Expatica reader Murilyn Hutchinson tells us of the lovely beaches and exciting water parks that you can bring your children to in Marbella.

SPAIN is just perfect for children of all ages, where ever and whatever time you are made to feel welcome.

It’s not unusual to see children out with their parents at 2 in the morning. The guaranteed sunshine throughout the summer months means late nights and lazy days.

We usually rent an apartment on a complex close to Marbella town centre; it has five swimming pools and four outside jacuzzies and a large terrace perfect for BBQs.

My children tend to spend at least three to four hours in the pool every day. It takes a few days to adjust to the weather and enjoy the beautiful apartment.  The beaches are clean and it’s ideal to just laze on the beach the entire day – just like my eldest daughter.

Bring a bucket and spade for the little ones and you can spend a whole day just lapping up the sunshine. (Don't forget the suntan lotion)
 
Throughout the summer months there are festivals, fairs and ferias all along the coast. They start at around 6pm in the evening and carry on till the early hours of the morning.

In 2007, we went to the opening night of a feria in La Cala, Mijas Costa. The rides were price at EUR 1 per person and the shows were all free of charge. My children had a whale of a time.
 
Torremolinos water park
We visited two waterparks – one in Fuengirola and one in Torremolinos. If you have younger children, I would recommend the one in Torremolinos because they have a massive under five swimming area. They also put on a fantastic show at both waterparks at the end of the day. It’s also good value for money as adults pay EUR 20.50 and children from four to 12 pay EUR 14.50 for the entire day.

If you fancy a really fun packed day then do the Crocodile park as well which is situated right next door to the waterpark in Torremolinos.
 
Tivoli World
Tivoli World in Benalmadena is another great value for money day out with kids of any age. Priced at EUR 12, you get to sit on unlimited rides. Or if you just like to accompany the children on the rides, you only have to pay EUR 6.

Tivoli World is ideal as it opens at 6 in the evening in the summer months (just as the weather is cooling down) and closes at 2 in the morning (so you are guaranteed a lie in the next day).

And if you don’t fancy the fair rides, maybe a cable car ride which is situated next to the Tivoli World is your cup of tea.
 
Paloma Park
Just down the road of Tivoli Park is Paloma Park which boasts of a massive playground suitable for children up to about 10 years of age, ostriches, deer, rabbits, turtles, chickens, swans and a library just at the entrance. Best of all, it is all free!

There are two cafes in the park which serve perfect cafe con leche con baileys and have a good selection of drinks for the kids.
 
Funny Beach
If the weather is too hot for your liking, you may want to take your children to Funny Beach for some splashing fun. There, they can go on a banana ride, trampoline, zip wire and more.

You will find the beach on the N340 near Marbella, just look out for a large Coca-Cola can, follow that with a visit to Orange square and try the Churros with dipping chocolate for a perfect end to a great day out.
 
Eating out
Eating out is a pleasure in Spain, especially because it doesn't you an arm and a leg.

I usually go for the Menu del dia which consists of a three course meal for about EUR 8 – EUR 9 per person and there are Tapas bars in every town which are great for the kids because they can taste bits and bobs of different dishes.

Enjoy your summer fun at Marbella!

 

text by Expatica reader Murilyn Hutchinson
photos by flickr contributors Adrià garcía, Terry Wha, Hiddenloop and andym_uk