21 awesome things to do in Barcelona with kids

Are you looking for the perfect destination for your next family holiday? Look no further than Barcelona with kids! This city is a wonderful choice for families with kids of all ages, offering a wealth of exciting activities and attractions to explore.

From the colourful streets of the Gothic Quarter to the golden beaches of the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is the ultimate family holiday destination with family-friendly tours available.

In this article, we’ll show you how to plan the ultimate Barcelona family holiday in this cosmopolitan city. We’ll share our top tips on where to stay, what to do, and where to eat, so you can make the most of your time in this vibrant city. So pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready to enjoy Barcelona with kids like a local!

Know before you go. Our top Barcelona travel tips

Travelling to Barcelona with kids can be such an enriching experience for the whole family and Barcelona is one of the top family destinations in Europe. Did you know that Barcelona was the capital city of Spain from 1937 to 1939

There are so many things to do in Barcelona for families, and having the best hotel for families in Barcelona to wander is extremely important for families travelling with kids. Here we’ve got some information to get you planning your family vacation in Barcelona to make your family holidays with kids completely hassle-free.

Hotel for families in Barcelona

You’ll never be short of options for your family’s accommodation in Barcelona. In the Catalan capital, you find a range of hotels, apartments, and hostels for families. You will be able to find some amazing hotel rooms for your family stay.

Hotel Name	Hotel Facilities	Book Here
Hotel Arts Barcelona	Beach access, outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, Michelin-starred restaurant	Check availability & reserve you room
W Barcelona	Beach access, outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, rooftop bar, restaurant	Explore options & secure your stay
Hotel Casa Fuster	Rooftop pool, fitness center, restaurant, free Wi-Fi	Check availability & latest prices
Majestic Hotel & Spa	Rooftop pool, spa, fitness center, Michelin-starred restaurant, terrace bar	Check availability & reserve your room
Ohla Barcelona	Rooftop pool, spa, fitness center, Michelin-starred restaurant, rooftop terrace	Explore options & secure your stay
Grand Hotel Central	Check availability & reserve your room	Check availability & latest prices

The above table compares six of the best family-friendly hotels in Barcelona for a city break. All the hotels have rooftop pools, fitness centres, and Michelin-starred restaurants and are located close to tourist attractions. Some of the hotels also offer beach access, outdoor pools, spas, and rooftop bars.

If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using Hotellook and Trip Advisor to find the best prices in Barcelona for your family vacation.

Barcelona apartment rental alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation when on your Spain trip with teenagers in Barcelona, then an apartment is the best choice for you on your family vacation.

There are so many options for singles, families, and budget-friendly options in Barcelona in places all over the city like the Las Ramblas or El Born. You can search VRBO or if you’re looking for a luxury apartment then Plum Guide will help you find the perfect apartment in Barcelona for teens on your Spain trip with family.

How to get to Barcelona

Being the most popular city in Spain, Barcelona is connected by highways in all directions, long distant buses, trains and planes all bring people daily to the city. This easily makes Barcelona of the best family vacation destinations in Europe.

• Barcelona El Prat Airport is located 15 kilometres from downtown Barcelona. Barcelona is the 6th busiest airport in Europe. El Prat is a hub for budget airlines such as EasyJet, Eurowings and Vueling. A long wait in the airport can be uncomfortable, we recommend Priority Pass for one-off airport lounge passes
  • Search your Barcelona flights with Kiwi.com.
    • Book your airport-to-hotel transfer with Kiwi Taxis

• Barcelona is a hub for train travel in North-East Spain. Domestic and International trains arrive hourly. This makes adding day trips from Barcelona with kids so easy. Book your domestic and international trains with Omio.
• Barcelona can be reached directly by bus. Barcelona can be reached from 102 cities across Europe with Flixbus. Book all your bus tickets to Barcelona with Flixbus
• Driving in Spain is super easy. You can pick up a rental car at Barcelona Airport and dedicated sites in the city if you decide to road trip with kids in Spain.

How to get around Barcelona

There are several different public transport options in Barcelona, including the metro, trams, buses, and even suburban trains. Single tickets are €2.40 per ride (2021), and you can purchase them at vending machines at metro stations and aboard buses.

Let’s begin with the top things to do with kids in Barcelona

I read somewhere that the biggest mistake you can make when you visit Barcelona is not to look upwards, and unfortunately, I read this after we had already visited the first time. The second time I made sure I remembered this, and I was stunned at what I had missed.

