The Cake House, Mijas
Recommended by Tracy Davies
Workshops for kids, teens and adults alike including beginners basic baking and cupcake classes
http://thecakehousespain.com/baking-classes/
Comments:
"my son has just completed one of their childrens bakery classes and absolutly loved it!! I was a bit dubious at first but the host Becky was great and a lot of fun. The group was small and they bought home some yummy cupcakes ,my son has even made some more at home since completing the classes and wants me to sign him up for more classes over the easter, Highly recommend for kids teenagers and adults holidays" (TD, March 2013)
Youth Club, Coin
Recommended by Roundabout Spain
Designed for 11 – 16 years old held every Friday from 7.30pm – 10pm at the Wellington Centro de Cultura in La Trocha. All sorts of activites from table tennis, boxing, mini disco, board games, karaoke and a quiz every fortnight, for just €3. A new initiative to provide a venue for teenagers to safely ‘hang out’ in.
LOCATION: Wellington Centro de Cultura, CC La Trocha, Coin.
TEL: 679 185 078
Creative Corner, Gibraltar
Recommended by Roundabout Spain
A club for younger children aged 4 to 7 years, offering puppet shows, story telling, treasure hunts, games, music & movement, cooking and play-dough modelling. From 10.30am – 12.30pm every Saturday, cost is £10 per session. Call Lizanne or Emma in advance to confirm places are available.
LOCATION: King’s Bastion Leisure Centre, Queensway, Gibraltar
TEL: 00350 5401 9334 / 00350 5401 6288
Youth Zone, Gibraltar
Recommended by Roundabout Spain
This is a specifically designed area for youngsters to chill out with their friends and use any of the facilities at the centre including Nintendo Wii, internet lounge, ice skating or bowling. Special events are hosted at weekends such as discos. Entrance is for 12-18 year olds and the youth bar and lounge is open from 10am until midnight every day.
LOCATION: King’s Bastion Leisure Centre, Gibraltar
TEL: +350 2004 4777 | EMAIL: info@kingsbastion.gov.gi
Wellington Centro de Cultura, Coin
Recommended by Roundabout Spain
This is one of the only centres inland which offers a complete range of activities under one roof for children and adults. Classes for children include martial arts, boxing, ballet, children’s yoga, lyrical dance and hip hop. A Youth Club for 10 -18 years olds is held every Friday evening all year round. Adult classes available include the latest Latin fitness craze ‘Samba Robica’, martial arts, boxing, weight control, yoga, personal training and even barbershop choir singing! The centre has a fully qualified team of instructors and the premises can also be hired out by independent teachers who want to set up their own classes or for other events. There is a stage, dressing room and bar and is ideally located in La Trocha shopping centre, so plenty of free parking and facilities. Visit their Facebook page to find a full timetable of all the classes on offer plus the latest information on what’s happening at Wellington Centro de Cultura en España.
LOCATION: CC La Trocha, Coin
TEL: 679 185 078
EMAIL: wellingtoncentre@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/WellingtonCentreEspana
Paintball Estepona
Recommended by Roundabout Spain
Various terrains for all paintball enthusiasts to ambush and battle on! Great for all levels from novices to the more experienced. Open every day with various prices starting from €14.95. Birthdays are also catered for.
Finca Los Limoneros, Río Padrón. Camino Puerto Romano, Estepona
TEL: 616 080 221 | EMAIL: info@paintballestepona.com
www.paintballestepona.com
Comments:
This recommendation comes courtesy of Roundabout Spain
Fuengirola Adventure Golf
Recommended by Roundabout Spain
Open all year round from 12pm – 9pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm – 9pm on Sundays. This is a lovely mini golf course for all the family. The water interacts with the golf in 10 holes out of the 19 and the changes in elevation, length and style keep the putter enthralled throughout.
Parque Fluvial Sohail, just off the N340 near Miramar shopping centre, Fuengirola
TEL: 951 260 067 / 652 475 113 | EMAIL: colin@ogro.org
www.fuengirolaadventuregolf.com/
Comments:
This recommendation comes courtesy of Roundabout Spain
After School Club, Alhaurin
Recommended by Roundabout Spain
A new After School Kids club (A.S.K) has been set up for 6 – 12 year olds every Thursday from 3pm – 4.30pm for inland kids. The idea is to teach kids how to communicate using sing songs in sign language.
