Things to do · Family

Almería with kids

Neighbourhood playgrounds and enormous parks, ramps for the ones who have outgrown swings, gardens and visitor centres that cost nothing. Everything you can do here with children and teenagers without opening your wallet — or barely opening it.

The directory

Where to take them, for nothing

Prices and opening times change, especially at municipal sites. Every entry only carries what we were able to verify: if an opening time is missing, it means it is not confirmed. Always check before getting in the car.

Filter by price
Filter by type of place
Filter by age
18 places
El Nacimiento Picnic Area A kilometre from Laujar, inside the Sierra Nevada natural park: picnic tables, barbecues, drinking water, shade and a playground. The closest full-day outing to Alhama. Picnic area ≈ 40 km Laujar de Andarax Playground A 350 m² municipal play area with themed equipment: slides, swings and a tipi-shaped climbing frame. Large playground ≈ 40 km Parque de las Familias The city’s big playground, on Avenida del Mediterráneo: four themed zones that tell children about Almería — the Alcazaba, Cabo de Gata, cinema and recycling — inside a fenced, patrolled enclosure. Large playground 18 km Andarax Park Seventy-seven hectares along the river, with a lake of ducks and swans, a skatepark, a cactus garden, barbecues and several play areas. The park that works for the whole family at once. City park ≈ 20 km Nicolás Salmerón Park Twenty-one hectares of century-old trees between the port and the centre, laid out from 1855 on the old city walls. The best midday shade in town. City park ≈ 20 km Antonio de Torres Guitar Museum The museum devoted to the Almería luthier who gave the Spanish guitar its final shape. Three euros, two for under-18s, with guided tours on Fridays and Sundays. Themed museum 16 km Casa del Cine The house where John Lennon stayed during a shoot in Almería, now a museum about films made in the province. Guided visit for three euros, booked by phone. Themed museum ≈ 20 km Gran Parque de las Familias (San José Park) Seven hectares opened in December 2023: three play areas, a 2,000 m² pump track, water features, calisthenics, sports courts and picnic areas. The best-equipped in the province. Large playground ≈ 40 km Parque de la Infancia Ten thousand square metres designed in 2017 with the town’s own children, under UNICEF’s “Child Friendly City” programme. Opened on 4 May 2019. Large playground ≈ 30 km Santa Ana Castle A restored castle on the Roquetas seafront, with exhibitions and completely free interior access. It forms a cultural triangle with the lighthouse and the auditorium. Monument 23 km Loquilandia Almost ten thousand square metres between the municipal pool and the urban sports area: climbing, giant slides and a dedicated birthday space. Open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Large playground ≈ 20 km El Campillo Pump Track Three lines of increasing difficulty — green, blue and red — right next to Loquilandia. Where nearly everyone who rides in the province starts out. Free sport ≈ 20 km Álex Segura Parkour Park A municipal parkour facility in the Los Pinos area. Together with Loquilandia and the BMX circuit it forms one of the largest youth leisure areas in the province. Free sport ≈ 20 km Macael Family Park Eleven thousand square metres in the heart of marble country: a thirty-metre double zip line, a giant trampoline, picnic areas and barbecues, with the Pachamama sculpture at the entrance. Large playground ≈ 65 km El Albardinal Botanical Garden A free botanical garden in Rodalquilar, the old gold-mining village turned management centre for the natural park. It shows how plants survive without water: some species exist nowhere else in Europe. Nature 48 km Las Amoladeras Visitor Centre The free gateway to Cabo de Gata: three exhibition rooms and a projection room explaining the volcanoes, the seabed and the role of the salt pans for birds. Visitor centre ≈ 20 km Cabo de Gata Salt Pans Bird Hides Several public hides along the salt pans, one of the strategic points on the Europe-Africa migration route. Free, and no kit needed beyond patience. Nature ≈ 20 km Lucainena de las Torres Greenway Five and a half kilometres on the old mining railway that carried ore down to Agua Amarga. Asphalted end to end, from 550 to 410 metres: on a bike, a good half-hour of descent. Nature 43 km
Under 45 km away
Antonio de Torres Guitar Museum Up to €5
Themed museum 16 km

Antonio de Torres Guitar Museum

For Ages 8-12 · Teens

The museum devoted to the Almería luthier who gave the Spanish guitar its final shape. Three euros, two for under-18s, with guided tours on Fridays and Sundays.

