As a parent, you know how important it is to find activities that will keep kids engaged and entertained, especially on a rainy day. Here are some great rainy day activities in Bilbao that are sure to be a hit with kids.
The Best Rainy Day Activities For Kids in Bilbao
Roof Covered Playgrounds
Bilbao is used to getting rain. Though it doesn’t get snow very often, it can rain regularly in the winter. So it is important to plan rainy day activities for kids while in Bilbao. Thankfully, the climate is temperate, so it is still possible to go outside. Furthermore, Bilbao has done a wonderful job of covering many of the city’s playgrounds with roofing. It allows for your children to still get out and play even when the weather is less than ideal.
Some of the best covered playgrounds can be found in Exteabrria Park, Indautxu, Portugalete, Rekalde, Berango, Algorta, Berango and Plentzia.
The best one is probably in Portugalete which, is a little bit of a trek from the city centre. However, if you take the Cercanais train on line C-1 to Portugalete station, the playground is no more than 100 steps away. Maybe 250 for your child.
You Might Like… Very Best Playgrounds in Bilbao
Check out the map at the end of the article for specific locations of all the best rainy day activities for kids in Bilbao.\
Visiting Bilbao? You might be interested in our Ultimate Travel Guide To Bilbao.
Alhondiga Bilbao
The Alhondiga is a cultural centre located in the Indautxu. Originally a wine warehouse, the building was transformed by designer Philippe Starck. The Alhondiga is a multi-functional space that offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages. On rainy days in Bilbao, your kids will certainly be entertained by all the activities available at the Alhondiga.
Alhondiga Bilbao takes a playful and interactive approach to culture and leisure, making it an excellent destination for parents looking for an educational and fun experience for their children. The 43 pillars are a fun interactive experience while the library allows for a more calming experience. There is a pool on the top floor that can be viewed from the main floor.
And if that’s not enough, the center also boasts an extensive collection of contemporary art, a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city, and a variety of restaurants. For more information, read What To Do At The Alhondiga, Bilbao (Azkuna Zentroa).
La Ribera Market
The Ribera Market, situated in the heart of Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, is a massive food market covering over 10,000 square meters. Over 300 stalls offer fresh produce, meat, fish, cheese, and wine. The market is divided into three sections: the traditional market, the gastronomic market, and the gourmet experience.
The traditional market has fresh produce and staple ingredients, while the gastronomic market showcases specialty foods like gourmet chocolates, handmade pasta, and international spices. The gourmet experience features cooking classes, tastings, and live demonstrations by top chefs. The market is a great place to experience the Basque culture through its food. The Ribera Market offers a food and culture focused experience that makes it one of the great rainy day activities for kids in Bilbao.
The Ribera Market offers something for everyone, including kids, who can explore the different stalls, try new foods, and attend cooking classes. The market is a great place to introduce kids to the diverse and delicious flavors of the Basque Country.
Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is an incredible contemporary art museum that you won’t want to miss during your visit to Bilbao. The museum, which was designed by the legendary architect Frank Gehry, first opened its doors in 1997 and has been wowing visitors ever since.
The building’s unique design has made it an icon of modern architecture and an important symbol of Bilbao’s urban revitalization. The undulating titanium-clad exterior is truly a masterpiece, with its curved shapes and soaring glass atrium creating an awe-inspiring sight.
Inside the museum, you’ll find an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art from the mid-20th century to today. The collection features works by some of the most celebrated artists of all time, including Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, and Jeff Koons, just to name a few. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year, so there’s always something new and exciting to see.
This iconic museum is not only a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a fantastic place for your children to learn about contemporary art. From the moment they arrive, they’ll be captivated by the famous Puppy sculpture guarding the entrance.
Not only is the Guggenheim Bilbao an engaging environment for your kids to learn about art, but it also offers a range of educational programs, including workshops, tours, and lectures. These programs are tailored to different age groups, so your kids can learn at their own pace and level.
Other Museums That Make Great Rainy Day Activities For Kids
Maritime Museum
For kids who love all things nautical, the Maritime Museum is a great choice. They can learn about Bilbao’s rich history as a port city and explore the region’s maritime heritage through fascinating exhibits.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
If your kids are interested in art, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is a great option. With works by Spanish and Basque artists from the 12th to the 20th century, there’s plenty to explore and learn about.
The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is currently undergoing renovations, so admission is free!
Basque Museum
The Basque Museum is a great way for kids to learn more about the local culture and history of the Basque Country. With exhibits on traditional Basque sports, cuisine, and daily life, it’s a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Unfortunately, the Basque is temporarly closed.
Athletic Club Museum
The museum features a range of exhibits, from historic photographs and trophies to interactive displays that teach about the club’s tactics and strategies. One of the most impressive exhibits is the Hall of Fame, featuring busts of some of the club’s greatest players, coaches, and presidents. The Athletic Club Museum is a great option for families visiting Bilbao. It provides an entertaining and educational experience for football fans of all ages
See A Sporting Event
Sports play an important role in Bilbao’s culture, with passionate fans cheering on the city’s teams. Football (soccer) is a hugely popular sport, with Athletic Club Bilbao being the most famous team. Additionally, basketball is very popular, but nothing close to the fandom of Athletic Bilbao. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, experiencing Bilbao’s sporting culture is a great way to immerse yourself in the local scene.
Athletic Bilbao Football Club
Athletic Club Bilbao, commonly referred to as Athletic Bilbao, is a professional football club based in Bilbao, Spain. They are one of the oldest football clubs in Spain, founded in 1898. Athletic Bilbao is known for its unique policy of only signing players from the Basque Country or Navarre.
