Best for toddlers

A big indoor trampoline and ball pit park on the edge of Marbella, with a cafe and party rooms.

A ball pit party venue in Alhaurín el Grande with large function rooms.

A large covered ball pit park in Málaga for children up to 12.

A large covered play park in Estepona for babies up to around age nine, with a cafe area.

A bilingual kids club and ball pit in Fuengirola with craft activities.

An indoor ball pit and play park in Málaga city, good for a rainy day or a birthday.

An indoor ball pit centre in Alhaurín el Grande built around birthday parties.

Often called the biggest playground in Málaga city, with four separate play zones so older and younger children each have somewhere of their own.

An indoor ball pit and play centre in Mijas for ages one to ten.

A dedicated water play park of around 2,000 square metres at the municipal sports centre, with separate zones for younger and older children.

A shaded historic garden in the old town with a small, well kept carousel and old arcade machines. Lovely after a wander through the centre.

A large green park above La Carihuela with sea views, wide paths and children's play areas. Good for a slow afternoon rather than a quick stop.

A family park with ornamental waterfalls and a children's play zone, in one of the newer parts of town.

A fully renovated play park in the old village, with equipment themed around the landmarks of Mijas. Nice to combine with a walk in the pueblo.

The green heart of Benalmádena, with shade, open lawns, free roaming animals and play areas. A classic first outing with small children.

A calm, tree filled park with orange and jacaranda trees and painted silhouettes of local children. Shady on a hot afternoon.

A beachside park with a big pirate ship play structure, soft wave patterned ground for scooters and bikes, a separate toddler section and a kiosk for drinks.

A riverside playground themed after the Verano Azul series filmed in Nerja, with five zones for different ages and some equipment adapted for children with disabilities.

A boat themed play area in La Cala with a full fence around it, which makes a real difference with runners and toddlers.

A neighbourhood playground in the Carranque area, handy if you live inland and want somewhere close to home.

A playground in green surroundings by the Nerja caves, so you can turn a cave visit into a full morning out.

A spacious modern playground in the Teatinos university area, with separate modules for different age groups.

A big boulevard playground with fountains, green space, zip lines, a climbing zone and a separate baby area. Step free entrance and accessible parking.

A well equipped playground right on the Estepona promenade, a short walk from the centre and easy to reach with a buggy.

A small neighbourhood playground that parents rate highly. Handy if you are staying nearby and want somewhere quiet before dinner.

A recently rebuilt playground with new play units, rubber ground and a fence all the way around.

A central playground in Nerja's main square, surrounded by cafés. Useful when you need ten quiet minutes in town.

A newer playground in the main square of Mijas Pueblo, with a multi play unit, swings and soft rubber ground.

A free playground aimed at little ones, with shade, water fountains and small ride-on cars to hire. Easy with a buggy.

A newer playground with a play structure shaped after the local church, in the centre of Cártama.

A remodelled playground with a green area and picnic tables next to it, which makes a simple packed lunch easy.

Two playgrounds either side of an open plaza, with a fountain and plenty of benches. Easy to keep an eye on children of different ages.

A renovated playground with fresh rubber ground, close to the beach and to the chiringuitos, so lunch is never far away.

The biggest park in Coín, with four play areas for different ages, a zip line, a climbing wall, a large lake and a giant dinosaur. Worth the drive inland, and there is proper parking.

A 400 square metre indoor ball pit park in Torremolinos with slides and workshops.

A municipal water playground with 41 interactive elements across three age zones, from gentle jets for babies to tipping buckets and mini slides. Open through the day in season.