On site: The guitar as Antonio de Torres invented it · Guided tours Friday and Sunday

Almería
Parque de las Familias Free Since 2014
Large playground 18 km 41 000 m²

Parque de las Familias

For Ages 0-3 · Ages 4-7 · Ages 8-12

The city’s big playground, on Avenida del Mediterráneo: four themed zones that tell children about Almería — the Alcazaba, Cabo de Gata, cinema and recycling — inside a fenced, patrolled enclosure.

On site: Alcazaba hill with four slides · Cabo de Gata lighthouse slide · Climbing wall in the cinema zone · Sandpit and jumping mat for toddlers

  • Toilets
Av. del Mediterráneo (next to the Auditorio Maestro Padilla), 04007 Almería
Andarax Park Free
City park ≈ 20 km 77 ha

Andarax Park

For Ages 0-3 · Ages 4-7 · Ages 8-12 · Teens

Seventy-seven hectares along the river, with a lake of ducks and swans, a skatepark, a cactus garden, barbecues and several play areas. The park that works for the whole family at once.

On site: A 6,900 m² lake with a geyser · Skatepark · Cactus garden · “Bosque de los Niños” · Barbecues and picnic areas

  • Shaded areas
  • Toilets
  • Picnic tables
  • Parking
South gate, carretera de Cabo de Gata (Vega de Acá), 04007 Almería
Nicolás Salmerón Park Free Since 1855
City park ≈ 20 km 21 ha

Nicolás Salmerón Park

For Ages 0-3 · Ages 4-7 · Ages 8-12

Twenty-one hectares of century-old trees between the port and the centre, laid out from 1855 on the old city walls. The best midday shade in town.

On site: Century-old trees · Swings and see-saws · Municipal family programming

Carretera de Málaga, beside the port, 04002 Almería
Casa del Cine Up to €5
Themed museum ≈ 20 km

Casa del Cine

For Ages 8-12 · Teens

The house where John Lennon stayed during a shoot in Almería, now a museum about films made in the province. Guided visit for three euros, booked by phone.

On site: The house where John Lennon stayed · Guided visit by booking

Almería
Loquilandia Free Since 2022
Large playground ≈ 20 km 10 000 m²

Loquilandia

For Ages 0-3 · Ages 4-7 · Ages 8-12

Almost ten thousand square metres between the municipal pool and the urban sports area: climbing, giant slides and a dedicated birthday space. Open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.

On site: Climbing area · Giant slides · “Party Corner” for birthdays

  • Toilets
  • Picnic tables
  • Parking
Calle de La Gloria, 04230 Huércal de Almería
El Campillo Pump Track Free
Free sport ≈ 20 km

El Campillo Pump Track

For Ages 8-12 · Teens

Three lines of increasing difficulty — green, blue and red — right next to Loquilandia. Where nearly everyone who rides in the province starts out.

On site: Green line for beginners · Blue line, longer · Red line with steeper ramps

Huércal de Almería
Álex Segura Parkour Park Free
Free sport ≈ 20 km

Álex Segura Parkour Park

For Teens

A municipal parkour facility in the Los Pinos area. Together with Loquilandia and the BMX circuit it forms one of the largest youth leisure areas in the province.

Huércal de Almería
Las Amoladeras Visitor Centre Free
Visitor centre ≈ 20 km

Las Amoladeras Visitor Centre

For Ages 4-7 · Ages 8-12 · Teens

The free gateway to Cabo de Gata: three exhibition rooms and a projection room explaining the volcanoes, the seabed and the role of the salt pans for birds.

