A Kid Friendly Culture
Barcelona is extremely kid-friendly. If you’re traveling with very little ones or with teens, we promise that every family member will feel included and inspired when visiting this city. In fact, with so many attractions to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start.
Whether you live like a local or play it up as a tourist, the sights of Barcelona are worth the trip. Here’s a list of 12 things to do in Barcelona with kids, ranging from scenic tours to cultural excursions to culinary adventures.
Table of Contents
12 Amazing Things to Do in Barcelona with Kids
1. Tour Bus
Hop on a tour bus to get a quick and easy lay of the land (without exhausting yourself or your kids)! The main tour bus of Barcelona (Barcelona Bus Turistic) is a double-decker with an open top. It follows three different routes. You can hop on and off at any point, either to change routes or to spend time at a certain attraction.
To get the most out of the tour, plug into the audio guide (available in 18 languages!). Encourage the kids to keep an eye out for places they want to come back to at a later time.
HOT TIP: Collect the discount voucher on board to save on popular restaurants and attractions.
2. Turo Parc
If you’re eager for fresh air and a place to stretch your legs, head to Turo Parc. The variety of trees, including magnolias, lime trees, date palms and several climbing vines make this place feel unlike any park you’d visit at home.
Turo Parc is named after an amusement park that ran from 1912-1929. There are lots of winding paths decorated with sculptures and poetry, a pond that boasts flowering water lilies in the spring, and a large play area for the kids. When you’re ready for refreshments, head to the snack bar for drinks and a place to sit down.
3. Gothic Quarter
Conjure up the medieval times with a visit to the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic). This bustling neighborhood dates back more than 2,000 years. The 13th – 15th century Gothic Cathedral is a must see, as much for its stunning façade as for its striking central garden (often dotted with geese!).
The kids will feel like true adventurers when they discover hidden alleys and passages. Be sure to tell them to be on the lookout for dragons! Carved from stone, pieced together with tile, or forged from iron, these fabulous beasts were included in the architectural design to protect and watch over the city. How many of these legendary creatures can you find?
4. Museu de la Xocolato
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Learn all about its history (from its humble origins to its rise in the dessert ranks) at the Museu de la Xocolato. Run by a guild of cake makers, this museum not only explores chocolate’s extensive backstory, but also offers interactive exhibits, workshops, and (of course) sampling!
A major highlight of the tour is the display of chocolate sculpture. Where else can you see such sweet renditions of Disney characters, iconic architecture, and even a historic bull-fighting scene?
5. Montjuic Castle
Nothing brings history to life like a bona fide castle. The well-preserved 18th century Montjuic Castle (Castell de Montjuic) was used as a prison during the Spanish Civil War and today it offers a terrific view of Barcelona city and its harbor.
Kids can explore the castle grounds that include a battle-ready front door, ramparts, a stone bridge, and artillery scattered throughout. Don’t miss the military museum that’s chock full of cannons, swords, pistols and soldiers’ uniforms.
6. Cable Car
Take a deep breath and board the Montjuic cable car for a direct ride to the grounds of the Casetell de Montjuic. While it’s a white-knuckle experience for many adults, the kids will be giddy with the sense of adventure as they fly like a bird over the beautiful city.
7. Fundacio Joan Miro
Kids and museums don’t always mix, but the Fundacio Joan Miro is a sure-fire hit for the whole family. Created by Joan Miro himself, this creative space was established with the idea that art should be accessible to everyone.
Here is an extensive collection of Miro’s work, including 217 paintings, 178 sculptures, 9 textiles, 4 ceramics and close to 8,000 drawings. The bright primary colors and whimsical shapes of the paintings and sculptures will appeal to even the youngest of tourists.
8. La Sagrada Familia Basilica
La Sagrada Familia
It’s almost impossible to describe the La Sagrada Familia Basilica, a church that has been under construction since 1882 (it’s expected to be completed by 2026). We can safely say that this is unlike any church you’ve ever seen (or imagined).
As of now, only 8 of the planned 18 towers are completed, but consider visiting one for a rare bird’s eye view (kids under six are not admitted). Seriously, there is something worth examining on every inch of the church, so plan on spending some quality time just walking the grounds, and taking lots of pictures to show your friends back home!
HOT TIP: Buy tickets in advance online to avoid standing in long lines. Children under 10 are free!
9. Boqueria Market
The Boqueria Market offers so many types of food that even the pickiest eater will be satisfied!
Located off of La Rambla, a pedestrian street in central Barcelona, this vast food market is ideal if you’re staying in an apartment and want to stock up on groceries. But no matter what, the kids will enjoy the fresh fruit smoothies while the grownups can pop by a nearby stall for a glass of local wine.
For a fun family experience, take a combination market tour and cooking class.
HOT TIP: The market can be crowded, so keep a close eye on your belongings at all times!
10. CosmoCaixa
Even without kids in tow, you’d want to check out the CosmoCaixa, one of the largest museums in Spain. The CosmoCaixa is dedicated to celebrating and promoting science.
There are regular exhibitions throughout the year, including interactive areas devoted to math, physics, geology and more, plus a special event where visitors can get up close and personal with live creatures. Visit the indoor rain forest or tour the planetarium that offers a variety of shows daily.
11. Walking Tour
Sign up for a Family Walking Tour that runs every Saturday (plus Wednesdays in the summer). Allow your guide to show you some of the oldest and most loved shops, markets, bakeries and museums. Hear the medieval and magical legends of the city and learn little-known facts about the local culture.
HOT TIP: Family walking tours are recommended for ages 4 – 12. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
12. Guell Park
Park Güell is a public park system composed of gardens and architectonic elements located on Carmel Hill, designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudi. There is a playground here for kids and obviously it’s an amazing thing to see.
A Family Approved Destination
Barcelona is a city that engages all five senses. From the moment you arrive, you’ll appreciate its rich and vibrant history. What’s more, the people of Barcelona seem particularly delighted to show off their city to tourists, especially families with children.
With all that’s going on in and around the city, it’s no surprise that this destination is such a vacation hot spot.
Samara Kamenecka is a VA specializing in SEO and writing, based in Spain. She has spent considerable time in Barcelona and Ibiza, though she lives in Madrid at the moment. When she’s not chained to her desk working, she can be found exploring the country with her boyfriend, their two kids and their dog. She blogs about everything from pregnancy gear to parenting tips.
