What to do with kids in San Sebastian

Cristina Enea Park

If you are considering coming to San Sebastian and are not very sure about what is there for your kids to do during the holidays, take a look at some of these suggestions, perhaps they help.
Unless clearly specified, most plans are for kids and youngsters of all ages. We know that not all children enjoy the same type of activities but you know them better than anybody else, so you decide.
Of course, no need to mention the visit you shouldn’t miss to your favourite beach if you come to San Sebastian during the summer months
Weather permitting: There are lots of things to see and do even if the sun is not shinning and the temperature isn’t very high, as long as it is not raining…

Monte Igueldo – This is not just an amusement park, you could say it is like an old treasure among funfair parks. Even the ride up on the old funicular is worth it. Both the funicular and the amusement park are open all year round, although during the winter months, the rides are closed weekdays. Spectacular views. More details www.monteigueldo.es
Monte Urgull – Even if it is just for the walk and a little picnic its visit will not disappoint anyone. There is the famous “Castillo de La Mota”, a library organising activities for children at weekends and during the summer months, the chapel at the top and the cemetery of English soldiers. And for those who are more adventurous, there are lots of paths and places to explore! Opening and closing times depend on sunset and sunrise.
Cristina Enea – This spacious park houses the San Sebastian’s Environmental Resources Centre among other leisure areas and walking paths. The Centre organises exhibitions, workshops and courses for educational purposes. It opens every day.
Bicycle rental – San Sebastian is the perfect resort if you and your family enjoy riding a bike. There are exclusive bicycle paths crossing the city from east to west and from south to north, and very few hills!!! There are also several rental places to be found around the city, for example the one situated on Avenida de la Zurriola, opposite the beach. For a detailed map of bicycle paths or walking suggestions visit the local mobility office situated in Urdaneta Street, at the back of the Local Police station.
Catamarán Ciudad San Sebastián – Another way of enjoying the city. It leaves the harbour about 5-6 times a day and the trip lasts 40 minutes. Prices are between 4€ - 8€. Check times at the little kiosk located in the harbour.
Skateboard park – Although up to now only three of these specific parks have been built in the city, you will be able to find youngsters using it all over the city. The most convenient for the city centre is the one located at the back of the Anoeta Football Stadium (Bus 28 from the Boulevard).
Palacio de Aiete y Museo de la Paz – The grounds of this stately home can be clearly divided in two: those around the house including a little pond, and those among huge old trees where you will even find a cave. There is also a children’s activity area near the house. Opening times may vary.
Parque de Araba (also known as Amara)– Located by the river, next to the Mundaiz Bridge. It is not as large as those mentioned above but big and entertaining enough if you have young children. At the same time, it is so close to the city centre, shops and bars that can be taken as the “fill-in” plan.

Alderdi Eder Park

Parque de Alderdi-Eder – This again is the perfect park if you have very young children who may get tired and bored rather quickly. There are swings, slides, climbing- frames and a beautiful and old-fashioned merry-go-round. Besides, it is next to La Concha Beach, so you can always go down to have a swim or build a sandcastle if it gets too crowded!
In bad weather conditions: As it is such a small city, unfortunately there isn’t a lot to do when the weather is not that nice. Being with young children can make things a bit more awkward but there is always hope, so we shouldn’t get exasperated.
We won’t mention, of course, the always possibility of going to the cinema. The Trueba cinema (Secundino Esnaola, 2 – Gros) normally shows films in the original language so you may get lucky and find a movie you and your family fancy.
Aquarium – This is a real must in your visit to San Sebastian. Recently refurbished and extended, it is both a museum and a huge “fish tank” home for over 5,000 fish from all over the World. It is open all year round except Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and January 20th. Prices go from 6€ to 12€. Check opening times at www.aquariumss.com
Museo de la Ciencia y Planetarium – Another great place for everyone. Interactive permanent exhibition for all of you to try different types of experiments, a roller coaster simulator and a Planetarium, all under one roof. But if the weather gives you a break, there is a large adventure and leisure area outside too. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, except during July and August when it opens every day of the week. Prices including Museum and Planetarium go from 8€ to 10€. More information www.eurekamuseoa.es
Museo San Telmo – Although this is a “proper” museum and therefore can be a bit tedious for some very young children, San Telmo houses a very interesting collection of art, working tools and everyday utensils from the Basque society and history. They also organise workshops, cultural activities and temporary exhibitions. Open from Tuesday to Sunday. Prices between 3€ and 5€.
Casas de Cultura – There are several of them all around the city, one for each neighbourhood. You will find in them, apart from a library with books for all ages and in some foreign languages, computers which can be reserved and used and videos/DVDs which can be watched there. Some of them also have separate areas for young children, bebeteca (0-5 years old), haurtxoko (6-12 years old) and for youngsters, gazteleku (13-17 years old). In these areas they may organise cultural and leisure activities, workshops and games. The closest to the city centre are: Ernest Lluch (Pº Anoeta, 7 - Amara), Okendo (Avda. Navarra, 7 – Gros) and Egia (Baztan, 21). They open Monday to Saturday.
Txuri Urdin Ice-Rink – Located in the Amara area (Paseo de Anoeta, 24). It is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon. It opens every day, morning and afternoon, from September 1^st to June 15^th. Prices vary from 3€ on Mondays and Wednesdays to 8.15€ at weekends and bank holidays (admission only). It is possible to hire skates and helmets, and also buy gloves. There is a cafeteria from where one can watch the skaters. More details www.eltxuri.com
Sport Centres – There are several of them around the city and again are a very good option for rainy days. Most of them open early in the morning and close late in the evening. Some will have a swimming pool, a gym, climbing area, sauna and other sports facilities (tennis, pelota court, etc.). The closest to the city centre are: Zuhaizti (Plaza Zuhaizti, 1 – Gros), Manteo (Calle de Rodil, 8 – Gros), Pío Baroja (Paseo de Pío Baroja, 47 – Antiguo) and Benta Berri (Bertsolari Xalbador, 2 – Antiguo). More information www.donostia.org
La Perla – This wonderful spa and health centre is ideally situated in La Concha promenade, facing the bay. Although there is a body building and fitness area, as well as therapeutic and beauty massage rooms, the main space is occupied by a large sea water swimming area. In the swimming pools there are exercise machines and water jets for back, joints and muscle massage. There are hot and cold water contrast pools, saunas and relaxing areas too. It is open every day, except December 25^th and January 1^st, between 8am and 10pm. Minimum age for the pools is 6 years old. For more details www.la-perla.net

Juanra Vega / Feelfree Rentals