Ourense is an ideal city for travelling with kids. The old town (corresponding link) and its main tourist attractions, including a handful of parks and green areas, are quiet places with many pedestrianised areas. There are also many children’s areas, some with games as original (and aquatic) as those at Alameda do Cruceiro.
Remember that water (both hot and cold) is the main protagonist in the city and its main historical raison d’être. In addition to the hot springs, in Ourense there are several beaches along the course of the river Miño which are ideal for a family swim.
On the other hand, due to its strategic location, in the 1950s Ourense became an important railway junction between Castile and Galicia and also between the main Galician cities. This explains the importance of railways in the city and the existence of one of the largest collections of model trains in the country, as well as a railway park with amusements for children and adults.
- Plans for enjoying Ourense with children
- Recommendations and advice for travelling with children to Ourense
- Where to stay in Ourense
Plans for enjoying Ourense with children
There is no room or time for boredom in Ourense. The city offers plans and places to suit all tastes and ages. Here are some of the most recommended:
Bathing in As Burgas
For children and adults, Ourense’s main characteristic is the existence of hot springs (corresponding link?). Sometimes they are in places as surprising as the Praza das Burgas, in the heart of the historic centre and with free admission but not open access, as it has opening and closing times. This thermal bath, already known and used by the Romans, has showers and changing rooms and, thanks to the water temperature of 38°C-40°C, it can be enjoyed all year round.
Going by train to the hot springs
In Ourense there is a mini-train that connects its most representative thermal hotspots. It starts at the Plaza Mayor and goes to the Outariz thermal baths, passing through Chavasqueira, Muiño da Veiga and also the Roman Bridge (corresponding link?). It is a very pleasant and fun sightseeing tour for children and adults alike and costs less than 1 euro.
The incredible Fernández-Pacheco train collection
Located in the Marcos Valcárcel Cultural Centre, it is a compendium of the history of railways with H0 scale models ranging from the old steam trains to high-speed trains, including all kinds of diesel and electric locomotives. It has just over 4,000 pieces collected by Manuel Fernández-Pacheco and his wife, Carmen Outeriño, throughout their lives.
All aboard at the Os Carrileros de Foula Railway Park
Every weekend many families with children from Ourense go there to enjoy the 4,000 square metres dedicated solely to the railway world. The most attractive feature is that it has a 400-metre track circuit, on which scale models run and on which it is possible to ‘travel’, and it even has two stations and a ticket office.
Learning at the River Miño Nature Classroom
It is in the area of Oira, next to the Miño, and provides an understanding of the rich ecosystem that the river generates along its course. Its workshops and exhibitions also provide an insight into the origins of the hot springs and reveal some of the historical and artistic heritage that has grown along the banks of the river over the centuries.
Shows at the Municipal Auditorium
On Sunday mornings, the auditorium provides musical performances, puppets, plays, storytelling and films especially for children. There is even a special cycle of shows dedicated to babies.
Visiting Montealegre park
As well as being a very authentic and extensive forest park, with tree-lined paths and spaces designed for walking and playing, Montealegre has a complete botanical garden. The top of the park is also the city’s highest point and you will enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from its viewpoint. There you will find what is considered ‘the most beautiful bench in Ourense’. It is certainly the most photographed bench on social media.
Water fun at the Alameda do Cruceiro
It is clearly one of the most entertaining parks in the city, especially focused on playing and the recreational possibilities that water allows thanks to its original fountains, contrivances and swings. There is also a small zip line for free use.
It is always Christmas thanks to Arturo Baltar
Years ago, Christmas began in Ourense with the installation of Arturo Baltar’s nativity scene. Today, his extensive collection of figurines and decorative elements has a permanent exhibition space, open all year round. The creations made by this clay artist reflect a part of the city’s past, with characters such as the itinerant photographer and the children playing in the square, together with the most representative figures of this religious celebration: the Infant Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, the Three Wise Men, Herod, etc.
Recommendations and advice for travelling with children to Ourense
In general, Ourense is a very peaceful and walkable city. Virtually every corner of the city centre can be reached on foot and there is a good bus network to places further away from the centre. Nevertheless, since it is a city, remember to take sensible precautions with road traffic and ensure that children are ‘under control’ at all times.
On the other hand, the city of Ourense is closely linked to water. Since it is crossed by the rivers Miño, Barbaña and Loa, where there are several river beaches and bathing areas, and dotted with thermal pools and hot springs, even in the historic centre, children must not bathe alone and/or they should be under adult supervision at all times.
Remember that, due to the mineral-medicinal nature of thermal waters, many people use them for therapeutic purposes and as a form of relaxation. The little ones should understand this so that the bathing experience is satisfactory for everyone.
One last recommendation: although Ourense’s climate is generally more Mediterranean than Atlantic, the truth is that it rains a lot, especially during the winter, but also in spring and autumn. And high temperatures are common in summer. This should be taken into account when choosing children’s clothing and planning visits according to the most suitable and healthy weather for everyone.
Where to stay in Ourense
Among the most recommended hotel options in the city of Ourense is the Barceló Ourense, located in the centre and with 40 double rooms, several of them suitable for families and all with the B-Room concept, which makes them very comfortable and gives them an attractive and modern design.
One of the hotel’s highlights is its B-LikEat buffet breakfast, an ideal way to start the day with energy thanks to organic, natural and clearly very appetising food. In addition, a wide selection of beverages (including soft drinks) and snacks can be enjoyed in the lobby bar.
