Parque de la Paloma is a large free park behind the eastern beaches of Benalmádena, with a small lake, lawns, palm groves, and roaming peacocks, chickens, rabbits, and a couple of resident donkeys. It is essentially a free zoo with picnic space — much better for kids than the official paid attractions if you have any time to fill.
There is a children's playground, a café, and shaded benches. On Sundays in summer it fills up with extended Spanish families having all-day picnics; weekday mornings are quiet enough that you can have a stretch of grass to yourself.