A metropolis break with younger kids isn’t at all times the primary vacation that springs to thoughts – however Barcelona with children is at all times tempting, not least due to its miles of golden sands. And that’s just the start.
comprises affiliate hyperlinks*
The town has loads of family-friendly sights as properly, some quirky structure that may enchantment to all ages, nice museums, an amusement park, soccer, animals, dragon-themed strolling excursions, boat trip, views galore, parks and extra.
Plus after all, in case your children need to construct sandcastles and paddle, the seashore is on the doorstep and there’s lot extra coast close by inside a straightforward day journey from Barcelona with children. So for those who’re questioning what to do in Barcelona, learn on for my prime ideas.
Barcelona seashore with children
There’s not one however a number of seashores to discover in Barcelona with kids, with round 2km of sand stretching from close to Marina Vela (not removed from the port cable automobile) right down to Parc del Port Olimpic alone.
Barceloneta is probably the most central of the seashores, though this does imply it will get very crowded at weekends and throughout the summer season, however close by Sant Sebastià (close to the W Lodge) has shallow water that’s good for youths.
In case you enterprise a little bit additional up the coast, there’s extra space to be discovered and a few higher seashores in Barcelona for households – to not point out one other 2km of seashores to find.
Platja de Bogatell is quieter and there’s good water for swimming – though it will get deep shortly, so not excellent for those who’re visiting Barcelona with toddlers. For probably the most family-friendly, proceed on to Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella seashores, with a playground close by.
Or it’s straightforward to hop on a prepare and revel in among the Costa Barcelona seashores south of the town, together with Castelldefels.
Tibidabo Amusement Park & Sky Stroll
You’ll be able to’t miss Mount Tibidabo throughout a Barcelona household vacation – fairly actually because the hill is 512m excessive and looms over the town. However save a while to go to, as even the journey up Tibidabo is enjoyable, together with a tram and a funicular prepare to achieve the highest (or catch the TibiBus).
When you attain the summit, the Tibidabo Amusement Park is among the many oldest on the earth at over 120 years previous. Fortunately the 25 rides aren’t fairly that vintage, together with a ferris wheel and carousels or rollercoasters which whirl excessive above the town, plus Talaia, the best level within the metropolis with a 360 diploma view from 550m above sea degree.
There’s a single entry price to the amusement park so you possibly can’t pay for particular person rides: it’s price checking the completely different peak restrictions relying how tall your children are.
However you don’t have to pay a penny for the views right down to Barcelona from the Tibidabo Sky Stroll, that are unbelievable. The Panoramic Space is totally free to go to and you may see so far as Montserrat, over 30 miles away, on a transparent day.
There are additionally extra views from the tower of the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, the church which crowns Mount Tibidabo, so it’s straightforward to whereas away loads of time up the mountain. Simply be sure you don’t miss the final prepare downhill!
Automaton Museum
Alongside the Sky Stroll, you’ll additionally discover the curious Automaton Museum, simply probably the most uncommon Barcelona household sights so as to add to your wishlist.
The gathering of greater than 40 items contains all the things from coin-operated figures to classic mechanical video games and toys, a few of which date again to the nineteenth century – the oldest was created in 1880, though there are extra fashionable additions from the twenty first century as properly.
One of many most interesting collections of its form, with fashions from a string of nations, the quirky reveals are in pristine situation.
Mirador Collserola Tower
When you’re close to Tibidabo Amusement Park, there are extra views to find for those who head as much as the statement deck of the enduring Mirador-Collserola Tower.
Standing 445m excessive, its statement deck is 560m above sea degree and from the Mirador Torre Collserola, you possibly can see so far as 70km on a transparent day.
The viewing platform is on the tenth degree, however there’s a quick raise whisking you up there in round two and a half minutes.
You’re additionally contained in the Sierra de Collserola Pure Park, so it’s straightforward to take pleasure in a stroll for those who’re searching for one thing extra lively to do.