From ground level all the way to the sky, there is always something to look at in Barcelona with kids. After booking our air ticket we set about finding things to do in Barcelona with kids. Is Barcelona the best place to go in Spain with kids

 Family activities in Barcelona – Bike tour

We went on a bike tour in Barcelona. The tour took us through the streets of Barcelona and it was a fantastic way to see Barcelona with kids. On a bike tour in Barcelona, we were shown the Gothic and El Born quarters of the city (They are two of the most interesting places to stay in Barcelona).

While biking in Barcelona, on our tour we headed down to Barcelonetta to cruise along the wide bike and pedestrian paths that line the coast. Barcelona is extremely bike-friendly, with bike lanes on even the busiest of the streets that crisscross the city. This is a great family-friendly tour for kids in Barcelona. Another option is bike rental in Barcelona do it at your own pace

We went on a bike tour with the amazing Steel Donkey bike tours.

 There are numerous Barcelona bike tours to choose from. You can cruise the Gothic Quarter, explore Montjuic, or even combine a biking and tapas tour

See all your bike tour options right here

Barcelona for kids – Cable car

Remember when we said earlier lookup in Barcelona? Well, the Barcelona Cable car is one of the things you will see. The Barcelona Port cable car runs from the golden sands of Barceloneta to the Montjuic station. Access to the cable car is available at either end of the line. It only takes 8 minutes to cross, but it is truly memorable.

The cable car has a long and proud history in Barcelona, it dates back to 1929. The red and white cabins can accommodate 20 people and crosses the port at a height of between 70 and 90 metres.

The cable car provides amazing views of the Columbus Monument, the cathedral La Sagrada Familia, and the Mediterranean coastline. The Cable car is a must and one of the best Barcelona family attractions as it is fun, exciting and does not take long to complete.

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Family things to do in Barcelona – Montjuïc light show

The colossal Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is one of the top Barcelona nighttime experiences for families. What you will see is 3620 water jets circulating 2600 litres of water every second from the fountain.

The result of all this water spraying everywhere is a light show of dancing fountains that will have you in awe. The Montjuic fountain has over 7,000 different combinations. The light shows are twice daily usually during the times of 8 pm and 9 pm making this one of the best tourist attractions for families in Barcelona.

Best of all is free, how much more affordable is that? The magic fountain is then only a 5-minute walk from Plaça España. If you decide you can take the metro then the España metro station is only a few minutes walk 

Barcelona for kids – visit the Beach

The beaches in Barcelona were transformed for the 1992 Olympic games. Nowadays there are many sandy beaches that are great for swimming. The calm waters of the Mediterranean are perfect for kids and parents alike.

Even if you’re in Barcelona with a baby, head down to the beach as you can hire umbrellas for sunshades. Facilities such as toilets and showers are scattered along the foreshore.

There are so many families that make their way down to the beach on a warm day in Barcelona that your kids will find a friend or two! Visiting beaches such as Nova Mar Bella Beach and Barceloneta Beach is one of the best free things to do in Barcelona with kids. Many people come to Barça looking for a beach getaway.

Just as a word of caution, don’t leave your belongings unattended on the beach in Barcelona. For parents taking older kids to the Barcelona beaches, you will find many of the local women swim topless!

You will find a multitude of Barcelona Cards available. Some will provide free entry, some will provide discounts. Some are aimed at just museums, while others are for adventure activities. These are well worth looking at to get the most bang for your buck when you explore Barcelona with kids

Search all the Barcelona Discounts cards available right here

Best things to do in Barcelona with kids – Ferrari Land

Ferrari Land Barcelona is a theme park that’s primarily geared towards fans of the iconic Italian sports car brand. However, that doesn’t mean that kids won’t enjoy it too. In fact, there are several attractions at the park that are designed specifically for younger visitors.

One of the highlights for kids is likely to be the Junior Red Force. This is a smaller, tamer version of the park’s main attraction, the Red Force rollercoaster. Another kid-friendly attraction is the Kids’ Tower. This is a scaled-down version of the park’s main tower, and it’s home to several rides and attractions that are perfect for younger visitors.

There are also plenty of opportunities for kids to let off steam in the park’s playground area, which features slides, swings, and climbing frames. Before you go, it’s a good idea to check the park’s website to see which rides suit your child. But overall, there’s plenty for kids to see and do at this exciting and unique theme park.

Port Aventure

PortAventura World is a popular theme park and resort located in Salou, just outside of Barcelona, Spain. In addition to the theme park, PortAventura World also includes a water park called Costa Caribe Aquatic Park.

The theme park features six themed lands, each with its own attractions, shows, and restaurants. The lands include Mediterrània, Polynesia, SésamoAventura, China, México, and Far West. Some of the most popular rides at the park include Shambhala, a hypercoaster that reaches speeds of up to 83 miles per hour, and Dragon Khan, a looping roller coaster with eight inversions.