LOCATION: Aguamania, Ctra Coin-Cartama
TEL: 655 745 892 | EMAIL: jojo-art@hotmail.co.uk
Baby & Toddler playgroup, Seville
Recommended by Fiona Flores Watson
The American Women's Society of Seville organizes morning and afternoon groups offer a chance for babies and toddlers to play in an English-speaking environment and for mothers to make new friends.
awcseville@gmail.com
www.awcseville.com
Baby Massage and Mums Group
Recommended by Hannah Davies
Natural Blend does baby massage courses in Gibraltar to help stimulate the immune system, improve circulation, skin conditions and relax baby. It can also help with colic, wind and constipation. The classes are suitable from birth to one year and cost 5 pounds per class. There are also Sunday classes for working mums & dads
www.natural-blend.com geeta@natural-blend.com
Baby Swimming, Estepona
Recommended by Hannah Davies
Swim Bebe Swim offer baby and children´s swimming classes and a variety of different swimming courses to suit all ages. Also offer Aqua Natal classes for mums-to-be.
El Casar Benahavis, Sherainae Spa Marbella, Albayt Country Club Estepona and Aprona Estepona www.swimbebeswim.com
Bouncers - Mother and Baby Group, Nueva Andalucia
Recommended by Tamsin Trowbridge
Bouncers is a traditional Mother & Baby/Toddler group for 0-3's. Mums can just come along with their little one and have a coffee and a chat whilst the kids socialize and play. There are lots of toys and activities for all stages. The venue is big and with lots of light. There are comfy chairs for the mums, high chairs for feeding and quiet areas for breast feeding. There are also changing facilities. Bouncers is a good place to meet other mums, very good friendships have been made at Bouncers!
Time: Monday - under 1's - 10.30am-12.30pm
Wednesday - 0-3's - 11am-1pm
Friday - 0-3's - 10.30am-12.30pm
Sessions cost 5 Euros
Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucia Rachel 669 772 133 or bouncersmarbella@hotmail.com
Comments:
"Since moving back to Spain with my son who was 3 months at the time Bouncers playgroup became my primary source of information, support and a chance to chat to other mums whilst my son fed and then slept giving me time for girly chat (vital when you have just a baby at home!) Rachel, who runs Bouncers, was fantastic at making all the new mums feel welcome and introducing everyone. The great thing about Bouncers for mums with young babies is you can sit and watch all the slightly older babies either sitting up or crawling around giving you a chance to see your babies next stage. There are lots of toys and activities for babies, no chance of anyone getting bored! In fact due to my son loving playing on the walker at Bouncers I felt duty bound to buy him one for home! Bouncers is held in a lovely big room, with plenty of space for a younger babies section and room for the older ones to crawl around and chase each other! I would recommend Bouncers to all mums looking for the chance to meet other mums, meet other babies, have girly chats, swap information and tips about various stages in babiy´s development or who just want to moan to sympathetic ears about lack of sleep! Oh and Rachel organises well deserved girly nights out, no husbands, no babies, just plenty to eat and drink!" (TT - Sep 2010)
"As a practicing midwife on the costa del sol since 1996, I have always recommended new Mums (& Dads) to go to Bouncers in my antenatal groups. It is an informal but well arranged meeting group, open three mornings/week so giving flexibility to those who wish to work & still socialize or, when its just too hard to get out the door with a new baby! The room is well lit and ventilated and there are age appropriate toys and games. Rachel White is approachable and generous with her time and always makes new Mums welcome. She is open to new ideas and is a valuable source of up-to-date information for new parents on the coast. As a new Mum of boy/girl twins, I can now give the advice to go to Bouncers from another perspective - and I do!" (Anne Halpenny Sep 2010)
"I have been going to Bouncers since my now 4 1/2 year old daughter was 4 months old. It helped me a lot to see other mums with the same, or similar, problems, and it helped my daughters and myself find new friends, too. As I have no family in Spain I was pleased to find a little network of people who share information about what is going on, where and when. Rachel is a welcoming and warm person and it is really easy to talk to her. Children enjoy that special time with different toys, having their mummy closeby. I think it is the ideal solution for expat and local mums who want to meet new people and just get out of the house for a few hours. I am expecting another little girl now and sure will be back to Bouncers very soon for the third round!" (Paula Sep 2010)
"Bouncers is a great place to meet other mums and parents in a relaxed and very friendly environment. I have attended a couple of groups with similar aged children to mine (two and nine months) and sometimes felt as though I didn't quite fit in with the other mums cliques. At Bouncers, I find the atmosphere very light and amicable and the conversations very friendly. Rachel always welcomes new people with as much warmth as she does regulars. There are always lots of toys for the children with different activity areas; drawing, music, books etc. and a soft play area for babies. I also enjoy the different guest visitors selling products for parents and children. I live in La Cala and travel to Puerto Banus for the session, so it MUST be good!!
