In Bilbao there are not residents, there are txikiteros. Txikiteros are names given to those who drink txikitos, small glasses of wine served in the bars.
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Escaping to Bilbao with children is a great idea, as we explained in these great plans for the whole family in Bilbao, one of the stops you should make is in one of its parks.
Not only do you do it for the little ones at home, but also so that you can enjoy everything that is around. Bilbao has some very well-equipped playgrounds, some with incredible stories behind them, and all of them share a fantastic location.
Let's take a look at some of the best playgrounds in the city of Bilbao without straying far from the Old Town, to have all the monuments, facilities and bars within walking distance.
We begin our route next to the great symbol of the city, the Guggenheim Museum, one of the essential monuments of Bilbao. The museum, considered one of the best museums in the city of Bilbao and in the world, is at the foot of the so-called Campa de los Ingleses.
After a visit to the museum, where children will also enjoy special programmes and activities for them, take a walk to the Parque de la República de Abando, where there is a children's playground called Jolastokia. Here there are different areas adapted to all ages. Plenty of space, lots of swings, a terrace where you can have a snack and all under the watchful eye of the Guggenheim Museum, what more could you ask for?
Let's go for a walk, in about ten minutes we will arrive at our next destination; the Jolastokia PequeMap, in the Campo de Volatín. The walk will be almost more interesting for the whole family than your destination, as you will be able to cross the Ría over one of its most famous bridges; the Zubizuri Bridge, also known as the Calatrava Bridge, in honour of the well-known architect.
The Jolastokia PequeMap was recently refurbished and now looks as good as you can see. Being in such a central location, it is a welcome addition to have a place dedicated exclusively to children of this size. It also has added cultural value, as the swings refer to Basque mythology and legends, so your children can run through the Eguzkilore labyrinth or use the Marigorringo trampoline.
Another great advantage of Jolastokia PequeMap is its proximity, a ten minute walk, to the best place to sleep in Bilbao; Latroupe La Granja. The hostel welcomes families with open arms, offering fantastic family rooms right in the centre of town.
We leave the Ría behind us and walk through the streets to reach the Plaza Moraza playground in a few minutes. A very well-kept park with all the swings the little ones can imagine, it is certainly a very good option if you are on your way to the Plaza del Funicular to go up to Artxanda mountain and enjoy its impressive viewpoint.
If you are on your way back from the Artxanda viewpoint, not far from the Plaza del Funicular is the Plaza JesusInsausti playground. Although this park is smaller than the previous ones, and seems a little less spectacular, it has interesting elements such as the recommended age, from babies to 12 years old, and the fact that it has covered swings, something we will appreciate on one of the many rainy afternoons in Bilbao.
We cross the Ría again to head for the Old Town, but first we must stop at the playground in the Plaza de Pio Baroja. Another park that has been recently renovated and has new swings awaiting the visit of new adventurers. Despite being between two streets, it's very well protected and the proximity of the buildings makes it easy to keep an eye on the kids while you sample some of Bilbao's best local produce on a terrace. Sound like a good plan?
To give you an idea of how centrally located the Plaza Pio Baroja playground is, it is just a five-minute walk from Latroupe La Granja, the best hostel in Bilbao thanks to its facilities, atmosphere and staff.
We go deep into the heart of the city of Bilbao to enjoy the large Haurrentzako park on Calle Teófilo Guiard, which has cushioned floors, swings for all ages and a fantastic castle. This colourful park is one of the most visited in the city and as soon as you set foot in it you will understand why.
We pass through Euskadia Square to cross the Ría again on one of its most beloved bridges, the Deusto Bridge, which takes us to the Deusto area with its impressive University and the charming path we are about to take; the Botica Vieja.
Following the Botica, along the river, we will arrive at our last destination; the Botica Vieja Park. This park has two children's areas. One is a playground with colourful swings and slides, as well as the useful padded sleepers that have been installed in all facilities of this type.
The second playground, at the other end of Parque Botica Vieja, has similar swings to the first, except that they are covered under a roof, which is perfect for children to play safely even on a rainy day.