On site: Interactive panels on the park’s volcanoes · Marine ecosystem and native species · Projection room

Almería
Cabo de Gata Salt Pans Bird Hides Free
Nature ≈ 20 km

Cabo de Gata Salt Pans Bird Hides

For Ages 8-12 · Teens

Several public hides along the salt pans, one of the strategic points on the Europe-Africa migration route. Free, and no kit needed beyond patience.

On site: Several public bird hides · A stop on the Europe-Africa migration route

Almería
Santa Ana Castle Free
Monument 23 km

Santa Ana Castle

For Ages 8-12 · Teens

A restored castle on the Roquetas seafront, with exhibitions and completely free interior access. It forms a cultural triangle with the lighthouse and the auditorium.

On site: Temporary exhibitions · Cultural triangle with the lighthouse and the auditorium

Roquetas de Mar
Parque de la Infancia Free Since 2019
Large playground ≈ 30 km 10 000 m²

Parque de la Infancia

For Ages 0-3 · Ages 4-7 · Ages 8-12

Ten thousand square metres designed in 2017 with the town’s own children, under UNICEF’s “Child Friendly City” programme. Opened on 4 May 2019.

On site: Six-metre hill · Replicas of local houses · Adapted swings

  • Toilets
  • Picnic tables
  • Parking
Las Cabañuelas Norte, 04738 Vícar
El Nacimiento Picnic Area Free
Picnic area ≈ 40 km

El Nacimiento Picnic Area

For Ages 0-3 · Ages 4-7 · Ages 8-12 · Teens

A kilometre from Laujar, inside the Sierra Nevada natural park: picnic tables, barbecues, drinking water, shade and a playground. The closest full-day outing to Alhama.

On site: Tables and barbecues · Drinking water · Playground · Shaded woodland

  • Shaded areas
  • Picnic tables
  • Parking
Laujar de Andarax
Laujar de Andarax Playground Free
Large playground ≈ 40 km 350 m²

Laujar de Andarax Playground

For Ages 0-3 · Ages 4-7 · Ages 8-12

A 350 m² municipal play area with themed equipment: slides, swings and a tipi-shaped climbing frame.

On site: Slides · Swings · Tipi-style climbing frame

Laujar de Andarax
Gran Parque de las Familias (San José Park) Free Since 2023
Large playground ≈ 40 km 7 ha

Gran Parque de las Familias (San José Park)

For Ages 0-3 · Ages 4-7 · Ages 8-12 · Teens

Seven hectares opened in December 2023: three play areas, a 2,000 m² pump track, water features, calisthenics, sports courts and picnic areas. The best-equipped in the province.

On site: 2,000 m² pump track · Three large play areas · Water features · Amphitheatre and kiosk-restaurant

  • Picnic tables
El Ejido
Lucainena de las Torres Greenway Free
Nature 43 km

Lucainena de las Torres Greenway

For Ages 0-3 · Ages 4-7 · Ages 8-12 · Teens

Five and a half kilometres on the old mining railway that carried ore down to Agua Amarga. Asphalted end to end, from 550 to 410 metres: on a bike, a good half-hour of descent.

On site: 5.5 km of asphalt · Pushchair-friendly · Bike hire in the village

Lucainena de las Torres
Elsewhere in the province
El Albardinal Botanical Garden Free
Nature 48 km

El Albardinal Botanical Garden

For Ages 4-7 · Ages 8-12 · Teens

A free botanical garden in Rodalquilar, the old gold-mining village turned management centre for the natural park. It shows how plants survive without water: some species exist nowhere else in Europe.

On site: Flora of eastern Andalusia’s semi-arid zones · Species found nowhere else in Europe · Guided visits for groups

C/ Fundición s/n, 04071 Rodalquilar (Níjar)
Macael Family Park Free Since 2022
Large playground ≈ 65 km 11 000 m²

Macael Family Park

For Ages 4-7 · Ages 8-12 · Teens

Eleven thousand square metres in the heart of marble country: a thirty-metre double zip line, a giant trampoline, picnic areas and barbecues, with the Pachamama sculpture at the entrance.

