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Updated May 2026 · Written by the Hostal La Mexicana team
Families visiting Santander have more to work with than they might expect. The city centre itself is compact, pedestrian-friendly and full of squares, markets and waterfront walks that keep children interested without needing to book in advance. For dedicated children's activities, Cabárceno and the aquarium are the two standout options. And the Sardinero beaches — 20 minutes from the centre by bus — provide a full, free day out whenever the weather is good.
Best activities for families
| Activity | Distance from hostal | Entry | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabárceno Nature Park | 32 km (35–40 min by car) | ~€25 adults / ~€15 children | All ages; full day out |
| Santander Aquarium | 2 km (20 min on foot) | ~€13 adults / ~€8 children | Ages 3–12; 1.5–2 hours |
| Sardinero beaches | 4.5–5 km (20 min by bus) | Free | All ages; full day |
| Los Peligros beach | 1.2 km (15 min on foot) | Free | Young children; calmer water |
| La Magdalena beach | 2.5 km (30 min on foot) | Free | Natural setting; rock pools |
| Centro Botín workshops | 1.2 km (11 min on foot) | Variable (check programme) | Ages 6–14; creative activities |
| Plaza Pombo | 500 m (6 min on foot) | Free | Young children; play area |
| Mercado de la Esperanza | 300 m (3 min on foot) | Free | All ages; food market experience |
Cabárceno Nature Park
Cabárceno is the best day trip from Santander for families with children. It is not a traditional zoo: a former open-cast mine has been converted into a semi-natural reserve where animals — elephants, rhinos, bears, lions, giraffes, hippos and more — roam in large enclosures across a dramatic karst landscape. The terrain is striking, the animals are visible at close range, and the park is large enough to fill a full day.
The park is located about 32 km south of Santander (municipalities of Penagos and Villaescusa), approximately 35–40 minutes by car via the S-10 and S-20 motorways. There is no regular direct public bus from the city centre to Cabárceno, so a car or an organised excursion is the practical option. Entry rates are indicative — check the official Cabárceno website for current prices and booking options. Advance online booking is recommended in July and August, when the park is busiest.
Inside Cabárceno there is a cafeteria, picnic areas and a small cable car. Allow at least 4–5 hours for a proper visit; most families spend a full day. The park opens daily (check seasonal hours on the website); it closes on certain public holidays.
Santander Aquarium
The Santander Aquarium is in Puertochico, the small harbour at the foot of the Magdalena peninsula, about 20 minutes on foot from the hostal or 10 minutes by bus. It is a well-maintained facility with tanks displaying the fish and marine life of the Cantabrian Sea, as well as sharks, rays and tropical species. The visit takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours at a children's pace.
The aquarium is particularly well-suited for children aged 3–12. The shark tank tunnel is reliably popular. Entry is approximately €13 for adults and €8 for children (current rates on aquariumsantander.es). The aquarium opens daily; check the website for current hours as they vary seasonally.
Combining the aquarium with a walk around Puertochico and the first section of the Magdalena peninsula makes for a good half-day or full-day plan without needing a car.
Beaches for families
Santander's beaches are genuinely family-friendly. For families with very young children, Los Peligros — 15 minutes on foot from the hostal, at the foot of the Magdalena peninsula — is a sheltered urban beach with calm, clear water. It is small but very convenient for a quick afternoon swim without travelling to the Sardinero.
For a full beach day, Primera and Segunda del Sardinero are the choice: wide sandy stretches, lifeguards in season, showers, sun lounger rental and beach bars. Both are reached by TUS lines 1 or 2 in about 20 minutes. In summer, aim to arrive before 10:30 to secure a good spot. More details on getting there in the Sardinero beach guide.
Centro Botín children's workshops
The Centro Botín runs a regular programme of children's workshops and creative activities, typically for ages 6–14. Sessions are held in the education spaces of the building, on the seafront at Jardines de Pereda, about 11 minutes on foot from the hostal. The programme varies by season and requires advance booking; check the Centro Botín website for current availability. Entry to the permanent collection is also of interest to older children, particularly the contemporary art exhibitions.
Free family plans in the city centre
Several free options work well for families, especially for the first morning or for mixing in with paid activities:
- Plaza Pombo (6 minutes on foot): A pleasant square in the centre of Santander, sometimes used for outdoor events and markets. Young children can run freely while adults sit at one of the nearby terraces.
- Mercado de la Esperanza (3 minutes on foot): Santander's main covered food market, in a beautiful 19th-century iron building. Free to enter and browse; good for a morning snack or picnic supplies.
- Paseo de Pereda and Puertochico: The seafront boulevard and the small working harbour are interesting for children — boats to watch, the stone crane, views of the bay. The walk from the hostal to Puertochico takes about 15 minutes on foot.
- La Magdalena park: The grounds of the Magdalena royal palace are free to enter. Open green space with sea views on both sides of the peninsula; popular with families for picnics and play.
Practical notes for families
- Family rooms: Hostal La Mexicana has triple and quadruple rooms suitable for families. The hostal is in a central, quiet residential street — 3 minutes from the food market and 15 minutes from the seafront on foot.
- Pushchair access: The city centre streets are mostly flat with good pavements. The bay walk between Puertochico and La Magdalena has some unpaved sections. The Magdalena hill path is not suitable for pushchairs.
- Eating with children: The pintxo bars and restaurants around C/ Hernán Cortés and Mercado del Este are generally child-friendly. Several have high chairs or space for pushchairs. Lunch (13:30–15:00) is typically the main meal; many restaurants open only from 13:30 for lunch and 20:30 for dinner.
- No pets policy: Hostal La Mexicana does not accept pets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best activity for children in Santander?
Cabárceno Nature Park (32 km, 35–40 min by car, ~€25/€15) and the Santander Aquarium at Puertochico (20 min on foot, ~€13/€8) are the two unmissable paid options. The Sardinero beach (20 min by bus, free) is the best free full-day plan.
How far is Cabárceno from Santander city centre?
Cabárceno is about 32 km south of Santander, 35–40 minutes by car via the S-10 and S-20 motorways. There is no regular direct public bus — a car or organised excursion is needed. Book online in advance for July and August.
Does Hostal La Mexicana have family rooms?
Yes — triple rooms (3 people) and quadruple rooms (4 people) are available. The hostal is in the city centre at C/ Juan de Herrera 3, walking distance from the main attractions and 20 minutes by bus from Sardinero beach.