(AM, Sep 2010)
Family of Sound, Malaga
Recommended by Jill Burgess
The family of Sound are a group of talented children and adults from a variety of backgrounds. They teach you how to warm up your voice correctly, how to keep intime and reach that note, we teach how to project your voice on stage and deliver lines convincingly. They show you how just letting your imagaination play in drama class whilst making new friends can be so much fun.
The group perform to small and large audiences everything from little sketches to full blown Pantomines and Musicals.
Pap Martin Box 282
C/ Gerald Brenan 46
Alhaurin El Grande
Malaga 29120
Tel 952490003/ 697362969
www.familyofsound.es
Galaxia Indoor Play Area, Marbella
Recommended by Katya Sobrino
Galaxia is in indoor soft play centre with outside space, cafe and toyshop.
Guadalmina Alta San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella 29679, Malaga (+34) 952885530
Comments
"You can get different membership options so you can pay a certain amount for the year which either gives you free entrance or a discount on entrance. They now offer a variety of baby activities such as baby grow clinic and baby dance sessions. You can also hold birthday parties here." (KS March 2011)
Ice Skating Rink, Benalmadena
Recommended by Katya Sobrino
Club de Hielo in Benalmadena is an indoor ice skating rink in a large complex which also houses a swimming pool and fitness rooms.
Comments
"My daughter went here for a birthday party and had a great time. It was her first time ice skating but she really enjoyed it. Its worth going to and finding out what events they have on as they hold special activities for Christmas, Halloween, Carnival etc." (KS, March 2011)
Horse Riding Lessons, Estepona
Recommended by Katya Sobrino
The “Escuela De Arte Ecuestre Costa Del Sol” is one of the biggest and more renowned equestrian centers in Spain. There is a large range of facilities, with over 30 well schooled horses and ponies, and BHS trained and qualified staff. The school offers classes for all ages and levels. If you have your own horse they also offer stabling.
C/ Río Padrón Alto 29680 Estepona (+34) 952808077 www.escuela-ecuestre.com
Comments
"The school offers classes (or rather walking on a pony while holding on to a parent!) for under fives. Children can start "proper" lessons there from the age of 5 onwards either privately or as part of a group. During school holidays they run a lot of courses and activity weeks for children and during the year they offer pony picnic excursions as well as different games and courses. As well as trips into the country there is a huge indoor riding school where children can actually learn to ride." (KS, March 2011)
Indoor Soft Play Area, Gibraltar
Recommended by Katya Sobrino
A bit further afield, Aping About in Gibraltor is an indoor soft play area.
9/11 Corral Road, Gibraltar www.apingabout.com
Comments
"They offer a variety of services such as birthday parties with party bags and entertainers as well as a drop off service if you are in Gibraltar and want to go shopping. At certain times they are just open for babies and toddlers and you can pay less for them. They also offer lunchttime meal deals as well as seasonal parties."
