What to do in Bilbao with children.

What to do in Bilbao with children, more than 40 plans to enjoy Bilbao with the family.

If you are looking for things to do in Bilbao with children, you are in luck. Today we propose you more than 40 plans to know Bilbao with your family. Experiences and places that represent everything that Bilbao offers to families who visit us. Some recommendations, that we are sure that they will call your attention just by mentioning them. And, if you come to Bilbao with children, it might be a good idea to plan a fantastic getaway through boat trips, medieval castles, funiculars, pintxos and some other surprises. It does not sound bad right? Your kids will love it, and so will you! It is not the first time that we talk about plans to do with children in Euskadi. In TurismoVasco.com we think it is important to help families who want to enjoy the essence of the Basque people. In this sense, we believe that grouping together some of the experiences and places that we have liked the most over the years can help you to plan your trip. Family tourism is one of the most important and we have to take care of it. It is for this reason that we decided to publish the article on “79 plans to do with children in the Basque Country“, a report in which we unveiled some of the most striking places for the little ones of the house. As if this were not enough, we also offered our readers a section in which we talked about a highly recommended activity to do with children, hiking. And, thanks to the stunning natural environment that we have throughout the Basque Country, we have been able to catalog more than 29 routes that have enamored locals and strangers. If you are interested in this activity, we recommend you to read our article “29 routes in Euskadi to do with children“.

Euskadi is a magical land, a territory with a great number of attractions to visit. That is why we wanted to show the world that Euskadi, and Bilbao in particular, are ideal destinations for families. We recommend you to get to know Euskadi through getaways to its cities and towns, through walks along its beaches and mountains, through cultural and historical visits. Experiences and places of all kinds, which help to know Bilbao while we enjoy our children. By the way, these plans are not only for families who visit us, if you live in Euskadi and you have children, these plans are a perfect excuse to leave home and get to know different “txokos” (corners in Basque) of your territory. Here are more than 40 plans to do with children in Bilbao and surroundings.

This time we have created a list with more than 20 plans to do in Bilbao with children. Spaces and experiences that, in our humble opinion, can be very attractive to the sight of the little ones of the house. Do you dare to know all of them?

Boats in Bilbao: The Bilbao estuary, the main artery of the capital of Biscay, has a beautiful navigable stretch that takes us from Bilbao to the sea. A route that Bilboats, a leading company in this type of trips, makes every day. Bilboats has regular routes along the estuary of Bilbao throughout the year, a fact that, together with the competitive prices offered, has become one of the best options for boat trips in Bilbao. boat tours in Bilbao. A unique opportunity to get to know the spaces located along the riverbed of the estuary while sailing with our family. If you are interested in this experience, we recommend you to click here to access our reservation center and know the schedules / prices of these routes and book your ticket.

Historic buildings of Bilbao: Bilbao, one of the most striking cities in the north of the peninsula, has a wide range of historic buildings. Authentic architectural gems, which offer us a walking tour through the oldest areas of the city. An example of this is the Casco Viejo of Bilbao, an ideal place to enjoy narrow pedestrian streets full of life in which children enjoy running and playing.

3.- Viewpoints of Bilbao: Seeing Bilbao from above, allows us to get a totally different perspective to the one we have when we walk through its streets and parks on foot. A very interesting option, which, from the hand of places as emblematic as Artxanda or the viewpoint of the Iberdrola Tower, will allow us to get a more real idea of this city. A landscape that always pleases the families who visit us. More information: The 9 viewpoints of Bilbao.

Bilbao’s bridges: The Bilbao estuary has divided the city since ancient times. A fact that has been remedied by building more than 13 bridges. If you want to know the history of each of them and some other curiosity, we recommend reading our article: “The 13 bridges of Bilbao“. A reading that will push you to cross many of them while the little ones enjoy the boats, canoes and other vessels that navigate the estuary of Bilbao.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: One of the most important museums in Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum, has in its surroundings attractions that the youngest of the house fall in love with. Although the interior can be a bit heavy for children, the exterior has many attractions for them. In addition to finding a building of the most striking, the giant spider (Mama, Louise Bourgeois, 1999) that we find in the back or the dog of more than 12 meters that we find next to the entrance (Puppy Jeff Koons, 1992) make children hallucinate, literally.

