Top Things to Do in Santander with Kids + 2025 City Break Guide
Planning a trip to Santander with the kids? This gorgeous coastal gem in northern Spain is an absolute winner for families. With golden beaches, loads of outdoor fun, and just the right sprinkle of culture, it’s got everything you need for a fabulous getaway. Here’s our complete guide to visiting Santander with Kids.
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Top Things to Do in Santander with Kids
Santander is an amazing spot for a family adventure. Whether you’re splashing about on the beaches, exploring museums, or heading off on an amazing day trip, there’s no shortage of fun to be had here. Let’s dive into the top activities to keep everyone entertained!
1. The Cantabrian Maritime Museum
For a fun and educational stop, head to the Cantabrian Maritime Museum. It’s located in a fascinating building that was once a prison.
Packed with interactive exhibits, it’s a great way for kids to learn about the region’s fishing traditions while having a blast.
From hands-on activities to super interesting displays, it’s the kind of place that sneaks a bit of learning into your family day out—without anyone even noticing!
2. Jardines de Pereda
Santander is home to the beautiful Jardines de Pereda, a public park with stunning views of Santander Bay.
The gardens are filled with beautiful plants and kids can explore. Hop on a bike or play at the playground. There is also plenty of local wildlife to spot, such as birds and squirrels.
3. Explore the Santander Beaches
Santander is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Spain, and they are perfect for kids.
El Sardinero, the city’s star attraction, is a must-visit with its wide sands, gentle waves, and plenty of space for little ones to play.
4. Santander Aquarium (Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico)
Santander is home to one of the largest aquariums in Europe, Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico, with many species of marine life worldwide.
Children can enjoy exhibits and activities like feeding fish and learning about the resident starfish. They can also explore a fun pirate ship playground or learn about Santander’s local sea life through an aquarium tour.
5. La Alberca de los Niños
La Alberca de los Niños is well worth a visit. This natural pool is shallow and safe, perfect for younger ones to paddle about in. Pack some toys for water play, bring a picnic, and enjoy a relaxed day out.
It’s a straightforward, budget-friendly way to keep the little ones entertained without too much planning involved. Just remember to bring plenty of snacks and drinks—you might find it hard to drag them away!
6. Magdalena Palace
The Magdalena Palace is the largest royal residence in Santander and one of the must-see attractions. The palace grounds feature beautiful gardens, centuries-old sculptures, and a stunning view of Santander Bay.
7. Parque Cabo Mayor
The Parque Cabo Mayor is Santander’s largest urban park and is perfect for families. Here, kids can explore Santander’s botanical gardens, ride on a boat around Santander Bay, or try windsurfing.
There are plenty of playgrounds where you can stop. The park is also home to Santander’s famous Castillo de la Mota, a medieval castle that provides spectacular views of Santander Bay.
8. Puerto Chico
Puerto Chico is a great family spot. Explore the harbor, eat some of Spain’s freshest seafood, or walk along its cobblestone streets.
9. Santiago Church and Tower
The Santiago Church and Tower are iconic Santander religious sites in the heart of Santander’s old town. Kids will love exploring the history through the architecture of this 17th-century church and tower. The tower also offers breathtaking views of Santander.
10. Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno
The Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno is an animal sanctuary 20 minutes outside Santander. The park’s wildlife includes wolves, bears, deer, eagles, and vultures. Kids will also love seeing the animals up close in the petting zoo.
11. Santander Cathedral
Santander Cathedral is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture dating back to the 14th century. Explore the beautiful inside, see its colorful stained-glass windows, or take a guided tour to learn more about Santander’s history and culture.
Best Day Trips from Santander for Families
If you’re looking to explore beyond Santander’s borders during your city break, there are plenty of great day trips from Santander:
The Santoña Marshlands
Just a 45-minute drive from Santander, the Santoña Marshlands make for an unforgettable family day out. This protected natural area, part of the Santoña, Victoria, and Joyel Marshes Natural Park, is a hotspot for wildlife and a wonderful spot to introduce kids to the beauty of nature.
Start your day with a walk along the boardwalks that crisscross the wetlands. Watch for the park’s famous birds—flamingos, herons, and even ospreys are regular visitors here. Bring binoculars to make birdwatching even more exciting for the little ones!
The visitor center is well worth a stop. It has child-friendly exhibits explaining the marshlands’ importance as a migration stopover for birds. There’s even a small interactive area where children can learn through hands-on activities.
