A metropolis break with younger kids isn’t all the time the primary vacation that springs to thoughts – however Barcelona with children is all the time tempting, not least due to its miles of golden sands. And that’s just the start.
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Town has loads of family-friendly sights as effectively, some quirky structure that may attraction to all ages, nice museums, an amusement park, soccer, animals, dragon-themed strolling excursions, boat experience, 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 simple day journey from Barcelona with children. So should you’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 automotive) all the way down to Parc del Port Olimpic alone.
Barceloneta is essentially the most central of the seashores, though this does imply it will get very crowded at weekends and through the summer time, however close by Sant Sebastià (close to the W Lodge) has shallow water that’s good for youths.
In case you enterprise slightly additional up the coast, there’s more room 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 rapidly, so not ideally suited should you’re visiting Barcelona with toddlers. For essentially 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 practice and revel in a number of the Costa Barcelona seashores south of the town, together with Castelldefels.
Tibidabo Amusement Park & Sky Stroll
You may’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 practice 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When you attain the summit, the Tibidabo Amusement Park is among the many oldest on the earth at over 120 years outdated. 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 very best level within the metropolis with a 360 diploma view from 550m above sea degree.
There’s a single entry charge to the amusement park so you’ll be able to’t pay for particular person rides: it’s price checking the totally different peak restrictions relying how tall your children are.
However you don’t must pay a penny for the views all the way down to Barcelona from the Tibidabo Sky Stroll, that are improbable. The Panoramic Space is totally free to go to and you’ll 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 ensure you don’t miss the final practice downhill!
Automaton Museum
Alongside the Sky Stroll, you’ll additionally discover the curious Automaton Museum, simply one of the crucial uncommon Barcelona household sights so as to add to your wishlist.
The gathering of greater than 40 items contains the whole lot 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 effectively.
One of many best collections of its variety, 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 should you head as much as the commentary deck of the long-lasting Mirador-Collserola Tower.
Standing 445m excessive, its commentary deck is 560m above sea degree and from the Mirador Torre Collserola, you’ll be able to see so far as 70km on a transparent day.
The viewing platform is on the tenth degree, however there’s a quick carry 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 get pleasure from a stroll should you’re searching for one thing extra energetic to do.
L’Aquarium Barcelona at Port Vell
You may spot 451 separate species and an astonishing 11,000 totally different creatures within the 35 totally 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 way in which: 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 good for older children as effectively.
Open year-round, there are many additional household actions to get pleasure from as effectively, plus should you’re unfortunate sufficient to spend a wet day in Barcelona with children, it’s an awesome choice.
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 title) 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 tons of of experiments protecting the whole lot from maths and geology to chemistry and extra.
Alongside the way in which, 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 the evolution of life on our planet within the Room of Matter.
Entry is included within the Barcelona Go Metropolis Explorer Move and the Barcelona Card move
Museu de Xocolata (Chocolate Museum)
What sort of museum are you able to assure that youngsters will love? A chocolate museum, after all. The Museu de Xocolata even features a chocolate bar with entry.
There’s a critical aspect, so you’ll be able to see how necessary chocolate has been to the historical past and commerce of Barcelona – as soon as the principle port the place cacao was necessary 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 medication.
For a a lot much less critical aspect, there are some improbable kids’s actions to find too: the whole lot from making a chocolate sculpture and drawing with melted chocolate, to excursions aimed toward three to six-year-olds.
Simply one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Barcelona for households, even with out tasting the completed product – though clearly there’s loads of probability 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 should you’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 each second. In case you’re significantly fortunate, you might 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.
Throughout the summer time 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.
One of the central of Gaudi’s designs, the fantastical home is finest 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 every of a sequence of buildings in Passeig de Gracia (and doubtless essentially the most well-known).
Inside you’ll be able to find out about this jewel of Modernism, plus there are two new immersive rooms, the Gaudí Dome and the Gaudí Dice, that are a enjoyable interactive choice for youths.
For one more enjoyable solution to get pleasure from Gaudi’s works with children, strive 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’ll be able to’t miss the great 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 a number of the cathedral’s towers – that are persevering with to vary Barcelona’s skyline – in addition to having fun with the quirky structure and fabulous colors.
Like all Gaudi’s work, the small print and infrequently fantastical really feel means it should attraction 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 large personal park within the north of Barcelona that’s well-known for its many architectural components designed Gaudí.
Declared a Unesco World Heritage Website, the distinctive gardens are crammed with distinctive modernist buildings, uncommon sculptures, damaged tile mosaics, and many extra.
From the colorful Salamander staircase to the fairytale-esque gatehouse, the magical park is bound to fascinate friends of all ages.
Away from the monuments, you may as well comply with the numerous trails and pathways by the plush forest to find some gorgeous viewpoints over the town.
Discover by Open Prime Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Barcelona is an enormous and sprawling metropolis, which means it isn’t the quickest or best vacation spot to maneuver round. Fortuitously, the Bus Turístic is a handy solution to journey round Barcelona for households with youthful children who might wrestle strolling lengthy distances.