6.- Pelota game: Basque pelota attracts the attention of anyone who comes into contact with it. Especially the attention of the little ones. In this sense, watching a pelota match or having an experience around this Basque sport can be a good idea. The frontons of Bilbao(Bizkaia fronton) or the fronton of Gernika (Jai Alai fronton) can be two good options.

Carola Crane: The Carola Crane, faithful representative of the historical Euskalduna shipyards, attracts the attention of all those who come to this space. Its reddish color, its wingspan and its location next to the estuary make it visible from both sides of the estuary as it passes through Deusto and San Mames. Next to it, we find the boats of Itsasmuseum, the maritime museum of Bilbao, another attraction for the youngest of the house.

8.-Pintxopote: The pintxos, allow us to taste multiple culinary creations in a single day. And it is that these gastronomic proposals that crowd the bars of our bars, are a great option to learn about the culinary culture of the Basque people. And now comes the good part, children love them. Eating standing up, choosing a different pintxo in each bar and being able to choose between innovative or classic proposals always appeals.

Artxanda Funicular: Going up by funicular from Bilbao to Artxanda is a must for all families visiting Bilbao. The fact that it is a historical, different and original transport, children love it. In addition you can pay with the “Barik” card, the same that is used in the metro of Bilbao and the buses of Bilbao and Bizkaia, comfortable and practical.

10.- La Alhondiga, Azkuna Zentroa: The old alhondiga of Bilbao was built in 1909, an industrial building that was designed as a warehouse for wines and liquors. Unfortunately, in 1919 it suffered a fire and remained in disuse for many years. In 2002 the building began to recover and today it surprises us with spaces of all kinds. We are sure that children will love its columns. They are anything but boring.

Doña Casilda Park: Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, also known as the park of the ducks, is one of the most important green spaces in the center of Bilbao. Located next to the Euskaduna Conference Center, a few meters from the estuary of Bilbao, it offers a multitude of leisure options.

12.- Beaches of Bilbao: Bilbao has no beach, but the towns surrounding the capital have wild and natural sandy beaches worth enjoying. In this sense we would like to offer you a small representation of what for us are the most beautiful and authentic beaches near Bilbao. For more information: Beaches near Bilbao, information and tips.

13.- Best restaurants in Euskadi: Eating knows no age. That is why eating in some of the best restaurants in Euskadi can be a good plan for the whole family. We encourage you to take a look at our article on “The 12 best restaurants in Euskadi, our favorites“. Among them you will find one in the center of Bilbao specialized in fish and seafood. On egin!

Match at San Mames: Athletic Club de Bilbao’s stadium, San Mames, is internationally known as the cathedral of soccer. A stadium that transmits authentic passion for this sport. If you are passionate about the world of soccer, we recommend you to live an intense day in the stands of this stadium. Otherwise, a guided tour is always a must for the youngest members of the family. As you can see, there are options for all tastes.

Rivera Market: The Rivera Market has been for decades the space that has supplied our homes. In it we find historical stalls in which they commercialize pieces of great variety. The success of the Basque gastronomy is due in great part to the raw material with which our cooks work.

Iberdrola Tower: The Iberdrola Tower, one of the most iconic buildings in Bilbao, offers us to discover the city from its own viewpoint. A privileged position from where to see Bilbao from the heights. We recommend reading our article: “Torre Iberdrola viewpoint, the best views of Bilbao“.

Arriaga Theater: The Arriaga Theater is one of those spaces that always like to know its interior, its guts. Thus, encouraged by the demand, as those responsible for this emblematic building in Bilbao decided to open the doors to the public and conduct regular guided tours. We are sure that the interior of this theater will please both young and old.

