Spain’s Costa Blanca is one of Europe’s most favoured holiday destinations and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a gorgeous part of the world with wonderful beaches, sunny climes, a stunning and varied landscape, and great gastronomy.
With such wonderful weather and beautiful surroundings, spending days on the beach and lounging by the pool are a great idea. However, with toddlers in tow, it’s generally unrealistic to expect long stretches of rest and relaxation.
In fact, surviving a holiday in the heat with a toddler can be incredibly draining and difficult. In most cases, life with a toddler on holiday veers between fun and laughter and frazzling parenting.
In order to get the most out of your holiday on the Costa Blanca, it’s a good idea to have some special trips and activities planned to keep your little ones entertained.
After a fun-filled day your cherubs are much more likely to settle into bed at a reasonable time, giving you a chance to relax with a glass of wine and enjoy one of the Costa Blanca’s wonderful sunsets from your balcony.
Here are six great places your toddlers will absolutely love…
1 – The Terra Natura Zoo, Benidorm
An absolute must for kids and adults alike, the Terra Natura Zoo is a new-generation wildlife park that enables you and your children to get close to the animals, with invisible barriers providing a “zooimmersion” experience. This day trip will keep your toddlers entertained from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. There are lots of animals, birds and reptiles to see, as well as rides and kids’ play areas. There is also a water park with pools and slides.
2 – Rio Safari Park, Elche
A great family animal park with a range of animals from around the world. Highlights include a safari train ride, a sea lion show, a parrot show and feeding the animals. There is also a water splash park here, which is perfect for children aged four to eight years.
3 – Santa Pola Aquarium
A small but attractive aquarium perfect for an hour with younger children. If nothing more, it provides the opportunity to take a break from the sun.
4 – El Palmera Park, Alicante
A hidden gem in Alicante, this park is a little tricky to reach by public transport but well worth the effort. The park is an oasis of palm trees, waterfalls and numerous playgrounds with a walking trail, a café and toilets. A great place for a picnic, and it’s free.
5 – L’Oceanografic, Aquarium Marine Park, Valencia
A huge modern aquarium and marine park that is home to around 500 different aquatic species. You can walk underwater and see fish, sharks, penguins, whales and walruses. There is a Dolphinarium, a central lake and even an underwater restaurant.
6 – Mundomar, Benidorm
Mundomar is another animal park that is perfect for families. The park has different species of mammals, birds and reptiles, and there are various shows, activities and experiences on offer (additional fees apply for some), such as swimming with sea lions or having photos taken with the animals.