Best Things to Do in Benidorm with Kids (2026 Family Guide)

Benidorm with kids — honestly, it's one of the best decisions you can make for a family holiday on the Costa Blanca. I've been living here for a decade and I've watched hundreds of families arrive slightly nervous about whether a resort this big and bold can actually work for children. The answer, every single time, is a resounding yes. From water parks to hidden coves, go-kart tracks to sea turtle spotting, Benidorm punches well above its weight as a family destination in May and into the summer season.

May is actually my favourite month to bring families to Benidorm. The sea temperature is already around 20°C — warm enough for kids to swim happily — but the July and August crowds haven't arrived yet. You'll get shorter queues at the theme parks, easier parking, and restaurant tables without waiting an hour. If you're planning a family trip and you haven't booked yet, browse our family-friendly holiday rentals in Benidorm and remember that booking direct with JV Properties saves you up to 18% compared to Airbnb or Booking.com.

Aqualandia: The Water Park the Kids Will Never Stop Talking About

Let's start with the big one. Aqualandia, situated on the Sierra Helada hillside above Benidorm, is one of the best water parks in Europe — and I say that without any hyperbole. The Big Bang freefall slide is the stuff of legend (strictly for older kids and brave parents), but there's a brilliant dedicated area for younger children called the Aqua Kids zone with gentler slides, splash pads, and shallow pools. Entry in May 2026 is approximately €36 for adults and €28 for children under 12, with under-3s free. Arrive when it opens at 10am to grab sunbeds near the children's area — they disappear fast.

Pro tip: pack your own snacks and a refillable water bottle. The park allows outside food and it'll save you a fortune.

Terra Mítica: History Meets Theme Park Thrills

About 5 kilometres outside the city centre, Terra Mítica is a full-scale theme park built around ancient civilisations — Rome, Greece, Egypt, Iberia, and the Islands. My kids (well, the neighbours' kids I've accompanied many times) go absolutely wild for the Magnus Colossus wooden rollercoaster. For younger children, the Egypt zone has gentler rides and a fantastic interactive area. In May, the park often runs special promotions — check their website and buy tickets online in advance, as you can save around €10 per person versus the gate price. Plan for a full day.

Mundomar: Sea Lions, Dolphins, and Parrots

Right next to Aqualandia sits Mundomar, a marine and exotic animal park that genuinely delights children of all ages. The sea lion shows are the highlight — interactive, funny, and educational without feeling preachy. You can book a swim with dolphins experience for older children (minimum age 8, book weeks in advance). There are also hundreds of tropical birds, meerkats, reptiles, and a flamingo lagoon. Combination tickets with Aqualandia offer good value if you plan to visit both.

Benidorm's Old Town and Balcón del Mediterráneo

This one surprises families every time. The Casco Antiguo (Old Town) perched on the rocky headland between the two main beaches is genuinely charming — narrow whitewashed streets, a beautiful blue-domed church (the Parroquia de San Jaime y Santa Ana), and the famous Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint that gives you one of the most dramatic coastal panoramas on the entire Costa Blanca. Kids love the ice cream from the little shops along Calle Sant Pere, and there's a small playground just back from the viewpoint. It takes about 45 minutes to explore properly and costs nothing.

Playa de Poniente for Families

While Benidorm's beaches have been covered in our dedicated beach guide, it's worth noting specifically that Playa de Poniente (the west beach) tends to be better for families than Levante in May. The promenade is wider, the beach is slightly less crowded, and the water entry is gentle with a gradual slope. Bring goggles — the water clarity in May is exceptional and kids will spot small fish just metres from shore.

Go-Karting at Karting Benidorm

Karting Benidorm on the CV-70 road towards Finestrat is a proper outdoor circuit with separate tracks for kids and adults. Children from age 5 can drive the mini karts, and the older kids' circuit (from around age 10) is fast enough to be genuinely exciting. It costs around €12-15 per session and sessions last about 10 minutes of actual track time. Go in the evening when it cools down — the floodlit circuit feels brilliant.

Sierra Helada Natural Park: Hiking Without the Agony

For families with older children who don't mind a walk, the Sierra Helada Natural Park behind Benidorm's Levante beach offers some stunning short trails. The path from Rincón de Loix up to the old watchtower (Torre de la Punta del Cavall) is about 2.5km each way, manageable for children aged 7 and up, and the views from the top over Benidorm's famous skyline are spectacular. Start early in the morning in May — by 11am it's warm enough to make the hike uncomfortable.

Practical Family Tips for Benidorm in May

Getting around: The TRAM (coastal tram) connects Benidorm to Altea, Calp, and Alicante. Kids love it and it's cheap — around €1.65 per journey. For the theme parks, driving or taxi is easier.

Eating with kids: Avoid the tourist strip on Avenida del Mediterráneo for lunch — overpriced and underwhelming. Instead, head to Restaurante La Cava in the Old Town for good paella, or for a relaxed family dinner, El Pulpo near Playa de Poniente does excellent fresh fish that even picky eaters tend to enjoy.

Budget: A family of four in May can do Benidorm very comfortably for €150-200 per day including accommodation, activities, and food if you book smart. That means booking your holiday rental direct.

Where to Stay in Benidorm with Kids

The best family holiday rentals in Benidorm have private pools, plenty of space, and aren't buried in the noisiest part of the resort. We have properties that tick all those boxes — apartments and villas with room for everyone, where breakfast is when you decide and the pool opens when your kids wake up at 6:30am. Booking directly through JV Properties rather than through a platform saves your family up to 18% — on a two-week stay, that's real money back in your pocket for an extra trip to Aqualandia.

Benidorm with kids isn't just doable — it's genuinely one of the best family holiday experiences on the Spanish coast. See you at the waterpark.