Animals
Bioparc Zoo Fuengirola
You may not feel comfortable visiting zoos, but Bioparc Zoochampions a new animal park model based on respect for nature and the preservation of its species, a model that has already become a benchmark at European level. Bioparc is characterised by its architectural design called zoo-immersion, which immerses the visitor in the environment of the animal. Although not large, there are a diverse selection of animals ranging from crocodiles to tigers and gorillas to orangutans, as well as many more, including pygmy hippopotamus and Malayan tapirs. Wander through some of the most amazing tropical forests in the world, from the island of Madagascar, Equatorial Africa, Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific islands. Get up close as you walk through the lemur house where you will see the primates playing around an ancient Baobab tree or if you are feeling brave enter the abandoned mine full of bats. The most important thing is that the animals look happy, healthy and relaxed in their naturalistic enclosures.
Selwo Parks
There are now three parks under the Selwo brand. The original, Selwo Aventura Estepona, consists of three large habitat areas with lush tropical and subtropical vegetation, lakes and a huge variety of animals. Experience an authentic off-road African Safari with an expert tour guide and then if the kids want to let off some steam there are trampolines, archery, and a 65-metre long and 15-metre-high suspension bridge. Ziwa, which means “flying over the lake” in Swahili, is a 116-meter zip line suitable only for those brave enough to slide down it and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the great lake, but be aware that the minimum weight to use the zip line is 40 kg and the maximum weight is 90 kg.
Selwo Marina Benalmadena
Set over four different areas: The Antilles which emulates a Caribbean landscape and where the dolphinarium is located; The Hollow where you will see exotic birds brought in from the Amazon and South America in their natural environment; Icy Island, the first icy penguinarium in Andalusia with the most complete collection of penguins of European zoos that replicates their natural environment where you can observe how these penguins live, both outside the water and under; and The Amazon, an area dedicated to the Amazon rainforest with both flora and fauna brought in from this abundant river. Apart from all that Selwo Marina offers unique live experiences with dolphins, an encounter with penguins or a swim with sea lions.
Teleférico Benalmadena
(Benalmadena Cable Car)
The third attraction that comes under the Selwo brand is the cable car at Benalmadena. Enjoy exclusive panoramic views of the coastline of Malaga as you head up to the top of Monte Calamorro where there is a presentation of birds of prey.
Sealife Aquarium Benalmadena Marina
Although small, this walk-through underwater park is educational and has different interactive zones where you can get your hands wet and touch some of the sea creatures. Jurassic Tunnel is where you’ll be able to see black-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles and other colourful species. Don’t forget to go to Otter’s Oasis for feeding time where you will meet two Asian Otters.
Butterfly Park Benalmadena
Located next to the Buddhist Stupa, Mariposario de Benalmádena is the largest butterfly park in Europe. Here more than 1,500 exotic butterflies from around the world fly freely in a tropical paradise between waterfalls and flowers.
Water Parks
Kids love a water park and there are threealong the coast that feature wave pools, water play areas, paddling pools and slides: the largest is Aqualand Torremolinos, then slightly smaller isAquamijas(was Mijas Water Park) and in Cadiz province you will find Bahia Park Algeciras.
Adventure Parks and Other Activities
Aventura Amazonia located in Elviria has 103 tree challenges and 24 zip lines distributed over 6 adventure circuits. It also includes the longest treetop zip line in Andalusia, with a length of 240m.
Costa Jump San Pedro de Alcántara
The Coast’s first trampoline park offers an enormous indoor arena filled with 50 interconnected wall-to-wall trampolines and lots of different zones. Opening hours 4 – 9 pm weekdays and from 11 am at the weekend.
The Automobile Museum Malaga
This was a great place to take our grandsons aged 10 and 6 recently. View a private collection of vintage cars said to be worth around €25 million in the Antigua Fábrica de Tabaco (Old Tobacco Factory). During you’ll visit you’ll get the chance to see more than 90 amazing cars including the Antique 1898 Winner automobile (USA), one of the first vehicles with an engine, to the hydrogen prototype of 2010, as well as impressive Jaguars, Cadillacs, Rolls Royce, Bentleys, Ferraris, Aston Martins, Porsches and Bugatti’s. Alongside the cars there is a selection of designer fashion through the ages from the top fashion houses as well as some 300 vintage hats.
The MIMMA Interactive Music Museum Malaga
This museum located in the 18th-century Palacio del Conde Nava houses over 1000 instruments from all over the world and, unlike most others museums, instead of saying ‘please do not touch’ it actually encourages people to play and experiment with the instruments in their ‘Please to play’ rooms.
The Pompidou Centre Malaga
Maybe taking the kids around an art gallery isn’t top of your list, but for a little bit of down time, The Pompidou Centre situated in amulti-coloured glass cube welcomes children with open arms and there is an exhibition area open to all artistic disciplines where children and their families can take part in workshops.Each year, the Galerie des Enfants presents two new exhibitions devised by contemporary artists. These are interactive and fun, enabling children to explore the world of the visual artist, architect, dancer, designer, musician or writer and share their approach and creative practices.
