Visiting Barcelona with children in tow but unsure how to fill the itinerary? Let us (the Spain travel experts) share our favorite things to do in Barcelona with kids.
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Without further ado: the best things to do in Barcelona with kids, from parks to museums and beyond.
First, is Barcelona suitable for Children?
Barcelona is one of the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers, but is it a family-friendly destination? With so much variety, a rich cultural history and amazing sights, the answer is a resounding yes.
Spain is known for its exceptional nightlife, and destinations like Ibiza have a reputation as party towns (although, visiting Ibiza with kids can be super fun and safe, too). But there’s plenty to do with kids in Barcelona. Likewise, visiting the rest of Spain with kids offers tons of family-friendly options.
And remember, a Fora Advisor can help you decide which places to visit and which to skip.
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9 of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids
1. Explore the gardens and mosaics of Park Güell
Park Güell boasts beautiful botanical gardens and the Works of Antoni Gaudí, a series of magical architectural displays and mosaics from the artist's early 20th-century naturism phase.
The park’s enchanting scenes earn it a place on anyone’s Spain bucket list, but Park Güell is also a great place for young kids to run around and burn some energy – while older children enjoy the park’s greenery and architecture.
If you want to get the lowdown on the coolest landmarks, check in with a Fora Advisor. Oh, and if you’re looking for more outdoor adventures in Spain, check out our seven-day itinerary for Asturias.
2. Be amazed at the CosmoCaixa Barcelona science museum
At the CosmoCaixa museum – a can’t-miss stop on a Barcelona itinerary – you can explore flooded Amazonian forests, space’s hidden reaches, advances in robotics and medicine and so much more. If anything, the museum is a fun place to visit when you’re in Barcelona with kids to get out of the heat and learn about the greater world. Plus, students can visit for free!
3. Enjoy the show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc in the Plaza d’Espanya
Every weekend night, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc delivers a breathtaking display of colorful lights and water along with a free concert. The show doesn’t start until 9 pm, which may be a little late for younger kids. Otherwise, the show’s a great finale to a day of exploring (or just the beginning if you’re looking to kick off some nighttime fun in the city).
4. Get a rush at the Tibidabo Amusement Park
Spain’s Tibidabo Amusement Park boasts a ton of family-friendly rides, shows and gastronomic experiences. The aerial railway, in particular, offers a stunning view of the city and coast before delving into a more fantastical tangent kids will enjoy.
Connect with Fora to get the full scoop, including the best ways to get to the park.
5. Take a ride on the Montjuïc cable cars
Speaking of aerial views of the city and coast, the Montjuïc gondola lift takes you from lower Montjuïc Park to the upper station near Montjuïc Castle (another fun option to explore in Barcelona with kids).
Even if you don’t have a clear destination in mind, the cable cars offer a unique spectacle worth checking out.
6. Observe local sea critters at the Barcelona Aquarium
Home to dozens of tanks and over 450 species of sharks, unique tropical fish and more, the Barcelona Aquarium is a fun place for families to visit while checking out the city. Learn about the different species of the Mediterranean and Atlantic and the conservation efforts to protect them.
Not sure where to start? Connect with Fora. We'll do the heavy lifting so you can take in the sights.
7. Marvel at the Casa Batlló (aka Gaudí’s House of Bones)
Like something out of a fairy tale, Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Batlló is a prominent example of the Art Nouveau movement. Even if art isn’t your (or your kids’) thing, the building’s vibrant facade and extravagant interior are too cool to skip.
One of the most unique places to visit in Spain, the Casa dels Ossos (as the locals call it) is a fantastic experience not too far from Barcelona’s historical center.
8. Enjoy sweet treats at the Chocolate Museum (and tapas while you’re at it)
Aside from uncovering the history of chocolate in Europe, the Museu de la Xocolata is a fantastic place to see in Barcelona with kids because of all its hands-on experiences. Kids can learn to paint, sculpt and experiment while adults can indulge in world-famous chocolate.
Speaking of food, Barcelona’s tapas scene is one of the country’s best. What kid (or adult) doesn’t love to sample tons of tiny sweet and savory snacks all over a city? Connect with Fora to learn the best places to try.
9. Relax and play at Barcelona’s beaches
Barcelona isn’t just history and culture – the beaches of Barcelona are gorgeous, lively and oh-so trendy. Barceloneta Beach is the top spot (Spain bachelorette party ideas, anyone?) but if you’re looking for something more relaxed, Nova Mar Bella Beach is a local favorite.
Sidenote: if you’re visiting Barcelona with kids, you may want to avoid the clearly-marked “clothing-optional” sections.
A Fora Advisor can help you find the most family-friendly beaches. Or, if you want to really get out of the big city, maybe a Spanish seaside escape from Barcelona to Mallorca is in store. Check out our family-friendly Mallorca itinerary for more.
What’s the best area to stay in Barcelona with kids?
Before we wrap up, let’s touch on one more point. The best place to stay in Barcelona with kids really depends on your accommodation preferences.
Are you looking for chic boutique hotels in Barcelona? Connect with Fora for the best recommendations (and free perks!) to make your stay that much better.
Ready to visit Barcelona with kids? Plan your trip with Fora today
Fora Advisors know all the top spots and can help you personalize your trip to Barcelona with kids (with free upgrades and perks too)!
We know that traveling with kids can sometimes be difficult, but our advisors work with you to make sure that the whole family has a fantastic adventure in Barcelona. (And if you're looking for more family travel inspiration, check out our guide to the top Utah family resorts.)
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