The bus runs 2 totally 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 well-liked neighbourhoods, so it’s a very little one pleasant solution 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 selections that are excellent for preserving 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 aspect of churros and chocolate, plus there’s a two-hour strolling tour of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s Barri Gotic.
Bike by Barcelona
In case you’d prefer to see extra of Barcelona than simply strolling, there are some nice household biking excursions to strive as effectively.
This two-hour Barcelona bike tour for households is a good way to get an outline of the town, pedalling by the Outdated City, previous the seashore, by parks and to the outdated harbour. Plus it’s appropriate for all ages over one yr.
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 outdated 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 possibility to see Barcelona from the water with one of many boat journeys out there.
One of the well-liked boat excursions in Barcelona is seeing the seashores and skyline with Golondrinas Excursions. There’s a alternative of two quick excursions: the 60-minute choice, 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 every of Barcelona’s hottest vacationer sights and an awesome place to discover with youthful guests to the town as effectively.
Positioned simply off Las Ramblas, the massive meals market sells nearly each sort of meals you’ll be able to consider, from recent fruit and greens to ready-to-eat tapas, fabulous juice and a lot extra.
Even should you’re solely looking slightly than shopping for, the colorful market is an thrilling expertise for youngsters, with energetic merchants peddling their assorted produce to the 1000’s of holiday makers who move by day by day.
Seize a fruit smoothie and take a wander by the market to see what tempting treats yow will discover. It’s additionally ideally suited should you’re questioning the place to eat in Barcelona with children, as you might choose up a picnic to get pleasure from 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 identical distance from the aquarium), yow will discover 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 through the daytime when it’s much less busy, and you’ll uncover the fairy grotto and sweeping bushes which remodel the courtyard, full with woodland sounds and the occasional pretend storm.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella is a fantastic historic park to the northeast of Barcelona’s central Gothic Quarter, the Barri Gotic, and simply the most effective 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 may 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’ll be able to 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 all the time an enormous hit in Barcelona for youths who can climb its trunk for a enjoyable picture opp.
Parc de la Ciutadella can also 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 the whole lot from Catalan donkeys to Komodo dragons, to not point out gorillas, giraffes, birds and bugs.
There are additionally common talks, together with the possibility to be taught extra in regards to the zoo’s penguins and sea lions, plus additional 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 Move
Trip Barcelona’s cable vehicles
Barcelona has two cable vehicles; 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 vehicles are a enjoyable solution to discover Barcelona with children and see the town from a singular perspective.
You may simply switch between the 2 cable vehicles on Montjuïc hill, with the stations sitting simply 200 metres aside, though you will have to buy separate tickets.
In case you’d slightly experience only one, we’d advocate leaping on the funicular at Paral-lel metro station to Telefèric de Montjuïc. You may then take the scenic 750-metre-long experience 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 navy 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 fortress, 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 fortress and area.
Alternatively, take a stroll across the fortress’s exterior and the encircling park, which is residence to some enjoyable slides, a playground, and loads of extensive open area for little ones to get pleasure from.
Take a tour of Camp Nou
A go to to Camp Nou is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Barcelona with children who love soccer. House to one of many world’s finest 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 picture alternatives, together with the possibility to take a photograph along with your favorite participant – with the assistance of a inexperienced display and photoshop, a minimum of.
Youngsters may even benefit from the extra (paid) actions, akin to 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 get pleasure from 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 types and cultural heritage from totally different areas of Spain.
Translating to ‘Spanish village’, the 49,000-square metre gallery is designed to imitate a standard Spanish village, proper within the coronary heart of the Catalan capital.
You may wander by the slim streets to find charming city squares, historic buildings, and a number of the most well-known landmarks from throughout the nation.
Youngsters also can 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, exhibits, and concert events happening on the museum all year long.
Large Enjoyable Museum & Museum of Illusions
The Large Enjoyable Museum is an entertaining family-friendly museum crammed with mind-boggling illusions and interactive exhibitions which might be certain to excite children (and youngsters at coronary heart).
Excellent for a number of hours of foolish household enjoyable, you’ll be able to try to remain upright within the Topsy-Turvy Home, get misplaced in a fascinating wonderland with Alice by the Trying Glass, dive into the ball pool, and even find out about essentially the most excessive psychiatric methods all through historical past on the Museum of Insanity.
For an extra charge, you may as well go to the close by Museum of Illusions, the place you’ll be able to snap much more enjoyable household images 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.
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 also be very walkable, whilst you can simply rent bikes should you’re visiting with older children.
The hop on hop off vacationer bus can also be a great way to get from A to B, in addition to serving to you discover the town, whereas the funicular and cable vehicles are a enjoyable additional that you simply don’t discover in all cities.
There are numerous totally different tickets and journey passes out there, which can be utilized throughout the general public transport community (remember that single tickets is probably not legitimate to do that, particularly should you’re altering the kind of transport).
Or there are additionally day passes and longer journey playing cards to select from. The opposite choice 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 practice – relying in your vacation spot, digital tickets aren’t all the time out there so you might want to purchase them on the station.
Take a look at 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 simple day journey to the south
*First revealed 2013, final up to date 2022*
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Casa Batllo copyright MummyTravels, all different photos courtesy of Depositphotos