t A traditional swing ride
Home to expansive beaches, adrenaline-inducing theme parks and endless outdoor activities, Andalucía is the ultimate family-friendly destination. In the cities, most attractions are kid-friendly and there’s always a green space nearby to let off some steam.
t A traditional swing ride
Thrill-seekers will love Andalucía’s theme parks. Seville’s Isla Mágica takes kids on a voyage of exploration, with hair-raising roller coasters and imaginative reconstructions of the Americas in the 16th century. Step inside the world of the movies and embrace your inner cowboy in the arid Tabernas Desert. Dress up in costume, watch a staged shoot-out and explore the surprising set for scores of 1960s and 1970s spaghetti westerns at Oasys – Parque Temático del Desierto de Tabernas (www.oasysparquetematico.com) and Fort Bravo Texas Hollywood (www.fortbravo.es).
Andalucía really is a land of adventure. Scour the Strait of Gibraltar for dolphins with Dolphin Safari (www.dolphinsafari.gi). Fancy playing captain? Row a boat in the Parque María Luisa or kayak on the mirror-still waters of the Embalse Conde de Guadalhorce (www.indiansport.es). Back on dry land, take the Peque Safari in the Parque Natural del Torcal to discover fossils and flowers as you hike through massive boulders (www.torcaldeantequera.com).
If rain stops play, the obvious place to head is a museum. Granada’s Parque de las Ciencias makes science fun (www.parqueciencias.com) while Seville’s CaixaForum hosts family events, including concerts, painting workshops and film screenings. For a change of pace, bounce about on the huge trampolines at Costajump (www.costajump.com). Another good indoor option is taking a cooking class. Try A Taste of Spain (www.atasteofspain.com).
DISCOVER Seville and Andalucía Your Way
Día de los Reyes
The Three Kings parade through Andalucía’s towns on the night of 5 January. They ride in small carriages and throw sweets to the excited children.
Carnival
Kids all over Spain wear fancy dress to school over these two weeks in February and there are colourful processions everywhere. Some say that Cádiz’s festivities rival those of Río de Janeiro in Brazil.
Fiesta de San Juan
The feast of St John the Baptist is celebrated on 23 June with fireworks.