Looking for a free activity to do outdoors with your children? We take a look at some of our favourite family play areas
Introduction
As traditional firm family favourites, a trip to a park or playground with kids is enduringly popular. Offering a chance to get outdoors and run around (while removing noses from screens), parks with play areas provide great spaces for kids to socialise and let off some steam.
Fortunately, for anyone lucky enough to be living in or visiting Spain’s Costa Blanca region, there are many parks and playgrounds here for kids that will keep everyone entertained. Here, we are focusing on the best parks and playgrounds for kids in Costa Blanca South.
As all of the parks and playgrounds listed here are public, council maintained spaces, there is no cost to use any of them. As such, a visit to one of these parks or playgrounds is definitely one of the best free activities for kids in Costa Blanca. In addition to those listed here, many beaches and town centres also have their own small, free playgrounds for kids to use.
Of course, if the weather is not suitable for an outdoor playground (either too wet or too hot), then maybe our best indoor play centres for kids in Costa Blanca may be more suitable for you.
There are also many playgrounds in privately run establishments. For anyone looking to combine a playground with some food or drink, also take a look at our best family restaurants with outdoor play areas in Costa Blanca or, if you’d rather be inside, our best family restaurants with indoor play areas in Costa Blanca.
Alternatively, if you are looking for more thrill rides and don’t mind paying for the experience, check out our best theme parks for kids in Costa Blanca, our best go-kart tracks for kids in Costa Blanca, or our best water parks for kids in Costa Blanca.
Here though, we are looking at a selection of some of the best parks and playgrounds for kids in Costa Blanca South. These are our personal family favourites that we find ourselves returning to again and again.
The Best Parks and Playgrounds
#1 El Palmerar, Elche
Overview
Located a little in from the coast in the city of Elche, El Palmerar Park is one of the finest examples in southern Europe of a planted palmery that dates back to the time of Moorish occupation. As such, the park has impressively been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
There is a large and free car park situated right next to the park, although it can get very busy during peak times. The major pathways within the park are paved so are mostly wheelchair or stroller suitable, although some sections do have steps.
What is the playground like at El Palmerar, Elche?
Within the park there is a large and excellent children’s playground. The playground is equipped with a variety of swings, slides and climbing frames to keep children of all ages entertained. While it can get busy at weekends and other peak times, it rarely feels overcrowded.
Being located within a palmery, sections of the playground are shaded, depending on the time of day.
Other things to do near El Palmerar, Elche
As well as the playground and a beautiful selection of ancient palm trees and other plants, El Palmerar also has several other things of interest to see while taking a walk around the park. These include water features and a Chinese style pagoda.
Elsewhere and nearby, Elche has a nice little old town area with a church, exposed Roman remains and several bars and restaurants.
#2 Parc de la Reina Sofia, Guardamar del Segura
Overview
Located a stone’s throw from the coast in the town of Guardamar del Segura, sits Parc de la Reina Sofia (or Reina Sofia Park). This attractive urban park is based around a central pond which is home to several species of ducks and turtles. The park also has its own resident peacocks to admire.
Away from the paths, the ground is dirt and uneven in places.
The park is surrounded by parking spaces, most of which are free. Outside of any special events, it is usually easy enough to find a parking space.
What is the playground like at Reina Sofia Park, Guardamar?
The playground is set out within a woodland setting within the park. The pieces of equipment are well spread out giving the play area a spacious feel. The playground is also very shaded, making it an excellent choice in summer when many of the other playgrounds listed here are simply too hot during most of the day.
There are a range of slides, see saws, swings and a small zip wire. There are also cute, carved wooden animals and sculptures to interact with.
Other things to do near Reina Sofia Park, Guardamar
As well as the selection of animals to watch, Reina Sofia Park also has a small stage area and snack kiosk. The park sometimes plays host to special events.
Elsewhere in Guardamar, a 5-10 minute walk from the park brings you to the seafront promenade, with its long, sandy beach and many beachfront bars and restaurants.
#3 El Recorral, Ciudad Quesada
Overview
Located in countryside near to the La Marquesa golf course on the edge of Ciudad Quesada, you will find El Recorral Park. It is a large and beautiful green space that includes dedicated picnic spaces and barbeques, a lake and a kid’s play area. It is a popular spot for people to use to host birthday parties and other celebrations.
Away from the main path, the ground is dirt and uneven in places.
By the entrance to the park there is a large and quite shaded free car parking area.
What is the playground like at El Recorral Park, Quesada?
Set in woodland, the playground has a selection of swings and slides, as well as some nicely made wooden tree houses to play in. There is a special dedicated swing that people in wheelchairs can use that can be easily reached from the main path. The playground is surrounded by many picnic tables for accompanying adults to sit at.
While sections of the play area and most of the seating are well shaded, some of the equipment is out in the sun, so these bits can get too hot to use during the summer months.
Other things to do near El Recorral Park, Quesada
El Recorral Park is an interesting space to take a walk around, with the park featuring many wooden carved sculptures ro admire.
Beyond the Park, the nearby town of Rojales has an historic town centre and a district of cave houses that open up to host craft markets and live music on Sundays. A visit to the cave houses is one of the suggestions on our fun summer bucket list of activities for kids in Costa Blanca.
#4 Polideportivo Juan Carlos I, Algorfa
Overview
Located just in from the coast in the small but lively town of Algorfa, Polideportivo Juan Carlos I is a municipal multi sport area with large children’s playground.
The town is easily reached by car and there is plenty of free, on-street parking around the park.
What is the playground like at Polideportivo Juan Carlos I, Algorfa?
