A metropolis break with younger youngsters isn’t all the time the primary vacation that springs to thoughts – however Barcelona with youngsters is all the time tempting, not least because of its miles of golden sands. And that’s just the start.
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The metropolis has loads of family-friendly points of interest as properly, some quirky structure that can attraction to all ages, nice museums, an amusement park, soccer, animals, dragon-themed strolling excursions, boat journey, views galore, parks and extra.
Plus in fact, in case your youngsters wish to construct sandcastles and paddle, the seashore is on the doorstep and there’s lot extra coast close by inside a simple day journey from Barcelona with youngsters. So when you’re questioning what to do in Barcelona, learn on for my high ideas.
Barcelona seashore with youngsters
There’s not one however a number of seashores to discover in Barcelona with youngsters, with round 2km of sand stretching from close to Marina Vela (not removed from the port cable automotive) right down to Parc del Port Olimpic alone.
Barceloneta is essentially the most central of the seashores, though this does imply it will get very crowded at weekends and through the summer time, however close by Sant Sebastià (close to the W Hotel) has shallow water that’s good for teenagers.
If you enterprise a bit additional up the coast, there’s more room to be discovered and a few higher seashores in Barcelona for households – to not point out one other 2km of seashores to find.
Platja de Bogatell is quieter and there’s good water for swimming – though it will get deep shortly, so not supreme when you’re visiting Barcelona with toddlers. For essentially the most family-friendly, proceed on to Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella seashores, with a playground close by.
Or it’s straightforward to hop on a prepare and revel in among the Costa Barcelona seashores south of town, together with Castelldefels.
Tibidabo Amusement Park & Sky Walk
You can’t miss Mount Tibidabo throughout a Barcelona household vacation – fairly actually because the hill is 512m excessive and looms over town. But save a while to go to, as even the journey up Tibidabo is enjoyable, together with a tram and a funicular prepare to achieve the highest (or catch the TibiBus).
Once you attain the summit, the Tibidabo Amusement Park is among the many oldest on this planet at over 120 years previous. Thankfully the 25 rides aren’t fairly that vintage, together with a ferris wheel and carousels or rollercoasters which whirl excessive above town, plus Talaia, the best level within the metropolis with a 360 diploma view from 550m above sea stage.
There’s a single entry payment to the amusement park so you’ll be able to’t pay for particular person rides: it’s price checking the totally different peak restrictions relying how tall your youngsters are.
But you don’t have to pay a penny for the views right down to Barcelona from the Tibidabo Sky Walk, that are incredible. The Panoramic Area is totally free to go to and you may see so far as Montserrat, over 30 miles away, on a transparent day.
There are additionally extra views from the tower of the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, the church which crowns Mount Tibidabo, so it’s straightforward to whereas away loads of time up the mountain. Just be sure you don’t miss the final prepare downhill!
Automaton Museum
Along the Sky Walk, you’ll additionally discover the curious Automaton Museum, simply one of the crucial uncommon Barcelona household points of interest so as to add to your wishlist.
The assortment of greater than 40 items contains every thing from coin-operated figures to classic mechanical video games and toys, a few of which date again to the nineteenth century – the oldest was created in 1880, though there are extra trendy additions from the twenty first century as properly.
One of the best collections of its sort, with fashions from a string of nations, the quirky reveals are in pristine situation.
Mirador Collserola Tower
While you’re close to Tibidabo Amusement Park, there are extra views to find when you head as much as the commentary deck of the enduring Mirador-Collserola Tower.
Standing 445m excessive, its commentary deck is 560m above sea stage and from the Mirador Torre Collserola, you’ll be able to see so far as 70km on a transparent day.
The viewing platform is on the tenth stage, however there’s a quick carry whisking you up there in round two and a half minutes.
You’re additionally contained in the Sierra de Collserola Natural Park, so it’s straightforward to take pleasure in a stroll when you’re in search of one thing extra lively to do.
L’Aquarium Barcelona at Port Vell
You can spot 451 separate species and an astonishing 11,000 totally different creatures within the 35 totally different tanks and habitats at Barcelona Aquarium.
Located at Port Vell, it’s only a 10-minute stroll from the Columbus Monument on the finish of La Rambla, with loads to tempt the entire household – youthful youngsters can benefit from the contact swimming pools or making an attempt to identify Nemo in one of many smaller tanks, for instance.
The big Oceanarium, with 4.5 million litres of water, has shifting walkways to take you round, passing beneath a glass tunnel alongside the way in which: recognizing the 80 or so species, together with sharks and manta rays, is unforgettable. There are occasional particular occasions like ‘ Sleeping with Sharks’ that are sensible for older youngsters as properly.
Open year-round, there are many further household actions to take pleasure in as properly, plus when you’re unfortunate sufficient to spend a wet day in Barcelona with youngsters, it’s an excellent possibility.
Cosmocaixa Science Museum
If your youngsters are into science and nature, then a visit to the Cosmocaixa Science Museum (or Museo de la Ciencia CosmoCaixa to present it its correct identify) is unmissable.