Kids Inc, Marbella
Recommended by Michael Byass
Kids Inc offer play schemes during hte summer holidays
Puente Romano Hotel, Marbella, www.costakidsinc.com
Comments:
"Activities are designed to be fun, educational and stimulate children using the six areas of learning (Early Learning Goals). All members of staff interact with the children on a personal level to ensure their stay with Kids Inc is as enjoyable as possible" (MB)
Kidz Kingdom, Estepona
Recommended by Hannah Davies
One of the largest indoor play centres on the Costa del Sol with play facilities for children from 0-9 years old. Seperate play area for under 3s. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11am until 6pm. Entrance costs 10 Euros (no time limit). They also offer birthday parties and Baby and Toddler Mornings every Tuesday & Thursday.
N340 KM 166 2, Bel Air, Estepona 29680 info@kidzkingdom.eu www.kidzkingdom.eu
Comments:
"What child doesnt enjoy a huge, noisy, plastic, brightly coloured indoor play area with climbing, slides and general fun to be had by all. Not much to do here when it rains so this is not to be missed on those days when you are all stuck indoors pulling your hair out. The children are guaranteed to come back exhausted (as are you!)" (HD, Oct 09)
Kudo Academies Marbella
Recommended by Vicky Earl
At the Kudo Academies Martial Arts Education Centre, there is a range of disciplines taught including Ju Jitsu and Kickboxing, for both adults and children.
Carl Norman 667419064 www.kudoacadamies.com
Location; explicit directions on website … near McDonalds & La Canada, Crta de Ojen, Marbella
Comments:
"As Ju Jitsu techniques rely on leverage rather than strength, this is a sport at which both boys and girls can excel. The gym is very well equipped and Carl is not only an expert in his sport, but also an enthusiastic teacher It was amazing to see just how much more confident my child had become after only a few sessions." (VE Nov 10)
Learn, Stretch and Play Toddler Group
Recommended by Hannah Davies
Baby & Toddler Learn Stretch & Play is a mixture of baby massage and baby yoga in Gibraltar. These classes use rhyme and simple music and are suitable for babies from 6 months to 2 years. Song sheets are provided to help you learn all the tunes and practice with your baby at home. Classes are 5 pounds per class
www.natural-blend.com geeta@natural-blend.com
Little Fishes Swimming Classes, Estepona
Recommended by Vicky Earl
‘Little Fishes’ courses are different from traditional swimming lessons, and are highly structured and carefully designed for babies (from the age of 4 months) and toddlers (to age 3 years). A course comprises of 10 weekly lessons, with very small class sizes, and as you would expect, the instructors are well qualified and experienced. Parents are shown how to assist their babies to move in water, without the use of armbands.Contact Helene 686498561 or Marnie 607875949
Various venues along the coast…
Hotel Sultan, Calle Arturo Rubenstein s/n Marbella 29600 Tel; 952867205
Caledonia Golf & Spa, Los Flamingos, Cancelada, Estepona (exit 166 N 340)
info@littlefishes-spain.com
www.littlefishes-spain.com
Comments:
" Little Fishes classes are quite different from "normal" swimming lessons, with the emphasis on fun ... and it's very enjoyable for the parents also! " (VE, Oct 2010)
Lourdes Dance School, Alhaurin El Grande
Recommended by Jill Burgess
All types of dance taught here from Flamenco to Ballet. Courses & clsses available. Based in Alhaurin el Grande
tel 679205528
Marbella Stage School
Recommended by Sarah Bruce
Very popular stage school teaching ballet, tap, modern and jazz dance.
Classes every day from 3 to adult. Annual exams, experienced qualified teachers.
Summer & Easter courses. Scholarships
Annual Charity show
Dynamic Training Centre
Ctra. de Istan, Km 0.900m, Centro Commercial Le Village, Marbella
(next to Small World Cafe and Olivia Valere nightclub)
and
QI SPORT
Urb La Alzambra, Edif. Vasari Center,
Nueva Andalucia 29660 (Behind Dreamers Night Club)
Tel: 952 906 865 or 630 202 221
info@marbellastageschool.com; laramelville@hotmail.com
www.marbellastageschool.com
Comments:
"My family moved to Marbella 2 years ago, my daughter, Libby-Rose, is a very keen dancer - we discovered Marbella Stage School prior to moving out there, it is the only BBO (British Ballet Organisation) School on the coast. I found that the school continued all of the values Libby-Rose was taught at her former BBO school in England.
