Our Complete Family Friendly Guide to San Sebastian

Pristine beaches, attractions for all ages and kid-friendly food make San Sebastian the ideal place for you next family getaway!

At first glance, it may not seem like San Sebastian has much to offer in the way of kid-friendly sights and experiences. The city is beautiful and historic enough to merit appreciation from adults, but what about little travelers? Luckily, this incredible Basque destination is full of fun for visitors of all ages. Your kids will be begging to return before you’ve even left! This family friendly guide to San Sebastian will show you what to do, where to stay and what to eat for an experience everyone will enjoy.

If your family is visiting San Sebastian, we have good news for you! There are tons of fun family and kid-friendly things to do in town. Whether your family prefers to hit the beach or explore the city streets, there's something for everyone, and we've included it all in our travel guide. #travelguides #bucketlist #summertravel #donosti #sansebastian #spain

Photo Credit: Tom Page, Text Overlay: Devour San Sebastian Food Tours

Kid-friendly activities

First up on our family friendly guide to San Sebastian: our favorite activities in the city that kids of all ages will enjoy! In addition to dozens of playgrounds dotted throughout the city and kilometers of stunning beaches, the city is full of activities for the whole family.

Private food tour

The best way to experience a new city is through its food! Our award-winning food tours are perfect for families with kids of all ages. For a personalized and private experience, contact us about organizing a private food tour in San Sebastian. We’ll create a customized experience you and your kids will love, with stops at family friendly bars and restaurants and plenty of fascinating facts and stories to keep kids entertained!

Monte Igueldo Amusement Park

Ask any local child about their favorite thing to do in San Sebastian, and chances are they’ll tell you about the Monte Igueldo Amusement Park. Located on the top of the mountain of the same name, this lovely park has a vintage, old-world feel with tons of modern thrills and excitement. Kids will love the Swiss mountain roller coaster, gorgeous old carousel, bumper cars, trampolines and more. Take the cable car (the third oldest in Spain!) up to the park and let the fun begin!

Address: De Igeldo Ibilbidea, 187

Our family friendly guide to San Sebastian is full of activities kids will love, like the amusement park at Monte Igueldo! — The roller coaster at Monte Igueldo takes you right over the sea! Photo credit: Juanedc

Museums

A museum might not be the first thing that comes to a child’s mind when considering things they want to do, but San Sebastian’s many family-friendly museums are sure to fascinate. The city is home to one of Europe’s top rated and most modern aquariums (Plaza de Carlos Blasco Imaz, 1), home to hundreds of different species of marine life. Additionally, the city’s incredible Science Museum (Mikeletegi Pasealekua, 43) will delight and amaze kids with fun, interactive exhibitions about the world we live in.

San Sebastian's world class aquarium earns a place in our family friendly guide to San Sebastian! — Kids will have so much fun getting up close to marine animals at the aquarium! Photo credit: John McStravick

Best family hotels

For a perfect family trip, a solid home base is essential. Next up on our family friendly guide to San Sebastian: the best hotels for you and your family!

Hotel Leku Eder

Hotel Leku Eder is a small but cozy family-run hotel where everyone will immediately feel at home. Located in a quiet seaside residential area near Monte Igueldo, it’s a short walk to the cable car that takes you up to the amusement park, with regular transportation nearby to go to the city center. Their rooms can comfortably sleep families and there is a great playground for kids on site.

Address: Paseo Cristobal Balenciaga, 2

Pensión Garibai

With an unbeatable location in the city center just a stone’s throw from La Concha Beach, Pensión Garibai is one of the best value family hotels in San Sebastian. Their modern rooms provide the utmost comfort and relaxation for the whole family. Each room is equipped with the latest technology, making traveling with kids an innovative and easy experience.

Address: Garibai Kalea, 22

Our family friendly guide to San Sebastian feature recommendations of where to stay with kids! — Pensión Garibai’s location in the old town couldn’t be better.

Barceló Costa Vasca

The Barceló Costa Vasca‘s clean, minimalist style rooms make it a no-fuss yet elegant option for a family getaway. It’s just steps away from the beach and offers a beautiful outdoor pool, making it an especially perfect choice for summer vacations. Both adults and kids alike will be able to enjoy all the comforts of home and then some!

Address: Avenida Pio Baroja, 15

What to eat

It wouldn’t be a family friendly guide to San Sebastian without listing some kid-approved options for food! Here are the best options for a family meal or a quick snack.

Pintxos

The Basque Country’s answer to tapas may look elegant and beautifully presented. However, parents of picky eaters need not fear. What makes pintxos so amazing is the fact that they feature simple ingredients most kids will love. Your little ones will have so much fun picking out their own pintxos from the bar, and the made-to-order creations that come out of the kitchen are sure to amaze!

Pastries & dessert

Be sure to save room for dessert! Part of the fun of traveling is trying new sweet treats, and San Sebastian is no different. Kids (and adults!) will love sampling the delicious typical sweets from the Basque Country. And when in doubt, churros are always a winner no matter where you are in Spain!