Mini Adventures for your Kids this Summer

The word Marbella conjures up the glamour of celebrities, exclusive beach clubs and ritzy bars on the Golden Mile, but Marbella is surprisingly kid-friendly and a great place for a family holiday. You don't have to stay at the beach all day to get the most out of a trip to the Costa del Sol. There's something for all ages to do and see, especially water-based activities, but there are also land-based mini adventures to be had further inland, involving go-karts, jeeps or quad bikes.

Fun for young Mermaids and Mermen

Various companies offer yacht charter to parents who hold the relevant sailing qualifications, although there are also charter boats that complete with a skipper. Cruise the Mediterranean Sea and explore the coastline like an 18th century pirate, stopping off for lunch at sandy beaches and snorkel in shallow waters of hidden coves. It's an activity that will appeal more to children aged 8 upwards.

Dolphin, whale and turtle watch tours are a fabulous mini adventure for kids of most ages. There are usually families of dolphins frolicking just off the shores of Cabopino in the east of Marbella, which boasts its own chic Marina in Puerto Cabopino, from where the luxury guided boat tours launch. The adventure also includes sightings of sunfish, tuna, turtles, flying fish and the occasional whale. An hour and 15 minute trip is quite costly at about 50.00 euros per person, but there are 30 minute adventures that cost just ca. 30.00 euros and are more suitable for younger children.

Banana boat rides are always popular, as are pedal boats, although these days visitors to the Costa del Sol can also choose from Rapid Rib Rides, sonar and "tornado" inflatables, all of which cost around 20.00 euros per person to hire. For teenagers and youngsters over 12 years of age water skiing and wake boarding, including tuition, is offered by several companies at ca. 45.00 euros per person. It's a great way to get fit as a family and tremendous fun. 

Water based adventures such as those described above can be found at Estepona, Puerto Banus, Marbella port, Cabopino Port and Marina and Fuengirola.

Mini Adventures for young Landlubbers

Further inland Marbella offers families adventure parks - one is located just outside of Elviria in the east of Marbella. Learn how to use zip lines and fly like a monkey from treetop to treetop! 

There are also places where young adventurers can go paintballing in the wild, learn archery, indulge in crazy mini-golfing or insect eating competitions or go out with metal detectors on a treasure hunt.

Various quad bike circuits in the hills around Ronda, an ancient town located just a short drive from Marbella, offer families a fabulous half-day out.

Most of these places are situated within a 30 minute drive of Marbella, offering a huge number of land based activities for all ages. Various riding schools and equestrian centres scattered around Marbella offer eager young riders short pony treks into the gorgeous hills to that surround the town, some of them even provide sunset adventures complete with campfires and BBQ.

Mini Adventures for Toddlers

Some of the resort hotels have their own children's play area and registered child minders who will take care of your toddlers while you go out sightseeing or have a relaxed morning at the beach. Kids' swimming pools, children's entertainments and activities, lunch and creative sessions are usually included in the package offered by the resort.

Marbella boasts several activity centres for toddlers, where young children can learn how to swim, paint, make things or simply let off steam and climb to their hearts' content large playgrounds. 

Family amusement parks based around Marbella have petting zoos for little ones to come face to face with small creatures and there's also Fuengirola's zoo, an ideal place toddlers to have a small adventure with "wild" animals.

Marbella's Family Fun Beach has bouncy castles, carousels, trampolines and amusement arcades to keep all ages happy and entertained. 

If you thought Marbella is just for glamour boys and girls from Essex - think again, it's a family resort like no other!