15+ BEST Things to do in Malaga with Kids + 2025 City Break Guide
Looking for the BEST things to do in Malaga with kids? Malaga is a perfect holiday destination. The city is beautiful and centrally located to explore the beauty of Southern Spain.
There are so many fun and family-friendly activities and spectacular food.
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When is the Best Time to Visit Malaga, Spain
Spain has good weather all year round – but some times are better than others. If you’re planning time at the beach, visit during the summer months of May to October. However, Malaga is great for sightseeing all year round and even has Christmas markets.
Malaga in May
May is a wonderful month to visit Malaga with the kids. The weather is warm, with average temperatures around 71°F, which makes it perfect for exploring the city and enjoying beach activities without the intense heat of the summer months.
I visited Malaga in May, and it was fantastic! I enjoyed the sun on a boat tour and also walked around without getting too hot.
Malaga in December
December is a perfect time to visit as the temperature is very mild, and there are fabulous Christmas lights and markets to enjoy. The lights on Calle Larios are spectacular, and across the city, you will find amazing Christmas markets in Malaga.
The cathedral and many churches have carol concerts and beautiful nativity scenes to enjoy.
How to Get to Malaga
Air: You can reach the city center easily from the UK or Europe, and the airport is served by many budget airlines.
The Malaga airport train takes 15 minutes, or you can take a bus or taxi to and from Malaga airport at the same time or hire a car to explore the region. View prices and availability for your dates here >>>
Train: Take train from Malaga Airport to Malaga in 12 minutes. Malaga’s main station is located at Explanada de la Estacion, providing links to Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, and many nearby towns. View train times here >>
Bus: The main station is located opposite the María Zambrano train station. There are many regular services to all tourist resorts of the Costa del Sol, Spain and other international destinations.
How to Get Around Malaga
Malaga has a compact city center, and many tourist sites are located close to each other, so it is easy to enjoy Malaga on foot. The other great thing is that many areas are pedestrian friendly. There is an excellent network of taxis you can use to get around the city and also great connections via bus or train for day trips.
I enjoyed getting around Malaga on the hop on hop off bus and reached the city center by train, bus and tube.
Top 8 Sights and Activities in Malaga for Families
What to see in Malaga? Attractions in Malaga include ancient fortresses, interactive museums, spacious parks and an impressive marina.
There are also stunning beaches! Here are the top eight things to do in Malaga with children!
1. Plaza de la Merced
Plaza de la Merced is a beautiful piazza. Its impressive life-size statue of Picasso is on display. During the summer months, the trees in bloom are beautiful, and there are great tapas and markets to enjoy. This is one of the best places to visit with kids in Malaga, and it’s free!
2. Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is one of the best Malaga museums and is excellent for the whole family.
The Museo Picasso is very popular so go in the morning to avoid the queues. Check the website for upcoming temporary exhibitions and fun workshops for children.
Get Your Picasso Museu Audio Guide Ticket Here
3. Parque de la Alegria
Parque de la Alegria is an amazing and huge Malaga Park with great open spaces and fabulous playgrounds, including castles with slides, climbing nets, and swings.
There are also many bright and colorful sculptures of chameleons, bugs, frogs and turtles for children to find around the park and a large pond and running and biking trails.
4. Selwo Marina
Located in Benalmadena, this is a great animal and leisure park. The park is home to dolphins, sea lions, exotic birds and penguins across five different zones.
You can enjoy activities and presentations to learn more about the park’s habitats and species and book interactive animal experiences.
Get Your Selwo Marina Ticket Here
5. Puerto de Malaga
Puerto de Malaga is a lively port. My daughter loved checking whether any cruise ships had docked each day! The port is also visible from all high points in Malaga.
Make sure you also visit Parque de Marque—the perfect space to relax and play. The western end of the promenade has a giant Ferris wheel, and the eastern side has a lovely beach area.
6. Museo Automovilistico & Moda
This transport and fashion museum is located in the impressive Antigua Real Fábrica de Tabacos (known as ‘La Tabacalera’) building. It has over 300 pieces of haute couture dating back to the 19th century in 13 themed rooms.
You’ll be able to see vehicles such as Jaguar, Cadillac, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Porsche.
Get Your Ticket to the Automobile and Fashion Museum Here
7. La Calle Larios
La Calle Larios is the main shopping street in Malaga. It starts from the port and runs right to La Plaza Constitucion. There are many high-end shops and regular shops, cafes and ice cream shops.
Visit in the evening so the children can see the multi-colored lights that make you feel like it is Christmas, whatever the time of year – a magical thing to see in Malaga!
8. Jardin Botanico Historico La Concepcion
These historic botanical gardens have over 50,000 plants. They are free to visit and a great place to enjoy a nice walk, get some shade, and let the kids run around.