Libby-Rose attends all the classes available to her, including private Ballet Lessons and a full day of Dancing on Saturdays.
We all feel that the Marbella Stage School is much more than a dance school, it has a very friendly atmosphere, and it's just like one big family environment.
Miss Jayne is a very caring person to all the children, and they all look up to her.
Miss Lara is not only a Dance Teacher to them, but also a very good friend, and one who the older girls can approach easily to discuss any issues they have. Miss Lara is also a friendly face within other schools along the Coast.
As a mother, I find it very important to give your child every opportunity to fulfil their dreams, Miss Jayne and Miss Lara offers each child the chance to fulfill their full potential and they certainly offer all possible encouragement regardless of each Child's talent and ability.
My daughter is very happy at the School - this is very pleasing for us, especially after leaving family and friends behind in the UK. She settled very quickly and it now feels like she has a second dancing family who offer the same love and support which she received back home" (SB, Aug 10)
Mother and Baby Group at Aping About, Gibraltar
Recommended by Katya Sobrino
A bit further afield, Aping About in Gibraltar is an indoor soft play area which has a mother and baby group 3 mornings a week (Mon, Weds, Fri).
9/11 Corral Road, Gibraltar www.apingabout.com
Mother and Baby Fitness Classes, Marbella
Recommended by Hannah Davies
Yummy Mummys Marbella is a fitness group for mums who want to get back into shape whilst exercising with their babies. They offer a beach workout as well as an indoor workout. For more information on times and classes please visit their website www.yummymummys-marbella.com
Comments:
"As there are no creches in Spain that offer childminding facilities its great to be able to work out with your baby in tow. These sort of classes are always a fantastic way of meeting new mums and its nice to do something for yourself once and again...and who knows you might get back to shape in no time!" (HD, Dec 09)
Musical Babes San Pedro d Alcantara
Recommended by Vicky Earl
Music sessions for children aged 6 months to 3 years, and the activities range from singing and playing musical instruments to enjoying musical games and listening activities.
Contact Sophie at The Language House 952853027
Location; Calle Antonio Machado 29670 San Pedro d Alcantara
Comment:
"If you have a young baby or toddler at home, it can sometimes be difficult finding things to do with them that are not only fun but educational. Herechildren not only learn to sing and enjoy making music, they also learn to socialise with others. So don't be a-stay-at-home-mum ... get out and meet new friends at these really enjoyable sessions!" (VE, Oct 2010)
Parque de la Concepcion, Marbella
Recommended by Emma Tremlett
Large Park on the Paseo Maritimo, Marbella
Comments:
" Lovely park near the beach. It also has a lovely outdoor cafe which can be used for birthday parties at no cost ." (ET)
Parque de Paloma, Benalmadena
Recommended by Mary Roulston
Large well-managed park. Every day 10am-7pm
Avda. Federico Garcia Lorca s/n, Benalmadena Costa, Malaga www.benalmadena.com/turismo/puntos-de-interes-en-Benalmadena/P17/Parque-de-la-Paloma.html
Comments:
"Lots of grassy areas (no dog poo) which were great for my crawler. She also loved all the animals and chickens roaming free in the park. Play ground apparatus for older kids and plenty of ducks to feed." (MR)
Pilates Para Ti! Mother & Baby group
Recommended by Sophie Hoffmann
There is a Pilates Para Ti! Mother and Baby Group every Tuesday at 11am in The San Roque International School (Ruff n Tumble Nursery), by Sotogrande. It’s like a regular Mother & Baby group but instead of tea and biscuits there is Pilates exercises! Most of all it’s fun for Mums and Tots. The class is in the school´s gym which is bright, spacious and full of stimulating toys to keep little ones busy and there are lots of exercises that can incorporate the kids too. It's a flexible, relaxed workout with great exercises designed to get your pre-baby body back, strengthen your core muscles, improve posture, and help alleviate back, neck and joint aches. They also do some Baby-Gym exercises which are designed to keep baby’s muscles and joints flexible and is a great bonding time for Mum & Baby.
