It is a place that the locals bitterly call the Disneyland for adults in Europe.
You may have already experienced Barcelona, the version that all tourists know and love, but now things have changed.
They have nothing to do ...
If you go visit Barcelona with childrenI only have one thing to say to you: calm down. With this list ofattractions for the whole family, you will stay busy day and night if you wish.
What to do with the family in Barcelona?
Tourist bus
Have your kids ever made a scene because they walked too much? Problem solved.
If they like it too bus travel, so it's a no-brainer, and with Bus Turistic's two-tier beauties, they'll have twice the fun. Sit in the sun and discover a educational audio guide covering 87 Barcelona attractions.
You may need to bring your own children's headphones as the ones on the bus may be too big for them. Also, bring your spare tablet because kids love it too Free WIFI.
Click the button below to purchase your tickets in advance online:
Magic Fountain of Montjuic
You can't miss it your little ones if you don't mind getting a little wet. Right at the foot of the glorious National Palace is this 20-minute show of the Magic Fountain, with its 3620 jets of water and 4 lights. Here you will see more than 760 billion light / water combinations.
Everything is in sync with a musical score that ranges from classic pop to modern pop. I have not yet heard of a disappointed child. Check the Magic Fountain calendar for more information.
CosmoCaixa Museum
Any guide for families in Barcelona should include somethingeducative, It is not like this? And here I speak for young and old. This museum of sciences It houses a multitude of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
At the timeExhibition of the Amazon rainforest, kids love piranhas and crocodiles. the planetary takes you on an unforgettable space adventure. The “tap tap” (“key tap”) section allows children to touch exotic animals.
Best of all? For only € 5,70 per adult (with a 5% discount online with the link below), this is one of the cheaper activities to do with family in Barcelona.
Tibidabo amusement park
Yes, it is a monastery on top of a mountain with a spectacular view of the city. It's not exactly what your kids would consider among the many fun things to do ... but wait, there's an amusement park!
Ce retro amusement park It was built in 1889. You can't leave without taking a tour of big wheel or the world's first flight simulator. You will also be entitled to an excellent street theater and shows suitable for children.
To benefit from 5% off reserving with Barcelona Tourisme by clicking the button below. Tickets also include bus tickets from Plaça Catalunya.
Aquarius
The Barcelona for children that I know would not miss the animals! Let them discover an underwater world made up of 35 pools, including the spectacular 80 meter underwater tunnel. There is nothing like being in the middle of all this life.
Au mealtime, the ocean basin Containing huge sharks, rays, penguins and other large fish it is a must see. In total, your family will see more than 11 animals composed of 450 species.
Is the most educative dedicated to Mediterranean marine life in the world.
Bogatell beach
Let your children burn the calories of delicious Catalan cuisine playing football Or swimming in one of the best beaches in Barcelona may seem like a no-brainer, but where?
There are 4 different beaches in the city center (some are nudist, places to drink alcohol, etc.), so you will choose the most suitable for families: La Playa del Bogatell.
With cleaner waters, a playground, top quality showers and toilets and good proximity to the city center, your children will thank you!
Exit at Bogatell metro station (yellow line L4) and walk 600 meters downhill.
Live the Camp Nou
This is self explanatory for the places to visit in Barcelona with kids, especially for football fans.
It will be difficult to find a greater treasure football souvenirs like the historic stadium of FC Barcelona. You will see Messi's Golden Boot, the Champions League trophies, and you will discover the history of the best club in the world through a huge interactive space.
What could improve this? Visit the stadium, of course. Whether to go to the cross country player tunnel or sit on the changing rooms, your kids will play soccer for a day.
Another option? If you are there during the season, attend one of the games.
Ice
This other idea of visiting Barcelona with children with 100% guaranteed success! Being half Italian, I find myself very attached to the places of homemade icecream scattered throughout the city: Gelaaati di Marco is one of the most beautiful places in the Gothic Quarter near the famous cathedral.
Near the Sagrada Familia you will also have Sante Gelato with its traditional and more adventurous flavors - the goat cheese and caramelized fig were amazing.
Looking for even softness in the cold of winter? Have some delicious churros with chocolate.
La Rambla
The most famous street in Barcelona offers a million entertainment options for your children.
Here, both young children and adults cannot get enough Street performers. To find these madmen disguised as Mythical creatures, footballers, movie characters and even a freshly set table with a paella, you need to head down the street around the Drassanes metro station.
Better to avoid this place at night because of pickpockets.
Chocolate museum
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Discover the history of chocolate as a dark American ingredient in the conquest of a continent through the port of Barcelona. While their children gorge themselves.
