HAVING FUN IN THE SUMMER
by Liz Partridge

Andalucia has a wealth of places for families and friends to go and enjoy a really good day out in the summer.

Aquatic parks for those who want to chill out in wavepools, dare the kamikaze slides or enjoy a river ride. Take a picnic or eat in the bars or restaurants.

Aqualand, Torremolinos
Aquasierra, Córdoba
AquaTropic, Almuñecar
Aquavelis, Velez-Malaga
Park Aquatico, Mijas

Theme parks for those who enjoy the thrill of a roller coaster, log flume, rapids, all kinds of fairground rides or for something a little different. Most have special rides for children, restaurants and gardens.

Isla Mágica, Pabellon de España, Sevilla Open daily 11 to 11
Tivoli World, Arroya de la Miel Open 6pm to 2.30am
Parkilandia, Fuengirola, amusement park for children with lots of different activities
Aventura Amazonia, Dos Hermanas, Sevilla, adventure circuits at different levels set in a forest. Choose from ‘Kids,’ ‘Explorer,’ ‘Adventure’ or ‘Sport.’ Open weekends (weekdays for groups)
Senda Sport, Gerena, Seville. Four circuits for motor sports, karts, quads, dirtbikes, 4x4s, plus vehicles for children and the disabled. Open Fri, Sat and Sun from 10am (weekdays for groups)
Mini Hollywood, Almeria on the N340 to Tabernas. Once home to spaghetti Westerns, it now has tours, mock bank robberies, shoot-outs and a small zoo. Nearby is Texas Hollywood which has a Western town, Mexican pueblo, a fort and Indian teepees. Enjoy a beer in the western saloon.
Outdoor Games Centre, Vinuela for archery, petanque and skittles, swimming pool and snack lunches Open Tues, Thurs, Sat from 10am to sunset

Wildlife parks for those who love to look at animals of all kinds, learn about them and amble through gardens.

Lobo Park, on the Alora Road outside Antequera – a great park, super tours, four species of wolves and new cubs. Excellent daytime tours from 11am to 6pm. Don´t miss the howl night with BBQ, tour and howling (reservations only). Shop and mini zoo
Selwo Safari Park, Estepona – Animals galore, routes by truck, adventure trails over hanging bridges and down wires over the lake, shops and restaurants. Open Aug. 10am to 8pm
Bird Park, Almuñecar with aviaries, parrot shows and a cactus garden. Open 11 to 2, 5 to 7
Córdoba Zoo, Avedina del Linneo: a small zoo which includes tigers, elephants, llamas and reptiles. Open Sat and Sun 10.30am to 9pm
Crocodile Park, Torremolinos, with a crocodile nursery, mini zoo, museum, restaurant and shop. Open from 10 to 6
Garden of the Eagles (Jardin de las Aguilas) Benalmádena Pueblo. Access via the cable car to enjoy the activities.
Fuengirola Zoo in Avenida de Camilo José Cela: a visitor and animal-friendly zoo. Special activities at 11.30 so all can get to know the gorillas better. Open daily from 10am
Cañada de los Pájaros, in Puebla del Rio, south west of Sevilla. Guided tours to see and learn about the water birds, overnight stays. Open from 10am to dusk
Bulls are Culture (El Toro es Cultura), in Marbella, where you can have a guided tour of La Dehesa Meadows where bulls are raised, the farm, stables, pigsty, patios, indoor bullring and museum. Tours on Wed, Fri and Sat. Tel 952961125 or www.eltoroescultura.com