For more information please contact Sophie on +34 600 214 977 or email pilatesparati@gmail.com
Princess Studios, Marbella
Recommended by Adele
Fun, creative & confidence-building classes for kids of all ages at Princess Studios, Marbella
Among the classes for kids are:
Hip Hop Class
4 - 7 year old boys
& girls with Shaffik, Mondays at 5pm
Junior Cheerleading
Fridays at 5pm
Performing Arts
Saturdays at 10am, ages 7+
Princess Studios SL, Plaza Marina Banus, Local 203 - C
29660 Puerto Banus, Marbella - Malaga, Spain
T: 952 905 119 E: info@princessstudios.com
www.princessstudios.com
Comments:
"Princess Studios is a dance studio for kids which have classes in Ballet, Hip Hop, Commercial Dance, Cheerleading and many more. I take my daughter to the Hip Hop class and the teacher Shaffik is one of the best, he has recently danced with Rihanna and Shakira at the MTV awards in Madrid. The studios are modern and bright and in a great location in puerto banus within the marina banus shopping complex so when you drop off the children you can do a spot of shopping. They also have adult classes as well as a hair studio and a beauty therapist so whilst the children are in class you can treat yourself to a treatment" (Adele, Dec 2010)
Ranchito, Torremolinos
Recommended by Mary Roulston
Horse-riding centre with lots of activities for children based in Malaga
Senda del Pilar, 4 29620 Torremolinos - Málaga (34) 95 238 30 63/ 609 717 741
E-Mail: info@ranchito.com www.ranchito.com
Comments:
"Lessons and treks for families, beginners and children (over five). They also put on fantastic shows every Wednesday evening" (MR)
Socatots, San Pedro
Recommended by Hannah Davies
SOCATOTS® is a soccer play programme for both babies and toddlers from six months to five years. The equipment and classes are all designed to develop agility, balance and cordination as well as interest in the game.
www.socatots.com/andalucia/
Comments:
Classes take place at The Fitness Studio and San Pedro International School as well as at Calahonda Fitness Studio. Visit their website for all the timetables and locations.
Stagecoach Theatre School, Nueva Alcantara
Recommended by Vicky Earl
There is a network of these schools providing dancing singing and performance lessons for young people between 4 and 18 years of age. Classes are held after school, at weekends and there are also holiday workshops. Each year there are two performances at the school for family and friends, as well as opportunities to perform at other events in various local venues.
St Anthony’s College, Camino de Coin, Km 5.25, Mijas Costa, Fuengirola, International College San Pedro, Urb. Nueva Alcantara, 29670 San Pedro, Loreto Convent, Gibraltar costadelsol@stagecoachschools.com www.stagecoach.es
Comments:
We are fortunate in having one of these excellent schools here on the Costa del Sol. Having now thoroughly enjoyed a couple of their shows/events, I can honestly say that the children not only abound in confidence, but demonstrate a dedication to producing their best possible performance, that is the equal of many professional presentations.
Speaking to several proud parents after the shows, it was very evident that as expected, the children had benefited from the classes by becoming more confident personalities and better communicators. However there were also unanticipated bonuses…as many children now put into practice, in other unconnected activities, the disciplines they had learned at the Stage School, such as having more enthusiasm for trying out new activities, and making more effort and persevering at tasks they might previously have abandoned as too difficult. (VE Nov 10)
Sports Club, Nueva Andalucia
Recommended by Julie Frier
The Multi Sports Club runs a kids sports club in the mornings at weekends with a variety of sports such as tennis, football, hockey, rugby etc to suit all tastes and ages. They also run Kids Camps during the holidays as well as birthday parties.
Urb. Parcelas del Golf, Avda del Prado, 29660 Nueva Andalucia, Ian (+34 656618712) info@themultisportsclub.com
Comments:
"This is a really popular place for families along the coast so its a great way to meet people as well as for your kids to play sport!" (JF, Nov 09)
