If you’re planning a Spain itinerary and want to prioritize sightseeing with fun activities for the kids, Malaga city should be high on your bucket list!
Malaga is a beautiful coastal city in Andalusia, southern Spain. Its beautiful fortresses, Roman ruins, palm-lined promenades, and beautiful sandy beaches make it the perfect city to travel to Spain with kids.
Malaga was our third city on our two-week trip to Spain, and I loved it so much!
Spain is an incredible country for a family dream vacation destination; it’s just figuring out how to balance the fun and sights and reduce the meltdowns.
This guide is centered on families traveling to Malaga with toddlers and young children. It includes pro tips and incredible activities the entire family will enjoy!
Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase at no extra cost to you. Full Disclaimer here.
Family-Friendly Southern Spain Cities To Visit With Kids
Essential Tips for Surviving (and Enjoying) Málaga with Toddlers
Is Malaga Family-Friendly
Malaga is very family-friendly; there truly is something for the whole family to enjoy! From exploring some of the city’s rich history to relaxing at the beach, you can easily make an itinerary for visiting Malaga with kids!
It’s an excellent combination of sightseeing and fun, with a relaxing atmosphere.
One of our local tour guides from our visit to Seville said that the Spanish people love kids. In fact, kids of all ages are welcome inside bars! It’s a big difference from the United States.
Is Malaga, Spain, Stroller-Friendly?
Magala is very stroller-friendly. Unlike many cobblestoned cities in Italy and Germany, Spain has many streets and plazas with smooth marble flooring.
I would still suggest a lightweight, smaller, compact stroller that can be folded for ease of travel.
We love the Osprey Carriers and travel with them. It is a significant workout with the heavier kids. My husband carries our 4-year-old, and I carry our toddler. The ease of travel is so nice!
Tip: Certain attractions, like the Alcazaba Palace, have an area where strollers can be parked because you can’t bring them in.
How to Get Around Málaga with Kids
Walking
The coastal city is so easy to navigate, making it the perfect Spanish City for a family vacation.
You can walk everywhere! If you’re traveling to Malaga with toddlers or babies, you’ll love this destination.
You won’t need to worry about the hassles of car seats, taxis, or long walks to the main attractions.
You can easily walk to the city center from the beach, and explore museums on the way.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is a good option for those who want to take a day trip outside the city to a water park or the zoo.
If you’re visiting the Castillo de Gibralfaro (Gibralfaro Castle) with younger children, the best option is to take public transportation or a guided tour bus to the top.
Plan for the Siestas
Traveling to Spain with kids- this was probably one of our bigger challenges. If you can get your kids on the Spanish schedule with siestas during the day, you can enjoy your trip to Malaga with kids even more!
Unfortunately for us, my 4-year-old and toddler fight naps when traveling and need to be in bed by 7:00 PM. Needless to say, we were unable to get on the siesta schedule.
It’s important to understand that many stores and restaurants will close during the siesta hours and reopen for later evenings.
Always, and I Mean Always, Carry Snacks!
Tip: We prioritize an earlier dinner for the kids—even if that means chicken nuggets from McDonald’s (thankfully, Malaga does have one near the Alcazaba Palace)—before getting them to bed.
My husband usually orders us takeout while I’m doing bedtime, and then we can unwind and enjoy dinner.
Embrace the Plaza Life
Generally speaking, when we travel with kids, we pick our restaurants based on whether they are near a playground or a plaza.
Let the kids play while you sip some Vino Verano and enjoy tapas.
Tip: I always carry a few cars and other toys in our kids’ essentials. The plazas can be the right place for them to play, letting everyone have a great time.
Accept the Meltdowns
Traveling to Malaga with toddlers and babies is so much work. It is not necessarily a vacation for the parents, but an adventure!
There will be meltdowns…and the kids will need your patience and understanding.
Remember- traveling can be really hard on them.
Don’t Forget the Necessities!
Malaga is the city of sunshine! Don’t forget the sunscreen, even if you’re skipping the beach! And with all of the walking, you’ll need to pack your comfortable walking shoes.
Check out these Essential Travel Items for Kids (With Free Checklist)
For more things to do in Malaga: Amazing Things to do in Malaga: A Perfect Two-Day Itinerary
Things To Do In Malaga With Kids
Find the Playgrounds
This is my biggest piece of advice if you’re traveling to Spain with kids! Always find the playgrounds.
Thankfully, Malaga has many playgrounds sprinkled throughout the city!
We made sure to prioritize pockets of play time for the kids, to balance out our sightseeing.
Tip: To start our mornings, we really like to grab breakfast at a bakery and then head to the playground. This gives my husband and me some time to plan our day while the kids play and eat. It’s the perfect breakfast place!
Explore the Alcazaba Palace
The Alcazaba is the Moorish Palace, an iconic landmark of Malaga, Spain. It is beautiful, and the prettiest fortress I have ever seen.
