Water park fun for kids near Nerja

 ### Aquatropic Almuñécar water park for all ages If you're looking for a water park from Nerja, you can quickly get to Aquatropic in Almuñécar, about a twenty-minute drive. The park offers refreshment and fun; for us, it was a welcome change on days with the Spanish sun. It's a bit quieter than the bigger Aquavelis, which I personally prefer. Aquatropic has various attractions that'll ensure both the little ones and teenagers have a great time. There's a wave pool, which is always popular, and a 'lazy river' you can float down to relax. For the more active kids, there are several slides, and especially for toddlers, there's a play area to safely splash around. The park's layout makes it easy to keep an eye on the kids. The water park is open from May to September, which lines up well with the hottest months here. Besides Aquatropic, you can also go to the Aquavelis water park in Torre del Mar with kids in the Nerja area, just fifteen minutes more driving. That offers more slides and is generally bigger. If you don't have a car, there are often bus connections to such places, but a rental car offers more flexibility for a day of water park fun.  Besides the water parks, there are also plenty of places in Nerja itself for kids to have fun. The Cueva de Nerja is an exciting place to explore, though it's advisable for kids to be a bit older because of the many stairs. Río Chillar is also an adventurous option, where you literally walk through the river. ### Alcaucín forest playground adventure in the Sierra de Tejeda  For those who want to swap the beaches of Nerja for an active adventure in nature, the forest playground near Alcaucín is an excellent option. This climbing park is in the Sierra de Tejeda and offers a varied afternoon for kids who love climbing and clambering. It's a nice addition to the water parks and beaches for an active holiday experience. The location includes various courses between the trees, with bridges, nets, and zip lines. There are different difficulty levels, so there are suitable challenges for young children to older adventurers. It's a safe way to experience nature and simultaneously test and improve physical skills. Personally, I'm more into walking in the Río Chillar riverbed, because walking with dry feet quickly bores me. Still, I see it as a welcome change for anyone who loves action. The park is completely focused on safety, with helmets and harnesses for all participants. Staff are present to give instructions and assist where needed, so everyone can enjoy the different routes without worry. The concept makes for a fun, healthy, and somewhat challenging day out. This activity fits nicely with other adventurous excursions in the area. While water parks like Aquavelis and Aquatropic offer cooling, and Río Chillar is a unique hiking experience, the Alcaucín forest playground adds a dimension of climbing and height to the offerings. It's a place where kids can burn off energy in a natural environment. ### Practical tips for a day out with kids in May  If you want to visit water parks with kids in May, you've got a few options near Nerja. Think of Aquavelis in Torre del Mar or Aquatropic in Almuñécar. Both open from May. Aquavelis is open daily from 11:00 to 19:00. Aquatropic has similar opening hours. It's handy to check specific opening times online beforehand, as they can vary. Water parks in May are generally quieter than in the peak summer months of July and August. This means shorter queues for the slides and more space at the pools. For me personally, this is a nicer experience, because you can make better use of the facilities without the biggest crowds. Aquavelis in Torre del Mar is about a 25-minute drive from Nerja. The address is Calle Tomás García s/n. Aquatropic in Almuñécar is about a 20-minute drive. I often take the bus myself, because I don't have my own car. Besides the water parks, Cueva de Nerja is also an option for kids from about 5-6 years old. The temperature inside is a constant 19°C. It's always wise to bring a cardigan for the kids. The cave has many steps and isn't suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. As an alternative to water parks and caves, Río Chillar offers a different kind of adventure. The river walk is ideal for kids from 6 years old. You walk through the river, where the water can vary from ankle to knee-high. An 8-kilometer round trip leads to a waterfall, but you can shorten it for younger children. I see Río Chillar as a welcome alternative to the more trodden paths. ### Comparing Aquatropic and Aquavelis water parks  For a day of water fun with the kids, you've got a choice of two water parks near Nerja: Aquatropic in Almuñécar and Aquavelis in Torre del Mar. Both parks are open from May to September, which is handy if you're traveling in the pre-season. The range of attractions differs slightly, which might influence your choice depending on the kids' ages. Aquatropic in Almuñécar is the closer park and is often less crowded, which can be an advantage with young children. It's got a wave pool, a lazy river, various kids' slides, and a play area specifically for toddlers. Aquavelis in Torre del Mar is a bit bigger than Aquatropic. This park offers a wider range of slides for different age groups, alongside a wave pool and a children's pool. Depending on the children's age and adventurousness, this park might be more challenging. Tickets for Aquavelis are available online or at the ticket office. Personally, I see advantages in both parks, depending on your specific wishes. If you prefer fewer crowds and have young children, Aquatropic is a great option. If you're looking for more variety in slides and the kids are older, Aquavelis might be a better fit. Both parks are easily accessible by bus from Nerja. Besides the water parks, there are also other activities suitable for children. The Cueva de Nerja is an exciting place to explore, suitable for children from 5-6 years old, though there are over 400 steps to climb. A walk through the Río Chillar, where you walk through the river, is also recommended for adventurous children from 6 years old. ### Alternative kid-friendly activities in Nerja center  Should the weather unexpectedly turn bad, or are water parks just not on the cards, there are still plenty of options in Nerja itself to keep the kids entertained. The Cueva de Nerja is an excellent alternative. Kids from about five years old can handle the caves well and often find the stalactites and bats very interesting. Due to the steps, a buggy isn't handy here, but a baby carrier for the little ones is a fine solution. The temperature inside is constant, so a little cardigan is a good idea. With slightly younger kids and better weather, a visit to the center itself is quickly a day out. Walk via the Balcón de Europa, where there's always something to see. Combine this with the playgrounds Nerja has to offer. For instance, there's a playground at Parque Verano Azul, next to the Balcón de Europa, with various play equipment. The playground at Playa Burriana also offers plenty of entertainment after swimming or playing. An activity that's often a hit is a walk through the Río Chillar. This journey through the water is an adventure for many children. Normally, I prefer to walk dry, but here I make an exception. The route to the waterfall is about eight kilometers return, but you can easily turn back halfway with kids. You're constantly walking through shallow water, varying from ankle to knee-high. My partner Maria also knows the less-known spots that often appeal to kids and don't require any preparation. We go just outside the season in May, and then the crowds are manageable. Worth it. Just do it. ### You might also like - [Tennis and Padel around Nerja](/en/blog/tennis-padel-around-nerja) - [Hiking and day trips around Nerja](/en/blog/hiking-day-trips-around-nerja) - [Padel near Nerja and on the Coast](/en/blog/padel-near-nerja-coast)