Ashley 

Bears Club Co-Founder

Marbella isn’t just beach clubs and nights out anymore - well for me anyways! Once you know where to go, it’s actually great with kids — easy to get around, loads of family-friendly places, and plenty to keep everyone entertained.

A few years ago I could have told you every beach club, bar, and buzzy restaurant to go to - but now it’s what restaurants open early, soft play areas and kids clubs. Oh how the mighty have fallen!

Where to Stay:

€ – NH Marbella

Nothing fancy, but really well located. You can walk to the beach, town, playgrounds — it’s a great base if you’re out and about all day.

€€ – El Fuerte Marbella

Right in the old town, really central and family-friendly. Beach is just across the road, and it’s easy for dinners or quick strolls with the buggy.

€€ – Marriott Marbella Beach Resort (Elviria)

Good if you want a bit more space. Apartments have kitchens (handy for snacks and early mornings), there are pools for all ages, a little kids’ club, and beach access.

€€€ – Don Carlos Resort & Spa

Just beside the Marriott. Recently renovated, proper resort feel but not over the top. Lots of greenery, pools, and it’s very chilled. Good for families who want a mix of comfort and quiet.

€€€ – Puente Romano Beach Resort

A good option if you want something more high-end that still works for kids. They’ve got a proper kids’ club and also run a tennis camp for kids (you don’t have to be staying at the hotel to sign up for the tennis camp). The camp is €450 a week 9.30am - 12.30pm Mon - Fri. Babysitting too, if you want a night off.

€€€€ – Marbella Club Hotel

Beautiful place, classic Marbella. Their kids’ club is amazing (like a mini village with crafts, cooking, etc.), but it’s not included — and it’s pricey. More of a treat than an everyday option.

€€€ – Ikos Andalusia (Estepona)

All-inclusive, and really well done. Pools, kids’ clubs, loads of food options, and the staff are great. You don’t have to leave the resort, which is kind of the point.

 

Things to Do with Kids:

Parks & Playgrounds

• Pirate’s Park (by the port) – Big wooden pirate ship, loads of space to run around.
• Parque de la Constitución – Small, quiet park just off the main strip. Shady and good for a break in the middle of the day.
• Evening funfair (Puerto Deportivo) – Small fair with trampolines and bouncy castles. Good for killing time after dinner.

Soft Play

• Monkey Park (La Cañada) – Indoor soft play with a café. Good for toddlers to 8-year-olds.
• Baby World – Smaller, clean, and easy to keep an eye on the kids.
• Ludoteca El Principito – More of a local feel. Play corners and chill space.
• DIA Supermarket soft play – Tiny but useful if you’re in the area or doing a shop.

Water Parks

• AquaMijas – Not too far, and ideal for families. Has a toddler area, slides, and a wave pool.
• Aqualand Torremolinos – Bigger, more full-on, better for older kids who want big slides.
• Costa Water Park (Puerto Banús) – Inflatable obstacle course in the sea. Life jackets are a must. Great for 6+.

Go-Karting

• Go Karting Marbella – Just off the main road, big outdoor track. Safe, well run, and a hit with older kids.
• Funny Hill (Ojén) – Go-karts, trampolines, playground, and a BBQ area. Bit more of a day trip vibe.

Day Trips

• Bioparc Fuengirola (Zoo) – Not huge, but really nicely done. Shaded paths, close-up views, and not too far from Marbella.
• The Reserva Club (Sotogrande) – Bit of a drive but lovely. Beach club, great food, and a proper kids’ club with activities. Feels special.

 

Gym:

It’s hard to get a work out in on holidays that isn’t just sprinting after your kids. The Real Padel Club is a really well equipped gym that also has a kids club (!!!!).

 

The Marbella Nanny Agency:

This is a great nanny agency that we have used before and Maxine the owner is so helpful finding the right fit for what you need! May it be babysitters or help during the day!

www.themarbellanannyagency.com

Where to Eat:

• Trocadero Playa – Beachfront, relaxed, and has a kids’ craft area and inflatables in the sea during summer.
• El Boquerón – Tapas spot in the old town. Go early (6ish) and you won’t need to queue. They do pizza too.
• Da Bruno – Easy, reliable, and very kid-friendly. Good pasta and pizza. The one in Cabopino has a playground!
• La Sala by the Sea (during the day) – Casual and shaded with a kids’ menu.
• Picasso (Puerto Banús) – Loud, fast, casual. Great for early dinners with kids when you don’t want a fuss.
• Pan y Mermelada (Golden Mile) - Great menu for brunch and lunch with the whole family.
• Casa Tua (Old Town) - Great Italian food and do early reservations!
• Tragabuches (Elviria) - A Dani Garcia restaurant with a kids club!

Most places are relatively child friendly here!

If You’re Here for the Summer:

If you’re spending July or August here, there are loads of summer camps and nurseries that take kids short-term.

• Most of the international schools run holiday programmes (sports, arts, languages).
• Local nurseries do drop-in days or week blocks, usually bilingual (Spanish/English).
• Camps range from age 2+ and run from half days to full weeks.
• Book early — spaces go fast by mid-June.

Our kids have been in camp here during the summer and the price ranges anywhere from €600-€1000 for the month.