Alicante is **the** ideal destination for families looking for a sunny, relaxed spring or summer holiday. The city offers a perfect mix of beautiful beaches, cultural activities and kid-friendly outings. Whether you’re traveling with little ones or teens — there’s always something to do. In this blog I share the nicest activities for families who want to discover Alicante like a local.

1) Endless sandcastle-building and swimming on kid-friendly beaches

Alicante is known for its beautiful beaches and many are perfect for families. **Playa del Postiguet**, close to the city center, is ideal for a beach day. You can rent parasols and loungers while the kids play in the water. The sea shelves gently here — as well as at **Playa San Juan** and **El Campello** — so you can walk out quite a way before it gets deep.

From the center take **Tram line 3** and hop off wherever you like. Loungers are available all along the beach and there are various chiringuitos (beach bars).

Note: the city beach in Alicante center is not that big for the number of visitors it gets — and many youngsters play loud music. Since it’s the only beach in the city, **with kids I prefer the beaches above** (San Juan and El Campello).

2) Visit Santa Bárbara Castle

What’s a visit to Alicante without a trip up to the impressive **Castillo de Santa Bárbara**? This medieval fortress towers over the city and is an adventure in itself. You can hike up (with older kids) or take the lift from the boulevard side. In summer there’s often a queue — so be early. Once at the top you’ll have breathtaking views of the city and coastline.

Kids love spending a couple of hours exploring the castle, spotting secret passages and cannons. Bring a picnic and enjoy the view.

Hiking up is still free. You pass through the shop but entry is free. Taking the lift up costs **€2.70**; going down is free.

3) Play in Alicante’s parks

Need a break from the bustle? Alicante has several green parks where kids can play safely. **Parque El Palmeral** — a tropical park full of palms, bridges and little waterfalls — is great for a quiet afternoon. Kids can ride bikes, play on the equipment or rent a little boat on the pond. It’s just outside the center and too far to walk with kids — better take a taxi.

Another recommendation is **Parque de la Ereta** at the foot of the castle. It combines play areas and water with beautiful views — perfect for families with slightly older kids who like walking and picnicking.

Online family travel guide

Did you know I wrote an **Online Travel Guide** with the best family tips for Alicante and the surroundings?

Perfect plan without stress: discover the best activities, beaches and outings so you get the most out of your holiday.
Suitable for all ages: tips that make both kids and parents happy — from adventures to relaxed family moments.
Exclusive and local: insider tips from a true Alicante expert with nearly 20 years’ experience, especially for families.

Download it here for just **€12.95**.

4) Cultural outings: museums with kids in Alicante

Culture with kids? In Alicante it works surprisingly well! The **Museo de Hogueras** is a great choice for the whole family. This free museum is dedicated to the famous **Hogueras de San Juan** festival where giant colorful sculptures are burned. Kids love the life-sized figures and the stories behind the event. Plan about **30 minutes** here.

For curious families, the **Ocean Race Museum** by the marina is highly recommended. This interactive museum tells the story of the global sailing race and offers **activities in English** where kids can actively participate.

5) Water fun in and around Alicante

No holiday is complete without water fun, and around Alicante there’s plenty of choice. **Aqualandia** in Benidorm (just 30 minutes’ drive) is a family favorite with slides, pools and special zones for little ones.

For a calmer water day, take a **boat trip to Tabarca Island**, just off the coast. It’s perfect for snorkeling in crystal-clear water. The car-free island is safe and quiet for kids.

Note: in peak season it’s extremely busy **and hot** — not the best time for a visit with kids. There’s little shade and restaurants fill up quickly. Go outside the peak season!

Nice family hotels near Alicante

Below you’ll find a map of El Campello with the 10 nicest family hotels. Click and you’ll see them directly on **booking.com**. El Campello is my favorite village: next to Alicante center, car-free boulevard, endless beach and fun activities for kids. Read more in this **El Campello blog**.