One of the largest museums in all of Spain, you’re greeted by a determine of Albert Einstein, earlier than spiralling down 5 flooring to the basement, weaving round an Amazonian tree.
Designed to be interactive, youngsters are inspired to get arms on with lots of of experiments overlaying every thing from maths and geology to chemistry and extra.
Along the way in which, you’ll discover the Flooded Forest, a formidable recreation of 1,000 sq. metres of Amazonian rainforest ecosystem, inhabited by piranhas, crocodiles, plus different animal and plant species, in addition to taking a journey by way of the evolution of life on our planet within the Room of Matter.
Entry is included within the Barcelona Go City Explorer Pass and the Barcelona Card cross
Museu de Xocolata (Chocolate Museum)
What form of museum are you able to assure that children will love? A chocolate museum, in fact. The Museu de Xocolata even features a chocolate bar with entry.
There’s a critical aspect, so you’ll be able to see how necessary chocolate has been to the historical past and commerce of Barcelona – as soon as the primary port the place cacao was necessary and distributed – in addition to quirky particulars together with the actual fact it was as soon as given to the military in its rations, and as soon as utilized in drugs.
For a a lot much less critical aspect, there are some incredible youngsters’s actions to find too: every thing from making a chocolate sculpture and drawing with melted chocolate, to excursions aimed toward three to six-year-olds.
Easily one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Barcelona for households, even with out tasting the completed product – though clearly there’s loads of probability to try this too.
Montjuic Magic Fountain
Designed for the 1929 Universal Exhibition, the Montjuic Magic Fountain was restored in 1992 for the Olympics, and it’s a spectacular show of color, gentle, movement and music – excellent when you’re in search of enjoyable issues to do with youngsters in Barcelona within the night.
The shifting water jets in a shifting rainbow of color are synchronised to music as 2,600 litres of water are pumped by way of each second. If you’re significantly fortunate, chances are you’ll be there for one of many accompanying firework shows.
Closed throughout January and February, there are extra restricted shows in spring and winter, however these do happen at earlier instances – often 8pm or 8.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
During the summer time months, from June to September, there are shows from Wednesday to Sunday, usually at 9.30 and 10pm.
Casa Batllo
Renowned structure Antoni Gaudi’s distinctive model is an unmissable a part of a go to to Barcelona with youngsters – even when your loved ones wouldn’t usually take a detour to identify structure, don’t miss Casa Batllo not less than.
One of essentially the most central of Gaudi’s designs, the fantastical home is finest identified for its cranium and bone impressed balconies and particulars, and homes a museum.
Part of the Manzana de la Discordia, or block of Discord, it’s one among a sequence of buildings in Passeig de Gracia (and doubtless essentially the most well-known).
Inside you’ll be able to study this jewel of Modernism, plus there are two new immersive rooms, the Gaudí Dome and the Gaudí Cube, that are a enjoyable interactive possibility for teenagers.
For one other enjoyable technique to take pleasure in Gaudi’s works with youngsters, attempt the Gaudi Experience – in addition to a small exhibition, there’s a 4D expertise appropriate for ages 6+ to immerse you within the artist’s world
Sagrada Familia
However many instances you’ve visited Barcelona, you’ll be able to’t miss the great Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s masterpiece which was begun in 1882 and remains to be being constructed.
Getting ever nearer to completion, now you can go to among the cathedral’s towers – that are persevering with to vary Barcelona’s skyline – in addition to having fun with the quirky structure and fabulous colors.
Like all Gaudi’s work, the small print and sometimes fantastical really feel means it should attraction to youngsters in addition to adults – decide up a skip-the-line ticket to the Sagrada Familia to keep away from the queues.
Park Güell
Park Güell is a large personal park within the north of Barcelona that’s well-known for its many architectural parts designed Gaudí.
Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, the distinctive gardens are crammed with distinctive modernist buildings, uncommon sculptures, damaged tile mosaics, and many extra.
From the colorful Salamander staircase to the fairytale-esque gatehouse, the magical park is bound to fascinate visitors of all ages.
Away from the monuments, you too can observe the various trails and pathways by way of the luxurious forest to find some gorgeous viewpoints over town.
Explore by Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Barcelona is an enormous and sprawling metropolis, that means it isn’t the quickest or best vacation spot to maneuver round. Fortunately, the Bus Turístic is a handy technique to journey round Barcelona for households with youthful youngsters who could battle strolling lengthy distances.
The bus runs 2 totally different routes – the Blue route and the Red route – providing you with the choice to cease at over 40 of town’s most well-known landmarks and standard neighbourhoods, so it’s a extremely youngster pleasant technique to see and expertise extra of the Catalan capital.
As you journey round Barcelona, there’s an audio commentary, so youngsters can study in regards to the websites whereas having fun with 360 diploma views from the highest deck of the open-top double-decker bus.
Take a strolling tour
If you’re in search of a strolling tour of Barcelona for teenagers, there are a string of various decisions that are excellent for protecting youngsters entertained as you discover.
