Navarre (Navarra / Nafarroa) is an autonomous community in northern Spain that packs an extraordinary range of landscapes and cultures into one compact region — from the high Pyrenean passes where pilgrims begin the Camino de Santiago, through ancient beech forests and dramatic badlands, to the fertile Ebro valley wine country. Pamplona, the vibrant capital, is world-famous for the Sanfermines festival and its thundering Running of the Bulls each July, but the city rewards visitors year-round with a well-preserved medieval centre, thriving pintxos culture, and easy access to wild Navarrese countryside.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Planetario de Pamplona
Excellent planetarium and science museum with interactive exhibits and dome shows — perfect for children 5–14.
Ciudadela Park (Green Spaces & Playgrounds)
Pamplona's massive star-shaped fortress park with large playgrounds, duck ponds, and open spaces. Free and open daily.
Palacio Real de Olite Castle Visit
Children are entranced by the labyrinthine medieval palace — towers, hidden passages, battlements, and dungeon rooms make it a genuinely exciting adventure.
Foz de Lumbier Gorge Walk
Short, flat gorge walk through a dramatic limestone canyon — suitable for children from about 5 years old. Griffon vultures soaring overhead are a thrilling wildlife highlight.
Karpin Abentura Adventure Park
Outdoor adventure park with zip lines, treetop courses, mini golf, and animal encounters near Etxarri-Aranatz. Excellent for active families.
Selva de Irati Nature Walk
An easy forest walk through Europe's second-largest primeval beech forest — magical for children at any age. Pack a picnic and explore the Irabia reservoir shores.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hotel Tres Reyes
Family-friendly 4-star hotel with pool and spacious rooms near the Ciudadela park. Triple and family rooms available.
Parador de Olite
Staying inside a medieval castle is a dream for children — the Parador has a pool and family rooms, and the castle setting is genuinely magical.
Hotel Rural Irigoienea
Working farmhouse B&B in the Pyrenean foothills — children can see farm animals, eggs being collected, and walk forest trails immediately from the door.
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Spanish restaurants are highly child-friendly — children are welcomed everywhere, including at formal restaurants, and mealtimes are family occasions
Most restaurants offer a menú infantil (children's menu) for €7–10 — typically plain pasta, chicken, and dessert
Pintxos bars are fun for older children (8+) who can pick and choose — avoid very late evenings (after 10 PM) in the old town
The Mercado Central (Calle Mercado) has easy-to-eat options and is an educational experience for children interested in food
Ice cream (helado): numerous heladerías in Pamplona old town; €2–3.50 per scoop
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Sanfermines (July 6–14) is not recommended for young children — extreme crowds, alcohol, and the bull run make it overwhelming and potentially unsafe for under-12s
The best months for families are June, September, and October — warm, uncrowded, and with all outdoor attractions open
Strollers (pushchairs) are challenging on Pamplona's old town cobblestones — a baby carrier is easier for infants
Municipal playgrounds in Pamplona are excellent — Ciudadela, Parque de la Vuelta del Castillo, and Parque de Yamaguchi all have quality equipment
Car seats must be used for children under 135 cm in Spain — rental cars can include child seats when booked in advance (€5–8/day)