The beautiful architecture blends Moorish and Christian, with gardens throughout. It’s stunning!
There are steps, so park the stroller downstairs.
Tip: Purchase your tickets ahead of time to avoid the long lines. Children under 6 years of age are free. If you plan to visit the Castle Girbralfaro, you’ll want to purchase the combination ticket. Once you have the ticket, you can walk right up to the entrance.
The entrance is up the staircase to the right if you’re looking at the Roman ruins.
My kids love fortresses and castles. We play “let’s find the dragon,” and they go nuts. So, to make the experience fun, we search for the dragon.
My kids also love to play with rocks and run around. Trying to turn these sightseeing adventures into games makes them more enjoyable for the whole family.
Tip: A little snack bar/ cafe is at the top of the hill in the fortress grounds. We stopped for coffee, waffles, and ice cream. The area is shaded, the view is beautiful, and there are clean bathrooms!
Admire The Roman Theatre
The Roman ruins are located right at the base of the Alcazaba fortress, making it an easy attraction to see.
Relaz at the Plaza de la Merced
Plaza de la Merced is just a few minutes’ walk from the Roman Theatre. It’s a good place to escape from the busier areas and enjoy some quiet time. This plaza is more relaxed than the larger plazas like Plaza de la Constitución.
In fact, see if the kids can find Pablo Picasso sitting on the bench. This is a fun photo op!
Explore Girbralfaro Castle
The Gibralfaro Castle grounds are beautiful, and the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea against the beautiful beaches are a great place for photos. The view is stunning!
The Girbralfaro Castle is one of the most preserved castles in the Andalusia region of Southern Spain.
How to Get To The Gibralfaro Castle
The hike up Mount Girbralfaro is steep and intense. There are sections with stairs and ramps throughout. I didn’t see anyone with strollers or young children on the hike.
We carried the kids on our backs while they took a nice, long nap. It took me about 40 minutes, and I was worn out.
Unless you are really up for the challenge, taking public transportation is an excellent idea. There is a parking lot right at the entrance of the medieval fortress.
I researched the bus route, and it looks like bus number 35 will get you to the entrance.
Tip: We also saw the hop-on hop-off bus stop here, making it another great option.
If you decide to hike, it is a gorgeous one! Be sure to bring water and sun protection, especially during Summer.
Tip: There is a little snack bar inside the entrance. We enjoyed our much-needed water, beer, and ice cream!
There are open areas where it’s safe for the kids to run around. However, exercise caution along the walls of the fortress and Alcazaba palace. There are areas where the walls are not high.
We kept the kids on our backs and didn’t have to worry about this.
Tip: The Gibralfaro Castle is not stroller-friendly. The ground is very uneven, and there are many sections with stairs.
There is a small museum that provides guests with a glimpse of life in the castle, from uniforms and weapons to other artifacts related to the castle’s role over the centuries.
In our Two-Day Itinerary of Malaga, we visited the Alcazaba Palace and the Gibralfaro fortress on the same day, which worked well for us.
However, depending on your itinerary and the kids, you may want to consider breaking them up into different days.
Book a Guided Tour
Guided tours can always be fun for the entire family. I think both younger and older kids can enjoy them. My first choice is usually a food tour; however, they were all booked up when we were there.
Instead, we booked the Malaga Pirate Treasure Hunt Tour, which my kids loved. They did get a little itchy during the last 20-30 minutes.
At the end, the guide had a little treasure chest with some goodies for the kids.
It was a completely self-guided tour, so it was a bit different than the tours with a guide, but it did add an element of adventure and helped us explore more of the city. I couldn’t recommend it enough!
Tip: If you have older kids, booking a bike tour could be lots of fun!
Museum of Imagination
When we travel with toddlers, we tend to limit museum visits to a minimum—unless it’s an interactive museum, the kids will enjoy.
Museo de Imaginacion is an interactive exhibit designed with optical illusions and hands-on activities.
Unfortunately, we were unable to include the imagination museum in our two-day itinerary. Still, it looks so neat that I wanted to include it in this Malaga guide for kids.
If you’re traveling to Malaga with kids during the Summer, this could be a great indoor activity to take a break from the hot, sunny days.
You can book tickets through their official website.
We visited an Optical Illusion Museum in Genoa, which was so neat. The entire family enjoyed the interactive space.
It’s located at Calle Martínez Campos 13, a short walk from the city center of Malaga.
Parque de Málaga
The Parque de Malaga is probably one of the best places to visit if you travel to Malaga with toddlers. The park is a lush, beautiful garden filled with statues, fountains, and playgrounds.
The park is like a little promenade adjacent to the Malaga port, just a short walk from the historic center.
The park is beautiful, and is a nice shady reprieve on the hot days.
Tip: Look for the Malaga parrots, my kids loved finding them!
We visited the park on both days of our two-day Malaga trip. It’s the perfect outing for a little break and a safe space for the kids to have fun. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a little break from the sun and the city.
