Activities for kids
Beaches
Are there any children that don’t like the beach? This is likely to be the focus of activities on an Ibiza family holiday, so these are some of the best beaches - in terms of easy access, parking, services and sea conditions - to take the youngest family members:
CALA VADELLA: A pretty horseshoe shaped beach with a several reasonably priced bars and restaurants and a small supermarket for cold drinks and snacks. Safe for children, free parking if you get there early.
CALA TARIDA: A stunning beach very close to the villa. Think golden sand, turquoise water and rocky cliffs, with lots of fun in the waves on breezy days. Plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
CALA CONTA : A very popular beach due to the beautiful water and views of offshore islands. Also worth visiting in the evening to watch the sunset and dine at one of the restaurants.
CALA LLENYA: A large, wide beach where the water is clear and stays shallow a long way out, making it ideal for those who are not yet confident swimmers. It’s also close to the Las Dalias market so combines well for a day trip.
SALINAS BEACH: One of the most iconic beaches in Ibiza. It is a long sandy beach surrounded by a nature reserve with sand dunes and a pine forests and some of the most famous beach bars are located there. The water stays shallow a long way out, so this makes it ideal for the little swimmers.
Cap Blanc Aquarium
Located in a natural cave with fish tanks supplied by a constant flow of sea water, this fun little aquarium outside San Antonio showcases most of the sea life typical of the area and also rehabilitates injured marine creatures before releasing them back into the sea. It's accessible by bus, but perhaps more fun is to go on the little ferry from San Antonio harbour.
If you choose to have the simple grilled sardine lunch (15 euros) at the adjacent restaurant, entry to the aquarium is free.
Water Parks
A good alternative to a day at the beach, there are several water parks in Ibiza. Agua Mar has slides, pools, sunbathing areas and more and is handily located at Playa d’en Bossa.
A second option is Sirenis Aquagames, at the Sirenis Seaview Country Club, where there are open and covered slides, towers, jets and sprinklers as well as separate play areas for 4 to 10 year olds and a special pool for 2 to 4 year olds.
Ibiza Town
Ibiza town is well worth exploring. Whilst older members of the family may choose to browse the boutiques or stop for a drink at one of the bars, children will love the tunnels, cannons and turrets at D’alt Vila, the old walled town.
Playgrounds
There are many playgrounds on the island but one that we especially like to go to is the one in Santa Gertrudis. This is a beautiful village at the centre of the island and there are several child-friendly restaurants, beautiful shops, a fun playground where you can meet many international families and not to forget a great Italian ice cream shop called "Zero Gradi".
La Paloma Restaurant
Located in San Carlos, near the excellent Las Dalias hippy market, is the family-run La Paloma restaurant. It’s a great place to take the kids for lunch as there are lovely gardens with a playground and space for them to run around. The kitchen uses fresh produce from its garden; lunches are simple and international in flavour whilst dinners tend to be more elaborate, Italian fare.
Pura Vida Beachclub & Restaurant
On Tuesdays and Fridays this chic beach club on the east coast puts on special kids entertainment from 1pm to 5pm. Whilst the little ones are kept busy with beach games, face painting and creative activities, adults can enjoy good food and good company, in a wonderful setting.
Pikes on Sundays
This trendy rock n roll themed boutique hotel opens its doors to non-guests on Sundays for traditional British Sunday lunch. Parents can sip Bloody Maries, enjoy tunes from the DJ and tuck into the best English-style roast on the island, whilst the little ones head over to the Kids Corner for face-painting, arts, crafts and games in the gardens.
Las Dalias Hippy Market
The famous Las Dalias hippy market takes place every Saturday in San Carlos. In addition to live music, world food, arts, crafts and clothes stalls, there is a Kids Area with workshops and more.
Kids in Ibiza
Kids in Ibiza set up Kids Corners at various venues around Ibiza (see kidsinibiza.com for timetables), ensuring parents can enjoy the surroundings and a relaxed meal whilst the kids are having fun close-by.
Supervised by qualified and multi lingual staff, Kids Corners offer a range of activities including face painting, arts and crafts, themed weeks, magic shows, fun games & toys all.
Tourist Train
A little tourist train departing from the bus station in San Antonio takes passengers on an entertaining two-hour trip through the countryside with commentary along the way. It makes a stop for drinks in the pretty village of Santa Agnes before returning to San Antonio. Fun for all ages.
Go Karting
A good option for grey days is the go karting track outside San Antonio where budding Formula 1 drivers can check their performance against the pros. Good for children aged 4 and over. Open daytime and evenings.
Mini Golf
There are various mini-golf courses at hotels in the vicinity including one at Hotel Bergantin and one on the road into San Antonio.
Bowling
A good indoor option in the event of a rainy day, there is a bowling alley on the bay in San Antonio.