Costa Caribe Aquatic Park is a water park that is themed around the Caribbean. It features a variety of water attractions, including water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. There are also plenty of areas for younger children to play, including a pirate-themed play area and a shallow pool with mini-slides.

Overall, PortAventura World is a great destination for families and thrill-seekers alike, offering a wide range of rides and attractions in a beautiful Mediterranean setting.

Family Activities Barcelona – Hop on hop off the bus

Barcelona is a large city with many sites spread out all around the city. To use public transport to reach all the sites from the beach to Mount Juric from Park Güell to the famous La Rambla market requires lots of planning.

More than the planning it takes time, the time you could be spending seeing the attractions during your stay in Barcelona. Take the worry out of that, especially if you’re in Barcelona with toddlers.

Jump on the Barcelona hop on hop off bus and see the sites while stopping and visiting the ones that suit you. This is hands down one of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids.

The kids get to ride the doubledecker bus, there is little walking involved, and the whole family get to see the sights of Barcelona. You can easily spend a full day and more seeing the narrow streets, architectural styles, and great views.

It is such a smart way for your family to see Barcelona easily without navigating the metro system. The bus has 3 different routes in the city of Barcelona with 44 different stops.

This allows you to pick and choose the kid-friendly things to do in Barcelona This might just be the best way for a family day out in Barcelona with little ones.

Choose from 1 or 2 days and access 2 routes with stops at the best sites in Barcelona! You will also have head phone commentary to tell about the amazing city of Barcelona and close pick up drop off access to the best sites

Book your 1 or 2 day pass on the Barcelona City Tour today

Cafe at EL Court Englis

On the top floor of the EL Court Engles shop located on Plaza Espanya is a cafeteria. The cafeteria serves all sorts of yummy cakes and foods for lunch or just a snack. The real bonus of the Cafeteria is the all-encompassing view of Barcelona and if you don’t buy food the view is free! (But I dare you to walk past the food stalls in the cafeteria and not buy something!)

Having windows all around means you get a view of the Catalan capital. Window seats may be at a premium so if you spot one get it while you can! Just keep an eye out for people leaving.

We loved sitting down and having a little snack while taking in the views. A visit is one of the great ideas for families in Barcelona

Things to do with kids in Barcelona – Cruise on Barcelona Harbour

We went for a short 1.5-hour cruise on Barcelona Harbour with Las Golondrinas. The cruise showed you around the harbour from places where cruise ships dock to where container ships unload.

We made our way out of the harbour briefly into the calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Both the girls loved the boat trip, we enjoyed the sun, the calm waters and the cold drink on board. Boat trips and boat rides in Barcelona in the summer months are good value.

This was one of our favourite things to do for kids in Barcelona. It was one of those easy activities, one where families get to rest while still seeing the sights of Barcelona.

Book your Las Golondrinas cruise today

Things to do in Barcelona for kids – Barcelona Maritime Museum

Museums are great family attractions and the Maritime Museum is one of the best Barcelona family activities. The Maritime Museum is located just off the bottom of La Rambla near the Marina. The museum has plenty of displays from toy boats through the ages to a full-sized Gallion which absolutely amazed us all.

Talk about a kid-friendly museum in Barcelona this is it. Displays include a wooden submarine through to model cruise liners that sailed the Atlantic out of Barcelona.

There are also video presentations displayed on the sides of the shipping containers located in one section of the display. Multimedia displays such as this are a great attraction for kids in Barcelona.

They are spoken in Spanish, but there are English subtitles. Just to be able to see the full-size replica of a Spanish Gallion makes this a must-do in Barcelona.

Visit the Nou Camp, things to do in Barcelona for kids

F.C. Barcelona is one of the most popular football teams in the world. The Camp Nou in Barcelona is where they ply their trade week in and week out year in and year out. For the football fan, a tour lets you walk in the footsteps of FC Barcelona’s legendary players.

You can see the locker room, the stadium and the awesome F.B. Barcelona museum stacked with all their winning trophies and memorabilia on the family walking tour.

Visit Camp Nou today with your soccer-mad kids. This might just be the best tour for fathers and sons to take while in Barcelona. The gift shop is a great place to buy a kid’s Barcelona jersey

Barcelona with kids – La Boqueria Market

Now, this can be a kid’s dream and a parent’s worst nightmare. The lolly stalls in here are some of the most colourful you will ever see and they have everything a kid could ever want! (And just quietly a sugar lover too!) If lollies are not your thing then you can’t go past a juice or the fruit stands.

