The Easter trips They can become those getaways that the little ones will remember for a lifetime. You just have to know how to choose: we present seven proposals in Spain or near Spain full of plans that will delight boys and girls more curious and enjoying, whatever your tastes.
1. Meet the dinosaurs in La Rioja
Perhaps you did not know that La Rioja is one of the places in the world with higher concentration of ichnites, that is, dinosaur footprints... but what you surely know is that children love these creatures, which they place halfway between reality and fantasy, between animals and monsters.
In The Rioja , taking advantage of this archaeological potential, there are several attractions dedicated to the little ones. One of them is the Dinosaur Route (in Villar de Enciso, Navalsaz), with explanatory signs and life-size dinosaur reproductions It is outdoors, so you can also visit it with pets.
The little ones will be captivated by these Jurassic reproductions
in Igea , on the other hand, there is a Paleontological Interpretation Center , with bone remains of animals such as the Baryonyx and the Hypsilophodon , information and more replicas of dinosaurs. Likewise, the Enciso Paleontological Center (the municipality with the most footprints, up to 3,000) invites us to immerse ourselves in this fascinating scientific discipline.
Lastly, also in Enciso is El Barranco Perdido, a “paleoadventure” park that has activities related to paleontology, outdoor sports and adventure areas with facilities such as the climbing wall or the zip line and a water fun area that includes several pools and 'geysers'. In addition, the place has a restaurant, cafeteria, picnic area and parking.
2. Travel from the sky to space in Toulouse
Toulouse, so accessible –one hour by plane from Madrid and perfectly connected to Spain by train and road– is a perfect getaway with kids . The reasons are many, and include the impressive visits to the City of Space and the magical world of La Halle de La Machine, the pleasant and quiet of its streets, its numerous parks and gardens , its exceptional restaurants...
But let's start at the beginning: did you know that Toulouse is the european space capital thanks to its powerful aerospace industry? The best example of this is the Cite de l'Espace ('Space City'), made up of 4,000 square meters of exhibitions spread over four floors, two planetariums, an Imax® 3D cinema, a simulator to walk on the Moon and more than 250 objects , from spaceships to meteorites and stones brought directly from the Moon.
In addition, the complex has four hectares of 'scientific gardens' with an impressive collection of rockets and satellites including a real MIR Space Station and Soyuz capsule , as well as a full-size Ariane 5 rocket and China's CHANG'E-4 probe. Multiple interactive workshops are held there, including one on rocket launch. A dream for any child... and for everyone who has ever wanted to become an astronaut.
In Space City, the rockets are real
Before space, yes, the Toulouse conquered the sky. It was here, in fact, where, in the nineteenth century, Clément Ader designed the first prototype aircraft , and where, during the First World War, Pierre-Georges Latécoère set out to build military aircrafts . Later, the company turned to postal commercial aviation, which was quite a milestone.
It is precisely this time of innovation that is celebrated in L'Envol des Pionniers , a museum built next to the historic track from which Latécoère's planes took off, called the Giants track –where La Halle de La Machine is also located–.
There are original objects there, a interactive exhibition , workshops for children, a mini-cinema that shows fragments of old films... And a legendary Breguet XIV aircraft where one can ride and experience the sensations of a flight from 1924: the wind, the smells, the noise, the movement, the landscape...
What were airplanes like before?
Last but not least, another jewel in the crown: The Hall of La Machine , a hangar converted into the incredible showroom of the peculiar La Machine theater company. It was born in 1999 from the collaboration of artists, technicians and show decorators around the construction of atypical scenic objects.
Here there is everything: machines that play half a dozen guitars at once , gigantic walking spiders and even bread catapults, which delight diners in the highly recommended Minotaur Cafe.
But, without a doubt, the main attraction is the Minotaur that gives its name to the restaurant, a gigantic sculpture on which it is possible to climb for a ride. And it's not far behind Manège Carré Sénart , a unique carousel populated by amazing mechanical beings.
Impossible to forget these giant robots
3. Science, sand and adrenaline in San Sebastian
Saint Sebastian It has three beautiful urban beaches, of which two are wonderful for children. The most famous is the the shell , which has been named several times “best in the world”. with the picturesque Santa Clara Island opposite (which also has its small beach), its characteristic blue and white striped awnings and its beautiful railing, it is a good option for boys and girls, although it must be taken into account that it is usually very crowded.
The Ondarreta beach , on the other hand, is of a more calm and familiar , and in addition, it is protected from the west winds It is located next to the Peine del Viento, in the neighborhood of Antiguo, a work by Chillida that the txikis will like for their small geysers –actually, some air and water outlets that are supplied by the waves that break against the rocks and sculptures–.
In both there is an abundance of aquatic entertainment: you can rent pedal boats, do windsurfing, surf courses, canoeing, bodyboard… They also have sports facilities, and the one in Ondarreta even has swing area.
Beaches to play in San Sebastian
After a day at the beach (enjoyable whether the weather is there to take a dip or not), we can arouse the curiosity of the little ones in the amazing science museum Eureka!
