Asturias is an autonomous community on Spain's rugged northern coast, bordered by the Cantabrian Sea to the north and the Cantabrian Mountains to the south. Known as the 'Natural Paradise,' the region combines dramatic cliffs, emerald valleys, medieval villages, and the towering peaks of Picos de Europa National Park. Its Celtic heritage, distinctive cider culture, world-class seafood, and UNESCO-listed pre-Romanesque monuments make it one of Iberia's most rewarding destinations for independent travelers.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Parque de la Prehistoria de Asturias
Replica cave art museum with Paleolithic paintings recreated at 1:1 scale. Engaging for children 7+. Outdoor Paleolithic Park with activities.
Price: €8 / $8.72 adults; €5 / $5.45 children 5–12; free under 5
Museo del Jurásico de Asturias (MUJA)
Interactive dinosaur museum with outdoor fossil trail along the coast. Children love the life-size dinosaur models. Palaeontological walk on beach (Playa de la Griega).
Price: €7 / $7.63 adults; €4 / $4.36 children 4–12; free under 4
Playa de San Lorenzo (Gijón)
Urban beach with lifeguards (Jun–Sep), gentle waves suitable for children, beach playground equipment. Seafront promenade for strollers.
Price: Free
Aquarium de Gijón
Regional aquarium with Atlantic sea life exhibits. Interactive touch pools for children. Suitable for all ages.
Price: €11 / $11.99 adults; €7 / $7.63 children 4–14; free under 4
Covadonga Lakes (Lagos de Enol y Ercina)
High-altitude glacial lakes at 1,000m elevation. Stunning scenery accessible by shuttle bus in summer. Older children (8+) will enjoy the landscape.
Price: Free (park); shuttle bus €8 / $8.72 return per person (Jul–Sep)
Parque Natural de Redes (Valle del Oso)
Beech forest nature reserve with easy family-friendly trails. Wildlife interpretation center. Good chance of seeing deer and birds.
Price: Free (trails); visitor center free
Ciclismo Activo Gijón (Cycling Path)
Flat coastal cycling path from Gijón beach to Cabo Torres. Bike rental available at Gijón Bici (Calle Magnus Blikstad, +34 985 18 10 34) — bikes and child seats available.
Price: Bike rental €15–€25 / $16–$27 per day; cycling path free
Teleférico de Fuente Dé
Cable car ascending to 1,823m above the Picos de Europa. Spectacular views; 15-minute ride each way. Children need to be comfortable with heights.
Price: €19 / $20.70 adults; €10 / $10.90 children 3–12; free under 3
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hotel Sercotel Cristal de Oviedo
Camping Playa de Rodiles
Parador de Cangas de Onís
Hotel Palacio de Granda
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Spanish dining is very family-friendly; children are welcomed everywhere and restaurants rarely close early
Kids menus (menú infantil) available at most tourist-facing restaurants: €8–€12 / $8.72–$13.08 for pasta, chicken, and chips
Sidrería Tierra Astur (Oviedo and Gijón branches) is ideal for families—noisy, relaxed, generous portions of cachopo and cider
Supermarkets (Mercadona, Carrefour) in Oviedo and Gijón stock all baby supplies including formula and diapers
Breastfeeding in public is socially accepted throughout Asturias; many cafés have baby-change facilities
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.