They are just as magnificent and as colourful as the lolly stands. If you need it you will find it there. It is a market aimed at tourists so you must be very careful of pickpockets while you are there but it is worth a look.

If you are staying for a little while in Barcelona with a family, try and find a local market right near you. You can also visit Santa Caterina market, which is worth checking out for its fresh fruit.

Things to do in Barcelona with kids – Barcelona Aquarium

Barcelona Aquarium is located in the Port Vell / Maremágnum area by the Harbour. You will be able to see the Barcelona Cable Car travelling above you. The Aquarium Barcelona consists of 35 tanks, 11,000 animals and 450 different species, making it one of the best family-friendly activities.

An amazing aquarium in Barcelona features an underwater tunnel that stretches 80 metres long and holds six million litres of water. It is certainly a kind feature as you move slowly around the tank on a travelator allowing you to take in all the species on display. The aquarium in the city centre ranks highly for families who have visited Barcelona.

Visit the unique l’aquarium Barcelona, entering without delay on a skip-the-queue ticket. Experience the spectacular Oceanarium as you walk along a transparent tunnel surrounded by sharks.

Book your skip the line and entry tickets today

Things to do for kids in Barcelona – Big Fun Museum

7 museums and a time-out zone under the same ceiling in the heart of Barcelona! The Big Fun Museum Barcelona is one of the best museums for kids in Barcelona. It’s a museum with an interactive exhibition and a wide array of hands-on activities. The museum hosts exhibits on topics such as natural sciences, history, and art.

The 7 museum themes you will find at Big Fun Museum include, Believe it or Not, Giant’s House, Topsy-Turvy House, Sweet Museum, Museum of Madness, Food Art, Alice through the Looking Glass, Dry Pool, or the Museum of Illusions (the latter requires a separate ticket)

A visit to this museum is a great way for families to spend quality time together without having to worry about your kids getting bored while they wait in line or while you’re looking at the exhibits.

Labyrinth Park of Horta

Situated in the centre of Barcelona’s Parc del Laberint d’Horta (Labyrinth Park of Horta) is one of the city’s unknown gems. This attraction has delighted visitors on their Barcelona family vacation for years.

The maze was started in the late 17th century, You will find tall manicured hedge walls with over 2,000 feet of twists and turns for you and your kids to get lost in. Little and big kids visiting Barcelona will love this simple but adventurous activity

Since the park is set off from the normal tourist activities, you should find it less crowded and more relaxing for your family. There is only a maximum of 750 visitors a day entrance fee – €2.23, or free on Wednesdays and Sundays.

You will find the maze at Passeig dels Castanyers, 1 Barcelona, 08035 Spain

Best parks in Barcelona

Barcelona has many great parks that are perfect for families where small kids can have a wonderful time. Here are some suggestions kids will love:

Parc de la Ciutadella: This is Barcelona’s most famous park and has plenty of activities for children. There are large open spaces to run around, a lake with boats to rent, a playground area, and even a small zoo.

Parc del Laberint d’Horta: This park is home to one of the oldest gardens in Barcelona, and also has a large hedge maze that kids will love to explore. The park also has a playground, picnic areas, and beautiful gardens to walk through.

Parc de Joan Miró: This park is named after the famous Catalan artist and has a large sculpture of his work. There’s also a playground area and a large open space for running and playing.

Parc de la Creueta del Coll: This park has a large swimming pool that’s perfect for hot summer days, and also has a playground area and plenty of open space to play games and a picnic area.

Jardins de Montserrat Roig: This small park has a playground area, picnic tables, and a beautiful fountain that’s perfect for kids to splash around in.

These are just a few of the many parks in Barcelona that are great for families with small children. Enjoy your visit!

The Museu de la Xocolata – tourist attraction

If you’re interested in visiting the Barcelona Chocolate Museum with your kids during your trip to Barcelona. The museum is located in the El Born neighbourhood and is dedicated to the history and culture of chocolate.

At the chocolate museum, you can learn about the origins of chocolate, its introduction to Europe, and its role in Catalan and Spanish culture. You can also see exhibits on the production and processing of chocolate, as well as the history of chocolate packaging and advertising.

One of the highlights of the museum is a demonstration of how chocolate is made, including a tasting of different types of chocolate. You can also participate in chocolate-making workshops and even make your own chocolate creations to take home.

Kid friendly things to do in Barcelona – Illafantasia Water Park

Illa Fantasia is a great place to spend a hot summer’s day in Barcelona. The park has 22 waterslides and 3 giant pools for fun things to do in Barcelona for the family. The water park features food options including a small supermarket, pizza, chicken and more. The park caters for younger children and older children with its range of water slides.