The team plays its home games at the San Mames Stadium, which has a capacity of over 53,000 spectators. Athletic Bilbao has a rich history and has won numerous titles, including eight Spanish La Liga championships and 24 Copa del Rey trophies. The club’s passionate fan base and commitment to its Basque identity make attending an Athletic Bilbao match a memorable experience for any sports fan visiting Bilbao.
The Spanish football season usually starts in August and ends in May. Here is the English website if you are interested in Athletic Club Bilbao tickets.
Bilbao Basketball
The Bilbao Basket, also known as Club Basket Bilbao Berri S.A.D. was founded in 2000 and has since become a major player in the Liga ACB. The top tier of professional basketball in Spain.
Their home games take place at the Bilbao Arena, a modern and spacious venue with a seating capacity of over 10,000 spectators. When the team is playing at home, the atmosphere is electric, with the crowd’s passion and excitement filling the arena.
The basketball season in Spain typically runs from October to June, with games played on weekends and occasionally on weekdays. It’s a perfect way to spend an evening in Bilbao, whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo.
Max Centre
The MAX Center has a rich history, having opened its doors in 1994 and undergone several renovations and expansions since then to keep up with the times. Located in the Barakaldo, just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the city center.
Now, let’s talk size – the MAX Center is massive, one of the largest shopping centers in Spain, with over 100,000 square meters (1.1 million square feet) of retail space spread across three floors. You’ll find more than 200 shops here, including big names like Zara, Pull & Bear, and Jack & Jones, among others. But the MAX Center isn’t just about shopping. There are plenty of other entertainment options to keep you and your family entertained.
First off, there’s an indoor playground on the main floor where kids can climb, slide, and play to their heart’s content. And if you’re looking for some family-friendly movies, the MAX Center has a cinema with a great selection of films to choose from. Just make sure that if you are going to watch a movie, it is in your preferred language.
For a bit of friendly competition, head up to the third floor where you’ll find a bowling alley, perfect for a family game night. And if your kids are feeling particularly adventurous, they can go wild at the trampoline park, with karts suitable for children as young as six years old.
For those who prefer video games, there’s also an arcade on the second floor with a range of games and machines to choose from.
Tximi Park
Tximi Park is a great place to spend an afternoon on a rainy day in Bilbao. This indoor playground will keep your kid entertained for hours. The facilities offer a wide arrangement of play structures, a cafeteria and karaoke.
The bouncy slide and suspension bridge are particularly fun, who doesn’t love a ball pit! Tximi Park is also a popular place to celebrate birthdays.
Twice a year, Tixi Park puts on special events. Halloween (October 31) and Carnival (February 19) there are themed events, music, performances, and snacks provided.
Tximi Park offers a variety of entrance fee options. You can choose hourly, daily, or get yourself a Tximi Park membership.
Bilbao Exibition Centre (BEC!)
The Bilbao Exhibition Centre, also known as BEC, is a large convention and exhibition center located in the city of Barakaldo, a suburb of Bilbao. The center covers an area of over 150,000 square meters and features several large halls and meeting rooms.
BEC hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including trade fairs, concerts, conferences, and cultural exhibitions. The best exhibition for childrens is The Children’s Christmas Park (Parque Infantil de Navidad).
The BEC, might not be right for your family depending on the events that are on. Here is the English version of the Bilbao Exibition Centre. Best to double-check what is going on before heading to Barakaldo.
Where To Stay – The Best Hotels With A Pool
Visiting Bilbao? Sometimes on a rainy day, you just want to stay at home. Or, in this case, hotel. With that in mind, here are the best hotels with pools.
Hotel Melia Bilbao
The Hotel Melia Bilbao is a 5-star hotel. It might have the largest year round pool of any hotel in Bilbao. Though, technically an outdoor pool, it is roofed and only exposed on one side. From the pool you can see the Nervion River and the Duesto. Melia also has two restaurants, sits next to Dona Casilda Park and offers baby-sitting for a surcharge. Book your stay at the Hotel Melia here.
Occidental Bilbao
The Occidental Bilbao is a 4-star hotel. It most likely has the largest pool of any hotel in Bilbao. The downside, it is seasonal. So make sure that the pool will be open if not having a pool is a dealbreaker. The Occidental also has a fitness centre and is located in walking distance of Casco Viejo, the Old Town. Book your stay at the Occidental Bilbao.
Radisson Collection Bilbao
The Radisson Collection Bilbao is a 5-star hotel. It has a small indoor pool and spa, along with a fitness centre, a rooftop bar has beautiful views that are sure to impress. Located on Gran Via, the Radisson could not be in a more central location. Book your stay at the Radisson Collection Bilbao.
Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao
The Catalonia Gran Via Bilbao is a 4-star hotel. It’s a luxurious retreat with a small outdoor pool, a relaxing spa, and an enticing gym. Located in the heart of Bilbao, it’s just steps away from the world-famous Guggenheim Museum. Book your stay at the Catalonia Gran Via Bilbao.
Mapped Out – Best Kids’ Rainy Day Activities in Bilbao
Bilbao’s Rainy Day Activities: The Verdict
Rainy days in Bilbao don’t have to dampen your family’s spirits. With a wealth of indoor activities, museums, and sports events, there’s plenty to keep you entertained, no matter the weather. Take shelter in the Alhondiga Bilbao, explore the exhibits at the Guggenheim, or catch a game at the San Mames Stadium.
When looking to enjoy the outdoors while staying dry, the city has several roof-covered parks. These parks are great for a play while staying dry.
So, the next time it’s raining in Bilbao, don’t let it rain on your parade. Embrace the wet weather and explore all the fun that this vibrant city has to offer.