Moving to Spain with Kids? The TRUTH About Family Life on the Costa del Sol!

Moving to Spain with kids is an exciting yet daunting decision. From choosing the right location and schools to understanding healthcare and daily life, there’s a lot to consider. The Costa del Sol, with its fantastic climate, outdoor lifestyle, and family-friendly atmosphere, is one of the best places in Spain to raise a family.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about parenting on the Costa del Sol—from education and healthcare to fun activities and the cost of living. Whether you’re already planning the move or just considering it, here’s what life with kids in Spain is really like.

🏡 Best Family-Friendly Locations on the Costa del Sol

Choosing the right area to live in is crucial for families. The Costa del Sol offers a mix of vibrant towns, beachfront communities, and suburban areas with great amenities for children. Here are some of the most family-friendly locations:

• Fuengirola: A lively and accessible town with flat streets, making it easy for strollers and young kids. It has some of the best playgrounds and a fantastic beach promenade.
• Estepona: Known for its charming old town, family-friendly atmosphere, and great selection of international and Spanish schools.
• Elviria (East Marbella): One of the greenest areas on the coast with excellent schools, parks, and safe neighborhoods, perfect for families who love outdoor living.

Each of these locations offers a different vibe, but they all share one thing—an incredible quality of life for families.

💡 The Outdoor Lifestyle & Why It’s a Game-Changer for Families

One of the biggest perks of raising kids in Spain is the outdoor lifestyle. The Costa del Sol enjoys over 320 days of sunshine per year, which means your children will spend most of their time outside—whether at the beach, in parks, or participating in sports.

Unlike colder countries, where indoor activities dominate, Spanish culture revolves around outdoor socializing. Playgrounds, beachside cafés, and green spaces are an integral part of daily life, and you’ll often find restaurants with built-in play areas so parents can relax while kids have fun.

Some of the best kid-friendly parks include:

• Dragon Playground (Fuengirola) – One of the largest and most exciting playgrounds for kids, with plenty of space for picnics and even BBQ areas.
• Paseo Marítimo (Estepona & Fuengirola) – A long, scenic beachfront walkway perfect for cycling, jogging, or strolling with kids.
• Elviria Forest Walk – A beautiful nature trail where families can walk, take their pets, and enjoy nature.

📚 Spanish vs. International Schools – What’s Best for Your Child?

Education is a top priority for families relocating to Spain. The Spanish school system offers public, private, and international options. Here’s what you need to know:

• Public Schools (Colegios Públicos): Free for residents and great for full Spanish immersion, but availability depends on residency registration and catchment areas.
• Concertado Schools: A mix of public and private, offering a more affordable option with some bilingual education.
• International Schools: The most popular choice for expat families, following British, American, or other foreign curriculums.

Some of the top international schools on the Costa del Sol include:

1. Aloha College Marbella
2. The English International College
3. The British School of Marbella
4. Atalaya International School (Estepona)
5. Laude International College
6. Swans International School
7. Calpe International School
8. Atlas American School

If you plan to enroll your child in an international school, start the process at least a year in advance, as many schools have long waitlists.

🏥 Healthcare for Families – Public vs. Private Options

Spain is known for its excellent healthcare system, and families can choose between public und private healthcare.

• Public Healthcare (Seguridad Social): Free for residents with a social security number. The quality is high, but wait times for specialists can be long.
• Private Healthcare: Faster access to specialists and English-speaking doctors. Private health insurance is required for many visa types.

Some of the top private healthcare providers include:

1. Sanitas
2. Medifiatc
3. Mapfre
4. Asisa
5. Adeslas

A great healthcare tip for families is to consider Helicópteros Sanitarios, a private medical service that sends doctors to your home for urgent medical care—an invaluable service for parents with young children.

💰 Cost of Living with Kids in Spain

Living in Spain with kids is generally more affordable than in Northern Europe or North America, but costs can vary depending on lifestyle.

• Renting a family home: €1,500 – €2,500 per month
• International school fees: €600 – €1,800 per month per child
• Private healthcare: €50 – €150 per month per person
• Groceries for a family of four: €800 – €1,000 per month
• Eating out: €10 – €15 per person for casual dining, €50+ for fine dining

With lower costs for healthcare, childcare, and outdoor entertainment, Spain offers an incredible quality of life for families at a reasonable cost.

🎡 Fun Activities for Kids on the Costa del Sol

Spain is full of family-friendly activities, from beach days to theme parks. Some of the most popular options include:

• Beaches & Paseos: Walking, biking, and playing along the beautiful Mediterranean coast.
• Selwo Aventura (Estepona): A safari park with exotic animals and adventure activities.
• Bobby Jump (Elviria): An indoor trampoline park—perfect for kids on rainy days.
• Cocoa Beach Restaurant (Fuengirola): A family-friendly restaurant with a kids’ play area.
• Play Mijas Costa: A great spot for toddlers with soft play areas and kid-friendly activities.

The key to life with kids in Spain is spontaneity—with great weather year-round, you can plan outdoor activities anytime.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Reality of Raising Kids in Spain – Is It the Right Choice?

Moving abroad with children is a huge step, but Spain offers one of the best environments for family life. The Costa del Sol, in particular, provides:

✅ Safe & family-friendly communities
✅ Affordable & high-quality healthcare
✅ A relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle
✅ Diverse educational options for expats
✅ Endless activities & entertainment for kids

Parents who have moved to Spain overwhelmingly agree—it’s a fantastic place to raise children. The combination of good weather, strong family values, and a vibrant expat community makes the Costa del Sol one of the best destinations for families.

If you’re thinking about moving to Spain with your kids, Hallo Heime can help! Contact us to find the perfect family-friendly property on the Costa del Sol.

📞 Call/WhatsApp: +34 645 58 60 63
🌍 Visit our website: Hi Homes Marbella
📧 Email: info@hihomes.es

Also, don’t forget to subsribe to the Hi Homes YouTube channel for more insider tips, property tours, and interviews with our expert team.

www.youtube.com/@HiHomes