On site: 30-metre double zip line · Giant trampoline · Outdoor fitness area · Picnic tables and barbecues

  • Toilets
  • Picnic tables
  • Parking
Macael
Worth the detour

And three days out for a special occasion

These three cost more than five euros, so they are not in the directory. They usually go down very well with children and teenagers, so we mention them here, with their prices.

  • €22 adults · €10 ages 8 to 16

    The Pulpí Geode

    Pulpí · Mina Rica

    A gypsum crystal geode you walk into, at the end of a route through the galleries of an old mine. Guided visit, an hour and a half, booking required: slots go fast in summer. Note: children under 8 are not admitted.

  • From €25 adults · €20 ages 3 to 11

    The Sorbas Caves

    Sorbas · Gypsum Karst

    Beginner caving in a landscape of over a thousand sinkholes and cavities stacked up to seven levels deep. Several routes depending on age and willingness to crouch. Province residents get 15% off in low season.

  • Paid entry (ask at the venue)

    Ilusiona Almería

    Almería · Torrecárdenas shopping centre

    The indoor option for rainy days or fierce heat: twelve bowling lanes, laser tag, arcade games and virtual reality, plus a play area for younger kids. Open until midnight on weekdays and until 1 am at weekends.

Slides and play area in a large Almería public park.
The province’s big public parks.
Almería with kids

A province that built parks

Almería has no big theme park, and probably never will. What it has done, in a little over ten years, is build a whole generation of enormous free public parks — one per district. That is its answer, cheap and shaded and open until ten at night, to the question of what to do here with children.

I · The big parks

Five parks, five districts

Almería city went first, in 2014, on land that had been greenhouses: the Parque de las Familias, some 41,000 m² split into four zones that tell children about their city — the Alcazaba turned into a hill with four slides, Cabo de Gata with a lighthouse you come down by sliding, cinema with a climbing wall and a film reel, and recycling for the smallest ones.

The others followed: Vícar in 2019 with its Parque de la Infancia, designed in 2017 with the town’s own children; Huércal de Almería and Macael in 2022; and El Ejido in December 2023, with seven hectares and a 2,000 m² pump track. All are freely open. None charges admission.

What separates them is not the slides but what surrounds them: Macael adds barbecues, picnic areas and a thirty-metre double zip line; El Ejido, tennis courts and water features; Almería, a fenced and patrolled enclosure. Choose by the plan for the day, not by size.

→ See the parks in the directory
Artificial hill with slides in a playground.
The slide hill, the signature of these parks.
II · The ones who have outgrown swings

Ramps, not slides

Past twelve, a playground stops working. The province was slow to notice, and the answer has concentrated almost entirely in one place: Huércal de Almería, which has gathered inside a single perimeter the Loquilandia park, the El Campillo BMX circuit — three lines, green, blue and red, depending on your nerve — and the Álex Segura parkour park. The local press calls it one of the largest youth leisure areas in the whole province, and it is not an exaggeration.

The city offers two alternatives: the skatepark inside Parque del Andarax, a 77-hectare park with a lake, a cactus garden and barbecues, and the one at Nueva Andalucía, on calle Poeta Blas de Otero. All three are freely open, with no ticket-office hours.

And there is one card almost nobody plays: the Lucainena de las Torres greenway. Five and a half kilometres of old mining railway, asphalted end to end and always downhill in the direction of travel — from 550 to 410 metres. On a bike that is a good half-hour of continuous descent. Bikes can be hired in the village.

