Beyond Entertainment: How Leisure Can Create Social Impact

Madrid, July, 6, 2026 - When people think about leisure, they often think about fun, relaxation or a break from everyday life. Yet it can be much more than that. It can be a powerful tool for inclusion, wellbeing, education, and positive social change.

At Parques Reunidos, we believe in the power of shared experiences and the value of leisure when it is lived with purpose: as a way to open doors, break down barriers, and create real opportunities.

Since its creation in 2011, the Parques Reunidos Foundation has worked to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable society through three areas of action: social inclusion, education and awareness, and biodiversity conservation and research. Supported by the parks of Parques Reunidos in Spain, the Foundation seeks to create spaces where fun and social and environmental responsibility come together, enriching the lives of people, animals, and the planet.

Making Joy Accessible to Everyone

Social inclusion is at the heart of the Foundation's work. We understand inclusion as a collective commitment to ensure that all people—regardless of their abilities, identities, origins, socioeconomic circumstances or any other condition—can participate fully in society, access opportunities on equal terms and feel valued and respected.

Our programs focus on supporting groups that may face greater risks or barriers, including people with disabilities, people with serious illnesses, individuals at risk of social exclusion, older people, migrants and refugees, victims of abuse, and diverse families.

Through collaboration with social organizations across Spain, we seek to improve wellbeing and create opportunities for those who need them most.

The Transformative Power of Leisure

The Foundation's flagship social inclusion program, Píldoras de Diversión, provides free access to leisure experiences in our parks for people belonging to vulnerable groups.

We believe leisure is not a luxury. It is a fundamental human experience that contributes positively to quality of life and influences many other aspects of life, including education, work, and social relationships. Leisure is also recognized as a right under Article 24 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

One of the program's most meaningful initiatives is the fulfilment of wishes for children facing serious illnesses. These experiences provide moments of joy and excitement during particularly difficult periods and offer emotional support to families navigating challenging circumstances.

The stories shared by participating families remind us that impact cannot always be measured in numbers alone. Sometimes, it is found in renewed hope, a smile, or the chance for a child to simply enjoy being a child.

Creating Impact Through Partnerships

The Foundation's work is only possible thanks to collaboration.

In 2025, Fundación Parques Reunidos worked alongside 70 social organizations and 39 corporate partners. Together, these partnerships helped reach more than 14,000 beneficiaries, while over 7,400 tickets and more than 1,700 gifts were donated through social inclusion initiatives.

Fundraising also plays an important role in extending impact. The Foundation organizes events across Parques Reunidos parks in Spain to support projects led by non-profit organizations.

One example is the IV Fundación Parques Reunidos Charity Gala, held at Parque Warner Madrid this June. Funds raised during the event will support two life-changing causes: advancing research and innovative therapies for children with cancer, and helping older adults facing unwanted loneliness build meaningful connections within their communities.

Another example is the Charity Duck Race, organized in collaboration with Cruz Roja, where proceeds were dedicated to training and employment programs for young people facing difficulties entering the labor market.

Looking Beyond Today

The Foundation's mission extends beyond inclusion. Through educational initiatives and biodiversity conservation programs, we seek to promote awareness, responsibility and respect for the world around us.

We are convinced that inclusion, education, and conservation are not trends; they are responsibilities. They are interconnected pillars that help build a more equitable, conscious, and resilient society.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to creating opportunities for people to learn, connect, and thrive. Because leisure can do more than entertain. It can inspire, include, and transform.

And when it does, its impact extends far beyond a day in the park.

Pascal Ferracci, Parques Reunidos Chief Executive Officer