18.- Riding the streetcar: The streetcar, together with the metro and the funicular, is one of the most striking transports in Bilbao. One of those gadgets that the little ones of the house always like to ride. This transport connects the most central areas of the city so you will find many stops along the way.

19.- Traveling by subway: The subway is nowadays the most used transport in Bizkaia. A young and short subway if we compare it with that of cities like Barcelona or Madrid. However, in our humble opinion, it is also much more welcoming, safe and clean. Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. In any case, we are sure that your sons and daughters will be especially excited to get to know the Bilbao metro.

20.- Old Town of BilbaoThe largest pedestrian area of Bilbao. A historical space, which, through its bars, stores and restaurants transmits authenticity and closeness. A place to know and enjoy. A “must” in every visit to Bilbao.

21.- Jet skis in Bilbao: Having the opportunity to know Bilbao, Getxo and surroundings aboard a jet ski is a real pleasure. A fun, safe and light maritime transport that takes us to cross the Bilbao waterway, the Abra Bay and the cliffs of the Basque coast with total ease. We recommend you to read our article “Jet ski rental in Bilbao“.

22.- Walk along the estuary of Bilbao: The estuary of Bilbao, takes us to know some of the most emblematic areas of this impressive city. A perfect excuse to stretch your legs and get some strength in one of the bars of the Casco Viejo. Recommended route: Start in Deusto and finish in the Casco Viejo.

Rent a bike in Bilbao: Bikes and children have always had a very special relationship. For a child, riding a bike in a new city is an adventure. We recommend you to read our article about bike rental in Bilbao to check all the possibilities it offers. In case you choose to rent your bike in Bilbao, you can do it from here.

24.- Water bikes in Bilbao: The water bikes of Bilbao represent the last maritime transport to arrive to the capital of Biscay. These bikes, supported on 2 large water skates, take us to enjoy the estuary of Bilbao in a fun and enjoyable way. If you are interested in renting these bikes, we recommend you to read our article“water bikes in Bilbao“, which will surely clear all the doubts you may have about these bikes. Remember that you can book them online here.

On the outskirts of Bilbao, within a radius of about 30 minutes, there are many other places that can also be interesting for people looking for things to do with children in Bilbao. That is why we have taken the liberty to gather in this list what for us are the most attractive plans to do with children in the outskirts of Bilbao. We hope you like them. In addition, some of them are very well connected by the most used transport in Bizkaia, the subway. Therefore, it may be that the options we propose are a very attractive option for people who want to know Bilbao and its surroundings in depth.

1.- Riding on a “boat”: The “boat” that connects Portugalete and Getxo is one of those boats that have been offering services in Bizkaia all their lives. A short maritime transport, which always brings a smile to the little ones. If you visit any of the aforementioned towns, it may be a good idea to cross the estuary on this transport and return on the emblematic Bizkaia Bridge. A 2 in 1 in all rule.

Bizkaia Bridge: The Bizkaia Bridge, also known as the Hanging Bridge, is one of those structures that are not easily forgotten. Its nature reminds us of the Eiffel Tower, and it is not surprising, since this bridge was built by the engineer Alberto Palacios, disciple of Gustave Eiffel. This bridge is the last one we will find before the estuary deposits its waters into the sea, a building of great value, which was declared a World Heritage Site in 2006.

3.-Boat tours in UrdaibaiThe Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai, has great natural charms to explore. In this case, we recommend you to venture into this area of great natural value by sea, by boat. Hegaluze, a company with great experience in the sector, has designed several routes to show us the charm of this corner of Bizkaia. If you want to book a place, you can do it here.

San Juan de Gatzelugatxe: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, known in recent years for being one of the scenes of Game of Thrones in the Basque Country, has been for more than a decade one of the favorite places for people who visit us. A unique and idyllic place where the little ones of the house give free rein to their fantasy. Simply breathtaking. We are sure that the whole family will love it.

Oma Forest: The Oma Forest, also known as the painted forest, is one of those different places that, through art, manage to transform an environment. To this space, we must add the beauty that by default has the impressive Oma Valley. A small corner of Bizkaia, in which nature takes center stage. In addition, the farmhouses scattered on its slopes fill the valley with color and life.

