A guide to family-friendly attractions and activities that make Benidorm perfect for children.
Benidorm has long been one of Europe's most popular family holiday destinations, and for good reason. Beyond the beautiful beaches that form the foundation of any family vacation, the area offers an extraordinary concentration of theme parks, attractions, and activities designed specifically for children of all ages. From world-class water parks to interactive animal experiences, from educational outings to pure adrenaline fun, families visiting Benidorm find themselves spoiled for choice. This comprehensive guide covers everything families need to know to make the most of their time in this child-friendly Mediterranean paradise.
World-Class Theme Parks
The Benidorm area boasts a collection of theme parks that rivals any European destination, with the added bonus of reliable sunshine that makes outdoor attractions enjoyable for much of the year.
Terra Mítica stands as the region's flagship theme park, themed around ancient Mediterranean civilizations. The park is divided into zones representing Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia, and the Mediterranean islands, each with appropriate architecture, rides, and shows. Thrill-seekers enjoy major roller coasters like Magnus Colossus and Inferno, while younger children find plenty of gentler rides and interactive experiences. Live shows featuring acrobatics, historical recreations, and special effects run throughout the day. Located just 15 minutes from Benidorm center, Terra Mítica makes an excellent full-day excursion for families with children of mixed ages.
Aqualandia consistently ranks among Europe's best water parks and sits conveniently adjacent to Benidorm. The park features an impressive array of water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones catering to everyone from toddlers to adrenaline-seeking teenagers. The Big Bang slide complex offers extreme thrills for the brave, while the children's area provides safe, age-appropriate water play. The park's location means families can easily combine a water park day with beach time, and the summer heat makes the cool water particularly refreshing.
Mundomar brings families face-to-face with marine animals in an educational yet entertaining environment. Dolphin shows remain the headline attraction, with these intelligent creatures performing impressive tricks while trainers explain their behavior and conservation needs. Sea lion shows offer similar entertainment, and visitors can observe penguins, flamingos, exotic birds, and various marine species throughout the park. Special experiences allow closer interaction with some animals, creating memorable moments for children fascinated by wildlife.
Terra Natura combines a traditional zoo experience with a more immersive, barrier-free design where possible. The park houses animals from various continents, including elephants, lions, tigers, and numerous other species. The emphasis on natural habitats and conservation education makes it more than mere entertainment – children learn about wildlife and environmental protection while enjoying close encounters with amazing creatures.
Family-Friendly Beaches
Benidorm's two main beaches – Levante and Poniente – offer ideal conditions for family beach days. Both beaches feature gently sloping sand that creates shallow paddling areas perfect for young children. The Mediterranean's relatively calm waters, especially in the morning hours, allow confident older children to swim safely while parents watch from the shore.
Lifeguards patrol both beaches throughout the summer season, providing an additional layer of safety and peace of mind for parents. First aid stations handle minor injuries and jellyfish stings, though the latter are relatively rare in Benidorm's waters.
The promenades running behind both beaches are packed with family-friendly amenities. Ice cream shops, restaurants with children's menus, and shops selling beach toys and inflatables line the route. Play areas with climbing equipment and slides give children breaks from sun and sand. Seasonal attractions include trampolines, inflatable water parks anchored just offshore, and various fairground-style rides.
For families with very young children, the sheltered cove of Cala del Mal Pas offers a quieter alternative to the main beaches, with calm water and less crowding, though fewer amenities.
Indoor Entertainment Options
When the midday sun becomes too intense or on rare rainy days, Benidorm offers plenty of indoor entertainment to keep children happy.
Bowling alleys provide climate-controlled fun for the whole family, with many centers offering lighter balls and bumper lanes for younger bowlers. The social atmosphere makes bowling an excellent activity for families traveling together or children who've made friends at their hotel.
Cinema complexes screen both Spanish and English-language films, with major Hollywood releases typically available in original version (V.O.) at certain showtimes. Check listings for "V.O." or "VOSE" (original version with Spanish subtitles) to find English-language screenings.
Escape rooms have proliferated in Benidorm, with several offering family-friendly themed rooms suitable for children accompanied by adults. These puzzle-solving adventures encourage teamwork and creative thinking, making them both fun and educational.
Laser combat and indoor play centers cater specifically to active children who need to burn energy regardless of weather. Multi-level play structures, ball pits, and climbing walls keep younger children entertained, while laser tag arenas provide exciting competition for older children and teenagers.
Outdoor Adventures Beyond the Beach
Beyond theme parks and beaches, numerous outdoor activities await adventurous families.
Mini golf courses scattered around Benidorm range from basic putting challenges to elaborate themed courses with obstacles, water features, and creative hole designs. The gentle competition suits families with mixed ages, and evening play under lights offers a pleasant alternative to daytime heat.
Go-karting tracks provide thrilling racing experiences for older children and teenagers. Most tracks offer karts suitable for various age groups, from small single-seaters for young children to faster models for teenagers and adults. Safety equipment and briefings ensure the experience remains fun without serious risk.
Boat trips to Benidorm Island (Illa de Benidorm) combine gentle adventure with wildlife spotting. The short voyage offers views of the coastline, and the island itself features walking paths and the chance to see seabirds and, underwater, diverse marine life. Glass-bottom boats allow viewing of fish and underwater features without getting wet.
Cycling along the promenade and dedicated cycle paths provides healthy family exercise, with rental shops offering children's bikes, child seats, and family tandem options. The flat coastal routes make cycling accessible even for less experienced young riders.
Educational Excursions
Parents seeking to combine fun with learning will find several excellent options in the region.
The Chocolate Museum (Museo del Chocolate) in nearby Villajoyosa tells the story of chocolate production and the town's long association with the sweet treat. Interactive exhibits, chocolate-making demonstrations, and generous tasting opportunities make this a hit with children and adults alike.
Cuevas de Canelobre (Canelobre Caves) offers a spectacular underground adventure just 30 minutes from Benidorm. The guided tour through illuminated caverns reveals impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years, with the cathedral-like main chamber creating genuine wonder. The consistent underground temperature provides refreshing relief from summer heat.
Safari Aitana presents a drive-through wildlife experience where families can observe animals from their own vehicle or special safari buses. Lions, elephants, giraffes, and numerous other species roam semi-natural enclosures, creating safari-like encounters without leaving Spain.
Practical Tips for Family Visits
Timing activities wisely maximizes enjoyment and minimizes stress. Beach visits work best in morning hours (before 11 AM) or late afternoon (after 5 PM) during summer, avoiding the most intense midday heat. Theme parks benefit from early arrival when crowds are lighter and temperatures more comfortable.
Most restaurants welcome families and many offer dedicated children's menus with familiar dishes. Spanish mealtimes are later than Northern European habits – lunch typically runs from 1:30-3:30 PM and dinner from 8:30 PM onwards – but tourist-area restaurants accommodate earlier dining times.
Theme park tickets purchased online typically offer significant savings compared to gate prices, and combination tickets covering multiple parks provide even better value for families planning several park visits. Many parks offer season passes that make sense for families staying longer or visiting regularly.
Sun protection is essential throughout the year but particularly critical in summer. High-factor sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing prevent painful sunburn that can ruin a holiday. Encouraging regular water intake helps prevent dehydration during active days.
Benidorm's family-friendly reputation is well-earned. The combination of reliable weather, safe beaches, world-class attractions, and practical amenities creates an environment where children thrive and parents can relax knowing entertainment and safety needs are well-covered.