DISCOVER WHAT TO SEE IN SAN SEBASTIÁN WITH CHILDREN
Can you imagine an amusement park overlooking La Concha Bay, an aquarium with over 100 years of history and thousands of marine species, museums where you can learn about history, culture, and science, and even green parks where you can organize family picnics? Read on to discover what to see in San Sebastián with children and create unforgettable memories with the whole family!
1. PLANS IN SAN SEBASTIÁN WITH CHILDREN
With its unique combination of golden beaches, world-renowned cuisine, and cultural activities for all ages, San Sebastián offers a variety of experiences to enjoy at any time of the year.
Immerse yourself in the Aquarium of San Sebastián, where you can learn and have fun both in an exciting experience. Go through the 360º glass tunnel to feel the thrill of swimming along the bottom of the Cantabrian Sea, surrounded by fishes, rays, and morays, even sharks! Have fun in the tactile aquarium while interacting with various marine species in a safe and welcoming environment, and be amazed by the transparent jellyfish tank. Depending on the perspective, those little invertebrate animals are white instead of transparent! The visit to the aquarium will become a magical plan for adults and children, without a doubt.
Discover the charm of the Monte Igueldo Amusement Park through its funicular with more than 100 years of history. Once at the top, a world of emotions awaits, with La Concha Bay at your feet. Monte Igueldo is one of the most fun plans if you come to San Sebastián with children, as the park has endless attractions such as game booths, boat rides with breathtaking views, labyrinths, mysterious rivers, and even a roller coaster! You can’t miss the views from the lookout point, where you can contemplate the iconic panoramic view of the bay with Ondarreta and La Concha beaches, Santa Clara Island, and Mount Urgull in front of you.
PEINE DEL VIENTO
When you take the funicular down from Monte Igueldo, we suggest you follow the picturesque Eduardo Chillida promenade – dedicated to the renowned Basque sculptor – which will take you to the Peine del Viento. This masterpiece, created in 1976 with three imposing steel sculptures anchored in the rocks, will take your breath away. For a unique experience, we recommend you visit it when the sea is rough so that you can observe – from a distance and with caution – the waves crashing against the rocks and the steel pieces. A visual and auditory spectacle that will not go unnoticed. Take note because from the six small square pieces you will find in this place, water or air can come out with considerable force – depending on how rough the sea is -. So be careful, especially with the water!
CAROUSEL OF ALDERDI EDER
Did you know that the merry-go-round in front of the Town Hall is a replica of the one that delighted travelers’ evenings during the Belle Époque? The Palace Carousel is one of the jewels of San Sebastián, located in one of the city’s most beautiful gardens: Alderdi Eder. With its elegant wooden horses, lively music, and impressive views of La Concha Bay, this carousel is the perfect place to enjoy dreamy moments, especially if you come to San Sebastián with children.
CRISTINA ENEA PARK
If you are looking for an oasis of tranquility and nature in the middle of the city, Cristina Enea Park has to be another of your stops when visiting San Sebastián with children. What was the former summer home of the Dukes of Mandas, surrounded by natural spaces, today has wide tree-lined paths where you will find beautiful peacocks, green areas for family picnics, and a large water pond with ducks and swans.
BUS AND TOURIST TRAIN
Another really entertaining plan when you travel to San Sebastián with children is to get on the city’s bus – a 1-hour trip – or a tourist train – a 40-minute trip -. Embark on an exciting adventure through its routes that will guide you to the most emblematic and captivating corners. You will witness the beauty of the gardens, parks, and beaches that adorn the city while the avenues brim with life and energy. With the sea and the mountains as a background, every moment will be an unforgettable experience.
2. WHAT TO DO IN SAN SEBASTIÁN WITH CHILDREN AND RAIN
Regardless of the time of year you come, in San Sebastián – and in the Basque Country in general – there is always the possibility of rain. Even if the sky is clear in the morning, by midday the clouds may arrive and rain may be the best plan for the afternoon. But that does not mean that this destination is no longer attractive, in fact, it has many other activities for the days when the rain does not allow it to be outdoors. Take note of the following plans for the days in San Sebastián with children and rain!
This museum, in the Miramon Technology Park, is a fascinating place that will awaken curiosity and interest in science in children and adults. You can learn about diverse areas, from physics and chemistry to biology and technology, and participate in games that encourage critical thinking and stimulate the mind and imagination, among many other activities. Eureka! Zientzia Museoa – in basque – offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family, with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
The San Telmo Museum, located in a former 16th-century Dominican convent in the Old Town of San Sebastián, offers a fascinating insight into Basque history, culture, and art. Here, you can discover permanent and temporary exhibitions that show the evolution of Basque society and participate in educational activities, workshops, and cultural events. In addition, as a FeelFree traveler, you’ll get a special price to visit the museum. You only have to bring the brochure that we’ll leave in your apartment or stop by the office to pick it up!
ALBAOLA
Albaola, the Basque Maritime Factory, is an innovative space that recovers and highlights the maritime history and tradition of Basque shipbuilding. Here, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating shipbuilding world, exploring replicas of traditional Basque vessels. One of those incredible stories is the Nao San Juan, a whaler that sailed to Newfoundland (Canada) in the sixteenth century, where it sank in 1565. Four hundred years later, Canadian archaeologists recovered part of its structure. Since 2013, both countries have been working on rebuilding the Nao San Juan whaler in Pasajes San Pedro. This history and many others can be discovered in the Albaola Museum, a unique activity for those interested in maritime history and Basque culture.
3. WHERE TO EAT IN SAN SEBASTIÁN WITH CHILDREN
Considering that San Sebastián is a gastronomic icon recognized worldwide, it is easy to want to try every pintxo and menu when you arrive in the city. But we know that the offer is varied – and above all wide – because here you will find as many bars and restaurants as you can imagine. That’s why we want to share some of our favorite places to keep in your list of essential places to eat in San Sebastián with children.
- TXEPETXA BAR
The Txepetxa bar is a historic establishment in the Old Town of San Sebastián. Famous for its exquisite pintxos, especially its specialties of anchovies and other seafood products, in this place, you can enjoy authentic Basque gastronomy with your family.
- BAR RAMUNTXO BERRI
In the lively neighborhood of Gros and a few meters from the Zurriola beach, the Ramuntxo Berri bar will surprise you with its classic pintxos and innovative creations, all with a grilled touch. Located in a lively pedestrian area and sun-kissed terraces, you will have an enriching local experience here.
- BAR BIDELUZE
This place in Plaza Gipuzkoa moves away from the traditional pintxos – although you will also see them in its bar – and presents a different gastronomic offer: from breakfasts with scandalous cakes to tapas and combined dishes, hamburgers, and sandwiches. Undoubtedly an exquisite option to enjoy a meal with the family.
San Sebastián is a perfect destination for families looking for fun, learning events, and delicious flavors. On your next trip to San Sebastián with children, consider these plans and turn every moment into unforgettable family memories.