How to Have a Stress-Free Holiday with Young Kids in Spain
- Little Legs Travel Spain
- Jun 10
- 4 min read
From the team at Little Legs Travel Spain
We know from personal experience that travelling with little ones is a whole new kind of adventure. It’s not always the kind of rest you dream of, but with a bit of planning and the right mindset, it can be full of fun, sunshine and lovely memories. Whether you're flying into Alicante or Murcia airport, or staying somewhere along the beautiful Costa Cálida, we’ve put together our favourite tried-and-tested tips for enjoying a holiday in Spain with young children – minus the stress.
Keep naps on the radar
If your little one still naps, you’ll know that skipping sleep can make the wheels come off very quickly. Try to keep a familiar rhythm to your day, especially in those first few days when everyone’s adjusting. You don’t need to stick to a rigid routine – just be aware of when tiredness might creep in and plan around it.
Mornings tend to be cooler and quieter, which is ideal for a beach trip, playground visit or a wander around a local market like the one in Los Alcázares or La Zenia. Then head back for lunch and a nap before venturing out again in the late afternoon or early evening when things cool down.
If your accommodation doesn’t come with a cot or blackout blinds, we offer these to make sleep time that bit smoother. It’s the small things that make a big difference when you’re away from home.
Eating out, Spanish-style
One of the best things about Spain is how family-friendly it is when it comes to food. Children are welcome pretty much everywhere and it’s completely normal to see families eating together well into the evening. That said, Spanish meal times are a little later than many families are used to. Lunch (comida) starts around 1.30 or 2pm and dinner (cena) is often from 8pm onwards.
If that’s a bit too late for your little ones, aim for a late lunch and then offer a lighter dinner or picnic-style tea at your accommodation. You’ll find many restaurants offering a "menú del día", which can be great value and often includes bread, a drink and dessert. For fussier eaters, it’s fine to ask for simple options like "arroz blanco" (plain rice), "pasta con tomate", or an "omelette francesa" (plain omelette). Most places are happy to help if you ask nicely.
Many restaurants do have highchairs, but it’s not always guaranteed, especially in smaller local spots. It’s always worth checking in advance, or keeping things flexible so everyone stays relaxed.
Take it slow – you’re on Spanish time now
The pace of life here is slower, and that suits family life beautifully. You don’t need to fill every minute with plans. Choose one main outing or activity per day and leave room for rest, free play and spontaneous stops for helado (ice cream). Trust us, some of the best memories come from the unplanned bits.
Some family-friendly spots we love in the Murcia and Alicante areas include:
Parque de las Naciones in Torrevieja – wide paths, turtles in the lake and space to run around.
Playa de las Salinas in Los Alcázares – calm, shallow waters and a safe, sandy spot that’s ideal for toddlers. There’s also a really sweet little park just next to Restaurante La Encarnación, where you can sit with a cold drink on the terrace and keep an eye on the children playing right beside you. It’s one of those relaxed spots that makes you feel like you're truly on holiday.
Terra Natura Murcia – a well-kept animal and nature park that’s easy to explore with young children and has a water play area in the warmer months.
Stay cool and comfortable
The Spanish sun can be strong, so plan your outdoor time for early or late in the day, and have a break indoors around siesta time. If you’re exploring towns like Cartagena or Alicante, a good buggy with a sunshade, breathable fabric and decent wheels makes all the difference. If you’d rather not travel with one, we’ve got a selection of clean, comfy strollers that can be waiting for you when you arrive. No pressure, just something to take the load off, especially if you’re navigating airports or pedestrian streets.
Don’t forget to pack sun hats, UV swimwear, and plenty of water. Tap water is safe to drink in this region, but most families prefer to stick to bottled water for babies and toddlers.
Make the most of the simple moments
Not every day needs to be exciting. Some of our own children’s favourite holiday memories are splashing in a paddling pool, collecting shells on the beach, or having a story time in the shade with a snack.
Bring a few small toys or books from home to help with quiet moments. If you need a few extras while you're here, we have toys, scooters and playmats available too. Our aim is to help families relax and enjoy their time together, with less packing and more playing.
A few final thoughts from us
Spain is genuinely a wonderful place to travel with young kids. The people are warm, the food is delicious and the slower pace helps everyone unwind. It’s OK if routines go a bit wobbly or if not everything goes to plan. You’re making memories – even the messy ones count.
We’re based right here in Murcia and we love welcoming families to this part of the world. If there’s anything you’re unsure about or want to ask before you travel, just drop us a message. We’ve been there, and we’re always happy to help.
Happy travels,The Little Legs Travel Spain team 🌞
Comentários