It has seven spaces: the Logik room, with Lego workshops; the Planetarium; animalia , with species from the tropical forest, the desert and the sea; room virtual simulators ; the gardens with Guipúzcoa miniatures and experimentation modules; the astronomical observatory and above all, the permanent exhibition.
This covers a energy zone, another dedicated to the human body, to the senses, to the play of light, to mechanics, to the Earth … It is impossible to get bored, because each space is full of experiments that the little ones can carry out and that, surely, will make them see science classes with different eyes.
Eureka!
Another must in the city if you go with children? The mythical and beautiful amusement park of Monte Igueldo, opened in 1912. Today, more than a century later, has not lost its charm . To begin with, you can reach cable car , a picturesque rarity that will delight the little ones.
To continue, it has many attractions for all ages , which are paid for each one separately – you just have to buy the entrance to the venue. Some, like the Swiss Mountain or the mysterious river allow you to enjoy extraordinary perspectives of the city of San Sebastian during your adrenaline trip.
Important: attractions close during rainy days and the funicular schedule changes often , so it is interesting to visit the park's website to plan your visit.
Slide with views on Mount Igueldo in San Sebastian
4. Family vacation on a farm deluxe in Evora (Portugal)
To understand to what extent the little ones are important in the newly opened Évora Farm Hotel & Spa (20 minutes from beautiful Évora), we will only say this: it opened its doors last World Children's Day . It was no coincidence.
The concept?: 11 hectares of nature populated by animals, with a luxury hotel inside. There's also orchards that bring the freshest product to the table and where children learn, through workshops and experimentation, where food comes from.
There is more: farm School , practices with composting, visit to ancient agricultural ruins , bird watching, picnics, stargazing, hot air balloon rides ... all that, without leaving the farm.
11 hectares to meet nature
In addition, of the 57 rooms of the hotel, three have bunk beds and five are villas with private pools , framed by an outdoor common area that includes five pools total.
The two main ones are for families, and there are another three with views of the plain exclusively for adults, in case you want to relax while the kids go from fun to fun: there are ethnobotanical walks with specialists ; photography workshops of a professional nature; bike rides for the farm... and a full program of activities every day , from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., which will keep the little ones busy –and delighted–.
Thus, during the mornings, it is offered for the little ones, in addition to the already mentioned baths in the pool and experiences in the farm and the orchard, yoga classes, art and recycling workshops, cooking and pastry days ... they have even his own check in! Of course, adults are also pampered: there is gym, spa with indoor pool , sauna, Turkish bath and two treatment rooms. And a exquisite restaurant of Alentejo specialties with access to the outdoor lounge area. Can you ask for more?
Workshops for all tastes
5. Museums for all tastes (and a spectacular amusement park) in Copenhagen
In Copenhagen, the little ones are more than welcome. Rapier should be normal anywhere -and which, however, is not-, encourages both public transport and spaces are designed for families, and that anywhere boys and girls can be seen interacting both with each other and with adults in a very special way.
most of important museums also have their space for boys and girls. The National Museum, for example, has an entire area dedicated to them. There you will discover first hand how was life in the past thanks to Viking ships, replicas of old classrooms, and even rummaging through a trunk in which try on clothes owned by your grandparents!
As if that were not enough, the outdoor area has more than 32 hectares that recreate the typical living conditions of the period between 1650 and 1940 , so it houses more than 50 farms, mills and houses representing the rural life of each Danish region. It's like walking into a movie !
However, if what suits your little ones is to emulate vickie the viking , they will love to enjoy the five original ships that are preserved in the Vikingeskiibs Museet (about 25 minutes from Copenhagen), as well as the workshops that will bring you closer to the life of these formidable northerners.
If you are more of a people from the future, you may want to visit Louisiana, the acclaimed Museum of Modern Art , where you will find nothing less than three plants dedicated entirely to the enjoyment of the little ones. there they can paint, draw, sculpt and explore the working methods of artists and architects, with activities based on the exhibitions of the pinacoteca.
The Museum of Science and Technology (45 minutes from Copenhagen) is so interactive enough to dazzle the most restless. There you can enjoy originals of the first cars and planes, of scientific instruments XIX century , and even program and build robots if you come on a weekend, when they are celebrated lots of activities for the kids.
On the other hand, the Zoological Museum (which is part of Museum of Natural History of the University of Copenhagen) offers children the opportunity to learn about evolution in a fun and creative way, with recreations of animals and skeletons from different periods that can be touched!
In Copenhagen you will also find a huge dome-shaped 3D cinema , of no less than 1,000 square meters; there they start interesting excursions through space . Its about Tycho Brahe Planetarium , which also houses one of the largest moon rocks in exhibition in the world, and whose exhibitions you can explore in Spanish simply downloading one apps free.
We have left the jewel in the crown for last: it is Experimentarium , a center super popular with city boys and girls which actually allows experiment with science. Note that the place is so amazing that his visit (and all the games that it promises!) can take you to An entire day : you will want to try everything, from the sensory tunnel to the bubble factory, passing through the construction area , where you will learn how a building is erected. But there is much, much more!
