Something that never fails to surprise me is how child friendly Barcelona is. Children are included in almost all aspects of life, and, coming from the UK, it was a complete novelty for me to see young kids playing outside or in restaurants until gone 11pm. It is, therefore, a great destination if you’re travelling with kids. So, if you’ve already exhausted Ann-Marie’s suggestions in her article on Museum Culture for Kids, here’s a list of lively attractions to keep the little ones entertained during their stay.
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Attractions suitable for kids and families in Barcelona
Tibidabo
This amusement park dates from the year 1889 which gives this place a charming retro vibe and it couldn’t have a more perfect setting. With spectacular views overlooking the city, it is great for adults and children alike. There is a range of rides from old-fashioned to more modern ones. Here is a tip for you: Feel free to bring your own picnic and enjoy the scenery.
Jardins de la Torre de les Aigües
Right in the city centre, this old water tower has been turned into a swimming pool and a small park. It is sanded area in the middle of Eixample is frequented by families with smaller children. It’s not a huge park, but it is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the streets and is ideal for cooling off in the summer months.
Barcelona Zoo
Home to more than 4,000 animals, this is a fantastic place to take kids. They offer pony rides, dolphin and sea lion shows (most in Spanish or Catalan) as well as play areas within the zoo’s grounds. If you plan on visiting both the Tibidabo amusement park and the zoo, check the TibiZoo ticket for discounts. Barcelona Zoo website.
Barcelona Aquarium
This is the largest Mediterranean-themed aquarium in the world, however, it covers a vast range of other habitats. Its big draw is the underwater tunnel, meaning you can walk along with sharks and other fish swimming over your head. It is bound amaze. Aquarium website.
Barcelona Bosc Urbà
This urban adventure park means your kids can hang around (quite literally) on zip wires, nets and bungee chords without having to venture far outside the city centre. There is a choice of different circuits of differing difficulty to choose from to cater for all ages. Bosc Urbà website.
Mosaiccos
If they’re feeling inspired after seeing some of Gaudí’s works, these workshops give a short introduction to the world of mosaic art. Kids will learn how to handle the various tools and materials and be given guidance while making their own work of art they can take home at the end. Mosaiccos website.
Port Aventura Theme and Water Park
This amusement park is about an hour and a half from Barcelona, but it is great for older children or those who have a more adventurous side. With European record-breaking rides (like Europe’s highest Rollercoaster), this park has 6 themed areas to choose from. You can guarantee they won’t get bored. It also has a separate water park. From bolting down rapids to surfing the waves, it is a great opportunity to make the most of summer sun. Port Aventura website.
It is well worth looking into these attractions in advance to make sure you take advantage of any discounts and also you can arrange around any shows or activities that may be available. Come rain or shine, there is always something to keep kids amused in Barcelona.
If you are thinking of visiting Barcelona with your children, don’t miss our special post Gaudí for kids: a family guide for Barcelona, the best way of making the most of Gaudí while having fun all the way.
Photograph by Agnieszka
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