Catalonia’s vibrant capital is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family holiday. Read our guide to the best outdoor activities in Barcelona with kids and look forward to a trip of a lifetime.
Explore Las Ramblas
La Rambla is an iconic boulevard that stretches for 0.75 miles from Plaça Catalunya to the historic port. Visiting the wide tree-lined street is a must when going to Barcelona with kids. Children and adults alike will enjoy the lively ambience created by the numerous street performers, flower sellers, painters, and human statues that fill the area. It’s the perfect place to pose for some Instagram worthy pics.
Head to the beach
Barcelona has four different beaches. By far the best family beach in Barcelona is Platja del Bogatell which boasts an attractive children’s play area, clean waters, admirable shower facilities and, best of all, it’s close to the city centre so ideal if you are staying at one of the central hotels, such as Catalonia Barcelona Plaza hotel or Catalonia Ramblas Hotel. Both enjoy deserved reputations for being excellent hotels for families and offer all amenities, including outdoor pools and buffet breakfasts to tempt the pickiest of eaters.
Go to an amusement park
If you are on a Barcelona family vacation, buy a family ticket to Tibidabo and watch your kids’ faces light up when they hear that they are going to the best amusement park in Barcelona. It’s one of the oldest amusement parks in the world and is filled with roller coasters and thrilling rides to suit all ages from toddlers to teens.
L’Aquarium Barcelona
L’Aquarium is one of the most impressive attractions in Barcelona with its transparent perspex sea tunnel, which is the largest in Europe and allows visitors to gaze at the sting-rays, sharks, moonfish and more swimming around and above them.
The Port Cable Cars
Hop on to one of the recently refurbished cable cars and experience breathtaking aerial views of the Barcelona skyline as it transports you and the family to the terminal situated near to Montjuic Castle at the summit of the hill. Once there, you can explore the historic fortress and enjoy a picnic. Whilst in the neighbourhood, don’t forget the Magic Fountains of Montjuic which provide a spectacular show every thirty minutes and light up at night to music.
Where to eat?
If you are a foodie, you will love Barcelona where eating choices are vast from traditional Catalan cuisine to international restaurants. The gorgeous location of Ciutadella Park is highly recommended as the best place to savour the delicious picnic food you’ve snaffled in the shops and market stalls – cheese, charcuterie, chocolate. Speaking of chocolate, take your kids to one of the best-loved tourism destinations of Barcelona – Museu de la Xocolata – where they can really get involved with plenty of hands-on chocolate-related activities. Be warned – things can get messy!
Getting around Barcelona with kids
If you are visiting Barcelona with toddlers or young children, there is a range of family-friendly transport options on offer. Treat your kids to a ride on a hop on hop off bus, ideally one of the open-topped double deckers that take in the main sights of the city. Or head to your planned destination via one of the Rapid Transit electric railway lines that crisscross Barcelona.
