Travelling with kids who need to burn off energy beyond just the beach? La Albufereta, between Playa de San Juan and central Alicante, is home to a play area with giant slides that has become a favourite stop for local families, and it’s an easy addition to a beach day in the area, whatever the age of your children, and it costs nothing to enjoy for as long as they want to stay.
Where and What
The play area sits within the green spaces of La Albufereta, close to the seafront and easily reached by tram or bus from both Playa de San Juan and downtown Alicante. Its standout feature is a set of large, built-into-the-hillside slides, which are a step up in scale from a typical playground and popular with kids well beyond toddler age. The slides make use of the natural slope of the land, which is part of why they feel so much bigger than a standard playground structure.
Why Kids Love It
- The slides are noticeably bigger and faster than standard playground equipment, which makes them exciting for children up to around 10-12 years old.
- The surrounding park has shaded areas and benches, making it comfortable for parents to supervise while sitting down.
- It’s free to use and open throughout the day, with no set hours or entry fee.
- The varied terrain around the slides gives older kids extra ways to play beyond simply sliding down.
Making a Day of It
La Albufereta is close enough to Playa de San Juan that you can easily combine a morning at the beach with an afternoon at the park, or vice versa. There are cafes and small supermarkets nearby for snacks and drinks, so you don’t need to carry everything with you for a full day out. The neighbourhood itself is quiet and residential, which makes for a relaxed contrast after a busy morning on the sand.
Practical Tips
The slides can get hot in direct summer sun, so mid-morning or late afternoon tends to be more comfortable than midday in July and August. Bring water and a light layer, since the park sits close to the sea and can catch a breeze even on warm days. As with any playground, adult supervision is recommended, especially for younger children using the larger slides. Bringing a light pair of trousers rather than swimwear alone is also worth considering, since the slide surface can be rough on bare skin.
Nearby Options if the Kids Want More
If the slides are a hit, the beach itself is only a short walk away, along with several ice cream shops in the surrounding streets, making it easy to build a full, varied afternoon around this one stop.
Getting There
The TRAM and several bus lines connecting Alicante with Playa de San Juan stop within walking distance of La Albufereta, making this an easy no-car addition to your itinerary.
What Other Families Say
Ask any local parent about places to tire out young children near Playa de San Juan and the Albufereta slides come up almost immediately, largely because there is nowhere else in the immediate area offering the same scale of play equipment for free. Many families treat it as a regular weekend routine rather than a one-off visit, arriving with a ball or scooter to make use of the wider park space once the novelty of the slides themselves has worn off for the day.
Combining With a Wider Alicante Day
Because La Albufereta sits roughly midway between Playa de San Juan and the historic centre of Alicante, families based in either location can treat the slides as a natural stopping point on a day that also includes time downtown, rather than a separate dedicated outing. A morning at the castle or the Explanada in central Alicante, lunch somewhere nearby, and an afternoon at the slides before heading back to the beach for the evening makes for a well-rounded family day that covers several very different kinds of activity without excessive travel time between them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age are the slides suitable for? Generally suitable from around 4 years old up to early teens, though very young children should be supervised closely.
Is there shade nearby? Some, though it is more limited than at the Almadraba or Marjal parks, so sun protection is worth bringing.
Is there parking nearby? Limited street parking is available, though arriving by tram or on foot is generally easier during busy periods.
Is the play area supervised by staff? No, it is an open public park with no staff on site, so parents should supervise children directly.
Is there a cafe close by for a break? Yes, small cafes and shops in the surrounding streets make it easy to grab a drink or snack without leaving the immediate area.
