9 Family Friendly Experiences In and Around San Sebastián

Year-round San Sebastian holds kid-friendly events and attractions that little ones can participate in. Aside from the epic playgrounds, frequent festivals, and museums, this compact town’s natural beauty alone offers enough to keep tiny travelers entertained.

May 17, 2023 by EMT

Parents take note – when it comes to San Sebastian, and Spain in general, children are very much welcomed to participate in social outings. The presence of children is not seen as disruptive. On the contrary, the Basque Country is known for incorporating kids as part of daily life and you’ll often see families out until the late evening, all enjoying the terrazas, as children are welcomed in bars and restaurants.

With its stunning beachfront, carless Parte Vieja and one of the lowest crime rates in the world, San Sebastian promises the Basque Country is a friendly and safe vacation destination for families.

We assume parents coming to San Sebastian already have a sense of the top family-friendly activities worth visiting in the Basque Country, like the Aquarium, the rides at Monte Igeldo, or perhaps you’ve signed your child up for a recommended surf class.

To help round out your stay, we’ve put together a list of special highlights. These are places off the beaten path that will help make your day-trips enjoyable for both parents and little ones, and offer a unique addition to your trip.

Stroll acres of plants and flowers at Lur Garden (Oiartzun; open June - October) or the Botanical Garden of Aia (open year round). Both are a lush wonderland and offer kids the chance to explore the beauty of science and nature. We suggest Lur for those who may enjoy a guided tour of the exquisite landscape, and Aia’s Botanical Garden for those who are looking for a beautiful backdrop to picnic and meander through a slightly more rugged nature reserve.

Rainy weather headed your way? Not to worry! There are a number of indoor play spaces and our favorite soft play options are: Izar Park (Donosti; reservations strongly suggested), Monkey-Park(Lasarte-Oria) and Smurfland (outskirts of Biarritz, France). All offer ample parking, Wi-Fi, and space for parents to sit back and chill. Each is small enough that they’re manageable, but big enough to offer a few hours of excitement for kiddos of all ages. Heads up that Smurfland is located inside a large shopping mall. Don’t miss the mall’s free play areas which include a very cool treehouse spanning two floors that’s fun for bigger kids, as well as a small but entertaining soft play mini gym area for 1-5 year old’s, located on the second floor just behind the dining options.

We love the Tabakalera during rain or shine; it’s a former tobacco factory which is now used to display local and international works of art. The impressive space offers a unique selection of evolving exhibits, inspiring activities for little ones, as well as a public plaza. There’s ample indoor space, too, making this a great choice for kids to safely run around and expel all that energy, while the whole family can enjoy wood-fired pizzas, natural juices and homemade pastries from the dining options on the first floor.

Chillida Leku (Hernani) is a special space where art and nature unite. Visitors have direct access to the artist’s work through this open-air museum and children are welcome to explore Chillida’s sculptures up close. Be sure to check out the café on site, as well as the museum’s calendar as there are rotating children-focused workshops and outdoor concerts that the whole family can enjoy.

Explore the port of Pasajes and dine at Casa Camara. The views from this restaurant are beautiful, and it’s especially fun for kids to arrive by boat, lanchita, (0.80 €/pp) from Pasai San Pedro. Fish and seafood are the focus of this classic restaurant which opened in 1884, and it’s quite interesting for all to see how they preserve the lobsters.

For those in town for a longer stay, Miracampos Club Hípico (Lasarte-Oria) offers equestrian classes for children from the age of 4 and up, all based on age and interest, including private classes, as well as day camps.