Forestal Park Bilbao: Forestal Park Bilbao is an adventure park located in the treetops. A space, in which we propose to do sports while enjoying nature. A different experience that leads us to slide on a zip line, cross bridges over 20 meters high or climb through trees. It should be noted that this adventure park has a circuit specifically designed for families. Highly recommended.

Elantxobe: Elantxobe is one of the most striking villages of the Basque coast. Located literally on the slopes next to the sea, on the cliffs, this village welcomes us with open arms to show us its history and traditions. A town full of charm that we recommend you to visit.

Whale watching in Bilbao: Whale watching in the Basque Country is one of the most demanded activities by families. Unfortunately, there is an age limitation for all those who want to enjoy this experience. In case you want to know more information about this activity, we recommend you to read our report: whale watching in Euskadi.

Butron Castle: Butron Castle is one of the most striking castles in the Basque Country. Unfortunately, nowadays we can only visit its exterior since the interior is closed. However, we recommend that you come to Gatika to see first hand this incredible castle of neo-Gothic style and medieval origin.

10.- Muñatones Castle: Unlike the castle of Butrón, the castle of Muñatones can be visited at different times of the year. There is even a medieval historical recreation with which children are stunned, speechless. A day to enjoy with the family. Of course, tickets for this event are limited and it is not always possible to get them.

11.- Errotabarri MillOne of the few water mills that still produces corn as if it were from the 17th century. This historical and emblematic structure located in the province of Bizkaia continues milling the autochthonous roasted corn obtaining one of the best flours of all Euskadi. Witness to this is the fact that the most awarded and successful restaurants of our land come to this mill to buy the flour to make their own bread.

12.-Izenaduba: The Landetxo Goikoa farmhouse in Mungia is home to the so-called mythological park of Euskadi. A space, which is also known as “Olenteroaren etxea”, the house of the Olentzero in Basque. And it is here, in Mungia, where the Olentzero, the coalman who at Christmas spreads joy throughout the Basque Country, welcomes the children of Bilbao to tell him what they expect as a gift and how they have behaved throughout the year. As if this were not enough, we must say that the Landetxo Goiko farmhouse is one of the oldest farmhouses in the Basque Country. All a jewel of the popular Basque architecture.

13.- Iron Belt of Sopela: The section of the Iron Belt that runs through Sopela has been recovered to show anyone who wishes to see the trenches and machine gun nests that were created to protect the province of Bizkaia and its capital, Bilbao, from Franco’s troops. We recommend completing this visit with the museum in the municipality of Berango, a space dedicated specifically to the Iron Belt.

14.- Lighthouse of Lekeitio: The guided visit to the lighthouse of Santa Katalina in Lekeitio makes families enjoy learning about one of the most traditional trades of the Basque coast, the lighthouse keeper’s job. Nowadays practically disappeared, this job was once essential to help our fishermen (arrantzaleak in Basque) to reach a safe harbor. And the fact is that the mist and the steep coast of the Basque Country made it very difficult to reach port without mishap during the long and dark winter nights.

15.-Bermeo: One of the most charming fishing villages in the Basque Country. Its port, its colorful houses and its canneries attract thousands of visitors every year. It is from here, from Bermeo, from where the boat routes through Urdiabai that we have mentioned, set sail. And the fact is that going through the narrow and steep streets of the town of Bermeo and getting to know Urdiabai by boat can be a great plan to spend a day with the family. What do you think?

16.- El Pobal ForgeThis forge located about 25 minutes drive from the center of Bilbao, surprises us with a guided tour in which there is a practical demonstration of how they created tools of the time from the mineral. A guided tour that is very worthwhile. The children are always amazed by the demonstration. 100% recommended.

17.- Loizaga Tower: The motor museum par excellence of Bizkaia. If your children are passionate about vehicles you are in luck. Loizaga Tower has one of the most important private collections of Roll Royces in Europe. But Loizaga not only dazzles with its beautiful collection of cars, the environment in which it is located and the building on which part of the collection is located are two other great attractions.