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6) Spanish cuisine with kids

Alicante has plenty of kid-friendly restaurants where you can enjoy Spanish cuisine. Think small tapas like croquetas and patatas bravas, or a traditional paella often served in family portions. Many restaurants — for example along the Explanada de España — have kids’ menus and terraces where little ones can roam.

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If you want to venture further, there are plenty of fun family day trips. Visit Terra Natura Park in Benidorm to see wildlife up close and learn about conservation — then combine with adjacent Aqua Natura for a full day of fun.

Another nice trip is the tram to **Villajoyosa**, a charming seaside town with colorful houses popular on Insta and TikTok — and visit the famous **Valor Chocolate Factory** for a tour (and tastings, of course).

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8) Festivals for the whole family

If you visit during one of Alicante’s many festivals you’ll have a unique experience. Hogueras de San Juan in June is a blast of fireworks, parades and traditional music — kids are always impressed. Christmas is special too, with a life-sized nativity and ice rinks in the city center.

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My five family favorites:

→ Traffic Park El Campello

→ Mundomar Benidorm

→ Rent bikes and cycle to El Campello

→ Museum of Illusions for older kids and teens

→ Walk up to Santa Bárbara Castle

You’ll find all these tips (and many more) in **my family e-book** for only **€12.95**.

Saludos from Alicante,

Monique

Also nice:

→ Book a nice family hotel in Alicante

→ Rent a car to tour the Alicante region with your family

→ Book a tapas tour

→ Book a family-friendly bike tour

Saludos from Alicante,

Monique

E-book with tips for families

Read more specific family tips in my e-book **Family Holiday in Alicante**.

Make your family holiday a success: with this guide you’ll easily plan fun activities tailored to your wishes.
For young and old: find the best places that make both kids and parents happy — from play to relaxation.
Unique local tips: benefit from an Alicante specialist’s knowledge and discover hidden gems you won’t find elsewhere.

Alicante with Kids: The Best Tips for a Family Holiday

1) Endless sandcastle-building and swimming on kid-friendly beaches

2) Visit Santa Bárbara Castle

3) Play in Alicante’s parks

Online family travel guide

4) Cultural outings: museums with kids in Alicante

5) Water fun in and around Alicante

Nice family hotels near Alicante

If you want to venture further, there are plenty of fun family day trips. Visit Terra Natura Park in Benidorm to see wildlife up close and learn about conservation — then combine with adjacent Aqua Natura for a full day of fun.

If you visit during one of Alicante’s many festivals you’ll have a unique experience. Hogueras de San Juan in June is a blast of fireworks, parades and traditional music — kids are always impressed. Christmas is special too, with a life-sized nativity and ice rinks in the city center.

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Alicante with Kids: The Best Tips for a Family Holiday

1) Endless sandcastle-building and swimming on kid-friendly beaches

2) Visit Santa Bárbara Castle

3) Play in Alicante’s parks

Online family travel guide

4) Cultural outings: museums with kids in Alicante

5) Water fun in and around Alicante

Nice family hotels near Alicante

If you want to venture further, there are plenty of fun family day trips. Visit **Terra Natura Park** in Benidorm to see wildlife up close and learn about conservation — then combine with adjacent **Aqua Natura** for a full day of fun.

If you visit during one of Alicante’s many festivals you’ll have a unique experience. **Hogueras de San Juan** in June is a blast of fireworks, parades and traditional music — kids are always impressed. Christmas is special too, with a life-sized nativity and ice rinks in the city center.

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If you want to venture further, there are plenty of fun family day trips. Visit Terra Natura Park in Benidorm to see wildlife up close and learn about conservation — then combine with adjacent Aqua Natura for a full day of fun.

If you visit during one of Alicante’s many festivals you’ll have a unique experience. Hogueras de San Juan in June is a blast of fireworks, parades and traditional music — kids are always impressed. Christmas is special too, with a life-sized nativity and ice rinks in the city center.