Last but not least, you cannot leave Copenhagen without spending a day at Tivoli amusement park. The place dates from 1834 , and its setting boasts a elegant and romantic nostalgia (many couples decide get married here ) that you will want to photograph continuously.
Forget loud music poor theme shows or seedy restaurants: Tivoli Gardens possess the charm and distinction of royalty (in fact, he was the king Christian VIII who had them built), and all its details are worthy of admiration. And let's not forget, of course, its attractions, which will delight the little ones.
The park remains open from april to september and between November and December . Tickets can be purchased online or at the door itself, and they are absolutely worth it, if only for tour the place (there is a pass that allows that option).
In Tivoli there is always life
6. Join the Disneyland Paris 30th Anniversary Celebrations
Oh, how typical, Disneyland Paris at Easter… Okay, okay, we know. But the trip for boys and girls par excellence could not be left out of our list now that the park turns 30 and celebrates it with new decorations, costumes and shows, in addition to its first aerial show with drones and even, with a fashion collaboration with Stella McCartney.
Thus, on March 6, a new program will be released, with gems such as a daytime show called Dream... and Shine Brighter! Every day a new show will come to life several times a day in the Central Plaza in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle, which looks more beautiful than ever after a restoration that has lasted twelve months.
The new shows are structured around three themes, and will feature more than 30 Disney characters and dancers, new floats and a unique soundtrack. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and their friends – including Woody from Toy Story, Rapunzel and the Genie from Aladdin – will wear new iridescent costumes, created especially for this anniversary, that they will show even in a fashion show designed ad hoc. The entire park will also be redecorated in bright blue and purple tones, Matching the new clothes.
New look for old characters
At nightfall, visitors will be offered It's an emotional new moment before one of your favorite shows: Disney Illuminations. Called Disney D-Light, this new pre-show will combine video screenings, water games, light effects, fog, famous Disney songs and a choreography with drones that will give an additional touch of magic around the iconic castle.
In addition, to kick off the celebration, and for a limited time, there will be for the first time in the history of the park a light show with 200 drones, what will they form a '30' that will shine in the sky just above the castle, while the new piece of music created especially for the anniversary, Un monde qui s'illumine, will play in the background. The soundtrack has been recorded by a symphonic orchestra made up of 60 musicians in the famous Abbey Road Studios From london and has been adapted for this show.
Disneyland Paris, the dream trip for boys and girls of all ages
Disneyland Park also debuts as the home of the new ones garden of wonder, made up of 10 different themed gardens. Installed in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle, they will include 30 new pieces of art, kinetic sculptures that will “come alive” to celebrate nature and the diversity of famous people of Disney and Pixar, offering a magical ride.
Of course, in addition to the special programming for the anniversary, visitors will be able to continue enjoying all the shows and experiences previously available, with its more than 50 attractions for all tastes that will immerse us in the worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.
7. Happiness in nature in Andorra
Nature overflows the four sides of Andorra, a small country in the Pyrenees with much to offer: its 40,000 hotel beds in a territory of just over 77,000 inhabitants show the importance they give to tourism and services. But if Andorra stands out for something, it is for a proverbial nature , which we can enjoy through multiple plans.
The solar viewpoint of Tristaina, on the Pico de Peyreguils
Thus, three areas of Andorra are home to protected Natural Parks: the Vall del Madriu-Perafita-Claror, the Sorteny Valley and the Valleys of Comapedrosa . In all of them you can enjoy marked routes (there are more than 60 in the country), picnic areas and high mountain lakes which are home to wild horses and other equally irresistible mammals.
Of course, since it is a terrain with large slopes, some themed itineraries special for the little ones. Is about small adventures in circular trails based on natural resources, such as mushrooms, or in mythological beings such as Tamarros or the Menairons . Conceived as clue games, with final rewards and nods to children's curiosity, they take place in beautiful wooded environments in which to enjoy with the family.
Another fun way to enjoy the scenery? ride on the Tobotronc, the longest slide in nature in the world, lying in the adventure park Naturland: a total of 5.3 kilometers of controllable emotions thanks to the brake of the two-seater sleigh in which you will ride.
Adrenaline on a slide immersed in nature
In addition, the large parks in the ski resorts (Naturlandia is also the only cross-country ski resort in Andorra), beyond the snow, offer many other activities such as climbing, zip lines, huge inflatables, and even attractions that add virtual reality to the experience of sliding on a sled. worth visiting Mount Magic, in Canillo, although there are similar areas in the Pal ski resort and other points of the Andorran geography.
And speaking of adrenaline: if you are not afraid of heights, how about a walk through 12 meters of walkway suspended in the air, located about 500 meters of vertical drop? It is what you will find in the viewpoint Roc del Quer , located between Canillo and Ordino, over the valley of Montaup i d'Orient.
You can also test your vertigo in the new Tristaina Solar Lookout, a metallic structure weighing 32 tons, in the shape of a ring (it is also a sundial) and 25 meters in diameter that visitors can visit for a hypnotic ride.