THINGS TO DO WITH CHILDREN The Orihuela Costa is blessed with exquisite scenery, world-class local amenities, and some of the most enchanting Mediterranean locations you'll find in Europe.
Coupled with notoriously fabulous weather, a median average of 320 days of sunshine every year, and a climate that attracts an annual mass migration of visitors from Northern Europe, Orihuela Costa has something for everyone of all ages.
And that's all lovely – until it rains (which it does sometimes), or it's too hot for younger children (which often happens). So here's a selection of ideas for things to do with smaller kids in our area.
From soft play areas to great food, you'll find some much-needed inspiration for things to do with younger children when the weather isn't conducive to life in the great outdoors.
Play Cafe, Villamartin
Tucked away in a small corner of La Funeta Commercial Centre, rainy-day parents will discover a jungle-themed children's oasis replete with a play village, a large 3-tier soft-play adventure zone, a video game zone, a Lego wall, and a host of free-play toys for younger patrons.
Play Cafe combines a family-friendly casual dining cafe with integrated playtime experiences and specialises in fresh fruit smoothies and milkshakes. The venue has been commended for its upbeat setting and decor, with previous visitors noting the spotlessly clean environment and attentive, friendly staff.
An adult's menu offers a selection of healthy light bites such as paninis and a choice of sandwiches throughout the day, while the kids' menu focuses on food more acceptable to a younger audience, such as hot dogs, pasta, and a variety of cakes and cookies.
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Say Yes to Play, Los Dolses
When it's soaking outside, there's plenty of fun to be had at Say Yes to Play in Los Dolses. The venue offers a two-storey soft play zone, traditional toys, and an expansive air-conditioned indoor play area for younger children.
Family-friendly food is served in the cafeteria, including speciality pancakes. The venue caters for birthday parties and offers special events during the summer holidays.
Open every day of the week from 11:00 until 20:00 except Mondays, you'll find Say Yes to Play in the Rioja Shopping Centre.
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Dream Park, Playa Flamenca
Located in the Flamenca Beach commercial centre, you'll find Dream Park. The venue caters to younger residents and holidaymakers with soft play areas, ball pits, an indoor playground, and a small climbing area with thickly padded crash-mats suited to aspiring future mountaineers.
Regularly organised activities include face painting, craft workshops, magic shows, and musical entertainment.
Dream Park caters for private events, and opening hours vary by day and time of year, so please check availability on their Facebook page before travelling.
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Side Street Café, La Zenia
This family-friendly addition to the Orihuela Costa area guarantees fun for younger children whatever the weather. A dedicated play space provides plenty of fun for little people come rain or shine, and the café menu caters specifically to younger tastes.
Bigger people aren't forgotten though, and the venue offers a mouth-watering selection of handmade beef burgers, tasty breakfasts, cakes and sweet treats. A fully-stocked freezer is packed to the brim with lollies and ice creams to satisfy the sweet-tooth of diners of all ages.
Located in the Costa commercial centre, Side Street Café is open every day from 09:00 until 16:00 throughout the year.
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Restaurante de Bassus, La Zenia
This established local restaurant has made a name for itself in Orihuela Costa, serving an extensive Bavarian menu and speciality beer brewed on-site in a micro-brewery.
But foot-long Bratwurst isn't the only thing this family-favourite restaurant has going on, and de Bassus sports a dedicated children's zone replete with an indoor soft play area.
The German-inspired venue is open every day throughout the year, from midday until midnight. Particularly popular during busy periods, booking is highly recommended at peak times or during the summer.
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Need more things to do with children in the Orihuela Costa?
Looking for holiday ideas and inspiration for summer? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.
Photo credit: photos provided by featured venues
