San Fermín is not only a party for adults. In the mornings, Pamplona belongs to families: the Giants and Big-Heads parade through the Old Town, there are play areas in the parks, a kids' bull run with foam bulls and, since 2026, even a Chupinazo for children. With some planning, it is a wonderful trip with kids. This guide tells you what to do, what to avoid and how to make it work.

The best of San Fermín for children

  • The Giants and Big-Heads, every morning at 9:30 from Calle Mayor. The number one plan for kids.
  • The kids' bull run (encierro txiki), with children running in front of foam bulls.
  • The children's Chupinazo (txupinazo txiki), in the Town Hall square.
  • Play areas in the Taconera, Media Luna park and Plaza de la Libertad.
  • The fireworks, from the grass at Vuelta del Castillo.

The Giants and Big-Heads: the morning plan

Every morning from July 7 to 14, the troupe of eight giants, big-heads, kilikis and zaldikos sets off at 9:30 from the Palacio de Ezpeleta, on Calle Mayor. The kilikis and zaldikos chase children and tap them with soft foam: half of them run away screaming, the other half go looking for them. Around 11:00–11:30 the troupe stops for a break, with activities for children. Everything about the parade is in the Giants and Big-Heads of Pamplona.

The giants parade through the Old Town on July 7, 2018.
The giants parade through the Old Town every morning: arrive a few minutes early to get a good spot. Photo: San Fermin Pamplona Navarra (Flickr) · CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

Children's events in the programme

The city's programme includes more and more activities for children. In 2026 these were some of them; the 2027 dates will be published in June, and we will update this page.

  • Kids' bull run (encierro txiki): in 2026, from July 8 to 12 at 11:30, on Cuesta de Santo Domingo, the start of the real bull run route, with foam bulls.
  • Children's Chupinazo (txupinazo txiki): new in 2026, on July 10 at 12:00 in the Town Hall square, a day when children take over the festival.
  • Birjolastu – JuegoRejuego: a creative play space in the Taconera gardens, with extensions in several neighbourhoods in the afternoons.
  • ¡Menudas fiestas!: inflatables and games in Plaza de la Libertad, for children up to 14.
  • Kirolari Sportkids: sports for 8 to 14-year-olds in Media Luna park.
  • A quiet space: the city offers a low-stimulation sensory area at Civivox Condestable, useful for children who need a break from the noise.
A child reaches out to one of the bronze bulls (2018).
A child and the bronze bull of the bull run monument: kids experience San Fermín in their own way. Photo: San Fermin Pamplona Navarra (Flickr) · CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

What to avoid with young children

  • The Chupinazo square on July 6. The Town Hall square is packed tight for hours and there is a lot of jostling. Watch it on TV or from a bar, or go to the children's Chupinazo instead.
  • The bull run route. Minors are not allowed to run, and the double fence fills up very early with adults. For a first look, watch it on TV, and visit the route afterwards.
  • The Old Town late at night. From the evening onwards the atmosphere changes: crowds, drinks and broken glass. It is the adults' time.

Practical tips for families

  • Do the festival in the morning and rest after lunch: the best for children happens before 14:00.
  • Write your phone number on a wristband or inside your child's clothes, and agree on a meeting point.
  • Ear protection for babies and small children: bands, rockets and crowds are loud.
  • A baby carrier rather than a pushchair in the Old Town: the streets are narrow and crowded.
  • Water, a cap and sun cream: July mornings are hot.
  • Dress them in white and red: children's sizes are sold everywhere. See what to wear.
  • Choose weekdays: the weekend (July 10–11 in 2027) is the most crowded.

The fireworks with children

The fireworks are at 23:00 every night from July 6 to 14, launched from the Citadel. For families, the best spot is the grass at Vuelta del Castillo: arrive early with a blanket and something to eat. If 23:00 is too late, the earlier part of the evening in the park is already a plan in itself. More in the San Fermín fireworks.

A family day at San Fermín

  • 9:15: spot on Calle Mayor to see the giants set off at 9:30.
  • 11:00: break with the troupe, then the kids' bull run or a play area.
  • 13:00: pintxos or lunch, see what to eat.
  • Afternoon: rest, then the play areas in the Taconera.
  • Evening: dinner and, if they can stay up, the fireworks from the park.

Plan the rest of the trip with our San Fermín itinerary and accommodation guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is San Fermín suitable for children?

Yes, especially in the mornings: the Giants and Big-Heads, the kids' bull run, play areas and the fireworks from the park are perfect for families. Avoid the Chupinazo square and the Old Town late at night.

What time are the Giants and Big-Heads?

Every morning from July 7 to 14 at 9:30, from the Palacio de Ezpeleta on Calle Mayor.

Can children run with the bulls?

No. You must be 18 or over to run. Children can take part in the kids' bull run with foam bulls, which in 2026 was held from July 8 to 12 at 11:30 on Cuesta de Santo Domingo.

Is there a Chupinazo for children?

Yes. In 2026 the city held its first children's Chupinazo, on July 10 at 12:00 in the Town Hall square. The 2027 date will be in the official programme.

Where can children watch the fireworks?

From the grass at Vuelta del Castillo park, next to the Citadel, every night at 23:00 from July 6 to 14.