Children’s Attractions
1. Muelle de las Carabelas, La Rabida, Huelva Province
Down by the waterfront, the “Pier of the Caravels” is a great treat for kids. They’ll love the chance to climb aboard full-size replicas of Columbus’s ships Niña, Pinta and Santa María and imagine themselves setting sail to discover the New World. There’s also a recreation of a 15th-century European village (for further details see A Day in Columbus’s Footsteps).
Paraje de La Rábida • Open mid-Jun–mid-Sep: 10:30am–10pm Tue–Sun; mid-Sept–mid-Jun: 9:30am–8pm Tue–Sun • Closed Jan 1, Dec 24, 25 & 31 • 959 53 05 97 • Adm
2. Parque Zoologico, Jerez
Primarily, this is a care station for the rehabilitation of injured animals, in particular indigenous endangered species. As a result, it can give children a close-up encounter with the wonderful Iberian lynx, which is extremely rare in the wild. There are also white tigers, red pandas and ibis (for further details see Parque Zoológico, Jerez).
3. Isla Magica, Seville
This amusement park occupies part of what was Expo ‘92. One of its themes is to recreate the exploits of the explorers who set out from Seville on voyages of discovery in the 16th century – rides have names such as Jaguar, Anaconda and Orinoco. There are also boat tours.Pabellón España, Isla de Cartuja • Hours vary, call ahead for opening times • 902 16 17 16 • www.islamagica.es • Adm
4. Carromato de Max, Mijas
Claiming to be a compendium of the world’s smallest curiosities, this is certainly an oddball collection. There’s a fine copy of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, executed on a grain of rice, fleas in full suits of clothing and a bust of Churchill’s head sculpted from a stick of chalk.Avda del Compás • Open 10am–8pm daily (summer); 9am–6pm daily (winter) • 952 58 90 34 • Adm
5. Tivoli World, Benalmadena
Attractions at this theme park include a flamenco extravaganza and a Wild West show, but Tívoli World is really all about rides. None of them will particularly appeal to adrenaline addicts, but what it lacks in speed it makes up for in old-fashioned fun.Avda de Tívoli •
Opening times vary monthly; check the website for more details
• 952 57 70 16 • Adm
6. SeaLife, Benalmadena
Viewing rescued sharks, seahorses, seals, turtles and other sea creatures is a wonderful experience for kids. They will also love the Lost City of Atlantis, the Mediterranean Tunnel and the Touchpool.Puerto Deportivo de Benalmádena • Open Jul & Aug: 10am–midnight daily; Sep–Jun: 10am–6pm daily • 952 56 01 50 • www.sealifeeurope.com • Adm
7. Cuevas de Nerja
Only discovered in 1959, these caves go back some five million years. The chambers will stimulate children’s imagination – with a little help from fanciful names and evocative lighting. The central column in Cataclysm Hall is the tallest in the world.Ctra Maro • Open 10am–2pm, 4–6:30pm daily (Jul–Aug: 10am–7:30pm) • 952 52 95 20 • www.cuevadenerja.es • Adm
8. Aqua Tropic, Almunecar
Hours of fun with rides called Kamikazee, Wavebreaker, Ring Rapids, Blackhole Rapids, Soft Runs and a special Children’s Lake for the littlest ones.Playa de Velilla • Open mid-Jun–Sep: 11am–6pm daily (to 7:30pm Jul & Aug) • 958 63 33 16 • www.aqua-tropic.com • Adm
9. Mini Hollywood, Almeria
The Wild West rides again at this old “spaghetti western” movie set. At show time the kids can see Jesse James reach his ignominious end (for further details see ”Wild West” Towns).
10. Parque Acuatico Vera, Vera
This place will save the day when what your children need most is to cool off. Five pools of various sizes, loads of undulating slides and tubes, as well as shaded areas.Ctra Vera/Garrucha-Villaricos • Open mid-May–Jun & Sep: 11am–6pm daily, Jul & Aug: 11am–7:30pm daily
•
950 46 73 37
• www.aquavera.com • Adm