L’Aquarium Barcelona at Port Vell
You’ll be able to spot 451 separate species and an astonishing 11,000 completely different creatures within the 35 completely different tanks and habitats at Barcelona Aquarium.
Positioned at Port Vell, it’s only a 10-minute stroll from the Columbus Monument on the finish of La Rambla, with a lot to tempt the entire household – youthful kids can benefit from the contact swimming pools or making an attempt to identify Nemo in one of many smaller tanks, for instance.
The massive Oceanarium, with 4.5 million litres of water, has shifting walkways to take you round, passing underneath a glass tunnel alongside the best way: recognizing the 80 or so species, together with sharks and manta rays, is unforgettable. There are occasional particular occasions like ‘ Sleeping with Sharks’ that are sensible for older children as properly.
Open year-round, there are many further household actions to take pleasure in as properly, plus for those who’re unfortunate sufficient to spend a wet day in Barcelona with children, it’s an excellent possibility.
Cosmocaixa Science Museum
In case your children are into science and nature, then a visit to the Cosmocaixa Science Museum (or Museo de la Ciencia CosmoCaixa to provide it its correct identify) is unmissable.
One of many largest museums in all of Spain, you’re greeted by a determine of Albert Einstein, earlier than spiralling down 5 flooring to the basement, weaving round an Amazonian tree.
Designed to be interactive, kids are inspired to get fingers on with a whole bunch of experiments masking all the things from maths and geology to chemistry and extra.
Alongside the best way, you’ll discover the Flooded Forest, a formidable recreation of 1,000 sq. metres of Amazonian rainforest ecosystem, inhabited by piranhas, crocodiles, plus different animal and plant species, in addition to taking a journey by way of the evolution of life on our planet within the Room of Matter.
Entry is included within the Barcelona Go Metropolis Explorer Go and the Barcelona Card cross
Museu de Xocolata (Chocolate Museum)
What sort of museum are you able to assure that children will love? A chocolate museum, after all. The Museu de Xocolata even features a chocolate bar with entry.
There’s a critical facet, so you possibly can see how vital chocolate has been to the historical past and commerce of Barcelona – as soon as the primary port the place cacao was vital and distributed – in addition to quirky particulars together with the very fact it was as soon as given to the military in its rations, and as soon as utilized in drugs.
For a a lot much less critical facet, there are some unbelievable kids’s actions to find too: all the things from making a chocolate sculpture and drawing with melted chocolate, to excursions geared toward three to six-year-olds.
Simply probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Barcelona for households, even with out tasting the completed product – though clearly there’s loads of likelihood to do this too.
Montjuic Magic Fountain
Designed for the 1929 Common Exhibition, the Montjuic Magic Fountain was restored in 1992 for the Olympics, and it’s a spectacular show of color, gentle, movement and music – excellent for those who’re searching for enjoyable issues to do with children in Barcelona within the night.
The shifting water jets in a shifting rainbow of color are synchronised to music as 2,600 litres of water are pumped by way of each second. In case you’re notably fortunate, chances are you’ll be there for one of many accompanying firework shows.
Closed throughout January and February, there are extra restricted shows in spring and winter, however these do happen at earlier instances – often 8pm or 8.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Through the summer season months, from June to September, there are shows from Wednesday to Sunday, usually at 9.30 and 10pm.
Casa Batllo
Famend structure Antoni Gaudi’s distinctive model is an unmissable a part of a go to to Barcelona with children – even when your loved ones wouldn’t usually take a detour to identify structure, don’t miss Casa Batllo a minimum of.
Some of the central of Gaudi’s designs, the fantastical home is greatest recognized for its cranium and bone impressed balconies and particulars, and homes a museum.
A part of the Manzana de la Discordia, or block of Discord, it’s one in all a collection of buildings in Passeig de Gracia (and possibly probably the most well-known).
Inside you possibly can study this jewel of Modernism, plus there are two new immersive rooms, the Gaudí Dome and the Gaudí Dice, that are a enjoyable interactive possibility for youths.
