Costa Kids
Costa Kids
Although day after day can be whiled away with a bucket and spade on the beach, the Costa del Sol is packed full of family friendly things to do for the younger generation and of course the young at heart. Here is a selection of Duchy Estates' favourites.Tivoli World located in Benalmádena claims to be the biggest attraction on the coast with more than 40 rides, musical shows for all ages, restaurants for all tastes and a spectacular open air theatre featuring a full programme of entertainment. To cool off on a hot summer's day head to Parque Acuático Mijas, a fun-filled water park with thrilling waterslides as well as mini-golf, games arcades, eateries and light-hearted shows on dry land.
Animal lovers will enjoy Fuengirola Zoo which provides an educational but exciting day peeking at species of exotic animals from all over the world kept in a humane environment. Equally as exciting but slightly more adventurous is Selwo Safari Park close to Estepona where you can experience Out of Africa in Spain. Herds of buffalo and bison, gazelle and kudu plus rhinoceros, elephant, giraffe, Bengal tigers and lions all have their home at Selwo, in fact up to 2,000 species of animal in total. You can even stay overnight in an air-conditioned hut - if youre brave enough...
If a more permanent move is on the cards, have no worries about the education system on the Costa del Sol as it is more than adequate. The Spanish are justly proud of their schools and colleges and there are a number of options open to you. There are a growing number of international schools in Spain that follow the British curriculum such as King's College, Aloha College, Sotogrande International School and Calahonda International College. Fees are generally lower than in the UK but demand for places can be high so you may encounter a waiting list.
Many English teenagers will find the move into a strictly Spanish speaking school rather difficult, whereas a young child would fare very well to be integrated with Spanish youngsters in the state education system straight away. It's all up to personal taste and attitude. The school year runs from mid-September until the end of June and summer holidays tend to be particularly long in Spain due to the hot weather; this goes down extremely well with the pupils, but maybe not so well with the long suffering parents.
