22 awesome things to do on family vacations in Barcelona

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

From the Gothic Quarter’s colourful streets to the Mediterranean coast’s golden beaches, 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!

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

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

From ground level 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 the 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 city’s Gothic and El Born quarters (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 streets that crisscross the city.

This is a great family-friendly tour for kids in Barcelona. Another option is bike rental on your family vacation to Barcelona. You can then go at your own pace in Barcelona for children.

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

You may ask, what to do with kids in Barcelona? Remember when we said earlier look 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 cross 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. It is a must and one of the best Barcelona family attractions, as it is fun and 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. You will see 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 leave you in awe. The Montjuic fountain has over 7,000 different combinations. The light shows are twice daily, usually between 8 pm and 9 pm, making it one of the best things to do with toddlers in Barcelona.

Best of all, it 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, many sandy beaches are great for swimming. The calm waters of the Mediterranean are perfect for kids and parents alike.

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

Many families go down to the beach on a warm day in Barcelona.

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 primarily geared towards fans of the iconic Italian sports car brand. However, that doesn’t mean that kids won’t enjoy it too. Several attractions at the park are designed specifically for younger visitors.

One of the highlights for kids will likely 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, 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 – family Barcelona holidays

PortAventura World is a popular theme park and resort in Salou, just outside 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 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, including a pirate-themed play area and a shallow pool with mini-slides.

PortAventura World is a great destination for families and thrill-seekers, 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. 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, 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 ride the doubledecker bus, little walking is involved, and the whole family gets 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 a smart way for your family to see Barcelona easily without navigating the metro system. The bus has three different routes in 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

A cafeteria is on the top floor of the EL Court Engles shop located on Plaza Espanya. The cafeteria serves yummy cakes and foods for lunch or just a snack.

The real bonus of the Cafeteria is the all-encompassing view of Barcelona; 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 snack while enjoying the views. A visit to Barcelona is one of the great ideas for families.

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 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 summer are good value.

This was one of our favourite things to do for kids in Barcelona. It was one of those easy activities 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 family activities in Barcelona. The Maritime Museum is 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 amazed us all.

Talk about a kid-friendly museum in Barcelona. This is it. Displays include a wooden submarine and 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 be the best tour for fathers and sons in Barcelona. The gift shop is great for buying a kid’s Barcelona jersey.

Barcelona with kids – La Boqueria Market

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, I’m a sugar lover, too!) If lollies are not your thing, you can’t go past a juice or fruit stand.

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 there, but it is worth a look.

If you are staying for a little while in Barcelona with a family, try to 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 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 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

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

The seven 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 worrying 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

things to do with toddlers in Barcelona – visit a park

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

Parc de la Ciutadella: Barcelona’s most famous park 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 has a large hedge maze that kids will love exploring. 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 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, a playground area, 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 perfect for kids to splash around.

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

Imaginarium

Imaginarium is like a gigantic playground for families, offering everything imaginable.

Imagine this: a special salon just for kids’ haircuts, a restaurant where little chefs can get creative, a huge bookstore with stories from around the world, and a store filled with stylish shoes for the little ones.

And that’s not all – there’s a place for decorating, cool kids’ cosmetics, a special travel agency just for families, sparkly jewellery, and even a spot for all things tech!

The Museu de la Xocolata – tourist attraction

Suppose 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.

One of the museum’s highlights 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 three giant pools for fun things for the family in Barcelona.

The water park features food options, including a small supermarket, pizza, chicken and more. The park caters to younger 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

Family tourism in Barcelona is alive and well with places like this. Tibidabo Amusement Park is one of the most popular amusement parks in Barcelona. The park has many roller coasters and carousels to 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.

Things to do in Barcelona, Spain with family- visit the Zoo

The Barcelona Zoo occupies over 14 hectares of 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 and 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 paellas in Barcelona, you don’t need to go to fancy restaurants; 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.

If you’re heading to the beach, there is an outlet within walking distance of Barceloneta. You will find a 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 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. For kids with a sweet tooth, you can try Churros 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’s family-friendly restaurants.

• 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 it also has pastries to die for. Through board games and kids’ books, you have a great place to take a break in Barcelona.

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 in Barcelona to wander is extremely important for families travelling with kids.

Here, we’ve got some information to help you plan your family vacation in Barcelona to make your family holidays with kids completely hassle-free.

Where to stay in Barcelona with kids

You’ll never be short of options for your family’s accommodation in Barcelona. The Catalan capital has various hotels, apartments, and hostels for families. You can find some amazing hotel rooms for your family stay.

• Hotel Arts Barcelona:
  • Located on the beachfront.
  • Offers family rooms and suites.
  • Features an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views of the city.
• Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona:
  • Central location on Passeig de Gràcia.
  • Family rooms are available.
  • Rooftop terrace with a pool and stunning views.
• Hotel SB Diagonal Zero Barcelona:
  • Situated near the beach and Diagonal Mar Shopping Center.
  • Family rooms and suites.
  • Offers a rooftop pool and a children’s play area.
• Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel:
  • It is located in Port Vell, near the Gothic Quarter.
  • Family rooms with harbour views.
  • Features a swimming pool.

If you’re not keen on any of our picks for family vacations in Barcelona 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 for families exploring Barcelona attractions, an apartment is the best choice for your family vacation.

There are many budget-friendly options for singles and families in Barcelona in places all over the city, like the Las Ramblas or El Born. You can search VRBO for tourist-class apartments in cities worldwide.

If you’re looking for something fancier, discover Plum Guide’s exceptional luxury apartments, handpicked for their stunning views, prime locations, and indulgent amenities. With meticulous quality checks and a focus on unique experiences, they offer the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Experience the extraordinary and create unforgettable memories in these truly special accommodations.

How to get to Barcelona

Being the most popular city in Spain, Barcelona is connected by highways in all directions, long-distance buses, trains, and planes, which all bring people to the city daily. This easily makes Barcelona one 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, so 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 go on a road trip with kids in Spain.

How to get around Barcelona

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

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 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 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 Barcelona. 

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

Frequently asked questions about Barcelona Family Travel.

There are many frequently asked questions about visiting Barcelona with Children, especially from families. Is Barcelona family friendly?. Below, we try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about travel in Barcelona.

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

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