It’s true that many destinations are not designed for family travel, but that’s not the case with Peñíscola. The town is one of those places that seem designed for the little ones in the family: it has castles, beaches, parks—even water parks—urban trains, and even a magic museum.
If you’re traveling with kids and want to combine culture, sun, and lots of fun, breathe easy: Peñíscola has plans for any age and, if you don’t believe us… keep reading!
Activities to do in Peñíscola with children
Your route should start with the iconic Papa Luna Castle. At first, it might not seem very entertaining, but you can turn it into a clue game: “find the Templar prison” or “find the cistern”, and take the opportunity to explain what these terms mean.
Once up there, let the views entertain them for you. And on your way out, make a stop at the Artillery Park gardens; here you can have a snack, play for a while, or simply take a break after the walk.
If the temperature is high, head to the Peñíscola Water Slides, a water park with three distinct areas: the lake-pool for the whole family—equipped with a waterfall that hides an inner slide—; the giant slide area with curves and tunnels—including a vertical descent for the bravest—, and an exclusive pool for children from zero to eight years old with two mini-slides and interactive games. If that wasn’t enough, it also has three tennis courts and a soccer field.
Want more adventure? Come with the whole family to Peñíscola Aventura. It’s a park designed for children over six years old that has zip lines and high-altitude circuits.
And if your children are younger or you’re looking for a calmer plan, go to the Parrot Garden. Here you’ll find hundreds of exotic birds, free-flight shows, and the opportunity to learn about tropical fauna without leaving Baix Maestrat.
If you prefer to change perspective and have someone show you around instead of going out to discover on your own, hop on a “golondrina” at the port, to sail along the coast between cliffs and coves; or on the tourist train, to tour the port, the walls, and the old town. This way, the children enjoy the ride and you enjoy the views.
And no, you can’t leave out the visit to the Magic Museum by Yunke if you come to Peñíscola with children, it’s a universe of illusion! It’s only open on Saturdays and Sundays, but it’s well worth exploring. And what’s there? Robert-Houdin’s automata, Houdini’s legendary Chinese Water Torture Cell, and live shows that will challenge physics before your eyes.
In Peñíscola, there's no shortage of outdoor play areas
Peñíscola is dotted with perfect playgrounds for taking a break. Zaragoza Square and Akra Leuke Avenue cover the urban area; on the promenade, the swing area of Mar Avenue awaits, and in front of the Casablanca hotel, on Papa Luna Avenue, there’s a climbing area.
If you’re looking for accessible facilities, head to La Volta or Constitution Square, designed so that all children can play. And if you want a quieter plan, the Municipal Library is also a good refuge where you might come across very cool events.
Watch out, because the beaches will also surprise you with lots of play areas: on South Beach you’ll find a park in the shape of a pirate ship and on North Beach, a pyramid of three-dimensional climbing nets. If that’s not enough for your little ones, you can take the opportunity to go kayaking or paddle surfing in Peñíscola; there are several equipment rental points, with or without an instructor.
If what you want is to spend a quiet day playing in the sand, drive ten minutes south to discover the best coves in Peñíscola, perfect for snorkeling and teaching children to respect the habitat of sea urchins and posidonia.
What to see near Peñíscola with children
When you’ve soaked up everything Peñíscola has to offer and want to extend your adventure, grab a bike and follow the promenade: in just 7 km you’ll find Benicarló, with its port, the MUCBE agricultural museum and another handful of family-friendly beaches.
And, if you’re going by car, in just 20 minutes south you’ll reach Alcossebre, a true white sand paradise next to the Sierra de Irta Natural Park. If you continue a bit further, you’ll arrive at Benicàssim, where the water park Aquarama, the Sea Green Way —with hardly any slopes— and the Desert de les Palmes viewpoint await you.
Do you prefer something much closer that has the same charm? Just 15 minutes by car, you have the town of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis and its Templar castle, perfect for a hiking route suitable for the whole family and topped off with impressive views.
And what about Peñíscola's gastronomy? Is it suitable for children?
In addition to the endless activities, plans, and places to visit in Peñíscola with children, its strong point is that many restaurants include children’s dishes. In the old town of Peñíscola you’ll find tapas bars where fideuà with cuttlefish coexists with delicious children’s menus.
And for dessert, head straight to the promenade: they serve waffles and ice cream until midnight.
Peñíscola is an ideal destination to come with children, what are you waiting for?
You see, the beaches of Peñíscola are not the only thing that gives fame to the town, there’s much more to do! Here, each family member finds their moment and their star plan.
And to make everything work like clockwork, choose a place to stay designed for traveling with kids: one that has doors with secure locks, railings, cribs and high chairs, and completely soundproofed rooms so you can rest even when the party continues on the street. Oh, and don’t forget to check the equipment: kitchen, washing machine… All this will give you the same comfort as at home.
Does finding such accommodation sound complicated? Well, take a look at all the houses and apartments we have in Orange Costa for coming to Peñíscola with children, they have everything and more!