→ See the free-sport spots
Pump track circuit with banked turns.
Pump tracks, the past decade’s new arrival.
III · The free that does not look free

Museums at a euro fifty

There is a rule foreign visitors almost never know: the Alcazaba and the Museo de Almería are free for citizens and residents of the European Union — €1.50 for everyone else — and the Centro Andaluz de la Fotografía is free for all, no conditions. Three afternoon visits, three tickets at zero euros.

Just above sits the three-euro band, with two euros for under-18s: the Civil War Shelters — kilometres of tunnels under the city, guided visit compulsory and booking required —, the Guitar Museum and the Casa del Cine. For a teenager, the Shelters are usually the one that lands.

And in Cabo de Gata, nature does not charge either: the El Albardinal Botanical Garden in Rodalquilar, the Las Amoladeras visitor centre with its interactive panels on volcanoes and the seabed, and the bird hides at the Salinas, where in season you can watch flamingos for nothing, with no equipment beyond a little patience.

→ See the museums and monuments
Wooden bird hide facing a salt marsh.
The hides at the Cabo de Gata salt pans.

Carry on from here If the plan involves water, the Alhama municipal pool opens in summer and the Cabo de Gata beaches have shallow coves. If you are ready to spend, the leisure operators are under Activities. And for mid-afternoon hunger, the ice-cream shops and bakeries.

Keep exploring

More to do nearby

Leisure activities

Karting, desert buggies, aquarium and water parks: the province’s paid days out.

Beaches and coves

Calm sand and shallow coves inside the natural park, 40 minutes from Alhama.

Municipal pool

Every summer’s plan, walkable from any house in Alhama.

Frequently asked questions

Almería with kids, in short

Which is the best playground in Almería province?

It depends on age and district. The Parque de las Familias in Almería city (around 41,000 m², four themed zones, fenced and patrolled) is the best known; the Gran Parque de las Familias in El Ejido is the newest and the most complete for sport, with seven hectares and a 2,000 m² pump track. Loquilandia (Huércal de Almería) and the Parque de la Infancia (Vícar) are around 10,000 m² each, and the one in Macael adds barbecues and a zip line. All are free.

What can you do for free in Almería with children?

Far more than you would think: the province’s five big public parks, the skateparks and pump track in Huércal, the El Albardinal Botanical Garden and the Las Amoladeras visitor centre in Cabo de Gata, the bird hides at the Salinas, the Lucainena greenway and the Castillo de Santa Ana in Roquetas. Add the Alcazaba and the Museo de Almería, free for citizens and residents of the European Union.

And with teenagers, who have outgrown playgrounds?

The offer is concentrated in Huércal de Almería: the El Campillo BMX circuit with three levels, the Álex Segura parkour park and a skate park. In the city, the Parque del Andarax skatepark and the one at Nueva Andalucía. For a full day, the Lucainena greenway by bike (5.5 km asphalted, always downhill) or, on the paid side, the Pulpí Geode — from age 8 — and the Sorbas Caves.

How much do Almería’s museums cost with children?

The Alcazaba and the Museo de Almería are free for EU citizens and residents (€1.50 for everyone else) and the Centro Andaluz de la Fotografía is free with no conditions. The Civil War Shelters, the Guitar Museum and the guided visit to the Casa del Cine cost €3 full price, with €2 for under-18s; under-6s go free, though a zero-price ticket still has to be issued.

Is there shade in these parks?

Not everywhere, and here it matters more than anywhere else. The Parque Nicolás Salmerón in the city has century-old trees, and the Parque del Andarax has wooded areas and picnic spots. Many newer playgrounds, by contrast, give little shade at midday: each entry states whether we were able to verify that shaded areas exist. In summer, go after seven in the evening.

Do you need to book anywhere?

In three places: the Civil War Shelters (guided visit, tickets online or at the Plaza Manuel Pérez García box office), the Casa del Cine (guided visit, by phone) and the Pulpí Geode (small groups by time slot, several days ahead in summer). The rest of the directory is freely open.

© 2026 Alhama de Almería · All rights reserved Legal notice Almería · Andalusia · Spain