Sendaviva with kids

Navarre's big family theme park, just a short drive from the house

Sendaviva, in Arguedas, right next to the Bardenas Reales, is the highlight for many of the families who stay with us. It covers some 120 hectares with rides for all ages, more than 800 animals from around 200 species and shows such as the birds of prey display or the circus. It's enough for a really full day… or even two.

Before you go: opening calendar and tickets

• It isn't open all year round. It runs from spring to autumn and, in low season, only at weekends. In high summer it usually closes on Mondays and Tuesdays. Always check the official calendar before choosing your day.
• Buy online and in advance: as well as guaranteeing your place, the early-booking discount gets bigger the sooner you buy (it can be several euros per ticket). Under-5s go free.
• Two days? The park recommends two days to see everything, and a second consecutive day is much cheaper when bought online. Staying just 30 minutes away makes it very easy.
• Half day: there's an afternoon ticket (from 16:00) sold at the ticket office, ideal for your arrival day.

Prices and tickets on the official Sendaviva website

What time to leave the house to avoid the queues

The park usually opens at 11:00 (12:00 in high summer, with the village area open from 11:00). Our tip: leave the house about 45 minutes before opening time, so you can park near the entrance, get through the entry checks without any stress and reach the first rides before the queues build up.

• Start with the most popular rides and save the walks among the animals for midday.
• As soon as you get in, check the show times and plan your day around the birds of prey.
• Queues close about 30 minutes before each area shuts: don't leave the must-dos until the end.

What to bring with kids

• Swimming costume, towel and closed-toe water shoes if you're going in summer: the water rides really do get you wet and some require that kind of footwear.
• A cap, sun cream and water. The park is big and exposed.
• A pushchair for the little ones (or hire one there): there's a lot of walking.
• A change of clothes in the car for the journey home.

Eating at Sendaviva

There are restaurants and cafés inside. You can't bring in food from outside (except puréed baby food), but there's a designated outdoor eating area and you can leave and re-enter with a hand stamp. If you like a picnic, make the sandwiches in the morning in the house's kitchen and leave the cool box in the car.

Our ideal day out

1. Morning: a relaxed breakfast at the house, then set off with time to spare to be there for opening.
2. First few hours: the most popular rides while it's still quiet.
3. Midday: the birds of prey display and lunch (at a restaurant or a picnic in the outdoor area).
4. Afternoon: animals, water rides if it's hot, and whichever show you still haven't seen.
5. Evening: back in Fustiñana in just over 20 minutes, a shower and dinner in the garden.

Combining Sendaviva with the Bardenas

Sendaviva is in Arguedas, the same town you enter the Bardena Blanca and Castildetierra from. If you're staying for several days, set aside a morning for the desert (first thing, when the light is best) and another full day for the park. You'll find more ideas in our family guide.

Directions (Google Maps) Back to the area guide