I appreciate that when you take the kids on a lovely sunny beachside holiday, after a few days they might need a change of scene and something different to occupy them. Salou is a wonderful family friendly resort and, as well as its fabulous beaches, is home to some great theme parks, many of which are geared towards little ones.
I am a mum of a little one, and here I offer you the low down on some of the best places to take your kids when you feel that they are ready for a day away from the beach.
Salou’s Great Theme Parks
PortAventura
Probably the most famous park in the area, this colourful and exciting venue is full of atmosphere and will have your little ones captivated in no time. They can test their skills on the climbing nets and slides in the ‘Área Infantil’, sail canoes through the fantastical ‘Polynesia’ or enjoy some relaxation on the traditional carousel, built for adults and children alike.
Tickets for the day cost a family of 2 adults and 3 children €207, but multi-day tickets can be purchased. Open 10am – midnight almost every day during July and August, this park is a great option for a day out for the whole family.
You can find more comprehensive information on opening times and days here.
PortAventura Caribe Water Park
I don’t know many kids that don’t like to splash about in the water, and after an hour or two at this park you will find that they don’t want to go home! Full of all kinds of waterslides, river rapid adventures, relaxation areas and even a beach, the park is a haven for water babes. I really recommend the Junior Body Slides, as this area is perfect for getting the little ones to grow in confidence and challenge themselves in a safe and secure environment.
You can enjoy a family day out with your three kids for just €207, but there are several other ticket options.
Aquopolis Water Park
Only a 10-minute drive from Salou, the Aquopolis Water Park is a winner in my eyes. Designed with very little ones in mind, the place offers so much opportunity for youngsters to spread their wings and discover what it is like to experience a real ‘grown-up’ waterpark. Just like a regular park, except in mini, this spot considers the under 7s to be the stars of the show.
Costing just €107.50 for a family of five, this is a bargain day out. Opening times vary but you can find out more here.
Bosc Aventura
If your family is like mine and you love the great outdoors, then Bosc Aventura is for you. Right in the heart of Salou’s beautiful countryside, this adventure playground is full of zip line courses, paintball areas and much more. Even kids as young as three are catered for here. There are zip lines and other games that they can get involved in, all adapted to suit their age and size, and a great picnic area too, which I love as it means that you can bring your own lunch and save a bit of cash.
Prices vary depending on the courses and activities you choose, but the zip line trails range from €9-€35. You can get all the information in English here. Opening times do change but are generally from 11am-2pm and 5pm-9pm/10pm/11pm. For more accurate hours, see the website.
How to Get to Salou from the UK
When you are travelling with a little one or three, you need to know that your journey is going to be as seamless as it can be. That is why I always choose Shuttle Direct for my onward transfer. Airport transfers with an infant can be trying and, after a long flight and often an early start, they can get quite grizzly by the time you are ready for the final leg of the journey.
Shuttle Direct offer a great service, with drivers who treat their younger passengers as they would any other. Book in advance, pay a fixed price and you can look forward to a professional and comfortable trip.
From Reus Airport, the nearest one to Salou, the transfer is less than 15 minutes and only costs around £7.50 per person for a private vehicle and driver.
Where to Stay:
Aparthotel Ona Jardines Paraisol – Accommodation is so important when you travel with little ones and Aparthotel Ona Jardines Paraisol is top of my list in Salou. Close enough to the stunning beaches, the apartments here have fully equipped kitchens; ideal when you have lots of little tummies that constantly need filling. The homely feel resonates throughout and the gardens and pool, with its waterfalls and slides, are very attractive.
La Ganxeta – Another favourite of mine, specifically because it provides self-catering apartments and even air conditioning, is La Ganxeta. The flat screen TV is an added bonus if you need to give the kids some quiet time, and the kitchenette has a microwave as well as an oven, ideal for heating milk for the tiny ones or making a quick supper.
Apartmentos Deauville – Another self-catering option is Apartmentos Deauville, in front of Cala dels Vienesos Beach. Mums and dads will appreciate the sea views and the coffee machine, while the kids are well catered for in the air-conditioned apartments that have either one or two bedrooms.
About Shuttle Direct:
The team at Shuttle Direct understand that travelling with kids can be a strain. Make your onward journey from your chosen arrival airport to your hotel as stress free as possible and book in advance with our professional team at Shuttle Direct. We are the leading provider of airport transfers across Europe and North Africa and take great pride in offering friendly, reliable and fixed price services.
