Local Field Trip Ideas for Children

KIDS’ FIELD TRIPS

ZOO IN JEREZ: The Jerez zoo is a good sized location, with a variety of exotic animals like lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys, elephants, and zebra, as well as plenty of birds and reptiles. It is not a world-famous zoo, but is the perfect size for young children, since they can see almost everything within a few hours, have lunch, go on a train ride, and still make it home for an afternoon nap. The website is: http://www.zoobotanicojerez.com/. In summer they are open daily from 10 am- 7 pm. From September to May, they are closed Mondays, and close early other days at 6 pm. Adult admission is about 9 Euros, child admission is 6 Euros, and children 2 and under are free. There is also a tourist train that takes you through the zoo and costs an additional 2 Euros per person. You can purchase annual passes for individuals or families that are a good discount if you plan to make multiple visits (family pass for parents and all children is 43 Euros). The zoo entrance is located on Calle Madreselva in Jerez, and has a large parking lot. GPS coordinates: 36°41'20.8"N 6°09'00.8"W. There is a gift shop, snack bars, and a restaurant on site, but packing a picnic lunch is recommended.

Note: if you are interested in a larger zoo, the Selwo Aventura near Estepona and Malaga is a Safari park. Their website is: http://www.selwo.es/en.

AQUALANDIA: A water park located just off base, this location is better for older children, because it has a variety of huge water slides, rapids, wave pool, and other water activities. There is a small area with water fountains and miniature slides for younger children. They are open from June-September from 11 am- 6 pm. Tickets are cheaper on their website (in English!):

http://www.aqualand.es/bahiadeCádiz/ but also available on site. Prices are around 20 Euros per adult, and 15 Euros per child, 8 Euros for toddlers, and babies free. There are also family packages and season discounts available. From the Puerto gate, take the A-4 towards Jerez to exit 646 (just a few minutes down the road), and you will see the water park on your left at the traffic circle. GPS coordinates: 36°37'57.7"N 6°11'48.6"W.

DIVERTILANDIA: Located in Rota, this is an indoor playground with a ball pit, slides, and climbing area. It is designed for young children age 8 and under, and is popular for winter birthday parties or rainy day play dates. They offer food and beverages in their birthday party packages. They are closed Mondays, and open from 4:30- 9:00 pm other days. They are located at the edge of Rota in the industrial area, on Calle Madrigal de las Altas Torres.

EL BUCARITO: This farm is located just behind the base, off the A-491. They raise goats and pigs, and make their own line of cheese, jamón, jams, and honey to sell in the local area. Tours can be arranged for groups over 10 people at a rate of 14.50 Euros per person. (Additional charge for an English translator). It lasts from 9 am-2 pm, and includes a breakfast of toasts and toppings, a tour of the farm, and a tasting of all products. Kids will get to make their own cheese to take home, and get up close and personal with the hawks and birds of prey. Their website is http://www.elbucarito.es/.

BEE FARM IN JEREZ: El Museo de la Miel (Honey Museum), located on the farming estate Miel Rancho Cortesano is an interesting field trip for school-age children. The CDC and SAC programs on base usually offer a trip here during the year. Children can don beekeeper uniforms, get up close with the bees, and learn all about the process of making honey. They can also do crafts like make a beeswax candle or bring their own jar of honey home. Tour activity, length, and cost depend on group size, ages, and interests. The farm is located just outside Jerez, on Carretera de Jerez-Cortes. GPS coordinates: 36°39'35.3"N 6°00'48.7"W. Their website is

http://www.ranchocortesano.net/index.php.

AQUARIUM IN SEVILLA: A new site opened in Fall 2014, the Acuario de Sevilla has one of the largest tanks in Spain or Portugal. Prices are 15 Euros per adult, 10 Euros per child (children under 4 free).  Discounts available for families or groups. Website is http://www.acuariosevilla.es/.  Address is Avda. Santiago Montoto, Sevilla.

