Enjoying theme parks as a family is the perfect excuse to end the summer in style or give a boost to the difficult task of getting back to the grind.
The old image of an amusement park with roller coasters, baby strollers and little else has disappeared. Today’s offer is immensely wider, very interesting and, above all, not just focused on children’s fun.
In Spain we have top notch theme parks where you can spend a perfect family day with ideas for all ages. Adventure, history or a bit of cinema are some of the proposals.
Here is a list of theme parks scattered across the country.
1. Mini Hollywood: the Wild West in Almería
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Located in the imposing Tabernas Desert, in Almería, this is one of the oldest parks in our country. And it was just this unique setting, what it attracted film producers and directors to shoot movies set in the Wild West.
Hollywood stars have traveled to this desert, such as: Clint Eastwood, Claudia Cardinale, Alain Delon or Sean Connery to make films that we all surely remember. In “A Fistful of Dollars”, “Mark Antony and Cleopatra” or “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” you can recognize different corners of this park.
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And it is that Mini Hollywood is made up of the sets that have been used (and occasionally still are used) to shoot these super productions.
Thus, during the visit you can enter the prison and the sheriff’s station or the room where the can-can show takes place.
To make it more real and that we can all fully fit into a film, every day is celebrated a show in the purest western style, with gunmen, horse chases, duels and his final judgment.
To complete the visit, the photographer will be able to photograph you in period costumes (think now if you want to be a bandit, a distinguished lady or the county sheriff himself). You can also visit a film museum complete with items that have been used to shoot large productions.
In addition, the structures are growing and now have an area reserved for the animal world. A small zoo where cheetahs, zebras, giraffes live …
More information: https://www.oasysparquetematico.com/
2. Forest of Izenaduba: mythological world in Biscay
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We have set the course to deepen the Basque Country his magical world of mythological characters and legends. The Izenaduba Basoa theme park is located 15 minutes north and Bilbao and perfectly combines history, tradition and fun attractions for the little ones.
The key piece of this park is his nice farmhouse. A 16th century building (the oldest in Biscay) and one of the few remaining from High Middle age.
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This village and its surroundings It is the home of some of the most beloved mythological beings of children. As the Olentzeroa shepherd who comes down from the mountains on December 24 to bring gifts to the children, or Mari Teileta, a ladybug in charge of taking the teeth of the little ones. But you will also find some that aren’t as well loved and even occasionally scare.
It is these characters who accompany visitors through the park as they tell legends full of magic and mystery. Something that is completed with a 3D simulation and traditional games along with some outdoor attractions.
More information: http://www.izenaduba.com/
3. Puy du Fou, the history of Spain in Toledo
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This theme park, which has the history of Spain as its protagonist, was one of the last to be inaugurated. Indeed, the pandemic and its restrictions have not made life easy for them, but It is already working at full capacity.
The highlight of this park located very close to Toledo son them Shows. And we’re not talking about simple theatrical performances with good editing. At Puy du Fou they have taken it one step further and each performance is a box of surprises.
No one has ever felt so many emotions the story of the Cid Campeador or put so much action the life of Lope de Vega and the golden age. Needless to say, how the sensations are transmitted e experiences of sailors who crossed the Atlantic with Columbus to reach the New World.
Special mention (and also entrance) deserves the final show. Without wishing to make spoilers, we will only say that it is the greatest show ever represented in our country. 2,000 characters, 1,700 period costumes and about 200 actorsbetween knights and acrobats who alternate on an already imposing stage.
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And between one show and another, the wait becomes more than bearable thanks to the meticulous sets that have been prepared. A journey into another era in which the blacksmith, artisans and various taverns await us.
More information: https://www.puydufou.com/espana/es
4. Rio Safari, zoo and water park in Elche
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Time to get wet and have fun with the family. This zoo and water park in Elche (Valencian Community) It is one of the largest and also the one with the most diverse attractions among its extensive facilities.
A very positive point is that this park It is intended for all ages. Hence, we find from slides for the more adventurous there are also silent pools for children.
Before or after the dive, the part of the zoo awaits us, in which more than 100 different species. It is a very informative visit where the keepers encourage the little ones to participate in the care of some animals while explaining how they are cared for.
The most visited areas are Cave of the Reptiles, The Temple of the Tigers and The Island of Primateswhere you can have fun with the cute chimpanzees who never stop jumping between logs and swings in the large space provided for them.
More information: https://riosafari.com/
5. Land of Irrisarri: adventure in the mountains of Navarre
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In the mountains of Navarre we find the most adventurous proposal. This park is designed to encourage contact with nature and enjoy activities full of adrenaline.
The surroundings alone are worth a visit and, knowing that you will want to stay, the park itself has facilities that allow you to extend the adventure for as long as your body can handle.
Since there is no great adventure without your photo to remember, the Tibetan bridge is a favorite. A 140-meter path on a wooden bridge that overlooks the void and crosses the woods, not suitable for those suffering from vertigo.
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The zip line is another of its strengths, as well as its paths through the trees, adapted to different ages and, even, levels. There are also marked routes to be done by bicycle, on horseback or by Segway.
Faced with such a proposal, the best idea is to start with the Irrisarri Expressa little train that crosses the park and, while they tell you curiosities about the park and its maintenance works in the natural areas, you can take the opportunity to plan which activity to start with.
More information: https://www.irrisariland.com/
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