Sunday, 5 September 2010
Children's Activities
Mijas Water Park
Based in Fuengirola, about 15 minutes from our apartment, it has lots of slides and flumes, a large wave pool, an adventure river, a leisure pool, and a good kiddies mini water park. It is great for children of all ages.
Fuengirola Zoo
During July and August the zoo is open at night giving a chance to see nocturnal animals by moonlight. Set amidst tropical forests of Madagascar, Equatorial Africa and south-east Asia, this zoo is designed to replicate the natural habitat of each of the animal species living here. Large areas have been created in which water and vegetation are plentiful - rivers, gigantic trees, waterfalls, bamboo-shrouded temples, hanging bridges and abandoned mines.
Tivoli World
This is a small theme park based in Benalmadena, approximately 15 minutes from the apartment. It is a low key park, set in lovely gardens and it has lots of entertaining shows such as Flamenco dancing, wild west shows etc. There are numerous small children's rides, plus log flumes, roller coasters and lots of fairground type rides. It is open all year round, though only during weekends in the low season.
Crocodile Park
Situated in Torremolinos in the heart of the Costa del Sol, Crocodile Park houses prehistoric creatures which have miraculously survived 200 million years of evolution. These carnivores knew the dinosaurs and use the same cold, merciless hunting tactics. From a distance of less than 2 metres, you can see the gigantic crocodiles by silently walking beside them, observing the secrets of one of the most fascinating creatures of our world.
Sea Life Centre
Sealife recreates the different natural habitats of more than 100 marine species. It includes touch pools where visitors can handle specimens or feed the fish in the Ray Tank, and a Mediterranean reef with anemones and starfish. You can also walk through a glass tunnel and look at the largest collection of sharks in Europe, along with morays and barracudas. You can expect to spend a couple of hours looking around and more if you opt for the 3D video presentation. There are also several daily demonstrations. There are some fabulous sea creatures, including several different species of seahorse, angel fish, lobster, cardinal fish, yellow-tailed sturgeon, scorpion fish, conger eels, jellyfish, sea slugs and crabs. There are decorative tanks, several with shipwreck themes, which have magnifying and distorting glass which works to effectively give a three-dimensional wide-ocean feel.
Selwo Safari Park
This is based in Estepona, and it features more than 2000 semi-roaming animals, birds of prey, nature classes, Safaris and lots of other fun and attractions.
A combined ticket can be purchased to cover the adventure park, marine park and the cable.
Teleferico
Teleferico is a cable car ride from the coast at Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena, just outside of Tivoli World to the peak of Monte Calamorro at 725 metres. Fantastic views over the Mediterranean, Africa & Gibraltar.
The duration each way is 12 minutes with the first ride leaving at 10.30h and the last return at 19.00h.
At the top there are numerous hiking trails and donkey rides to be enjoyed.
Garden of Eagles
Opening times: October-April from 13.00h to 17.00h May-August from 13.00 to 20.00h September from 13.00h to 18.00h
160 birds of prey
Continuous displays with expert handlers
Castillo Colombo - miniature castle with beautiful grounds
Snake City reptile sanctuary
Clearly signposted and easy to find from Benalmadena Pueblo.
Located at: Jardin de Las Aguilas, Benalmadena Tel: 952 568 239