After exploring the marshlands, head into the town of Santoña for a bite to eat. The area is famous for its anchovies, so grab a table at a local restaurant and let the kids sample some traditional Spanish tapas alongside more child-friendly options.
Round off your day with a short boat trip around the bay or a visit to one of the nearby beaches for a quick splash before heading back to Santander.
Santillana del Mar Zoo
If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Santander that will keep the kids entertained, Santillana del Mar Zoo is a winner. Just a 30-minute drive away, this spot is packed with wildlife and fun learning opportunities.
The zoo has everything from tigers and leopards to monkeys swinging around and colorful parrots squawking away. There’s even a reptile house and a butterfly garden—two guaranteed hits with the kids. You can wander around and get up close to the animals while picking up a few cool facts along the way.
One of the best things about this place is its focus on teaching kids about protecting wildlife. There are simple displays and live demos to make it all interesting without being overwhelming.
If you’ve packed some snacks, there are shaded spots to sit and take a break. Not in the mood to bring food? There’s a café where you can grab something quickly.
Once you’ve had your fill of animal fun, head into Santillana del Mar itself—it’s a gorgeous old town that feels like stepping back in time, with cobbled streets perfect for a stroll.
It’s close, fun, and ticks all the boxes for an adventurous day out.
Santillana del Mar
Santillana del Mar is a picturesque medieval town just 9 miles from Santander. Think beautiful cobbled streets and plazas – the perfect destination for a day trip.
The town also has several museums that appeal to kids, such as the Colegiata de Santillana, where visitors can learn about Santander’s history and culture.
You can also enjoy shopping in Santillana del Mar’s souvenir shops for unique gifts and trinkets to take home.
Best Places to Eat in Santander with Kids
Santander has something to offer for all kinds of taste buds. Santander is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, from tapas bars to seafood restaurants. Here are some of the best places to eat in Santander with kids:
Pizzeria Vittorio: If you are looking for great Italian in a casual and friendly environment, this is the place to go. Kids will love the pizza and pasta and of course dessert. Quick service and reasonable prices make this place a winner! View on TripAdvisor>>>
La Taperia del Puerto: La Taperia del Puerto is located on Santander’s seafront and features fresh seafood cooked to perfection. Their kid-friendly menu includes dishes like fish fingers, paella, and fried calamari. With its stunning views over Santander Bay, this is a great place to enjoy a meal with the whole family. View on TripAdvisor >>>
How to Get to Santander
Santander is easily reachable via a flight from the UK and major European cities. Here’s everything you need to know on how to get to Santander:
By Air: Santander has its own airport just 4km outside the city center.
By Train: Santander can be reached by train from major Spanish cities like Madrid or Barcelona. The high-speed AVE train takes around 3 hours 30 minutes from Madrid and 5 hours 45 minutes from Barcelona. Get your train tickets here >>>
When is the Best Time to Visit Santander
Santander is a beautiful city that can be visited all year round. However, the peak tourist season runs from May to September, when temperatures are at their highest, and Santander’s beaches are in full swing.
Summer: Temperatures can reach up to 77°F. Santander in the summer is perfect for those wanting to enjoy a beach holiday with the family, as it has some of the best beaches in Spain. However, it’s important to note that Santander can be crowded and more expensive during these months.
Winter: Santander is much quieter during the winter months, making it a great option for budget-friendly city breaks. Temperatures reach an average of 50°F, and Santander is much less crowded, making it a great option to explore without the crowds!
Where is Santander Located?
Santander is located on the northern coast of Spain, in Cantabria. The city sits along the Bay of Biscay and has stunning views of the mountains and beaches that make up the area.
Santander is a 10-minute drive from Bilbao and four hours from Madrid by car. It’s also well connected with other European cities.
Getting Around Santander
Santander is a reasonably small city, so getting around Santander is straightforward. Here’s what you need to know about how to get around Santander:
Walking Around Santander: Santander is a very walkable city, meaning that most of the main attractions and sights are within walking distance of each other. This is a great way to explore Santander with kids, as it allows you to take in the sights and sounds of the city at your own pace.
By Public Transport: Santander has an efficient public transport system, with buses, trams and taxis all available. Santander also has a network of bike paths, so it’s easy to explore Santander by bike if you prefer.
About the author: This article was originally written by Sylvie Simpson and has been edited by Kirsten Maxwell.