Malaga with kids: The best things to do in one day

Planning a day trip to Malaga with kids and wondering if you can really see enough in a short time? From our own experience, Malaga in one day is not only doable, but also surprisingly relaxed when traveling as a family. During our visit to Malaga, we explored historic sights, green parks, and finished the day at the beach. In this blog, we share what to do in Malaga with children, including our favorite spots and practical tips for visiting Malaga with kids without rushing.

One-day trip: what to do in Malaga with children?

Enjoy charming squares and terraces

Our first impression of Malaga: what a lively city! We visited on a Friday in September, and the center was buzzing early in the day. That’s no coincidence: plazas have played a key role in daily life in Andalusian cities for centuries. They serve as meeting points, resting spots, and extensions of the living room. Cafés and bars were full, from locals meeting after work to tourists exploring the city. For families, this is ideal—there’s always something to see, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

The plazas we enjoyed most for a coffee break were Plaza del Obispo, Plaza de Uncibay, and Plaza del Siglo. Plaza del Obispo sits right next to Malaga Cathedral, one of the city’s most important historic buildings, giving it extra character. Plaza de Uncibay and Plaza del Siglo are smaller and cozier, making them perfect for a short break with kids.

The Malaga cathedral with children

The first attraction we visited was Malaga Cathedral, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. You can hardly miss it: the tallest cathedral in Andalusia is visible from many spots in the center. Built on the remains of a former Moorish palace or mosque, one tower was never completed due to a lack of funding. Locals affectionately call it La Manquita, “the one-armed lady.”

Inside, we used an audio guide, which takes you through the main highlights and explains the cathedral’s history in an accessible way. We were amazed by the many chapels and organs. Traveling with a baby, we spent about half an hour, but you could easily spend an hour exploring. Practical tip for families: children under 13 enter for free. The cathedral is not only impressive but also very family-friendly for a day in Malaga.

Parque de Malaga with kids

Next, we explored Parque de Malaga, a broad boulevard-park stretching roughly 800 meters between the harbor and the historic center. It feels like a green corridor through the city and provides a peaceful transition between the busy center and the coast. With its wide variety of plants and trees, including many palms, it’s a surprisingly calm spot in the middle of Malaga.

For families, Parque de Malaga is a great stop. There are several playgrounds for kids and plenty of shaded spots to relax. We took a break here; Luca enjoyed lying on the grass while we soaked in the green surroundings.

Sightseeing Alcazaba & Castillo de Gibralfaro in Malaga

We then visited the Alcazaba, an impressive Moorish fortress on the edge of Malaga’s center. The complex features decorated arches, Arabic architectural elements, and beautifully landscaped gardens. It reminded us of the Nasrid palaces of Granada’s Alhambra, though on a slightly smaller scale. We were fascinated by the details, including decorative gates and quiet courtyards.

The highlight is the viewpoints. From several spots, we enjoyed stunning views of the city and harbor. Families with strollers can access the Alcazaba via an alternate entrance with a lift from a side street—very convenient for visiting with little ones.

Another historic site is Gibralfaro Castle, perched 130 meters high on Gibralfaro Hill. Built to defend the Alcazaba, it can be reached on foot via a trail from the center, though it’s a steep climb. Inside is a small museum with artifacts from the castle’s defensive days. We didn’t visit it ourselves due to our one-day schedule, but the views over Malaga are reportedly fantastic.

The Malaga harbor with kids

We also took a walk along Malaga Harbor, a refreshing way to unwind after the city’s hustle and bustle. The harbor isn’t a small marina; when we visited, there were large yachts and a cruise ship docked. The yachts were particularly impressive, which older kids would likely enjoy seeing.

The harbor area felt modern and commercial, with a Hard Rock Café, upscale shops, and stylish restaurants. It’s worth a stroll to soak in the atmosphere, but we kept it short.

City beaches in Malaga with kids

Finally, it was time to relax at the city beach. Malaga has several city beaches, but Playa la Malagueta is the easiest to reach if you only have one day. This long beach stretches right behind the harbor pier and is within walking distance from the center. For us, it was the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the space and the sea, and end our day in Malaga in a kid-friendly, relaxing way.

Travel to surroundings of Malaga

We stayed outside Malaga and visited the city as a day trip. You could also base yourself in Malaga and explore the surrounding area. Malaga sits in the middle of the Costa del Sol, known for its beautiful beaches, trendy resorts, and charming mountain villages. The northern part of the Costa del Sol has a rocky coastline, tourist towns like Nerja, and pretty mountain villages such as Frigiliana. The southern coast is more touristy, with towns like Marbella and Torremolinos, large water parks, and scenic mountains.

Do you want toe learn more about the Northern part of the Costa del Sol? Find here the top things to do for Northern Costa del Sol and Costa Tropical

Visit museums in Malaga with children

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.

FAQ – Malaga with kids

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