Bilbao has become one of the not to be missed European cultural capitals and the best thing is that it has not forgotten children. If you are looking for museums in Bilbao that will capture your children’s attention while they learn and have fun, keep reading. From titanium giants to football temples, here is our selection of the best museums in Bilbao for a family visit.
To plan your whole stay, have a look at 10 places to see in and around Bilbao.
1. AC Museum: the roar of the lion in San Mames
The Athletic Club Museum is undoubtedly one of the most exciting experiences for families. It is not just a tour of trophies and historic shirts; it is an interactive space where children can sit in a real dugout or simply enjoy the games centre especially designed for them.
The best way to experience it is to combine history with the excitement of the pitch. There are several options to adapt the visit to your own pace:
- Museum: ideal for viewing more than a thousand original objects and the trophy exhibition. Buy your AC Museum tickets here.
- Museum + Guided Tour: the favourite option for the little ones, where an expert tells the best anecdotes while visiting the changing rooms and the players’ tunnel. Book your guided tour here.
- Museum + Audio Tour: perfect for families who prefer to explore at their own pace.
If you want to warm up, take a look at these images of San Mames from inside to see what awaits you.
2. Guggenheim Museum: art and workshops for children
Frank Gehry’s building is a visual magnet. Children are amazed by the titanium and the outdoor sculptures like Puppy or the spider Mama. Inside, the Baby Art programme (for babies from 6 months) and the Books Alive workshops turn contemporary art into a game of sensory stimulation and storytelling.
Bonus tip: afterwards, Doña Casilda Park is just a short walk away, where children can run around and watch the ducks in the pond.
3. Itsasmuseum: pirates and sailors for a day
Located in the former Euskalduna Shipyards, the Maritime Museum is pure adventure. Workshops about life on board and the possibility of boarding historic boats in the river estuary make children feel like real captains. Don’t miss Mater, a floating museum to learn about the biodiversity of our oceans in a practical way.
4. Museum of Reproductions: the classics at their height
Who said classical art was boring? Here, children can see exact life-size replicas of the Winged Victory of Samothrace or Michelangelo’s Moses. Family workshops on painting and recycling are organised on the first Sunday of each month, which are a resounding success to discover art in a group.
5. Archaeological Museum of Bizkaia
A journey through time from Prehistory to the Modern Age. What families like most is the “Archaeology for a day” workshop, where children become researchers, excavating and analysing real artefacts. It is a dynamic way for them to understand how our ancestors lived in the region.
Which one will you choose for your next visit?
Bilbao proves that culture and children’s leisure can go hand in hand. Whether it’s exploring the river estuary or discovering the history of Athletic from the heart of San Mames, the city has options for all.