18.- Boat route to San Juan de GaztelugatxeSan Juan de Gaztelugatxe is one of the most popular places on the coast of Bizkaia, a corner that the youngest of the house always like to visit from the sea. And, if we add to the impressive rocky area that rises from the sea the fact of sailing off the Basque coast, we get a family plan hard to beat. You can book your tickets here.

Shepherd for a day: If you want to know the shepherd culture of the Basque Country, the company Alluitz Natura gives us the opportunity to live one of the most beautiful experiences in this sector. Designed specifically for families, the “Shepherd for a day” experience brings the shepherd’s profession closer to all those who wish to learn about it. A beautiful day among sheep, shepherd dogs and mountains awaits you.

Active Tourism in Bizkaia: If you are looking for an active tourism activity in Bizkaia, we recommend you to take a look at the proposals of Troka Abentura and Sustraiak Natura. Two companies with extensive experience in the sector that have shown us on more than one occasion that it is well worth hiring their services. An adventure for the whole family.

21.- Routes in Euskadi with children: If you like hiking, if you like to walk through natural areas of great charm, we recommend you to be attentive to our RRSS (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube). And it is usual that, monthly, we surprise you with some of the most beautiful family routes of Euskadi. In this sense, we must recommend reading our article “29 routes of Euskadi to do with children“.

22.- Karpin Abentura: Karpin Abentura is one of the multiple attractions with which the Karrantza Valley surprises us. A valley of great natural value, in which agriculture and livestock are of special interest. And it is here, among lush forests and green meadows where we find Karpin Abentura, a wildlife shelter that offers an educational route through its interior.

23.- La Arboleda: Although nowadays it is one of the most popular leisure areas in the province of Bizkaia, La Arboleda was once one of the most important mining areas in the Basque Country. Witness of it is the Museum of Mining of the Basque Country that we find to scarce 5 minutes in car of this urban nucleus. A space full of history, which offers us to enjoy the gastronomy, nature and culture of our land. More information about this area in “La Arboleda, what to see and do“.

24.- Pozalagua CavesPozalagua is a very special cave. The length and width of the eccentric stalactites that occupy practically the entire cave have amazed experts from all over the world. Undoubtedly a very special place for people who love to see the whims that nature creates. A very special adventure for the little ones in the house.

Baltzola Caves: Located in a breathtaking environment, in Dima, these caves invite us to spend an impressive day in the interior of our mountains. In addition, in this environment it is common to find people practicing climbing, another of the charms of the area. We recommend you to read our article: Caves of Baltzola.

Funicular of La Arboleda: The funicular of La Arboleda, like the funicular of Artxanda, is one of those transports that attract the attention of children. A route that helps us to bridge the gap that separates the Valley of Trapaga and La Arboleda to enjoy the old mines, the golf course of Meaztegi or the Interpretation Center of Peñas Negras among many other spaces.

Surfing: Surfing is one of the most practiced water sports in the Basque Country. A nice activity that has sneaked into the best plans to do with children in Bilbao. In this case, the beaches of Getxo or Sopela can be a great ally to practice this sport. We recommend reading our article“Surfing in Getxo“.

In this section we want to show you in video some of the places and experiences mentioned in this article. This format always helps us to get a more real idea of what awaits us in every corner of Euskadi. If you like this kind of videos, we recommend you to subscribe to our YouTube channel, we are sure you will find more than one place and experience that catches your attention.

If you liked this article about what to do in Bilbao with children, we will be updating this text with new proposals. We recommend you to be attentive to our social networks (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) to know first hand the new experiences that we recommend to families visiting Euskadi. We would like to emphasize how important your opinion is for us, a criterion, which helps us, and a lot, when it comes to improving our website. That is why we would like to encourage you to use the comment system that you will find below these lines to send us any kind of opinions or suggestions. We will try to respond as soon as possible. Ondo pass!