For one more enjoyable option to take pleasure in Gaudi’s works with children, attempt the Gaudi Expertise – in addition to a small exhibition, there’s a 4D expertise appropriate for ages 6+ to immerse you within the artist’s world
Sagrada Familia
Nevertheless many instances you’ve visited Barcelona, you possibly can’t miss the fantastic Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s masterpiece which was begun in 1882 and continues to be being constructed.
Getting ever nearer to completion, now you can go to among the cathedral’s towers – that are persevering with to alter Barcelona’s skyline – in addition to having fun with the quirky structure and fabulous colors.
Like all Gaudi’s work, the main points and sometimes fantastical really feel means it is going to enchantment to children in addition to adults – choose up a skip-the-line ticket to the Sagrada Familia to keep away from the queues.
Park Güell
Park Güell is a big personal park within the north of Barcelona that’s well-known for its many architectural components designed Gaudí.
Declared a Unesco World Heritage Web site, the distinctive gardens are stuffed with distinctive modernist buildings, uncommon sculptures, damaged tile mosaics, and lots extra.
From the colorful Salamander staircase to the fairytale-esque gatehouse, the magical park is certain to fascinate company of all ages.
Away from the monuments, you can even comply with the various trails and pathways by way of the plush forest to find some beautiful viewpoints over the town.
Discover by Open High Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Barcelona is an enormous and sprawling metropolis, that means it isn’t the quickest or best vacation spot to maneuver round. Fortuitously, the Bus Turístic is a handy option to journey round Barcelona for households with youthful children who might wrestle strolling lengthy distances.
The bus runs 2 completely different routes – the Blue route and the Crimson route – providing you with the choice to cease at over 40 of the town’s most well-known landmarks and fashionable neighbourhoods, so it’s a very little one pleasant option to see and expertise extra of the Catalan capital.
As you journey round Barcelona, there’s an audio commentary, so children can be taught in regards to the websites whereas having fun with 360 diploma views from the highest deck of the open-top double-decker bus.
Take a strolling tour
In case you’re searching for a strolling tour of Barcelona for youths, there are a string of various decisions that are excellent for holding kids entertained as you discover.
The Dragons, Giants and Kings tour is a component household strolling tour, half scavenger hunt because it whisks you thru 2,000 years of the town’s historical past, whereas this dragon-themed tour contains fixing riddles as you stroll and this household strolling tour options sweets together with giants.
This strolling tour with children takes you thru Barcelona’s medieval quarter, with a facet of churros and chocolate, plus there’s a two-hour strolling tour of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s Barri Gotic.
Bike by way of Barcelona
In case you’d prefer to see extra of Barcelona than simply strolling, there are some nice household biking excursions to attempt as properly.
This two-hour Barcelona bike tour for households is a good way to get an outline of the town, pedalling by way of the Outdated City, previous the seashore, by way of parks and to the previous harbour. Plus it’s appropriate for all ages over one 12 months.
Or enterprise even additional – with out an excessive amount of effort – with an e-bike tour of Barcelona, which heads out to Montjuic and the Olympic Stadium in addition to the previous harbour, Gothic Quarter and Born space of the town.
Take a ship journey
For a household metropolis break by the ocean, you shouldn’t miss the prospect to see Barcelona from the water with one of many boat journeys obtainable.
Some of the fashionable boat excursions in Barcelona is seeing the seashores and skyline with Golondrinas Excursions. There’s a alternative of two brief excursions: the 60-minute possibility, which takes you alongside the coast, or a 40-minute cruise on a traditional wood boat across the port.
For an extended and extra luxurious boat tour of Barcelona for youths, this household crusing tour is appropriate for youngsters aged 8+, with an opportunity to be taught some extra in regards to the metropolis as you sail alongside.
Eat at La Boqueria
La Boqueria market is one in all Barcelona’s hottest vacationer sights and an excellent place to discover with youthful guests to the town as properly.
