Visiting a theme park can be one of the best plans for the summer. Thanks to their wide range of attractions and shows, they are also ideal for the whole family to enjoy. That’s why we have selected some of the best houses and flats near theme parks for your next trip with children.
Whether you’re a fan of adrenaline rides, water parks or animal experiences, there is a theme park to suit every preference. Take a look at our recommendations for theme parks and nearby accommodation – so all you have to focus on is having fun!
Cabárceno Nature Park
Cabárceno is not a typical theme park or zoo. Its main aim is to allow the more than 50 animal species that live there to develop in an environment that is as natural as possible.
Before visiting Cabárceno with children, one thing is clear – it will spark their curiosity. They learn in school that giraffes, elephants, rhinoceroses and zebras live in distant savannahs or jungles, yet here they will find them in the heart of Cantabria. Be prepared for plenty of questions starting with “why…?”
The first key tip is this: Cabárceno is vast, so we strongly recommend visiting by car. Pick up a map at the entrance and drive between the different areas of the park. Make the most of your day: some animals are taken away after 6 pm, and don’t miss the birds-of-prey and sea-lion shows.
The second – and probably most important – tip is to enjoy the experience respectfully, without disturbing the animals or feeding them. You will want to take plenty of photos, but it’s also worth taking time to simply observe the truly remarkable surroundings.
PortAventura World, Salou
Port Aventura World is a classic that improves every year, offering hours and hours of fun. In recent years, for example, they have added Ferrari Land, a unique haven in Europe for lovers of speed and the Italian brand.
This park is a visual experience suitable for the whole family. There are attractions and shows for all interests, from Polynesia to the Far West and even SésamoAventura for the little ones.
If you decide to go to Port Aventura World, here are a couple of tips:
- If you go in high season or during a special event (Halloween, for example), you are likely to find long queues and should buy special wristbands to skip the queue for an extra fee.
- Remember to check the opening times of the shows. Some of them are really worth seeing, and it's a good idea to get there half an hour before.
Kathmandu Park in Mallorca
Katmandu Park is one of the most complete and varied theme parks in Spain and a great place to go with children if you are in Mallorca.
It really is several theme parks in one: a water park, a mini-golf course, a 4D cinema, ball pools, trampolines and a house full of mazes and illusions... It's impossible for kids to get bored!
Of the parks mentioned in this article, it is perhaps the best one for under-12s. Just seeing how much fun they'll have, we can assure you that you won't be bored either.
Bioparc in Valencia
Bioparc is a new-generation zoo in the city of Valencia. It is based on the concept of "zoo immersion", through which they want us to feel like we are in the habitat of the species we are visiting, with the highest level of safety both for us and the animals. Moreover, the park tries to raise children's awareness of respecting the environment and the dangers of global warming from an early age.
One of its star animals, which is particularly popular among children, is the lemur, known for being very sociable with humans, to such an extent that they will get right up next to you. Don't miss them! We also recommend visiting the gorillas at lunchtime, when they all get together.
Warner Park in Madrid
If you're a fan of superheroes like Batman or Superman, and children's characters like the Looney Tunes, you have to go to Parque Warner in Madrid. There are attractions for all children, whatever their height. As for you, you'll be teleported back to the golden age of cinema as you walk through the streets of Warner Park.
Shows range from the musical "The Dreamers" – a look back at the fashion, styles and genres of the history of musicals - to an acrobatic show called "Crazy Police Academy", plus plenty of superhero and children's character shows.
As you can see, the little ones can't get bored at Warner Park.