At the Museu de la Xocolata you will find creative activities for children, such as the activity "Chocolate artists», Where they make sculptures and even paint with chocolate. The tasty interactive workshops are also suitable for adults.
Obtain a 5% off booking online with Barcelona Tourism by clicking on the button below.
Barcelona Zoo
Yes, children and babies who love animals, what better place to visit than a zoo in 2 animals and more 300 species? Some of the main artists include the hippo, the lion, the giraffe, the cheetah, and the gorilla.
between free activities for kids Included in the ticket price are: penguin food, elephant training sessions, dolphin shows and the “Farmer's Task” workshop that teaches children to care for animals.
Harbor cable car
why not float 90 meters above the city and enjoy the best panoramic view?
What can only be described as a type of urban chairlift will take you to a 7 minute ride, from the port area of Barceloneta to the highest hill in Barcelona: Montjuic. On the way you will see the sea, Las Ramblas, the Arc de Troimf, the Sagrada Familia, etc.
Arrival at Torre de Miramar In an extraordinary location to enjoy the city and the gardens it is a great place to walk.
Tickets cannot be purchased online and must be purchased on site; more information here.
Forest fairies
Parents, never tell me that I am not supporting you because I think of you in this case. If you were just taking a break from kids' activities in Barcelona and diving into one of Barcelona's many bars, this is the place.
First of all, there pastry and coffee, but there is also sangria and Gin tonics . It is also a fairy tale country. The entire bar is designed to look like a forest with the simulated thunderstorms.
Find this truly unique bar at the foot of La Rambla, next to the wax museum.
La boqueria market
The explosion of colors, sounds and flavors found in Barcelona's largest market is not just for adults. Children also have the right to shakes at € 1 and small glasses of fruit. This is a great opportunity to eat healthy, but be careful because there are many candy and ice cream stands.
Children also have a strange obsession with hanging hams on the roof and the many cuts of meat and seafood still alive. Gets very crowded so keep the kids close - I recommend visiting before 10am or after 16pm
Looking for a less crowded alternative? Try the Santa Caterina market.
Parks and playgrounds for children
Parc Güell
All of Gaudí's masterpieces are suitable for children. Gaudí had a rejection of straight lines and that is why the forms that emerge from his works are amazing and make you think cartoon. Bringing your kids to see these monuments is sure to make them smile! The favorite place for children is Parc Güell, followed by Casa Batlló, Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera.
Ciutadella park
Still don't know what to do in Barcelona with children? Make yourself at home: go play in the park.
You will find the largest park in Barcelona near the famous Arc du Triomphe in the trendy Born district. My advice would be to buy a cheap soccer ball to get some passes. You can also bring a picnic for a perfect day with the family.
One great thing kids can do is explore the park's man-made lake in the boats Available to hire. Prices start at just € 6,00, from 10am to dusk.
Montjuic
You cannot miss the Montjuic mountain when you come to Barcelona if you come with children! Here you will have many options to choose from due to the number of parks where the little ones can run and play!
The gardens of Joan Brossa are particularly notable, where, in wild nature, you will find a playground with sand, Water, Slide, swings and a suspended wooden path that can be climbed.
Even it Joan Mirò Museum It usually offers workshops with activities for children that cannot be missed if you visit the mountain ... Check the site to see if there are any activities planned. Poble Espanyol is also very beautiful and is always appreciated by the whole family.
To reach these stages you can take bus 150 from Plaza España, or metro L3 to Paral·lel and then the Montjuic funicular.
Hortha Labyrinth Park
Besides the famous labyrinthsThere is also a nice park to explore around. It is located on the outskirts but can be reached with the green metro L3, Mundet stop. The exact route is Passeig dels Castanyers 1.
Admission costs € 2,25 for adults and is free for children under 5 years old. November to February from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m., March and October from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m., April from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m., May to September from 10 a.m. to 21 p.m., open every day of the week.
Childish games
- Aire de jeux du North Station Park. This very central park is not far from the Parc de la Ciutadella and is located just outside the Arc de Trionf metro station (next to rue Nàpols). Here you will find several attractions for children, including slides, swings, but also a unique "spiral" structure where you can run and play. Near the games you will find a small strategic bar where parents can have a coffee.
- Playground in the Plaza de Les Glories, Glories metro. In the Parque de las Glorias (still under construction) you will find one of the new attractions for children in the city: slides of different heights and various games will leave your children exhausted while you cool off at the neighboring kiosk.
- Playground Plaza de Vicenç Martorell. This square is an oasis in the heart of the Raval, in whose center you will find several games for children. Perfect to rest after a long walk along the Rambla!
- Can Dragò Park playground. It can be reached with the red metro L1, getting off at the Fabra i Puig stop. This park is located on the outskirts, but we recommend it because it has one of the best playgrounds in the city. A huge octopus whose tentacles are giant slides is the main attraction (there is a queue on Sundays!), As well as swings and various games for children.