These gardens have beautiful flowers, trees, gorgeous old buildings, and fantastic views.
Best Beaches in Malaga for Kids
There are many beaches in Malaga that kids will love. Here are the best options:
Playa de la Malagueta Beach
This central, man-made Malagueta Beach runs across 1.2km of coastline and has great reviews. It’s backed with palm trees, has calm seas and a family-friendly atmosphere.
El Palo Beach
One of the best beaches near Malaga is the extremely scenic, 1.2 km long, and 25m wide El Palo beach, which is popular with the locals.
There are plenty of water sports available too!
Where to Stay in Malaga with Kids
Budget: Eurostars Astoria
Eurostars Astoria is a great value and central accommodation option. Rooms are bright, clean and comfortable, with cots available on request.
The hotel is close to museums and historic buildings, including the cathedral, and has great links via Maria Zambrano AVE station.
Budget: ibis budget Malaga Centro
The ibis budget Malaga Centro is a fantastic budget-friendly option. Known for its clean, comfortable rooms and friendly service, this hotel is a great base for exploring the city.
It’s centrally located, which makes it easy to reach many of Malaga’s attractions on foot or by public transport.
I stayed at the IBIS budget Malaga Airport and it was a fantastic hotel apart from the location – that’s why I’m recommending this option right in the center!
Mid-Range: Apartamentos Casa Palma Centro Histórico
Casa Palma Centro Historico are stunning apartments, close to La Malagueta and La Caleta beach, Picasso Museum, and Alcazaba.
The apartments have great facilities, including AC, a living room, a kitchen, and a dining area – some units have an outdoor patio area. Beds and high chairs are available for younger children.
Mid-Range: The Illunion Malaga – Best Wheelchair Accessible Hotel in Malaga
The Illunion Malaga is a fantastic mid-range option for families visiting Malaga. This 4-star hotel is near the city center, next to the Malaga Centro-Alameda train station.
The hotel’s spacious family rooms are designed for comfort and convenience, with amenities like a minibar and free Wi-Fi. Kids will enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools.
The hotel also has a wellness center, which includes a spa, sauna, and fitness center.
The hotel’s restaurant offers a varied menu, with options appealing to both adults and children.
Luxury Splurge: Gran Hotel Miramar GL
The Gran Hotel Miramar is one of the best 5-star hotels in Malaga, just a 1-minute walk from the beach and located in a stunning listed building dating back to the 1920s.
The hotel has a spa, swimming pool, extensive gardens and elegant rooms with magnificent views over the bay. The hotel also has superb cafes, restaurants and a roof-top terrace, as well as a children’s pool and mini club.
High End Option: AC Hotel Malaga
The AC Hotel Malaga Palacio is an excellent choice. It’s between the marina and the main shopping street in the city center. The hotel also has excellent facilities, including an outdoor rooftop pool with stunning views and a spa.
Accommodations include spacious family rooms and suites, which are perfect for larger groups.
The hotel also offers a variety of dining options, suitable for even the pickiest of eaters.
Where to Eat in Malaga with kids
Malaga is a foodie city, and there’s plenty that kids will love. Make sure you try traditional Spanish tapas – perfect for sharing with family. Being on the coast, Malaga also has delicious seafood. Head to Atarazanas Market in the city center to try amazing local food.
Casa Aranda—Try amazing churros, chocolate, and coffee. View on TripAdvisor >>>
La Proa de Teatinos – One of Malaga’s best restaurants, with amazing tapas. Don’t miss trying the paella and croquettes as well as one of the fresh seafood dishes. Perfect for sharing an evening meal with the family. View on TripAdvisor >>>
Spago’s Fresh Pasta – Amazing Mediterranean cuisine, fresh ingredients and an Italian twist. This is a great place to enjoy lunch, the children will love it, and you will find fantastic food and service. View on TripAdvisor >>>
2 Days in Malaga Itinerary
If you have 1-2 days in Malaga, it’s just enough time to see the main attractions, spend some time at the beach and get a feel for the city. Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: 1 Day in Malaga
Morning: Visit the Picasso Museum (a 5-minute walk) to learn about the artist’s life and works.
Lunch: Casa Armando is a perfect spot for some lunch and is just over 5 minutes from the museum.
Afternoon: One of the best activities in Malaga is going to the beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing at La Malagueta beach (10 – 15 minutes via taxi). The kids can enjoy the beach, sea and water sports/activities.
Book a private tour via electric Tuk-Tuk – you can specify locations of interest you want to visit on your city break in Spain.
Day 2: 48 Hours in Malaga with Kids
Morning: Don’t miss the Roman Theatre and Alcazaba fortification.