CROCODILE FARM: An unusual opportunity for anyone who loves reptiles is the Granja de Crocodrilos Kariba in El Portal, on the way to Jerez. You can watch the animals being fed, and even see nests of babies. They are usually open to the public in the evenings, during feeding time. Address is CA-3113 11510 Puerto Real. GPS Coordinates: 36°33'10.3"N 6°08'04.9"W. (It is currently closed for renovations, but plans to reopen the summer of 2015). See their website for updated info: http://www.cocodrilosjerez.com/html.

LAS MARIAS HORSE FARM: This equestrian center in Puerto offers riding lessons, field trips, and birthday parties for children. They offer rides on the beach, private or group instruction, and a range of games and activities to allow children to ride on horses, carriages, and play games during a party. Prices for lessons or parties are usually 10 Euros per child. Website is www.centrolasmarias.com.

PRINCELANDIA: For girls of any age, this is a great location for a party or an afternoon of pampering. The staff will style hair, do face painting, and give manicures and pedicures to party participants. Then girls can choose from a huge section of dress-ups and accessories, and perform a modelling session on the catwalk. The store is located on the 2^nd level of the Centro Commercial Bahia Mar in Puerto. Website is www.princelandia.com.

LA CIUDAD DE LOS NIÑOS Y LAS NIÑAS: This giant park in Jerez is a huge outdoor play area for older and younger children. Access to the general park area is free, but for 3 Euros, kids can enjoy some of the special attractions: a giant trampoline, a zip line, and a huge climbing area. They also offer birthday party packages, since you cannot bring in outside food and drink. It is open from 4-8 pm Monday- Friday, and 11 am-8 pm on weekends and holidays. Website is http://www.venalaciudad.com/. The park is located in Jerez on Avenida de Arcos de la Frontera. GPS coordinates: 36°41'32.9"N 6°06'18.4"W.

LASER TAG AND GO KARTING: Both these activities are available at two different areas of the Luz shopping center in Jerez. The Karting Racing is an indoor go kart track that offers high speeds at moderate-high prices. They are open daily from 11 am- midnight, and offer package deals for groups or birthday parties. Website is http://racingdakartjerez.es/. Laser Space is a large indoor laser tag court, located in the same shopping center. They have multiple activities to choose from, for children ages 6 and up, including several laser courts, Nerf battle options, and indoor climbing walls. They accommodate groups for birthdays or other events. Prices depend on activities selected, and promotions are available on their website: http://www.laserspace.es/jerez/.

GPS coordinates: 36°41'39.0"N 6°09'33.0"W.

ISLA MAGICA: Located in Sevilla, this is the closest amusement park. It has roller coasters, rides, shows, and water areas all with different themes, such as pirates, Aztec city of gold, Medieval adventure, jungle, etc. There is also a new water park with huge slides and wave areas. Full-day child tickets are about 20 Euros, and adult tickets are 30 Euros, with half-day, package deals, and group discounts available. Hours vary depending on the month, but they are primarily open from May through September, from about 11 am- 11 pm. Their website is http://www.islamagica.es/. Address is Pabellón de España - Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Sevilla.

DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING IN TARIFA: There are several different breeds of dolphins and whales that live in and migrate through the Strait of Gibraltar. You can see these animals by going on a tour boat from the seaside town of Tarifa. There are several different companies who offer the trips throughout the spring and summer months. Prices and boat sizes vary, from yachts to rigid inflatables. In 2014, a 2-hour boat ride to see whales and dolphins was 30 Euros per adult, 10-20 Euros for children. A 3-hour boat ride to see killer whales is only available in July and August, and slightly more per person. One website, available in English, is:

http://www.whalewatchtarifa.net/eng/index.html.  

The above info is an excerpt from the book, 'Welcome to Rota,' published by Lizann Lightfoot in 2014. Copying and resale is prohibited.