Barcelona with kids: the best things to do
Ideal for: Families
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In short: Barcelona is a great city for families: a beach right in town, the aquarium in the old port, the CosmoCaixa science museum, the Montjuïc cable car and the Tibidabo amusement park, not to mention Gaudí’s fairy-tale houses. Book the big monuments ahead, take a break in the midday heat, and adapt to Spanish mealtimes.
Gaudí for kids
Children love Gaudí: his buildings look like dragons, bones and forests.
- Park Güell: colourful mosaics, the salamander on the stairs, gingerbread-style houses. The monumental area requires a booking.
- Casa Batlló, with its scaly façade and dragon-back roof: a house children really enjoy.
- The Sagrada Família: the tree-like columns and colourful stained glass impress all ages. Dated tickets, to book in advance.
The beaches
Barceloneta and the beaches that continue towards Port Olímpic are a few metro stops from the centre. The seafront promenade is great on foot, by bike or by scooter. Keep an eye on children: lifeguards are only on duty in season, and flags show sea conditions.
The aquarium and the old port
In Port Vell, the Barcelona Aquarium and its underwater tunnel, surrounded by sharks and rays, delight young and old. The Rambla de Mar footbridge and the marina make for a pleasant stroll.
CosmoCaixa, the science museum
Up in the hills, CosmoCaixa is a large science museum where you handle, observe and experiment. Its centrepiece: a section of Amazon rainforest recreated under glass, with its animals. Perfect on a rainy day or in the hottest hours.
Montjuïc: cable car, castle and gardens
On Montjuïc hill, the cable car climbs to the castle, with views over the port and the sea. You will also find gardens, the Miró Foundation and the Poble Espanyol, a village recreating architecture from all over Spain. At the foot of the hill, the Magic Fountain puts on light and music shows on some evenings; they have sometimes been suspended during droughts, so check the schedule before you go.
Tibidabo
On top of the city’s highest hill, Tibidabo is a century-old amusement park, with vintage rides and a Ferris wheel overlooking the city and the sea. You get there by funicular. Check opening days, which vary by season.
Parks to let off steam
- Parc de la Ciutadella, with its monumental fountain, a boating lake and the zoo next door.
- The Bunkers del Carmel for a sunset, best for children who are good walkers.
Treats
The Boqueria market on La Rambla, with its fruit juices and colourful stalls; churros dipped in hot chocolate; paella in Barceloneta; and the Chocolate Museum in El Born.
Practical tips
- Book ahead for the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló, especially during school holidays.
- Avoid the hottest hours in summer: museums and the aquarium at midday, the beach late in the afternoon.
- Pushchairs: easy in the Eixample, harder in the alleys of the Gothic Quarter and at Park Güell; a baby carrier helps.
- Stay alert in the crowds on La Rambla and in the metro: pickpockets are active.
- From the airport, a private transfer with a child seat avoids changes with luggage.
Areas and month-by-month weather are on our Barcelona page. See also: Things to do in Barcelona, Where to stay in Barcelona and Barcelona in 3 days.
Frequently asked questions
Is Barcelona a good destination with children?
Yes: the city combines beaches, big parks, science museums and fairy-tale buildings such as Park Güell and Casa Batlló. The metro and walking cover most of it.
Which area should families stay in?
The Eixample, calmer and roomier, close to metro lines, is often the most practical; Barceloneta to be by the beach. All areas are covered in our guide Where to stay in Barcelona.
What time do people eat dinner in Barcelona?
Late, often after 9 pm. With children, plan a hearty afternoon snack (the merienda) or early-evening tapas, and look for restaurants that serve earlier.