Positioned simply off Las Ramblas, the massive meals market sells nearly each sort of meals you possibly can consider, from contemporary fruit and greens to ready-to-eat tapas, fabulous juice and a lot extra.
Even for those who’re solely shopping reasonably than shopping for, the colorful market is an thrilling expertise for youngsters, with energetic merchants peddling their assorted produce to the 1000’s of tourists who cross by day-after-day.
Seize a fruit smoothie and take a wander by way of the market to see what tempting treats you’ll find. It’s additionally excellent for those who’re questioning the place to eat in Barcelona with children, as you can choose up a picnic to take pleasure in in one of many metropolis’s parks or on the seashore.
Drink at El Bosc de les Fades
On the backside of La Rambla, round a 10-minute from La Boqueria (and an analogous distance from the aquarium), you’ll find fairies at El Bosc de les Fades.
A restaurant-bar with its personal distinctive promoting level, it’s touristy for certain, however nonetheless a magical spot to pause for a drink in Barcelona for households.
Head there throughout the daytime when it’s much less busy, and you may uncover the fairy grotto and sweeping timber which remodel the courtyard, full with woodland sounds and the occasional pretend storm.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella is a phenomenal historic park to the northeast of Barcelona’s central Gothic Quarter, the Barri Gotic, and simply probably the greatest free issues to do with children in Barcelona.
The 70-acre park has a lot to do for guests of all ages and is a good place to flee the bustle of the busy metropolis centre for some time.
You’ll be able to pack a picnic and revel in a peaceable lunch amongst the plush greenery whereas the little ones run round and stretch their legs. There’s additionally a pond in the midst of the park the place you possibly can rent rowing boats to go out on the water, and two children playgrounds.
The massive woolly mammoth is the park’s most iconic attraction. The life-sized sculpture is at all times a giant hit in Barcelona for youths who can climb its trunk for a enjoyable photograph opp.
Parc de la Ciutadella can be residence to the metropolis’s Zoo, one other of the highest issues to do with children in Barcelona.
Barcelona Zoo
One of many world’s largest metropolis zoos, Barcelona Zoo is residence to over 2,000 animals, in addition to being concerned in a string of conservation programmes.
Set in Parc de la Ciutadella, it’s straightforward to whereas away a few hours exploring, as you see all the things from Catalan donkeys to Komodo dragons, to not point out gorillas, giraffes, birds and bugs.
There are additionally common talks, together with the prospect to be taught extra in regards to the zoo’s penguins and sea lions, plus further household actions.
In case you’re visiting Barcelona with children who love animals, there’s additionally a joint ticket for Barcelona zoo and aquarium plus the zoo is included within the Barcelona Household Enjoyable Go
Journey Barcelona’s cable automobiles
Barcelona has two cable automobiles; the Port Cable Automobile and the Telefèric de Montjuic.
The older Port Cable Automobile runs from Barceloneta seashore, over the historic harbour, and ends on the Miramar viewpoint on Montjuïc hill. The extra fashionable Telefèric de Montjuïc then continues the journey as much as the summit of Montjuïc hill.
The cable automobiles are a enjoyable option to discover Barcelona with children and see the town from a singular perspective.
You’ll be able to simply switch between the 2 cable automobiles on Montjuïc hill, with the stations sitting simply 2 hundred metres aside, though you will have to buy separate tickets.
In case you’d reasonably trip only one, we’d advocate leaping on the funicular at Paral-lel metro station to Telefèric de Montjuïc. You’ll be able to then take the scenic 750-metre-long trip as much as Montjuïc Fortress on the mountain’s summit.
Admire the views from Montjuïc Fortress
When you attain the mountain’s summit on the Telefèric de Montjuïc, you’ll discover mediaeval Montjuic Fortress. The massive army fortress dates again to the seventeenth century and was constructed 173 metres above sea degree to supply a strategic vantage level over the town and waters.
As you go to the fort, take a stroll alongside the ramparts for superb panoramic views over the town, the port, and the Mediterranean sea. There’s additionally an fascinating customer’s centre that takes you thru the historical past of the fort and area.
