Exploring Spain with kids

Planning a family friendly trip to Spain

Spain has so much to offer, from cultured city breaks to stunning beaches. The Spanish islands and Mediterranean coasts are always popular with families thanks to their clear waters, soft sands and laidback living. So, pack your bags, pick up your euros and get ready for sun, sea, and sand. 

Spain is one of the easiest destinations to plan a holiday from the UK, as it’s been geared towards British tourists for years. The multitude of Spanish holiday resorts have plenty of hotels and villas tailored for families of all ages. You’ll find package holidays to suit most budgets and English-speaking staff ready to help with any queries you might have. 

If you’re the type of family who prefer to plan your own holiday, booking flights, accommodation and activities in Spain are all straightforward. From the mainland to the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, there’s an abundance of choice when it comes to visiting Spain with kids.

The best places to visit in Spain with kids 

From all-inclusive ice cream to splash-tastic water parks, we’ve selected some of the best places to visit for a Spain holiday with family. Here are our top picks: 

Costa del Sol

From Malaga to Marbella, the Costal Del Sol lives up to its name with miles upon miles of sun-soaked beaches to dip your toes into. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or exploring historic towns, the Costa Del Sol has something for every family. 

If you’re holidaying with little ones, the laid-back town of Fuengirola has 7km of gorgeous beaches, an animal park, and a historic castle perfect for day trips. And it’s 20 minutes from Malaga Airport to make getting there quick and easy.  

For older kids with boundless energy, Nerja boasts one of the largest waterparks in the region, as well as plenty of opportunities for thrill-seeking water sports like sailing, snorkelling and jet skiing. But parents get their fair share too, with laidback beaches and restaurants and a famous seafront promenade – the Balcon de Europa – offering stunning views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains. 

If you’re holidaying with teens or young adults, Malaga offers the best of both worlds. Relax by the beach by day, then give them their first taste of nightlife at the chic beach bars in the evening. Plus, with fun activities in Malaga like skate parks, Segway hire and street art tours, this is much more than a resort holiday. 

Barcelona

The Catalonian capital has everything: art, culture, history, incredible food and drink, football, and even a beach. It’s an action-packed destination so perhaps better for older children who can be on their feet all day, but that’s not to say you can’t make Barcelona work with little ones in tow. 

Park Guell – Gaudi’s kaleidoscopic park of mosaic art – is a wonderland for children and adults alike. Explore the gardens away from the most famous artworks to let little ones stretch their legs without contending with the crowds. 

For nature lovers, the Museu de Ciencies Naturals de Barcelona is filled with fascination and natural history. The museum is very child-friendly, with the Nest of Family Science and Historic Botanical Garden both offering interactive activities for kids to get their hands dirty. 

No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a walk along La Rambla – the city’s famous pedestrianised walkway which severs the city diagonally from the Placa de Catalunya all the way to the port. There are plenty of sights and sounds to entertain kids along the way, with street performers and souvenir shops galore. 

Balearic Islands

Famous for their stunning beaches, aquamarine waters and idyllic holidays, the Balearic Islands are a popular choice for a family friendly trip to Spain and just a two hour flight away from parts of the UK.

Mallorca

The biggest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is perfect for family holidays. The popular tourist towns like Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Palma Nova are awash with family-friendly hotels, great value dining and beautiful beaches. 

Splash in the waves, build sandcastles and make memories on the soft sandy beaches. Let the kids make friends by the pool while you relax with a book, or kick back on your balcony with stunning sea views while the little ones take a siesta. 

If you’re searching for a more action-packed family holiday, Mallorca has you covered. Add water parks, aquariums, trampoline parks, go karting, and boat excursions to hidden coves to the itinerary. 

Ibiza

Although Ibiza is famous for partying, there’s much more to the island than its nightclubs. In fact, away from the party strips you’ll find secluded beaches, stunning nature, rich history and culture, and locals who welcome families of all ages. 

Explore the old quarter of Ibiza Town – Dalt Vila – with its charming, cobbled lanes and colourful windows and doors. If it’s beaches, you’re after you’ll be spoilt for choice with Talamanca, Santa Eulalia and Cala Llonga all featuring crystal clear waters and soft sands. For more adventurous types, hiring a car and exploring the island’s many secluded coves and rocky hillsides makes for a fun day out with the family. 

Menorca

Menorca flies under the radar when compared to Mallorca, but that only makes it more enchanting. If you’re visiting Spain with family, consider this small but beautiful island. Outdoor lovers can explore Menorca’s rugged cliffs and coastlines, admire stunning vistas or take a dip in azure waters. 

Whether you’re holidaying with babies, kids or teens, Menorca could be the perfect place to escape everyday life, unwind, put screens aside and reconnect as a family. The rustic charm, seemingly endless untouched beaches and regular local fiestas will make you fall in love with the island. 

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are some of the sunniest places in Europe with great weather all year round. Each island has its own distinct character and charm, and with plenty of family-friendly resorts and regular flights from the UK. 

Gran Canaria

With 60km of beaches and some amazing surf spots, Gran Canaria is a haven for those who love the beach. But there’s more to it than rows of sunbeds. Take a trip on a whale watching excursion, discover volcanic landscapes, and even take a camel trip or play cowboys and Indians in a wild west town. This Canary Island is ideal for kids who love variety and adventure. The resorts most popular with families include Puerto Rico and Maspalomas. 

Tenerife 

Perhaps the best-known tourist destination in the Canaries, lots of families from the UK head to Tenerife for sun, sea and sand. In Los Cristianos you’ll find plenty of hotels, bars and restaurants offering a whole host of family friendly attractions. 

Over in Costa Adeje you’ll find Siam Park waterpark, the most famous waterpark in all of the Canary Islands offering hours of family fun for all ages – from the relaxing lazy river to the wild water rapids.  

Fuerteventura 

The least touristy of the main Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is flatter than the other Canary Islands, and can be cheaper than some of the others. If your idea of a perfect holiday includes miles of quiet, pristine beaches, sleepy seaside towns and crystal-clear waters, Fuerteventura has it all. 

There are of course holiday resorts that cater to tourists at places like Castillo Caleta de Fuste, Esquinzo, Corralejo and Costa Calma. Here you’ll find plenty of family-friendly hotels, restaurants and soft sandy beaches, as well as tourist activities to suit all ages. Take a boat trip to spot dolphins or have an action-packed day at the aquapark. 

Best time to visit Spain with the family

Spain has a much warmer climate than the UK, with milder winters and hot summers. July and August are particularly hot months with temperatures often reaching around 30 degrees, so you may want to avoid visiting with very young children at this time of year. You’ll also be able to avoid the busiest crowds if you’re able to visit outside of school holidays. 

The Canary Islands are further south than Spain, so have an even warmer climate as they’re closer to the Equator. People often visit the Canaries for some winter sunshine, as temperatures can still reach the high teens to mid-20s during the middle of the day in January. However, the sea breeze and areas at higher altitude can feel much colder, so it’s wise to pack warmer layers for the evenings.