The best family-friendly activities in the Aran Valley
The Aran Valley is the perfect destination for a family holiday all year round. Although it is best known for the Baqueira Beret ski resort, it offers plenty of activities that are ideal for children once the snow has melted, particularly in summer.
Easy nature walks, animals and outdoor adventures make the Aran Valley an excellent choice for a family break with activities for the whole family.
Aran Park
The Aran Valley Wildlife Park
If you’re travelling with children, Aran Park is one of the valley’s must-see attractions. It is a mountain wildlife park where the animals live in spacious enclosures modelled on their natural habitats.
During the walk, you’ll be able to spot iconic species of the Pyrenees such as brown bears, grey and white wolves, lynx, marmots, red deer, fallow deer, otters, squirrels and birds of prey, amongst many others. The route is circular, about 2–3 kilometres long and has a very gentle gradient, so it can usually be completed comfortably in around 2 or 3 hours, including stops to watch the animals.
Why visit Aran Park with children?
- Perfect for children of all ages.
- Ideal for cloudy days or when you don’t fancy a long walk.
- They’ll learn about the wildlife of the Pyrenees and the importance of its conservation.
Pets are not permitted.
Aran Park is usually open from April to October. During the summer, it generally opens at 9.30 am, with 5.30 pm being the latest time to enter the grounds. You can find further information and opening times on the official website.
Palai de Gèu
Fun for the whole family all year round
If the weather isn’t on your side or you simply fancy doing something a bit different, the Vielha Ice Rink is the perfect alternative.
Within this sports complex, you’ll find a swimming pool, a climbing wall and its famous ice rink, where you can enjoy skating all year round, with skate hire and options for beginners. It’s a highly recommended activity to combine with other visits around the valley and a fun way for children to try something new.
It’s a fun activity in both summer and winter. More information
Artiga de Lin and Uelhs deth Joeu
An unmissable excursion
The Artiga de Lin is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Aran Valley. This beautiful glacial valley invites you to take a short walk through meadows, woods and mountains until you reach the Uelhs deth Joeu, a spring where the water gushes forth with great force after travelling kilometres underground from Mount Aneto. The route is easy, well signposted and perfect for families with children, as it is a short walk.
During the summer months, vehicle access is restricted to protect the environment; a tourist train runs from the lower car park from 11 July to 3 September, from 10am to 5pm. Tickets can be purchased at the new Artiga de Lin Interpretation Centre and cost €1 (children aged 3 to 11) or €2 (adults).
Saut deth Pish
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pyrenees
Another highly recommended excursion is to the Saut deth Pish, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Aran Valley. It can be reached by car via a fairly straightforward tarmac track that starts at the junction with the N-230 road heading towards France, near Pont d’Arròs.
From the car park, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the main viewpoint, making it an ideal option for young children, although the route isn’t suitable for pushchairs; if the children are very young, it’s best to use a baby carrier. There’s a picnic area, and in spring or summer it’s common to see cows and horses grazing around the car park.
The best time to visit and enjoy this magnificent landscape of water and vegetation is from late spring through to late autumn. Outside this period, snow is very likely, and access by car through the Varradós Valley may therefore be more difficult.
The Aran Valley is a family-friendly destination all year round. Combining a visit to Aran Park, an afternoon’s skating at the Palai de Gèu and easy walks such as the Artiga de Lin or the Saut deth Pish will allow everyone to enjoy a varied, active holiday surrounded by nature. Whether in spring, summer, autumn or during a break from a day’s skiing, the Aran Valley offers a wealth of experiences for young and old alike to discover the natural beauty and charm of one of the most picturesque corners of the Pyrenees.
From our hotel in Baqueira, you’ll have an excellent base from which to explore all these places in comfort.
