The Best Family Activities in Alicante 

Alicante is a brilliant choice for a family holiday — it’s warm, easy to get around, and full of things everyone can enjoy. From sandy beaches and boat trips to castles, water parks and colourful towns, there’s always something to keep little ones entertained and grown-ups happy too. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teens or the whole family, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your days without feeling rushed. Here are some of the best family activities in Alicante to help you plan a holiday everyone will love. 

 

Spend the Day at Playa de San Juan 

Wide, clean and beautifully maintained, Playa de San Juan is Alicante’s most family-friendly beach. With soft golden sand, shallow waters and plenty of space, it’s ideal for little ones to paddle safely while adults relax under the sun. 

The promenade is lined with cafés, ice cream shops and family-friendly restaurants, making it easy to turn a beach day into an all-day outing. There are also playgrounds, lifeguards during high season, and easy tram access from the city centre.

Perfect for: Toddlers, young children and relaxed beach days. 

Discover more of the best beaches in Alicante in our blog.

alicante San Juan Beach_best beaches in alicante

Ride the Lift to the Top of Santa Bárbara Castle 

Towering over the city, Santa Bárbara Castle is one of Alicante’s most exciting family outings. Take the lift straight up the mountain or walk up if your little explorers are feeling adventurous. 

Once at the top, kids will love roaming the old stone walls, imagining life as a knight or princess, while parents soak up panoramic views over the marina and city rooftops. It’s educational, energetic and entertaining all in one — the perfect mix for a family day out. 

Perfect for: Curious kids and history lovers. 

Explore Santa Bárbara Castle

Take a Boat Trip to Tabarca Island 

Just a short boat ride from Alicante marina, Tabarca Island feels wonderfully different from the mainland. The crystal-clear waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling, while the small village is full of quiet charm and friendly restaurants. 

Children love exploring the island’s beaches and watching fish in the shallows, while parents enjoy a slower pace of life. Pack water shoes for rocky areas and enjoy a relaxed lunch by the sea before heading back in the afternoon. 

Perfect for: Families who love beach adventures and boat trips. 

alicante Tabarca Island 

Explore the MARQ Archaeological Museum 

For an indoor activity with plenty of fascination, MARQ Archaeological Museum is one of Spain’s most impressive museums and surprisingly child-friendly. 

Interactive exhibits and engaging displays bring Alicante’s history to life, from prehistoric settlements to Roman times. When the Spanish sun is at its strongest, this is a smart way to enjoy culture while staying cool. 

Perfect for: School-age children and rainy-day plans. 

alicante MARQ Archaeological Museum

Cool Off at Aqualandia Water Park 

If your family loves water slides, wave pools and thrill rides, then Aqualandia is a must. Located just outside Alicante in Benidorm, it’s one of the largest water parks in Europe and guarantees a high-energy day out. 

There are zones for toddlers, areas for young children and bigger slides for teens. It’s effortlessly fun and keeps the whole family smiling from morning to closing time. 

Perfect for: Active families and teenagers. 

Wander the Old Town (El Barrio) 

Alicante’s Old Town is a gentle family wander, full of narrow lanes, colourful buildings and sunny plazas. Children love exploring the winding streets, while parents enjoy browsing artisan shops and stopping for snacks along the way. 

Visit in the early evening when it’s cooler, choose a child-friendly restaurant with outdoor seating, and enjoy the laid-back night-time energy that families in Spain adore. 

Perfect for: Easy evenings and relaxed exploring. 

Alicante old town

Get Curious at the Museum of Illusions 

For something a little different (and lots of laughs), the Museum of Illusions is a brilliant family stop. Full of mind-bending rooms, optical tricks and interactive exhibits, it’s the kind of place where children and adults are equally entertained. 

Kids will love posing in upside-down rooms, shrinking and growing before your eyes, and working out how the visual puzzles fool the brain. It’s educational without feeling like a lesson and makes a fantastic indoor option during the hottest part of the day or if you fancy a break from the beach. 

It’s also a great place for taking fun family photos that you’ll actually want to keep — and share. 

Perfect for: All ages, especially school-age children and teens. 

Burn Off Energy at Go Karts Ciudad Quesada 

For families with older children or teenagers, a visit to Go Karts Ciudad Quesada is an exciting way to spend an afternoon. This well-maintained outdoor track offers karts suitable for different ages and experience levels, so everyone from beginners to budding racers can get involved safely. 

It’s fast, competitive fun in the sunshine — perfect for kids who love a bit of adrenaline and parents who are secretly just as competitive. There are viewing areas for spectators and simple refreshments available, making it easy to relax between races. 

It’s especially ideal if you’ve had a few slower beach days and want to mix things up with something more action-packed. 

Perfect for: Older children, teens and competitive families. 

Photo Credit: Go Karts Ciudad Quesada Facebook

Go Wild at Terra Natura 

If your children love animals, Terra Natura is a must-do. Located near Benidorm, this award-winning wildlife park offers the chance to see animals from all over the world in beautifully designed habitats that recreate their natural environments. 

From elephants and tigers to monkeys and birds, there’s so much to see — and the park’s layout makes it feel immersive and educational rather than overwhelming. You can easily spend a full day here, especially if you combine it with the neighbouring water park in the warmer months. 

Shaded areas, cafés and rest stops make it comfortable for families, even in the summer heat, and the walking paths are manageable for little legs. 

Perfect for: Animal lovers, ages 4+ and full-day adventures. 

Photo Credit: Terra Natura Facebook

 

Stay in a Family-Friendly Villa 

After busy beach days and adventures, nothing beats the freedom of having your own space. With a wide choice of villas in Alicante, you’ll find family-friendly homes with private pools, gardens and plenty of room to relax. 

A villa gives you: 

  • Flexible mealtimes for little ones 
  • Safe outdoor play areas 
  • Private swimming pools 
  • Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms 
  • Room to unwind at your own pace 

It’s the perfect balance of comfort and freedom — especially when travelling with children. 

 

Looking for the perfect place to stay? Explore our range of family-friendly villas in Alicante and start planning a holiday your whole family will remember. 

With our expert knowledge, we can certainly make your villa holiday in Spain that little bit easier.  

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Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any of these businesses. This information is gathered from client and staff experiences and feedback and we are happy to share as a helpful guide. We do not vouch for or recommend any service or establishment.