Tips for Families
1. Accommodation Breaks
Most accommodation options here – unless they specifically request “adults only” – truly welcome families. Hotels often allow you to include any children up to a certain age – sometimes as high as the teens – at no extra charge, except perhaps a nominal fee for the extra bed or two. The best option for most families is a self-catered apartment.
2. Meals for Kids
Many restaurants have special kids’ meals, and some even have separate menus for children’s meals. Many will also prepare special foods for infants. There are also fast-food restaurants that cater to kids’ tastes, and tapas are a good choice as well.
3. Shopping for Kids
There are shops galore that focus on what kids want, from toys to beach gear to clothes and gadgets. Most of the stuff is cheap – and cheaply made – so you can stock up on what they need without worrying about the budget.
4. Sights for Kids
Some of the theme parks and museums have exhibits and activities, as well as special playgrounds, that are designed entirely with children in mind. Andalucía’s caves, too, are a big hit with youngsters, instilling them with a rich awareness of the wonders of nature.
5. Kids’ Activities
Besides the sea, the region also has a number of commercial water-parks and amusement parks, replete with slides and other facilities for children to burn up a full-day’s energy. It’s healthy, outdoor fun that the whole family can participate in.
6. Teenagers
Teenagers of every nationality quickly fall in with each other soon after arrival in the most touristed areas, establishing a routine of beaching it during the day and going out at night. There’s plenty of high-energy action to get up to while the sun shines. When the sun goes down, it’s time to prepare for the forthcoming social whirl.
7. Nightlife
In the very touristy resorts, which depend on families for much of their trade, many clubs will allow entrance for younger teens, although the minimum legal age for drinking is 18. Depending on what curfew, if any, is imposed by parental authority, the dancing can go on till dawn. The Spanish in general are very relaxed about the presence of children in bars and pubs.
8. Hotel Offerings
Many of the larger hotels and resorts have a full programme of activities for guests of every age. These may include water aerobics, water polo, or other exercise regimes – or anything from crafts classes for adults to organized games for pre-schoolers. Most such activities are scheduled on a weekly basis, with a monthly calendar posted in some conspicuous spot in the foyer.
9. Babysitting
Some hotels also offer babysitting services, especially those that cater primarily to pack‑age tourists. The cost of this service may be included in the package, so confirm that it is, if such an option exists. Other hotels may have a play area, supervised by qualified personnel.
10. Transport Options
The best option when you have small children is not to move around much – the kids will be able to adjust and enjoy themselves more readily. Children under four travel free on trains; ages four to eleven pay 60 per cent of the fare. Entry fees are either reduced or free to many sights and museums.