Then take a trip up to Gibralfaro Castle, which overlooks Alcazaba via Segway, bus, taxi or (if not too tired) you can go on foot and enjoy some hiking in Malaga! Kids will love exploring the ruins and gardens. Book your Roman theatre and Alcazaba tour here >>>
Afternoon: Relax in the Puerto de Malaga (marina area), which has impressive boats and great cafes, parks, amusement rides, a beautiful beach, and open green spaces.
There are many great restaurant options in this area, or you can take a taxi to La Proa de Teatinos for some mouthwatering tapas.
Day Trips from Malaga with Kids (Costa Del Sol)
Malaga is a superb location to explore southern Spain and the Costa del Sol. There are new places to explore every day. The city has great transport links, so you can easily travel via hire car, train, or bus.
Gibralfaro Castle
Built on the remains of an ancient fortress and an old lighthouse on a hill during the 10th century, this fortress aimed to house troops and protect the Alcazaba. Alcazaba has beautiful gardens and stunning views over the city, and the Roman amphitheater is at the foot of the fortress.
Gibralfaro Castle is located just above Alcazaba, and the kids will enjoy exploring the castle and ramparts. Take a bus or taxi if you are traveling with younger or tired kids.
Marbella Old Town
Marbella old town is a charming part of Marbella, with winding streets, historic buildings, small cafes, quaint shops and beautiful flowers everywhere. Don’t miss the Plaza de Los Naranjos in the heart of Marbella’s old town.
Arroyo de la Represa Park is ideal for the kids, with two lakes, sports tracks, a playground and the Bonsai Museum.
Nagüeles beach is popular with families, where you can hire a pedalo for fun on the water, and older kids can enjoy various water sports.
You can take a direct bus from Malaga to Marbella in one hour or via a hire car takes 50 minutes.
Nerja Caves
The Nerja Caves are breathtaking and a great day out from Malaga with the kids. You can walk through the famous caves and admire the beautiful formations, including the longest stalactite in the world!
Take the Alsa bus to Nerja Caves in about an hour or take a hire car/taxi in 45 minutes. Make sure you and the kids wear suitable footwear as it can be slippery.
If you head to the caves in the morning, Aquavelis is a great water park in Malaga to visit in the afternoon and is open from June to September.
Book your Nerja and Friliana day tour from Malaga here >>>
What is Malaga famous for?
Best known as the birthplace of the artist Pablo Picasso, Malaga is home to world-class beaches, fabulous Andalusian cuisine, and a rich historical past. It has so much to enjoy, from beautiful parks and nature to an impressive port, cathedral, and vibrant city center.
Does Malaga have a beach?
There are 16 beaches spread over 8 miles of coast. La Malaguete is very popular and El Candado, Las Acacias and El Palo are also ideal in terms of family-friendly activities in Malaga. The kids can enjoy the beach, sea, water sports and play areas as there are also great seafood restaurants in these areas.
Are there sandy beaches in Malaga?
Malaga has clean sand, clear sea waters and great beach facilities. Some have darker sand, whereas others (La Palo) have finer sand and shallow waters.
Where can you go from Malaga by train?
Malaga is in a perfect position to explore Southern Spain. Cordoba is a beautiful city with a rich Roman and Islamic history and only 45 minutes via train.
You can also visit Ronda, a medieval hilltop town divided by a deep gorge and linked by the impressive Puente Nuevo bridge, in 1.5 hours.
Another great day trip is Seville, a stunning city which can be reached in just under 2 hours, or the Barcelona to Malaga train (direct service) takes 6 hours.
Should I go to Malaga or Marbella?
Definitely Malaga with kids! The city has so much to offer in terms of history, culture and family-friendly activities, as well as fabulous beaches, an impressive port, Gibralfaro Castle, great restaurants and shopping areas. Marbella is definitely worth a day trip during your Malaga city break.
Is Malaga worth visiting in winter?
Yes! The weather is mild and mostly sunny, there are fewer tourists and flights will be cheaper. The famous Malaga Christmas lights can be enjoyed on Larios Street. There are various events, such as the Three Kings Parade on the 5th of January and the carnival in February. You can also enjoy skiing at the stunning Sierra Nevada, located in the province of Granada and just a 3 hour drive.
What can you do for free in Malaga?
There are many free activities to enjoy in Malaga. You can visit the Picasso Museum, Parque de la Alegria, Plaza de la Merced, the port, Alcazaba, Roman amphitheatre and Atarazanas market. Window shopping on La Calle Larios is fun, and you can enjoy the beautiful lights later in the evening. You can also visit the beach and splash in the sea for free!
About the author: This article was originally written by Sylvie Simpson and has been edited by Kirsten Maxwell.