Malaga with children: the best things to do for families

If you’re planning a family getaway, Malaga offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and fun activities for children of all ages. From historic landmarks to sunny beaches, Malaga is a travel destination filled with exciting experiences that delights both adults and kids. Whether you’re looking for engaging sightseeing opportunities or seeking out the best spots for play, Malaga is a fantastic choice for a holiday with kids. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top sights and activities for families who travel to the city of Malaga just for one day.

The Malaga cathedral with children

One of the most famous landmarks you’ll encounter while sightseeing in Malaga, is the cathedral. You can’t miss it when you’re in Malaga, as the tallest cathedral in Andalusia is visible from many places in the city. This impressive cathedral was built on the former walls of a Moorish palace or mosque. A distinctive feature of the cathedral is that one of its towers is only half-built. This is due to a lack of funding during construction. As a result, the local nickname of the cathedral is the ‘one-armed’ or ‘lame’ lady.

You can easily take an hour to explore the Malaga cathedral, although whether it will be enjoyable for the children is another question. Nevertheless, they will be amazed by the many chapels and organs. If you have very curious children, there is an audio guide available that leads you through important points of the cathedral and tells you all about the history of this impressive building. Also, it’s good to know that the entrance for children under 13 years old is free.

Sightseeing Alcazaba & Castillo de Gibralfaro in Malaga

The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortress with decorated arches, Arabic architectural elements, and beautiful gardens. You can compare it to the Nasrid Palaces in the Alhambra in Granada, though it’s slightly less impressive. However, the Alcazaba is still worth visiting, as it is a beautiful building. From the Alcazaba, you also have stunning views of the city and the harbor. The entrance to the Alcazaba is located near the old Roman theater of Malaga, another top-of-the-list sightseeing spot in the city. If you have a stroller or buggy, you can take a lift on a side street next to the Alcazaba.

Another elevated and historical building is the Gibralfaro Castle. It is located 130 meters high on the Gibralfaro hill. This hill and castle are next to the Alcazaba, and the castle was built to defend the Alcazaba. Also here you get fantastic views of Malaga and the surrounding area. You can reach this castle on foot via the walking path that starts in the city center. However, be aware that it’s a steep climb. Inside the castle, there’s also a small museum displaying objects from the time when the castle was used to defend the Alcazaba.

The Malaga harbor with kids

The harbor is also a nice place to visit if you’re spending just one day in Malaga. You can enjoy a pleasant sea breeze here. Don’t expect to see many small boats; there are only a few large yachts and cruise ships docked. Children will surely be fascinated by the enormous yachts that dock in Malaga. Along the harbor, you’ll find a Hard Rock Café, several (more expensive) shops, and fancy restaurants. Although these are not the best suited restaurants for families in Malaga, you can certainly enjoy a walk along the quay.

Parque de Malaga with children

Parque de Malaga is a suitable relaxation spot when you’re visiting Malaga with kids. This is a wide boulevard with a park located between the harbor and the historic center. This 800-meter-long park is an oasis of calm in the city. You can take the time to relax here, to take a break from sightseeing all the landmarks of Malaga. The park has a variety of plants and trees, and the many palm trees enhance the vacation vibe. Children can also let off some steam in the playgrounds of Parque de Malaga.

City beaches in Malaga with kids

Another place to relax is the city beach. Malaga has several city beaches, but Playa la Malagueta is the easiest to reach and visit if you’re only spending one day in the city. This beach lies behind the harbor pier. On this long city beach, you can sunbathe, rest, let the kids play in the sand, or swim. This makes a visit to Malaga fun for families.

Charming Squares and Terraces

Malaga has many charming squares. It’s a very lively city, and with good weather, the terraces and bars are packed. Even though Malaga has many sightseeing options, secretly, you may just want to sit on a terrace all day. The kids may not be too thrilled, but if you get them an ice cream from one of the many ice cream shops in Malaga, you’ll probably be able to enjoy a cold sangria. It’s a real vacation vibe while visiting a big city like Malaga. The most fun squares to relax in are Plaza del Obispo (with a view of the cathedral), Plaza de Uncibay, and Plaza del Siglo.

Travel to surroundings of Malaga

Are you planning to travel to Malaga for more than one day? Then it’s definitely worth exploring the surroundings of Malaga. The city is located in the center of the Costa del Sol, the coastline with the most beautiful beaches, trendy resorts, and lovely mountain villages. In the northern part of the Costa del Sol, you’ll find a rocky coastline with tourist towns like Nerja and beautiful mountain villages like Frigiliana. South of Malaga, you’ll find the most touristy travel destinations, such as Marbella or Torremolinos, large water parks, and beautiful mountain regions.

Visit museums in Malaga with kids

During our one-day visit to the city of Malaga, we unfortunately didn’t have time to visit a museum. However, Malaga has several museums that may also be interesting for children. Here’s a list of some interesting museums in Malaga for families:

• OXO, the Video Game Museum of Malaga.
• Museo Casa Natal Picasso, the birthplace of the famous painter Picasso.
• Museum of the Imagination, the museum with optical illusions where you can take many fun photos.
• Picasso Museum, displaying many of his works. They also regularly organize activities for children. Entrance for children under 17 years old are free.

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