If you’re planning an extended stay on the Costa Blanca with toddlers and young children, you’re choosing one of the most welcoming, child-friendly regions in all of Spain. Having a car means you can skip the crowded hotspots and discover the relaxed, authentic places that local families actually use.
Here’s a hand-picked selection of lesser-known gems that are perfect for toddlers and young kids — calm beaches, gentle play areas, and magical day trips that won’t overwhelm little ones.
1. Calm, Toddler-Friendly Beaches
- Playa El Pinet (La Marina) – Quiet, shallow, and rarely crowded. The water stays calm on most days, giving toddlers plenty of safe space to paddle and build sandcastles.
- Santa Pola beaches – Soft sand and exceptionally calm water make this a favourite with local parents of very young children.
2. Small, Low-Key Theme Parks (Perfect Scale for Little Ones)
- El Mundo de los Niños (Alicante city) – A charming mini amusement park built specifically for toddlers and young children. Gentle rides, lots of shade, and no overwhelming crowds.
- Pola Park (Santa Pola) – Another small, family-run park that’s ideal when you want a bit of excitement without the chaos of the bigger resorts.
(With toddlers and young children, most locals recommend skipping the huge Benidorm parks.)
3. Elche – The Ultimate Family Day Trip (Just 20–25 Minutes Away)
- Río Safari Elche – Compact zoo with a splash park that’s just right for little legs on hot days.
- Palmeral de Elche (UNESCO palm grove)
→ Grab the free children’s “Dragon Hunt” map at the tourist office in Parque Municipal – kids love spotting the hidden dragons among the palms.
→ Shaded playgrounds inside the park.
→ Across the street: ponds with koi carp and giant tortoises that fascinate toddlers.
→ Huerto del Cura – Small entry fee, but worth it for the famous multi-trunk palms and free-roaming peacocks.
4. Extra Magical “Local Secrets”
- La Zenia Boulevard – Large open-air shopping centre where you can rent mini electric cars that toddlers and young children “drive” (with you on board). Pure joy every time.
- Carmen del Campillo (near Crevillente, ~35 min drive) – A breathtaking Moorish tea house with lush gardens, wandering peacocks, hidden nooks, and cosy fireplaces in cooler months. Order a fresh smoothie and let the kids explore this fairy-tale setting.
5. Discover Altea: Charming North Coast Gems (About 45 Minutes from Alicante)
Just a short drive north, Altea’s white-washed old town and pebbly coves offer a fairy-tale vibe for little explorers:
- Playa de la Roda – A serene, family-oriented pebble beach right in town, with calm shallows for safe splashing and nearby playgrounds for post-swim play. Less crowded than sandy spots further south, it’s ideal for toddlers who love rock pooling.
- Marco Topo Treasure Hunt – Follow this whimsical cartoon mouse on a free, self-guided adventure through Altea’s historic streets, hunting for clues about local legends and architecture. Educational fun that feels like a game, perfect for young children (pick up maps at the tourist office).
- Boat Trip on the Llaut Galatea – Gentle, family-friendly sailing excursions from the marina, spotting fish and coastal views without rough waves. Many operators cater to little ones with shaded decks and short durations.
6. Torrevieja Treasures: South Coast Surprises (About 50 Minutes from Alicante)
Head south to Torrevieja for salt lagoons, quirky museums, and easy nature spots that spark wonder:
- Laguna Rosa (Pink Lake) – A stunning natural salt lake that glows bubblegum pink at sunset. Easy walking paths with viewpoints let toddlers toddle safely while you explain the flamingos and why it’s rosy (no swimming, but binoculars for bird-spotting make it interactive).
- Submarine S-61 Delfín – Tour this real Spanish Navy submarine turned floating museum in the harbour. Short, guided visits show off tight quarters and periscopes – a hit with curious young children who love “underwater adventures” (affordable at €2, about 1 hour).
- Parque de las Naciones – A peaceful central park with a continent-shaped lake full of swans, ducks, and peacocks, plus dedicated playgrounds and picnic spots. Great for a low-key morning where kids can feed birds and burn energy on swings.
7. Everyday Tips from Local Families
- Spanish cafés and restaurants are genuinely welcoming to toddlers and young children — high chairs and changing facilities are the norm.
- Morning visits to local markets (Mercado Central in Alicante or the Saturday market in Santa Pola) are relaxed and fun — perfect for a churros-with-chocolate break.
With these spots saved, your toddlers and young children will enjoy the ideal blend of beach play, gentle adventures, and authentic Spanish family life — all while staying far away from the tourist crowds.
Falling in love with the Costa Blanca lifestyle? At HomeCosta.com we help families just like yours find the perfect home — whether it’s a peaceful apartment near Playa El Pinet, a spacious townhouse minutes from Elche’s palm groves, or a villa with a private pool for endless toddler splash time. Get in touch if you’d like to make this beautiful region your family’s new happy place.
¡Bienvenidos and have the most wonderful month with your little ones! ❤️
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