Summer in Spain: Camps, Activities, and Festivals for Families
Summer in Spain is a magical time filled with sunshine, festivals, and countless opportunities for families to enjoy time together. If you’ve recently moved here or have it on the horizon, this guide will help you navigate everything from summer camps to cultural celebrations, ensuring your family makes the most of the season.
Summer Camps in Spain
Spain offers a wide variety of summer camps (“campamentos de verano”) that cater to children of different ages, interests, and needs. These camps are popular among families and are often seen as an excellent way for children to make new friends, improve their Spanish, and develop skills. Our kids started going to town-run day camps at the age of three, and have loved them. We’ve coordinated their sessions so they can be together (at three and five years old), and with friends.
If local children are not attending camps, then they can usually be found in their family villages (‘pueblos’) for where their grandparents and extended families often live for the summer.
Types of Summer Camps
Language Camps: Designed for children to improve their Spanish or English skills through fun and immersive activities. Many times the counselors at these camps are from English-speaking countries on exchange, or the parents of children attending are themselves expats.
Sports Camps: Focused on specific sports such as football (soccer), basketball, tennis, or swimming. Some camps are hosted by professional sports organizations. These camps are perfect for kids who are a bit older (6+), with more autonomy in the pool.
Adventure Camps: These include hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, often in picturesque settings like the Pyrenees or coastal regions. I’ve worked at these camps and they are absolutely incredible for the price. Kids live in rural mountain refuges or campsites and participate in well-curated adventure sports in some of the most beautiful settings in the country.
Art and Music Camps: Perfect for creative kids interested in painting, theater, or learning an instrument.
Day Camps vs. Overnight Camps: Day camps (“campamentos urbanos”) are common in cities and allow kids to return home in the evening, while overnight camps offer a more immersive experience in rural (mountinous) or coastal areas.
How to Sign Up
Timing: Registration typically opens in spring, around March or April, and spots can fill quickly.
Where to Find Camps: Check local town halls (“ayuntamientos”), schools, and community centers for information. Many private organizations also run camps.
Required Documents: You may need your child’s ID (NIE number if they’re residents), proof of vaccination (sometimes, not always), and a medical certificate (sometimes, not always).
Prices: Day camps usually range from €50 to €150 per week, while overnight camps can cost between €300 and €800 per week, depending on the location and program.
Age Ranges: Camps generally accept children from 4 to 16 years old, though some specialized programs cater to older teenagers, and others allow 3 year olds if they are attending with a sibling.
Check out our Introductory Course for a hand-curated list of camps throughout Northern Spain and the Pyrenees.
Family-Friendly Summer Activities
Summer in Spain is not just about camps; it’s also a time for families to explore and enjoy the country’s diverse offerings. We’ve found that optimized family summer experiences in America often involves private country club gatherings and pool-side hangs, but in Spain, this culture is virtually non-existent. The public amenities and offerings in summer are incredible, and accessible to everyone. One of our favorite local spots is, believe it or not, the public pool! In our town, like most, the public pool becomes a super-fun hub in the summer. Most pools are kept meticulously by the city, with locker rooms, green sitting areas, kids’ play-areas and full-service bars (chiringuitos). Some even have water slides. The pass is included in our yearly sports center membership, which clocks in at $80 per year for our family of four.
Beach Days
Spain’s beaches are legendary. From the Costa Brava’s rocky coves to the golden sands of Andalusia, you’re never far from a seaside escape. Many beaches have family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, shallow waters, and lifeguards. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a picnic—long, leisurely beach days are a cherished Spanish tradition. The best mid-summer beaches are on the North-Atlantic coast from Cantabria to Galicia (opposed to the Mediterranean) as the air is fresher and the heat more bearable.
Outdoor Adventures
Spain’s national parks, such as Picos de Europa and Doñana, are ideal for hiking, wildlife spotting, and family picnics. Many parks offer guided tours and educational activities for kids.
Public Pools and Water Parks
For a fun and refreshing day out, visit one of Spain’s many water parks. Popular options include Siam Park in Tenerife, Aquópolis in Madrid, and Aqualand in Torremolinos.
Evening Strolls
In summer, Spaniards embrace the tradition of the evening stroll (“paseo”). Head to the local plaza, enjoy an ice cream, and let the kids play while you soak in the lively atmosphere.
Festivals and Cultural Highlights
Summer in Spain is synonymous with festivals (“fiestas”). These events are a fantastic way for your family to experience Spanish culture and traditions.
Famous Summer Festivals
San Juan (June 23-24): Celebrated with bonfires and beach parties, this festival marks the summer solstice. Many families gather by the sea to light candles and make wishes.
La Tomatina (Last Wednesday of August): This tomato-throwing festival in Buñol is a messy, joyful event. While it’s not suitable for young children, nearby family-friendly events often coincide.
Feria de Málaga (August): A week-long celebration featuring flamenco, parades, and fairground rides.
Local Patron Saint Festivals: Almost every town and village has its own summer festival, complete with parades, concerts, bouncy houses and foam parties for the kids, and of course, fireworks.
Tips for Enjoying Festivals with Kids
Stay Hydrated and Protected from the Sun: Bring water bottles and snacks, especially for outdoor events. The sun in Spain is a different beast. Being from the US East coast, I grew up under a canopy of trees, but in Spain, this is not the case. We travel with hats, sun glasses and 50 SPF sunscreen with us at all times.
Plan Ahead: Check schedules for child-friendly activities and quieter times.
Embrace the Late Nights: Many festivities run late into the evening. Let the kids nap during the day to enjoy the experience fully.
General Culture of Summer in Spain
Summer is a season of leisure and connection in Spain. Spaniards prioritize spending time with family and friends, often over long, shared meals. Expect restaurants and cafes to be bustling, especially in the evenings.
Siesta and Business Hours
Many businesses close during the hottest part of the day, typically from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. Use this time for a family rest or quiet indoor activities.
Dress Code
Summer attire is casual but modest. Lightweight fabrics are ideal for staying cool, and don’t forget comfortable shoes for all the walking you’ll do.
Making the Most of Your First Spanish Summer
Whether it’s enrolling your kids in a summer camp, exploring Spain’s beautiful landscapes, or dancing at a local festival, summer in Spain offers endless possibilities for family fun. Embrace the season with an open mind and a sense of adventure, and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
