The Basque Country is possibly one of the most pleasant destinations to visit with children. It’s not just that there are parks or beaches; the Basque geography itself looks like a giant playing board. If you’re planning to visit the Basque Country with children, get ready for a perfect mix of interactive museums, magical forests and a culture that embraces families in every single square.
We will highlight the best family plans in the Basque Country in this guide so that your only concern is deciding where to start.
1. Magical nature: forests and natural parks in the Basque Country
Contact with nature is the DNA of any trip to the Basque Country. These are the places where children’s imaginations can run wild:
- Otzarreta Beech Forest (Gorbeia): its trees with branches reaching up to the sky look like something out of a fantasy film. It is an easy and flatwalk, ideal for children to explore safely.
- Oma Painted Forest: an open-air museum where Agustín Ibarrola painted the trunks of the pine trees. Playing at finding the figures according to the angle from which you look at them is a favourite pastime for young explorers.
- Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve: here you can go on bird watching boat trips or simply enjoy Laga Beach, a wild environment but suitable for a picnic and a day on the sand.
Practical tip: if you are going to travel to these rural areas, check out our tips to travel to the Basque Country, especially with regard to footwear and the weather.
2. Basque Cities: Bilbao, San Sebastian and Vitoria
The three Basque capitals have a range of activities that combine learning and fun:
Bilbao: culture and avant-garde for children
Bilbao is easy to get around and flat , making it suitable for pushchairs or moving about on foot.
- Guggenheim Museum: In addition to seeing “Puppy” (the giant flower dog), the museum offers dynamic children’s workshops.
- The River Estuary: walking along the river estuary is a great plan. You can rent a boat or simply walk to Doña Casilda Park to feed the ducks.
San Sebastian: beaches and the Aquarium
San Sebastian is the city of light and the sea.
- Aquarium: one of the best in Europe. The 360 degree tunnel where sharks pass over your head will leave any child speechless.
- Mount Igueldo: is climbed in an old wooden funicular, which is an adventure in itself. At the top, the vintage amusement park has a special charm that the whole family can enjoy.
Vitoria-Gasteiz: the green city
Vitoria is ideal to rent bikes and tour its Green Belt. Its medieval quarter looks like a scene of knights and princesses.
3. Adventure plans in the Basque Country suitable for children
If your children never stay still, these plans will give them the necessary dose of adrenaline:
- Pozalagua Cave: famous for its eccentric stalactites growing in all directions. It is a visually stunning and educational visit.
- Salt Valley of Añana: a unique landscape where children can dip their hands in the salt and learn how this mineral is traditionally produced through educational workshops.
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: if the children are a little older, the challenge of climbing the 241 steps and ringing the bell three times to ward off evil spirits is an epic experience.
4. Basque gastronomy with the family: where to eat with children in the Basque Country
Is it possible to go out for pintxos with children? Yes, absolutely. In fact, it is the best “tasting menu” for them.
- Family Pintxos: look for bars with terraces in pedestrian squares (such as Plaza Nueva in Bilbao or Plaza de la Constitución in San Sebastian). Classics like omelette, croquettes or mini-burgers never fail.
- Desserts: don’t leave without trying the cheesecake or the Basque Cake. If you want to know more delicacies, check out our list of 5 traditional Basque dishes in Bilbao.
5. The top plan: San Mamés with the family
No visit to Bilbao is complete without visiting “The Cathedral”. For the children, entering a stadium of this calibre is something they will always remember. You can book your tickets with or without an audio guide.
- AC Museum and Tour: the museum is highly interactive, full of displays and curious objects that tell its history dating back more than 125 years. You can go down to the pitch and sit on the benches. The children will feel like professional players! Find out more details in our guide to visit San Mamés.
- Accommodation nearby: if you are travelling with children, logistics are key. For this reason, San Mamés is one of the best areas to stay in Bilbao due to its proximity to transport and playgrounds.
Recommended routes around the Basque Country for all the family depending on how many days you have
To keep you from going crazy with the organisation, here are two ideas:
- 2 day break: focus on Bilbao, the Guggenheim and an afternoon in San Mamés. You will find a detailed plan in our post on what to see in Bilbao in 2 days.
- 7 day trip: combines the three capitals with excursions to the coast and inland. Get inspired with our 7 day trip around the Basque Country.
