By Fiona Flores Watson

Whether you´re visiting Andalucia on holiday are looking for a change of scene from the beach for a day, or you live here and you want to take your child somewhere where they can learn about the culture and history of the region, Andalucia´s theme parks encompass movies, science and history, making education fun for children of all ages - not forgetting those ever-popular, heart-in-your-mouth, upside-down rides, of course.

From Isla Magica in Seville, which takes you on a journey across colonial Latin America, to gun-slinging Wild West towns, while adrenalin junkies will be more than satisfied by the slides, rollercoasters and adventure playground-type facilities of the Costa del Sol´s parks - there is something to keep all the family entertained.

You can also combine seeing wild animals roam free, with driving carts, canoeing and other adventure sports - something for everyone from small children to adults - at La Reserva near Seville. For a rainy day, there´s the amazing Science Museum in Granada, which makes learning fun with lots of hands-on exhibits to amaze and amuse all the family.

For a completely different experience, head to the Rio Tinto Mining Park in Huelva, where you can learn about the five-millennia mining history of the area, including copper and silver mines from Phoenician and Roman times. An excellent museum, with a Roman mine reconstruction, a visit to a mine "gallery", a 22-km train ride and an original Victorian barrio make a great day out, both educational and fun.

Parque la Ciencias		Isla Magica
One of Andalucia´s most impressive and modern museums, with interactive exhibits, planetarium, birds and butterflies. More >		Water rides, centrifugal spinners, it´s all here, in this Spanish Empire-themed park on Seville's Isla de la Cartuja More >
Mini Hollywood		Tivoli World
Fun for Western movie fans and would-be cowboys at this film set in the Almeria desert. More >		The place to take kids on the Costa del Sol, with more than 300 rides, as well as live entertainment More >
La Reserva		Rio Tinto Mining Park
See wild animals, race carts, go to a Wild West saloon and play paintball at this multi-theme park near Seville. More >		Learn all about this extensive mining area, including British involvement in the late 19th and 20th centuries - see how and where they lived and worked, find out about their favourite activities, and take a train ride. More >

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You may also be interested in our pages on waterparks, wildlife parks and marine centres, all of which provide great days out for families.