Alternatively, take a stroll across the fort’s exterior and the encircling park, which is residence to some enjoyable slides, a playground, and loads of broad open house for little ones to take pleasure in.
Take a tour of Camp Nou
A go to to Camp Nou is among the greatest issues to do in Barcelona with children who love soccer. House to one of many world’s greatest soccer golf equipment – FC Barcelona – the stadium grounds are open to the general public for guided and audio-guided excursions on non match days.
On a stadium tour, you’ll get to go to the pitch, dugout, stands, dressing rooms, gamers tunnel, trophy room, and press field.
Alongside the route, you’ll discover quite a few enjoyable household photograph alternatives, together with the prospect to take a photograph along with your favorite participant – with the assistance of a inexperienced display screen and photoshop, a minimum of.
Youngsters will even benefit from the further (paid) actions, resembling taking pictures towards the Robokeeper or experiencing the Camp Nou pitch in 360 digital actuality.
Tickets to Camp Nou additionally embrace entry to the FC Barcelona Museum, the place guests of all ages will take pleasure in studying in regards to the historical past of the membership and its most legendary gamers.
Poble Espanyol
Probably the greatest museums in Barcelona for youths, Poble Espanyol is a singular open-air museum that shows the architectural kinds and cultural heritage from completely different areas of Spain.
Translating to ‘Spanish village’, the 49,000-square metre gallery is designed to imitate a conventional Spanish village, proper within the coronary heart of the Catalan capital.
You’ll be able to wander by way of the slender streets to find charming city squares, historic buildings, and among the most well-known landmarks from throughout the nation.
Youngsters can even get fingers on with the standard arts and crafts workshops, from glass blowing to wicker basket making and extra. Plus, maintain a watch out for particular household actions, reveals, and concert events happening on the museum all year long.
Huge Enjoyable Museum & Museum of Illusions
The Huge Enjoyable Museum is an entertaining family-friendly museum stuffed with mind-boggling illusions and interactive exhibitions which are certain to excite children (and youngsters at coronary heart).
Excellent for a couple of hours of foolish household enjoyable, you possibly can try to remain upright within the Topsy-Turvy Home, get misplaced in a fascinating wonderland with Alice by way of the Trying Glass, dive into the ball pool, and even study probably the most excessive psychiatric strategies all through historical past on the Museum of Insanity.
For an extra price, you can even go to the close by Museum of Illusions, the place you possibly can snap much more enjoyable household photographs with superb 3D artworks and mysterious illusions.
In case you do plan to go to each, it’s price shopping for a combo ticket upfront to get a reduction.
The way to get round Barcelona with children
With the metro, trams and buses, it’s very straightforward to get round Barcelona on public transport with children and youngsters underneath 4 journey free.
The centre of the town can be very walkable, whilst you can simply rent bikes for those who’re visiting with older children.
The hop on hop off vacationer bus can be a great way to get from A to B, in addition to serving to you discover the town, whereas the funicular and cable automobiles are a enjoyable further that you just don’t discover in all cities.
There are numerous completely different tickets and journey passes obtainable, which can be utilized throughout the general public transport community (remember that single tickets will not be legitimate to do that, particularly for those who’re altering the kind of transport).
Or there are additionally day passes and longer journey playing cards to select from. The opposite possibility is to purchase a Barcelona Card (or Barcelona Household Card) which incorporates free public transport, with 3, 4 and 5 day playing cards.
It’s additionally straightforward to journey alongside the coast and additional afield for day journeys from Barcelona by prepare – relying in your vacation spot, digital tickets aren’t at all times obtainable so chances are you’ll want to purchase them on the station.
Try my ideas for visiting the Costa Barcelona too, the coast simply outdoors the town to the north, in addition to the most effective issues to do in Sitges with children, a straightforward day journey to the south
*First printed 2013, final up to date 2022*
Disclosure: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Casa Batllo copyright MummyTravels, all different photos courtesy of Depositphotos