Getting around Barcelona with children
Barcelona public transport
Children under the age of four travel for free on public transport in Barcelona.
To save on transportation, I recommend that you get the Hola BCN card. This unlimited travel ticket can cost as little as € 6,40 per day (free for children under 4 years old) and is available in 48, 72, 96 and 120 hour formats.
If you really want to put in all that effort, know that children ages 4 to 16 registered as residents of the TMB zone you can travel for free by submitting a card application.
This title is called T-16 and you can find more information about it here. For information: This involves an identity verification and can take up to 30 days.
Do you need transportation and attractions? There is the Barcelona Card. You get unlimited transportation, free entry to 25 museums, and 85 discounts on attractions, shows, restaurants, shopping, and more.
Children's passes start at € 19.
A little confused about which card is right for you? Here is a page that compares the different options by clicking on the banner below.
If you are arriving at Barcelona airport and you need a quick taxi solution that includes child seats, you can get a free estimate on the Taxileader website.
Explore Barcelona by bike
Although this is the transport part, one of the best things to do in Barcelona with children is to move outdoors by bicycle. In a city of 300 km of bike lanesIt doesn't make sense not to sunbathe and keep fit at the same time.
At the moment, parents can rent bikes for their children from € 2,50 per hourincluding the helmet. Whether you're cycling between attractions or heading to the beach with ice stops, this is highly recommended.
Where to stay in Barcelona with children?
For many reasons, including noise and crowds, I suggest that you avoid staying in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona or the Raval, where pickpockets abound.
In my opinion, the best area to stay with your family is the Eixample neighborhood. From there, you will reduce your dependence on transportation and avoid the nighttime antics of city tourists.
Another great option is to stay in the elegant El Born due to its proximity to the Parc de la Ciutadella and the beach. You can't go wrong in the mini-town of Gracia, either, which retains an independent charm not seen anywhere else in the city.
For more detailed information, read my article on the best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona.
Kid-friendly restaurants and bars
Konig
This tapas restaurant in the Born neighborhood where children are welcome. Here you can find typical tapas (Fried artichokes are delicious!) While the kids have fun drawing with pastry and aprons provided by the restaurant. They have high chairs for the little ones.
Cocoa
Very close to the Sagrada Familia, this bar / cafeteria is entirely dedicated to children with several play areas and a delicious menu. Here you can eat a sandwich on the go or have your helping of homemade desserts. Avoid school hours.
Soup
It is a chain of vegetarian and macrobiotic restaurants. My favorite is the one in Poble Nou located right in front of a small playground. There they will find high chairs, changing tables and children's books with which they can entertain themselves.
Michele's L'Antica Pizzeria
If you want to change and you want Pizza, It's the good place. Here the service is very fast and friendly and you will have a High chair for children.
Convent of bars
This bar in the middle of the Born is a nice bar for breakfast or coffee and has views of the courtyard of the old convent. There is no real play area for children, but it is a great place to relax with family. The restaurant has a changing table and a high chair.
Bar / restaurant pudding
This property is located in the heart of Eixample, a few steps from the Urquinaona metro station. This one-of-a-kind bar is famous for its cakes and catapult the little ones to alice's world in wonderland. Here you will find everything you need to entertain your children: books, games, coloring pages, children's menus, high chairs and changing tables.
Bares de la plaza de Masadas
This square is located in the Sagrera neighborhood and if you decide to go to the Can Dragò Park playground, you can't miss it! During the weekend it is filled with families with children who become the undisputed owners of the place. Under the arcades there are places to eat for all tastes with the children's menus. In particular, we recommend the breaded of tapas.
Tips for visiting Barcelona with the family
- Spanish dinners typically take place between 20pm and 23pm, and many of the best restaurants close at noon. Plan children's snacks accordingly when visiting the grocery store.
- If you are traveling with children, you will experience the pain! In the case of pharmacies, keep your eyes peeled for any green or red fluorescent signs. A 24-hour pharmacy is located downtown, at Carrer Aribau 24, if you need one.
- If you are visiting in June, July or August, it is recommended to bring hats and sunscreen.
- Leave room for improvisation! Barcelona is a fantastic city to walk around and get lost, even for children.
Learn more in the comments below.
I can only imagine how difficult it is to visit Barcelona with children and I only wrote one article! If I'm missing something or need personalized advice, please contact me in the comments below.
Also, don't be afraid to join the family advice discussion on my new Facebook group called "I'm going to Barcelona." Here you can ask questions, voice your complaints, chat with other travelers and more - anything goes!
Good trip ?
