What to do in Santander with children when it rains: cultural and leisure plans for the family
Santander is a city with a wide range of activities to enjoy with the family throughout the year. Although its walks by the sea, parks and open-air spaces are always an excellent option, when the rain makes an appearance, the city offers an interesting variety of cultural and educational plans ideal for children.
A rainy day in Santander doesn’t have to be boring. The city’s museums and cultural centres offer educational and entertaining experiences to enjoy with children, turning bad weather into the perfect opportunity to explore history, science and art as a family.
If you visit Santander with your family and are looking for alternatives to enjoy a rainy day with the little ones, here are three essential places to learn, explore and have fun.
Maritime Museum of the Cantabrian Sea: discover the marine world
Located in a privileged enclave between the San Martín promontory and the Playa de los Peligros, the Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico (MMC) is a must-see for families who love the sea.
This museum allows you to delve into the depths of the Cantabrian Sea through its aquariums, which recreate various underwater habitats and house a wide variety of marine species. Among its main spaces are:
- Live marine fauna and flora, with 20 aquariums containing more than a million litres of seawater.
- Maritime Station for Experimental Zoology and Botany, where species from the Cantabrian Sea are studied.
- Biodiversity and marine ecosystems, an educational tour of life under the sea.
In addition, the museum has a fascinating collection of cetacean skeletons, navigation instruments and boat models, which allow a better understanding of the maritime history of the region.
Practical information:
- Location: San Martín de Bajamar, Santander.
- Free entry for children under 3 years old.
- Tuesday from 2:00 p.m., free entry with prior reservation.
- Ticket reservation at: Museums of Cantabria.
- Reservation telephone: +34 942 274 962.
MUPAC: a journey to prehistory and archeology
The Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria (MUPAC) is the perfect place for children to immerse themselves in the oldest history of the region. Its exhibitions include valuable pieces from important sites such as Altamira, El Castillo and La Garma.
In its rooms you can find prehistoric tools, objects carved from bone and antler, as well as representations of Palaeolithic portable art. Through these collections, the museum offers a tour of the evolution of human societies from prehistory to the Middle Ages, helping visitors understand how our ancestors lived.
The MUPAC is an interactive and educational space that allows children to discover archaeology in an enjoyable way, bringing them closer to the history of Cantabria and its surroundings.
Practical information:
- Location: Calle Bailén, Santander.
- Opening hours and rates available on the official website.
- On Sundays, entry is free from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (last entry at 7:30 p.m.)
Botín Centre: art and creativity by the sea
The Botín Center is a cultural landmark in Santander, designed by architect Renzo Piano. Its modern structure is located in a unique enclave, suspended over the sea and connected to the historic Pereda Gardens.
This space houses contemporary art exhibitions, educational activities, workshops and shows aimed at all ages. It is an ideal place to awaken the creativity of the little ones through interactive artistic experiences.
One of its outstanding proposals is the “Family Walk”, where an expert in artistic education guides visitors on a dynamic tour of the exhibitions. During this activity, children can observe, play and develop their imagination in an original and participatory way.
Practical information:
- Location: Muelle de Albareda s/n, Jardines de Pereda, Santander.
- Phone: +34 942 047 147.
- Check the activities calendar at: Centro Botín.
Whether it’s discovering the richness of the marine world at the Maritime Museum of the Cantabrian Sea, travelling back in time at the MUPAC, or awakening creativity at the Botín Center, Santander offers endless possibilities for an unforgettable cultural day.