Hop-on Hop-Off
These guided tours are a little more pricey, especially considering how easy it is to walk the old town and the ease of public transportation.
But sometimes, when you’re traveling with little kids, sitting on the top of these double-decker buses is enough to make the kids happy. And happy kids mean happy parents.
We didn’t utilize these guided tour buses in Spain like we did in Italy with kids, but they are always a consideration. Not to mention, they can be a great way to get a kid to nap, let the parents relax, and enjoy some sightseeing.
Tip: We saw one of these tour buses stopping at the entrance to the Gibralfaro Castle, which may make it a great option for skipping the hike.
Malagueta Beach
La playa de la Malagueta is such a great beach if you’re traveling with kids. Its easy access from the city center makes it a no-brainer, with a 15-minute walk.
No taxis, no buses- You can’t beat the easy access.
The crystal blue Mediterranean sea against the golden sands makes Malaguet Beach even more inviting.
Although I did prefer the softer sands of Alicante.
We visited Malaga in April, and the water was a little too brisk for my kids to enjoy, but we saw some playing in the shallow toddler pools. I can only imagine how wonderful this must be in the hotter months.
There are chairs and umbrellas for rent: 18,00 Euros for the day.
Plenty of public restrooms, beach bars, tapas bars, and even playgrounds exist. It’s the perfect spot for parents to relax and kids to let loose.
Indulge in the Churos, Waffles, and Gelato
We are not above bribing the kids with sweets on our travels- because, let’s be honest, these European adventures are more for the parents.
It’s all about the balance: sightseeing for us and playgrounds and treats for the kids.
And, if you have a sweet tooth like me, you also deserve a treat!
Churros con chocolate stands and heladerias (ice cream shops) are everywhere!
I didn’t know that one of Southern Spain’s sweet treats was waffles. They are similar to Belgium waffles, pretty sweet, and delicious. Like the churros, they are often served with chocolate, although I thought they were delicious without it.
Tip: Don’t forget about the bakeries! Those were our go-to breakfast places while traveling in Spain with kids!
Take Advantage of the Plazas.
I didn’t think I appreciated city plazas until I had kids. The smaller plazas can be great places for the kids to run around.
When my husband and I are walking around, we try to look for restaurants tucked away in the quieter plazas. This is perfect for us. We can enjoy a glass of wine with some tapas, and the kids can play with toys or run around, keeping a close eye on them is easier.
Many plazas will have beautiful fountains or even a historical monument.
The larger plazas often have huge shopping centers and restaurants, and may not be the best places to relax and enjoy a meal.
Walk Through Mercado Central de Atarazanas
Mercado Central is the city’s main local market. It’s where the locals buy fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, spices, and more.
Walking around the local markets can be exciting for parents and kids.
The Mercado Central is nestled in the city’s historical center. Its facade is a beautiful glass display that stands out from the rest of the street.
There are even little tapas bars, if you want to grab a quick bite.
Tip: If you plan a picnic in the park or on the beach, buy some delicious items here! Shop like a local.
Cathedral de Malaga
The Malaga Cathedral is massive. It felt a little out of place with its size, but it is stunning and demands your attention.
The inside is just as impressive!
You can add the rooftop guided tour to your admission ticket. Sadly, we didn’t have the time to add it to our day, but if we ever go back, I’ll be sure to check it out!
My kids love cathedrals, so thankfully, we can always add them to our itinerary.
Additional Activities to do in Malaga with Kids
We didn’t visit these, but if you have the time, they look like fun activities for kids! Both are a bit outside of the city and would require transportation.
Aqualand Torremolinos
Aqualand Torremolinos is the largest water park in the Costa del Sol, and it looks like it has something for all ages to enjoy. The water park is just under 10 miles from the city so that you would need public transportation.
We don’t prioritize water parks on our travels right now. Maybe we will consider them when the kids are a little older.
Visit their official website for more details
Selwo Marina
Selwo Marina is nestled next to the Parque de la Paloma. Its different wildlife exhibits consist of marine life, an ice island (Isla de Hielo), Amazon (Amazonian), and the more exotic birds and reptiles (La Hondonada)
We love visiting zoos and aquariums when we travel. But having come from Valencia, which has Europe’s largest aquarium, we didn’t add any more aquariums to our Spain family holiday.
Visit their official website for more details
Pin for Later
My Final Thoughts on Malaga with Toddlers and Kids
Malaga, Spain, was a wonderful destination on our family vacation to Spain. The city is beautiful, and it truly offers the perfect blend of sightseeing and relaxation.
There is so much to see and do in Malaga with kids that it’s the perfect place for a family vacation. Of course, if you can bring your kids to the Picasso Museum, that would be another incredible thing to do in this Spanish city!
I hope that this Malaga with toddlers and kids helps you plan the most incredible trip! I would love to hear all about it—and if there is anything I missed, please let me know!
Leave a Reply