Best things to do with kids in Barcelona? The vibrant Catalan capital isn't just for adults; it's a playground for the young ones too!
As you wander through Barcelona's enchanting streets, you'll discover a city bursting with family-friendly adventures.
From exploring GaudÃ's whimsical architecture to splashing around on sun-kissed beaches, there's no shortage of memories waiting to be made.
Whether you're craving cultural excursions, outdoor fun, or interactive learning experiences, Barcelona seamlessly blends education with entertainment.
Dive in, and let this Mediterranean gem surprise both you and your little explorers!
Family-Friendly Activities
Keeping kids entertained and active on holiday is always a challenge - unless you visit Barcelona!
The city is incredibly family-friendly, and you and your little ones will find plenty of activities to keep you occupied.
Tibidabo Amusement Park
This popular amusement park is a must-visit for families with kids of all ages. Located on the highest point in Barcelona, it offers spectacular views of the city and the sea.
The park features more than 30 rides and attractions, including a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and a haunted house that's perfect for older kids, while younger children will find plenty to do in a special area designed for younger kids. Mom and Dad will find the views and the restaurants alone worth a visit.
Website: tibidabo.cat
Montjuïc Cable Car
Take a cable car ride to enjoy the panoramic views of Barcelona from above. The cable car connects the city with Montjuïc hill, where you can explore the castle and enjoy more scenic views.
The cable cars travel a whopping 750 meters, culminating at the top of Montjuïc Castle and the mountain.
Adults and kids alike will love seeing Barcelona's most spectacular sites from the sky, including the Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou, and the Magic Fountain.
Website: telefericdemontjuic.cat
Museum of Natural Sciences
Barcelona's Natural History Museum is one of the city's top tourist attractions and offers insight into the history of the Earth, natural sciences, and works of art.
This big fun museum includes a living terrace, garden, and several exhibitions that children love, including Lucy, one of our earliest ancestors.
Here you'll find a collection of animal specimens and a replica of a prehistoric cave that will ensure your family holiday is educational and entertaining.
Barcelona Zoo
The Barcelona Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from over 400 different species. Kids will love seeing the animals up close, including elephants, hippos, wolves, tigers, giraffes, and red pandas.
The zoo also features a petting zoo, playgrounds, and a mini train. The zoo hosts a "Secrets of a Zoo" adventure day on Sundays, and there are different escape rooms where you can learn about creepy crawlies in your bid to escape. It's a must for families visiting Barcelona with kids.
Visit the Adventure Park
If your kids need to burn some energy, head to Park Aventura. There are plenty of rides and attractions for the whole family, along with interactive shows and food stalls.
Afterward, head next door to Ferrari Land. It contains the world's tallest and fastest rollercoaster, the Red Force.
Park Güell
Park Güell is one of Barcelona's most famous tourist attractions and a favorite among families.
Kids will love exploring the colorful and whimsical designs of the park's architecture and sculptures, while adults will appreciate the breathtaking views of the city.
Barcelona Aquarium
The Barcelona Aquarium is a fantastic place to take kids of all ages. The aquarium features over 11,000 animals of 450 different species, including sharks, penguins, and sea turtles.
The aquarium also offers a 360-degree tunnel that allows visitors to walk through the middle of the shark tank.
The Aquarium has special activities to keep your little ones entertained, including a badge-making workshop and a game of clues.
Family-Friendly Activities
Barcelona is packed with interesting architecture, landmarks, and natural beauty spots that the entire family can enjoy, including:
Magic Fountain
The Magic Fountain is a beautiful and enchanting attraction in the city center of Barcelona. The fountain lights up at night and performs a water and music show that is sure to captivate kids and adults alike.
There's nothing better after a long day of sightseeing than sitting back and watching the incredible lights and music in action.
Boat Trip
Take a boat trip along Barcelona's coastline for a unique perspective of the city. There are several different types of boat tours available, from sightseeing cruises to party boats.
Sea Barcelona departs from the Old Fisherman's Corner (Passeig de Joan de Borbó) and passes by Playa de La Barceloneta. Parents can enjoy glasses of cava, and kids can tuck into snacks while they watch the sunset.
Free Walking Tours
Join a free walking tour to explore the city's landmarks and learn about its rich history.
There are several companies that offer free walking tours in Barcelona, including Sandemans New Europe.
Make sure to choose a route that isn't too demanding for kids, especially in summer.
Barcelona's Gothic Quarter
Take a stroll through Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, where you'll find beautiful architecture, charming streets, and an array of local restaurants and shops.
Visit Camp Nou: If you have soccer fans in the family, a visit to Camp Nou is a must.
The stadium is home to FC Barcelona, one of the most successful soccer teams in the world. You can take a guided tour of the stadium and museum and even step onto the field.
Barcelona Beaches
Barcelona is home to several beaches, including the ever-popular Barceloneta Beach. The long stretches of sand are perfect for sandcastles or volleyball, while the water is calm and shallow enough for swimming.
You can rent bikes, loungers, and roller skates around the promenade, have a picnic or visit the nearby playgrounds and parks.
Boqueria Food Market
La Boqueria, also known as Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, is a large and famous food market located in the heart of Barcelona, Spain.
Visitors to La Boqueria can find a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, fish, cheese, baked goods, spices, and other local and international food products.
The market also offers prepared foods, including ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and sweets.
One of the unique aspects of La Boqueria is the energy and atmosphere of the market. The vendors are passionate about their products and often offer samples or explanations of their wares.
The bright colors, the sounds of the vendors calling out their products, and the mix of aromas make for an exciting and sensory experience. It's a great way to introduce your kids to the flavors and tastes of Catalonia.
Tips Best Things To Do With Kids in Barcelona
- Barcelona gets extremely crowded in summer. If you want to skip the queues, book in the shoulder seasons (autumn/spring) when the weather is cooler, and the crowds are smaller. It may make it easier to travel with your kids.
- Buy tickets online to skip queues and save time. Many attractions offer bundle deals or skip-the-line options to make seeing your favorite attractions even easier.
- Get the Barcelona Family Card. It offers incredible discounts on attractions, museums, and tours for families.
- Kids may not have the patience to go through a guided tour. Ask your museum or gallery whether they have an audio guide available so that they can explore at their own pace.
Whatever you do and wherever you go, you'll find that Barcelona is an incredible destination for families, with family-friendly hotels, exciting activities, and educational attractions that people of all ages will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barcelona a good place to visit with kids?
Absolutely! Barcelona is teeming with family-friendly attractions, from the magical Park Güell to the interactive CosmoCaixa science museum.
The city offers a harmonious blend of cultural experiences, beach outings, and playful parks, ensuring both kids and adults have an unforgettable visit.
What is there for children in Barcelona?
Barcelona boasts an array of child-centric activities. Highlights include the Barcelona Zoo, the Aquarium, Tibidabo Amusement Park, and the Chocolate Museum.
Families can also enjoy relaxed beach days or explore GaudÃ's whimsical architectural wonders which often captivate young imaginations.
How many days do you need in Barcelona with kids?
A 3 to 4-day trip is ideal for families visiting Barcelona. This allows sufficient time to explore major attractions, enjoy some downtime at the beaches, and immerse in the local culture.
However, longer stays offer a more relaxed pace and opportunities for day trips outside the city.
What do kids from Spain do for fun?
Spanish children love outdoor activities, be it playing in plazas, enjoying local fiestas, or partaking in traditional games like 'rayuela' (hopscotch).
Soccer is incredibly popular, and many kids play it in parks or join local clubs. Family gatherings, beach outings, and visits to local amusement parks also rank high for fun.
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