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 because of 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 can enchantment 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 wish 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 if you happen to’re questioning what to do in Barcelona, learn on for my high 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) 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 through the summer season, however close by Sant Sebastià (close to the W Resort) has shallow water that’s good for teenagers.
For those who enterprise a 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 rapidly, so not best if you happen to’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 practice and revel in a number of the Costa Barcelona seashores south of 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 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When you attain the summit, the Tibidabo Amusement Park is among the many oldest on this planet at over 120 years outdated.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 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 payment to the amusement park so you’ll be able to’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 incredible. 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 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 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 trendy additions from the twenty first century as effectively.
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 if you happen to 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 elevate 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 if you happen to’re in search of one thing extra energetic to do.
L’Aquarium Barcelona at Port Vell
You may spot 451 separate species and an astonishing 11,000 completely different creatures within the 35 completely different tanks and habitats at Barcelona Aquarium.
Situated at Port Vell, it’s only a 10-minute stroll from the Columbus Monument on the finish of La Rambla, with lots 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 large Oceanarium, with 4.5 million litres of water, has transferring walkways to take you round, passing below 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 good for older children as effectively.
Open year-round, there are many further household actions to get pleasure from as effectively, plus if you happen to’re unfortunate sufficient to spend a wet day in Barcelona with children, it’s an incredible 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 present it its correct identify) is unmissable.
One of many greatest 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 all the things from maths and geology to chemistry and extra.
Alongside the best way, you’ll discover the Flooded Forest, a powerful 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 Go and the Barcelona Card cross
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 facet, 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 actual 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 facet, there are some incredible kids’s actions to find too: all the things 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, mild, movement and music – good if you happen to’re in search of enjoyable issues to do with children in Barcelona within the night.
The transferring water jets in a shifting rainbow of color are synchronised to music as 2,600 litres of water are pumped by each second. For those who’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 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 fashion 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 at the very least.
Some of the central of Gaudi’s designs, the fantastical home is greatest identified 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 among a sequence of buildings in Passeig de Gracia (and doubtless probably 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 possibility for teenagers.
For one more enjoyable method 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 remains 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 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’ll enchantment to children in addition to adults – decide up a skip-the-line ticket to the Sagrada Familia to keep away from the queues.
Park Güell
Park Güell is a large non-public 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 stuffed 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 company of all ages.
Away from the monuments, you too can observe the various trails and pathways by the luxurious forest to find some beautiful viewpoints over town.
Discover by Open High 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. Luckily, the Bus Turístic is a handy method to journey round Barcelona for households with youthful children who might battle strolling lengthy distances.
The bus runs 2 completely different routes – the Blue route and the Crimson route – supplying you with the choice to cease at over 40 of town’s most well-known landmarks and fashionable neighbourhoods, so it’s a extremely youngster pleasant method 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
For those who’re in search of a strolling tour of Barcelona for teenagers, there are a string of various decisions that are good 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 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 Barcelona
For those who’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 summary of town, pedalling by the Previous City, previous the seashore, by parks and to the outdated 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 outdated harbour, Gothic Quarter and Born space of 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 out there.
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 teenagers, this household crusing tour is appropriate for kids 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 among Barcelona’s hottest vacationer sights and an incredible place to discover with youthful guests to town as effectively.
Situated 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 if you happen to’re solely shopping fairly than shopping for, the colorful market is an thrilling expertise for kids, with energetic merchants peddling their assorted produce to the hundreds of holiday makers who cross by daily.
Seize a fruit smoothie and take a wander by the market to see what tempting treats you’ll find. It’s additionally best if you happen to’re questioning the place to eat in Barcelona with children, as you possibly can decide 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 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 through the daytime when it’s much less busy, and you may uncover the fairy grotto and sweeping bushes which rework the courtyard, full with woodland sounds and the occasional pretend storm.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella is a lovely historic park to the northeast of Barcelona’s central Gothic Quarter, the Barri Gotic, and simply among the best free issues to do with children in Barcelona.
The 70-acre park has lots 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 luxurious greenery whereas the little ones run round and stretch their legs. There’s additionally a pond in the course of the park the place you’ll be able to rent rowing boats to move 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 a giant hit in Barcelona for teenagers who can climb its trunk for a enjoyable photograph 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 notice 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.
For those who’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 vehicles
Barcelona has two cable vehicles; the Port Cable Automotive and the Telefèric de Montjuic.
The older Port Cable Automotive runs from Barceloneta seashore, over the historic harbour, and ends on the Miramar viewpoint on Montjuïc hill. The extra trendy Telefèric de Montjuïc then continues the journey as much as the summit of Montjuïc hill.
The cable vehicles are a enjoyable method to discover Barcelona with children and see town from a singular perspective.
You may simply switch between the 2 cable vehicles on Montjuïc hill, with the stations sitting simply 2 hundred metres aside, though you will have to buy separate tickets.
For those who’d fairly 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 Citadel on the mountain’s summit.
Admire the views from Montjuïc Citadel
When you attain the mountain’s summit on the Telefèric de Montjuïc, you’ll discover mediaeval Montjuic Citadel. The massive army fortress dates again to the seventeenth century and was constructed 173 metres above sea degree to offer a strategic vantage level over town and waters.
As you go to the citadel, take a stroll alongside the ramparts for superb panoramic views over town, the port, and the Mediterranean sea. There’s additionally an fascinating customer’s centre that takes you thru the historical past of the citadel and area.
Alternatively, take a stroll across the citadel’s exterior and the encircling park, which is residence to some enjoyable slides, a playground, and loads of large 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 greatest issues to do in Barcelona with children who love soccer. Residence 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 together with your favorite participant – with the assistance of a inexperienced display screen and photoshop, at the very least.
Children will even benefit from the further (paid) actions, similar to capturing towards the Robokeeper or experiencing the Camp Nou pitch in 360 digital actuality.
Tickets to Camp Nou additionally embody 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
The most effective museums in Barcelona for teenagers, 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 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.
Children can even get fingers on with the normal arts and crafts workshops, from glass blowing to wicker basket making and extra. Plus, preserve an eye fixed out for particular household actions, reveals, and concert events going down on the museum all year long.
Massive Enjoyable Museum & Museum of Illusions
The Massive Enjoyable Museum is an entertaining family-friendly museum stuffed with mind-boggling illusions and interactive exhibitions which can be certain to excite children (and youngsters at coronary heart).
Excellent for a couple 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 probably the most excessive psychiatric methods all through historical past on the Museum of Insanity.
For a further payment, you too can go to the close by Museum of Illusions, the place you’ll be able to snap much more enjoyable household pictures with superb 3D artworks and mysterious illusions.
For those who do plan to go to each, it’s price shopping for a combo ticket upfront to get a reduction.
Find out how 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 below 4 journey free.
The centre of town can also be very walkable, when you can simply rent bikes if you happen to’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 town, whereas the funicular and cable vehicles are a enjoyable further that you simply don’t discover in all cities.
There are numerous completely different tickets and journey passes out there, which can be utilized throughout the general public transport community (remember that single tickets might not be legitimate to do that, particularly if you happen to’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 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.
Try my ideas for visiting the Costa Barcelona too, the coast simply exterior 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 printed 2013, final up to date 2022*
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Casa Batllo copyright MummyTravels, all different photos courtesy of Depositphotos