The park is only open from June through September to catch the best weather in Barcelona. Water Parks make a fun day trip and are so much fun for kids, you can catch a free shuttle bus to the park or take your own car. Book your skip-the-line tickets today.

Family photo shoot in Barcelona

Photos provide lifelong memories, kids grow up, we get older, and memories fade. A Barcelona family photo shoot will provide you with everlasting memories of your family vacation to Barcelona. Enjoy a fun and relaxed way to capture memories with your family. Book your photoshoot today

Tibidabo Amusement Park

Tibidabo Amusement Park is one of the most popular amusement parks in Barcelona. The park has plenty of roller coasters and carousels that will keep kids hopping for hours.

Located on the top of the Tibidabo mountain, this amusement park offers incredible views of Barcelona’s cityscape. It is Spain’s longest-running amusement park and Europe’s third-oldest.

Barcelona Zoo

The Barcelona Zoo occupies over 14 hectares inside the Parc de la Ciutadella close to the city centre. It was founded in 1892 and is a great family destination and the perfect place to spend the day.

There are over 1,000 animals from all over the world for younger kids to see. Some of the most iconic animals at the zoo include red pandas from China, lions from Africa, and kangaroos from Australia. With something for everyone, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Barcelona’s zoo.

Why not book a combo ticket with entry to both The Barcelona Zoo + The Barcelona Aquarium and save some money on entries

Food in Barcelona

Being by the sea fresh seafood is on the menu at many places throughout Barcelona. One of my favourite dishes is seafood Paella. To find one of the best Paella in Barcelona you don’t need to go to fancy restaurants just head to the local restaurant O’Toxo Tres Hermanos.

It is located a few hundred meters off La Rambla. O’Toxo is a traditional Barcelona restaurant and it is where you will find, without a doubt, some of the best Tapas and Paella in the city.

Kids’ food in Barcelona

If your kids love a burger, the place to head in Barcelona is Bacoa. Bacoa is an independent burger joint opened by 2 Aussies in the late 90s that now has 15 outlets across Barcelona. They serve a good old-fashioned homemade burger and chips with amazing hospitality to match.

If you’re heading to the beach, there is an outlet within walking distance of Barceloneta. You will find a whole range of amazing kid-friendly foods in Barcelona for kids. There are many rice dishes, crumbed and battered fish, calamari and some of the world’s best cold meats.

Croquettes are popular with locals and tourists alike and come filled with potato, fish, ham or chicken. Most restaurants in tourist areas will have a kid’s menu.

The ever-popular Spanish omelette is available everywhere and should suit families on a Barcelona vacation. When it comes to kids with a sweet tooth, you can try Churros both plain and dipped in chocolate and Crema Catalana (a local style custard). You will be sure to find something at local restaurants.

Places for Kids to Eat in Barcelona

Below you will find some kid-friendly places to eat in Barcelona. The food in Barcelona is amazing. Don’t eat on the famous tourist streets such as La Rambla, venture a few streets back to find the real taste of Barcelona

• The Boqueria Market is the main tourist market in the city. On a positive note, it is filled with so much great food.

•  Kasparo It’s a great little tapas bar located on a small city square in the Raval. The square has a kid’s playground right in front of the restaurant. Try the croquettes here.

• La Nena is a cafe and chocolatier made for kids. Not only does it sell one of the best hot chocolates anywhere but also pastries to die for. Through board games and kids’ books and you have a great place for a break in Barcelona.

Weather in Barcelona for a family holiday

Barcelona has a mild Mediterranean climate, making family things to do in Barcelona easily. In summer the average high temperature rises to a peak of around 28°C (82F) in July and August. It hovers in the mid-20s in June and September.

The humidity can be very high during these months making it exhausting even in mild weather The Spring and Autumn weather in Barcelona average between 16 and 22 degrees. Winter brings average low temperatures of 5 degrees and average warm temperatures of 14 degrees.

We hope this article provides you with some great inspiration for things to do in Barcelona with kids If you have had enough of kid’s stuff you will find plenty to do inside and outside of Barcelona. 

There are some amazing galleries, free walking tours, Sagrada Familia and restaurants to try or make a day trip from Barcelona. You will be sure to enjoy your time at popular tourist attractions in this amazing city.

Do I need travel insurance in Spain?
We always say if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. Get your travel insurance now to protect your epic holiday in Spain from any small hiccup.
For Australian travellers, we recommend Fast Cover Travel Insurance
For worldwide travellers, we recommend AXA Travel Insurance

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit Barcelona with your kids. There are so many things to do in and see in Barcelona Spain. For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Spain click through to our Spain Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.

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