Things to Do in the Picos de Europa with Kids

The Picos de Europa and its surroundings are a fantastic destination for families looking to combine adventure, nature, and culture. With its stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and plenty of outdoor activities, there’s no shortage of ways to keep kids entertained.

In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best family-friendly activities, from easy scenic hikes and horseback riding to thrilling canyoning and kayaking. You can also visit local farms to meet animals, learn about traditional cheesemaking, and experience the authentic rural life of the region. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Bear in mind that the Picos de Europa is a national park and a protected area, and some of the activities listed below take place just outside the park.

 
Easy hiking routes

Covadonga Lakes loop walk
6,2 km | 526 m ascent I 2h 30min | Easy

A very easy walk around the two Covadonga Lakes. Children can walk freely and, in some areas, share the pastures with cows. During high season, there is a café open. Note that there are restrictions on access – read more about it here.

From Covadonga Lakes to Refugio de Vegarredonda (option to overnight)
8 km | 2h 30min | Easy

Extend the walk around the lakes for a mountain experience and stay in a mountain hut. With an extra 8 km, you can reach the Vegarredonda hut at 1,470m, where you can have lunch, dinner, spend the night, and even get a picnic for your next day’s hike. An easy mountain experience for younger ones.

Vegarredonda mountain hut: refugiovegarredonda.com

Vega de Urriellu (option to overnight)
7 km | 950 m ascent | Moderate (from 8 years old)

A hike ascending to 2,050m. If going with kids, the best option is to start in Pandébano, from where you will walk 7 km to reach the Urriellu hut. The route is consistently uphill, but it’s not technically difficult. In just a couple of sections, children will need to be a bit careful and focused.

Urriellu mountain hut: www.refugiodeurriellu.com

Fuente Dé Cable Car

From the Liébana area, take the cable car in Fuente Dé and ascend 750m in just 4 minutes. Kids will love the experience, and once at the top, you can walk a bit to enjoy the views of the central massif of the Picos de Europa.

Fuente Dé cable car: https://telefericodefuentede.com/

 
Easy cycling routes

The Picos de Europa is not the best place to find flat cycling routes for kids, but there are a couple in the Onís area. You can visit www.onisecoturismo.es to find information about the routes and download the tracks.

In Cabrales, you can rent different bike types at www.bikepicos.com.

 
Water sports

Canyoning (from 6 years old)
Several companies offer guided canyoning excursions. Don’t worry about the equipment – they will provide waterproof clothing, helmets, and all necessary accessories.

If you are in Asturias or in Cantabria near the coast, check:

www.devatur.com (from 12 years old)
www.diverriver.com (from 6 years old)

In the Cangas de Onís area:

www.cangasaventura.com (from 6 years old)

If staying around Potes, Cantabria:

www.liebanaaventura.com or  https://potesaventura.com/en/

In the Posada de Valdeón area:

www.tobaventura.com

Canoeing

One of the most popular activities in the area, especially in Asturias due to the famous Sella River canoeing descent. Many companies, including those listed above, offer canoeing trips on different rivers like the Deva, Cares, and Sella.

Rafting

For those looking for more adventure, and for families with older children or teenagers, rafting is a great option. You’ll share an inflatable boat with your family and navigate exciting rapids.

Recommended companies:

www.diverriver.com (Cabrales, Asturias)
www.h2ur.com (Asturias and Cantabria)
 

Visiting a local farm

This is a great activity for younger children, allowing them to interact with animals and learn about rural life.

Near Cangas de Onís, visit www.laovejafeliz.es (The Happy Sheep), which has chickens, donkeys, sheep, rabbits, pigs, horses, and two friendly sheepdogs.

In Cabrales, you can visit Vega de Tordín, which is both a farm and a Cabrales cheese factory. Similarly, Finca La Prunal in Bobia (Onís) produces cheese using milk from their own cows.

 
Horse riding (from 12 years old)

Horse riding is both relaxing and adventurous. Exploring the region on horseback allows children and teenagers to connect with the animal, making the experience even more memorable.

In Cantabria, you can ride in the beautiful surroundings of Fuente Dé with www.elportaldepicos.com.

 
There are plenty of activities around the Picos de Europa for families, whether you're looking for a gentle introduction to nature and outdoor adventures or something more thrilling.