay EUR 12, adults EUR 17.50

91 301 62 10
www.faunia.es

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The magic of the animal kingdom
Loro Parque, Tenerife

One of the most popular attractions in the Canary Islands – apart from the beach – is this reserve for the animals from the Arctic to Africa. Children can see dolphins, sea lions, chimps, leopards and many other creatures whose natural habitats are very different to the Canary Islands. Usually very popular with children.

Price: adults, EUR 21, children between 6-12, EUR 10.50, under-six free

922 373 841
www.loroparque.com

A TASTE OF THE PAST

Terra Mitica (Mythical Earth)
Benidorm, Alicante

This park is based on teaching children about the history and myths of Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Iberian Peninsula with a selection of fun water rides, games and play areas. For example, your child can see what it was like to be inside a mummy for instance. This year there are new rides modelled around the film El Cid.

Open 10am- midnight. Day passes adults: EUR 32, children aged 5-10, EUR 24. Or unlimited pass for EUR 49

www.terramiticapark.com

DINOSAURS

The remains of many dinosaurs have been found in La Rioja, one of the four most important areas in the world for dinosaur fossil research. Here are three parks for children to learn about these fascinating beasts.

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Centro Paleontologico de Enciso (Palaeontology Centre)
Enciso, La Rioja, northern Spain

Here they explain where dinosaur remains came from and what the earth was like when they were around. Many opportunities to see the fossilised remains of a wide range of dinosaurs. Guided tours can be arranged through the centre. Also nearby is the hermitage of the Virgen del Campo, a popular religious shrine.
 
941 396 093

Other guided tours through the Association of Guides of Icnitas (941 396 086). Cost per tour, per person: EUR 42

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Jurassic Museum of Asturias
Colunga

Shows a complete collection of fossils from Cretaceous period, along a section of the coast between Villaviciosa and Ribadesella.

Price: EUR 5, children under 12 pay EUR 3. Both paid-for guided tours or suggested routes for walks through the fossil beds.  

902 300 202
www.museuojurasico.com

Also, between July and September, contact Tourist office at Ribadesella (985 860 038) or Colunga (985 852 200)

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Territorio Dinopolis
Teruel

The mascot of the centre, Polillo, gives this park a more child-friendly feel. See how the dinosaurs lived and died with exhibitions of fossils, including those of the giant dinosaur recently found at Riodeva, thought to be one of the biggest in the world.

Open 10.30am-2pm and 4.30pm-6.30pm. Closed Monday. EUR 4, children EUR 3. 

902 448 000 
www.dinopolis.com

DISCOVERING A NEW WORLD

Columbus
Muelle de las Carabelas, Rabida, Huelva

Situated in a monastery where Columbus planned his epic voyage, the highlight of this park are the three life-size replicas of his three ships, La Pinta, La Nina and La Santa Maria. There is a medieval feel to the park which contrasts with a very modern exhibition room and audiovisual centre where you can see documents showing the ups and downs of his epic voyage. You can go on the ships which try to recreate how Columbus might have lived.

Open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-2pm, 5pm-9pm.
Prices: adults, EUR 3, students EUR 1.25, families EUR 6.25

959 530 597

WATERWORLD

Manzanares el Real
Madrid

Children can experience a journey along a river bed, taking in an underwater aquarium, an area for amphibians and reptiles as well as another section where they can learn about fishing, without killing anything. Also another section to watch water fowl. Only at weekends but all year round.

Price: EUR 8

918 530 062

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Aquarium
San Sebastian

You can watch sharks, rays and other large sea fish swimming just a few feet away as you walk past. Though one of the oldest large-scale aquariums in Spain, it is one of the most popular. One reason is you can spend the night there, literally sleeping with the fish.

Cost: EUR 60 per person.

943 440 099
www.aquariumss.com

SCIENCE

Museo de las Ciencias
Cuenca

In a planetarium, children over four are shown an imaginary journey through space. The constellation of the stars, other galaxies and the planets are explained in simple terms.

969 240 320
www.jccm.es/museociencias.com

MORE IDEAS

 www.cyberpadres.com
www.guiainfantil.com

updated July 2005

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Subject: Children's holidays, Leisure channel