The playground is themed around pirates. At its centre is a large, replica pirate ship that kids can climb on and play make-believe in. There is also a selection of swings, slides and other equipment for children of all ages to enjoy.
The playground is nearly all in full sun exposure, so is only really suitable for early morning or evening use during summer time.
Other things to do near Polideportivo Juan Carlos I, Algorfa
As well as the kids play area, The Polideportivo Juan Carlos I sports area also has astroturf football pitches and a municipal swimming pool that is open in summer. Within the playground square there is plenty of flat space for practising roller skates or bike riding, as well as a nice bar/restaurant that is split in two between a more upmarket restaurant and a less formal snack bar. It is a really nice space to sit and enjoy a drink or something to eat while the kids play.
#5 Glorieta Gabriel Miro, Orihuela
Overview
Located away from the coast in the city of Orihuela, this urban offering has a well thought out play area for kids. The playground is up one end of a long square that serves as a meeting and socialising space. At the other end there are decoratve water fountains.
There is on-street parking surrounding the square and park, but sometimes finding a parking space can be tricky. During work hours you also need to pay for the parking.
What is the playground like at Glorieta Gabriel Miro, Orihuela?
The playground has swings, slides, climbing frames and a replica train that is fun to play in. While not the largest or most impressive playground on this list, it is still fun to experience if you find yourselves visiting Orihuela.
Large trees provide limited shade for the playground, depending on the time of day.
Other things to do near Glorieta Gabriel Miro, Orihuela
A short walk from the park brings you over the river and into Orihuela old town. This fascinating old Spanish town is well worth visiting, offering culture and historic buildings, all with an authentically Spanish vibe. Despite this, you won’t find many tourists, even in the peak of summer.
#6 Pumptrack Park Premium, Torrevieja
Overview
Newly opened in 2024 and with a claim of being Europe’s largest BMX pumptrack, this facility is well worth a visit. The park is located in El Chaparral, just outside of Torrevieja and is open from 8am-9pm every day. Entrance is free.
The pumptrack was in development for some time, so opened to great local excitement. The scale and ambition of the project can only really be appreciated with a visit yourself. As well as the BMX pumptrack (that can be equally enjoyed by kids on scooters, BMXs are not essential), the park also has a children’s playground, padel courts, table tennis tables, rock climbing boulder, dog exercise area and various picnic locations.
There is plenty of free car parking around the park.
What is the playground like at Pumptrack Park Premium, Torrevieja?
The children’s playground at the Torrevieja pumptrack is only relatively small, but is still fun for younger children.
Any older children or kids looking for more excitemant can of course take on the BMX pumptrack, or practice climbing on the rock climbing boulder (just be careful with smaller kids that they don’t climb up and get stuck on the top!).
Other things to do near Pumptrack Park Premium, Torrevieja
There is currently no onsite bar or restaurant facilities at the park, but this development is planned for a future date. Within easy reach of the park are a range of other bars and restaurants though, if required.
The pumptrack park is also next door to the Flamingo water park, another option for a fun family day out on a hot day.
#7 Parque de las Naciones, Torrevieja
Overview
Another urban park, the coastal city of Torrevieja has managed to create an interesting landscape with its Parque de las Naciones (or Park of Nations). Within the park there are ponds that are home to many species of ducks and wild birds. The paved pathways around the park are perfect for kids practising skating, or for wheelchair or stroller access.
Surrounding the park is free, on-street parking, which can get busy on weekends and other peak times.
What is the playground like at Park of Nations, Torrevieja?
The play area was, until recently, looking a bit tired. However, a bit of a revamp in 2023 has helped to improve things. There are swings, slides and a few other small things to interact with. The most noticeable thing about the playground is the giant model dinosaur that dominates over the space.
Other things to do near Park of Nations, Torrevieja
The Park of Nations itself offers the chance to take a short stroll around an urban park with interesting bird life. Beyond the park, Torrevieja has an attractive and paved seafront promenade, a free skate park for kids and the fascinating pink-coloured salt lakes to visit.
#8 Parque Ramon Eugenio, Pilar de la Horadada
Overview
Located right in the very south of Costa Blanca almost at the border with Murcia, is the town of Pilar de la Horadada. The town is home to an impressive children’s playground in its Ramon Eugenio Park.
The ground within the park is mainly grass or dirt, but is for the most part pretty even. The park is surrounded by plenty of free on-street parking.
What is the playground like at Ramon Eugenio Park, Pilar?
While this may be the last playground on this list, it is by no means the least. In fact, you could argue the best has been saved until last! Boasting many different swings, slides, climbing frames, a wooden obstacle course, climbing wall and 2 long zip wires, the play area at Ramon Eugenio Park is brilliant to visit with kids. There is also a small, dedicated area of equipment for toddlers and younger children only.
One downside is that the park has almost no shade at all, making it simply too hot to visit during the day for much of summer.
Other things to do near Ramon Eugenio Park, Pilar
The main draw of coming to Ramon Eugenio Park is undoubtedly the excellent play area itself. Elsewhere in the park there is a small pond with ducks and turtles, as well as a small snack bar that is open at peak times only.
The town of Pilar de la Horadada is pleasant but unremarkable. It does have a few well priced restaurants though, if you are looking for something to eat when visiting.
In Summary
Getting outdoors with your kids and enjoying all that local parks and playgrounds have to offer is an activity enjoyed all over the world, including here in Spain’s sunny Costa Blanca region. As you can see, there are plenty of enticing options right here for children to enjoy.
While many of them may be too hot to use in the peak of the day in summer, they really come alive later in the evenings and during the rest of the year.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy!
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