Watching flamingos, exploring castles, discovering dinosaurs or visiting a lighthouse: even in the cooler months, there’s plenty to do between Dénia and Torrevieja. Eight ideas for family days out where children will have a brilliant time – and adults will too.
„What shall we do today?“ A question that parents are all too familiar with by the weekend at the latest. In summer, a trip to the beach is often enough. In autumn and winter, it’s nice to have a bit more variety. Fortunately, the Costa Blanca offers plenty of opportunities to get children outdoors or keep them occupied on a rainy day.
And best of all: many day trips cost very little or nothing at all. Sometimes all you need is a pair of binoculars, a few sandwiches and the willingness to embark on a little adventure.
A museum full of toys – even adults find themselves intrigued. The Museo del Juguete in Dénia is home to wooden cars, doll’s kitchens, sailing boats and metal toys that were manufactured in the town decades ago. Children can discover what their grandparents used to play with. And parents may well realise that, back in the day, entertainment really did work without a screen.
The museum is situated in the former railway station on Calle Calderón. Admission is free. From October to February, it is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm, and on Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm. Opening times may vary on public holidays. The „Activitats en Família 2026/27“ programme is particularly interesting. Until 30 May 2027, Dénia is organising a range of activities on Sundays, including children’s theatre, music, cinema, guided tours and cultural activities.
Our tip
Pop into the Toy Museum for a quick visit, or check out the latest Sunday programme for a whole morning out with the family. Many activities are free of charge, but booking is required for some outings.
Just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of the town, things suddenly become remarkably wild. The Salinas de Calp are home to numerous waterbirds, including flamingos, which live and rest there.
With their long legs and pink plumage, they’re particularly fascinating for children. It gets even more exciting with a pair of small binoculars: who’ll be the first to spot a flamingo standing on one leg? And why do the birds keep dipping their beaks into the water? The salt lagoon lies in the heart of Calpe, not far from the Peñón de Ifach, and can be observed from the surrounding public footpaths.
Our tip
Bring a pair of binoculars and a bit of patience. Birds don’t stick to visiting hours, and it’s important to keep your distance. You must not enter the protected lagoon.
A tunnel, steep rock faces, the sea far below and, at the end, a real lighthouse. The walk to the Faro de l’Albir in the Serra Gelada Nature Park has everything you could want for an interesting family day out.
The tarmac path is around two kilometres long – roughly speaking. Along the way, there are viewing points and information about the nature and history of the coast. Once you reach the lighthouse, you’ll be rewarded with a view across the Mediterranean. A particular bonus: the route is also suitable for families with pushchairs, provided the inclines aren’t a problem.
Our tip
Make sure you allow plenty of time for the outward and return journeys. With children, photo stops and a light snack, four kilometres can quickly turn into several enjoyable hours.
Even the walk to the old town centre of El Castell de Guadalest feels a bit like an adventure. Beyond a rocky passageway lie narrow alleyways, historic buildings and the ruins of a castle.
The miniature museums are a particular treat for children. They display tiny works of art, including paintings on grains of rice and other works of art so small they are almost beyond belief.
If you’re still up for it afterwards, you can visit Casa Orduña and the castle grounds. The view of the turquoise reservoir is one of the highlights of the trip.
Our tip
Guadalest is particularly suitable for children who love to explore and be amazed. If you are visiting with young children, please bear in mind the steps and uneven paths in the historic town centre. The museums have different admission prices and opening hours.
A veritable fortress with imposing walls, towers and sweeping views over the city and harbour: the Castillo de Santa Bárbara in Alicante offers plenty to explore for young adventurers. Where did the soldiers used to stand? How was the castle defended? And how did people actually live without electricity and running water? The sprawling complex offers plenty of opportunities to experience history first-hand. If you don’t fancy walking all the way up the hill, you can take the lift. Entry to the castle is free, whilst the lift normally costs 2.70 euros. For a rainy day, Alicante also offers the MARQ Provincial Archaeological Museum, with exhibitions on the history of the region.
Our tip
You don’t necessarily have to combine a visit to the castle and the museum in a single day. Both deserve plenty of time. A shorter, more relaxed outing is usually the better choice, especially with younger children.
The Parque Reina Sofía in Guardamar is a great place to go if children just want to run around, play and be outdoors.
Amidst the trees, bodies of water and green spaces, there’s plenty of room for exercise and little discoveries. The nearby beach can easily be included in the day out.
The dune landscape at Guardamar also offers a lovely spot for a walk. Here, you can see how plants help to stabilise the sand and protect the coast.
Our tip
First have a play in the park, then go for a walk to the seaside. For young children, a combination of a playground, the outdoors and a picnic break is often all they need.
Pink water, flamingos and a landscape that, in places, looks almost unreal. The Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja Nature Park offers plenty of opportunities to introduce children to the region’s flora and fauna. Families can explore the landscape along signposted paths and, with a bit of luck, spot various waterbirds. The colour of the water changes depending on the salt content, microorganisms and light conditions – a great opportunity for curious children to ask questions. The guided ‘Ecorutas’ are particularly interesting. On these tours, nature guides explain the unique features of the lagoons and their
Residents. A free birdwatching tour has been announced for 21 November 2026.
Our tip
Please book in good time for a guided tour. If you prefer to explore on your own, follow the signposted paths and take a pair of binoculars with you. Swimming in the protected salt lagoons is not permitted.
Some children find it hard to get excited about a museum. But when it comes to dinosaurs, it’s often a different story. At the Museo Paleontológico de Elche – MUPE for short – everything revolves around the history of life on Earth. Fossils, prehistoric animals and dinosaurs offer a glimpse into a world that dates back millions of years. The museum also organises regular workshops and family activities, including sessions on fossils, excavations and prehistoric animals. Elche lies just off the main coastal route, but is a lovely destination for a family day out, particularly from Alicante and the southern Costa Blanca.
Our tip
A good alternative to the beach in bad weather. Standard admission costs two euros; children under six go in free. Admission is free on Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Place to visit | Particularly suitable for |
Dénia Toy Museum | Younger children and curious parents |
Flamingos in Calpe | Children of all ages who love nature |
L’Albir Lighthouse | Families who enjoy being active, even with pushchairs |
Guadalest Castle and Miniatures | Explorers and schoolchildren |
Castillo Santa Bárbara | Young castle enthusiasts and older children |
Reina Sofía Park, Guardamar | Young children and families who love to be active |
Torrevieja Salt Lakes | Little naturalists and birdwatchers |
Elche Dinosaur Museum | Dinosaur fans and rainy days |
Even on the Costa Blanca, there are grey, windy and rainy winter days. On such days, it’s worth taking a look at the cultural programmes organised by the local councils. Libraries, cultural centres and museums regularly organise children’s theatre performances, film screenings, craft sessions and workshops.
Anyone who simply needs to get some exercise will also find indoor play areas and sports facilities in larger towns and cities. This is sometimes the simplest solution, particularly for younger children.
Many local events are free or cost just a few euros. Dates, age groups and registration rules can be found in the relevant Cultural Programme the local authority.
And sometimes a dreary Sunday does turn into a lovely afternoon after all. A bit of rain, a portion of churros with hot chocolate, and then a run through the puddles – for children, that can be just as exciting as a big family day out.
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