The Dragons, Giants and Kings tour is an element household strolling tour, half scavenger hunt because it whisks you thru 2,000 years of town’s historical past, whereas this dragon-themed tour contains fixing riddles as you stroll and this household strolling tour options sweets together with giants.
This strolling tour with youngsters takes you thru Barcelona’s medieval quarter, with a aspect of churros and chocolate, plus there’s a two-hour strolling tour of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s Barri Gotic.
Bike by way of Barcelona
If you’d wish to see extra of Barcelona than simply strolling, there are some nice household biking excursions to attempt as properly.
This two-hour Barcelona bike tour for households is a good way to get an summary of town, pedalling by way of the Old Town, previous the seashore, by way of parks and to the previous harbour. Plus it’s appropriate for all ages over one 12 months.
Or enterprise even additional – with out an excessive amount of effort – with an e-bike tour of Barcelona, which heads out to Montjuic and the Olympic Stadium in addition to the previous harbour, Gothic Quarter and Born space of town.
Take a ship journey
For a household metropolis break by the ocean, you shouldn’t miss the prospect to see Barcelona from the water with one of many boat journeys obtainable.
One of the most well-liked boat excursions in Barcelona is seeing the seashores and skyline with Golondrinas Tours. There’s a selection of two brief excursions: the 60-minute possibility, which takes you alongside the coast, or a 40-minute cruise on a basic wood boat across the port.
For an extended and extra luxurious boat tour of Barcelona for teenagers, this household crusing tour is appropriate for kids aged 8+, with an opportunity to study some extra in regards to the metropolis as you sail alongside.
Eat at La Boqueria
La Boqueria market is one among Barcelona’s hottest vacationer points of interest and an excellent place to discover with youthful guests to town as properly.
Located simply off Las Ramblas, the massive meals market sells nearly each sort of meals you’ll be able to consider, from recent fruit and greens to ready-to-eat tapas, fabulous juice and a lot extra.
Even when you’re solely shopping relatively than shopping for, the colorful market is an thrilling expertise for kids, with energetic merchants peddling their assorted produce to the hundreds of holiday makers who cross by daily.
Grab a fruit smoothie and take a wander by way of the market to see what tempting treats you’ll find. It’s additionally supreme when you’re questioning the place to eat in Barcelona with youngsters, as you might decide up a picnic to take pleasure in in one of many metropolis’s parks or on the seashore.
Drink at El Bosc de les Fades
At the underside of La Rambla, round a 10-minute from La Boqueria (and the same distance from the aquarium), you’ll find fairies at El Bosc de les Fades.
A restaurant-bar with its personal distinctive promoting level, it’s touristy for certain, however nonetheless a magical spot to pause for a drink in Barcelona for households.
Head there through the daytime when it’s much less busy, and you may uncover the fairy grotto and sweeping bushes which rework the courtyard, full with woodland sounds and the occasional pretend storm.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella is an exquisite historic park to the northeast of Barcelona’s central Gothic Quarter, the Barri Gotic, and simply the most effective free issues to do with youngsters in Barcelona.
The 70-acre park has loads to do for guests of all ages and is a superb place to flee the bustle of the busy metropolis centre for some time.
You can pack a picnic and revel in a peaceable lunch amongst the luxurious greenery whereas the little ones run round and stretch their legs. There’s additionally a pond in the course of the park the place you’ll be able to rent rowing boats to go out on the water, and two youngsters playgrounds.
The massive woolly mammoth is the park’s most iconic attraction. The life-sized sculpture is all the time an enormous hit in Barcelona for teenagers who can climb its trunk for a enjoyable picture opp.
Parc de la Ciutadella can also be house to the metropolis’s Zoo, one other of the highest issues to do with youngsters in Barcelona.
Barcelona Zoo
One of the world’s largest metropolis zoos, Barcelona Zoo is house to over 2,000 animals, in addition to being concerned in a string of conservation programmes.
Set in Parc de la Ciutadella, it’s straightforward to whereas away a few hours exploring, as you notice every thing from Catalan donkeys to Komodo dragons, to not point out gorillas, giraffes, birds and bugs.
There are additionally common talks, together with the prospect to study extra in regards to the zoo’s penguins and sea lions, plus further household actions.
If you’re visiting Barcelona with youngsters who love animals, there’s additionally a joint ticket for Barcelona zoo and aquarium plus the zoo is included within the Barcelona Family Fun Pass
Ride Barcelona’s cable vehicles
Barcelona has two cable vehicles; the Port Cable Car and the Telefèric de Montjuic.
The older Port Cable Car runs from Barceloneta seashore, over the historic harbour, and ends on the Miramar viewpoint on Montjuïc hill. The extra trendy Telefèric de Montjuïc then continues the journey as much as the summit of Montjuïc hill.
The cable vehicles are a enjoyable technique to discover Barcelona with youngsters and see town from a singular perspective.
You can simply switch between the 2 cable vehicles on Montjuïc hill, with the stations sitting simply 200 metres aside, though you’ll need to buy separate tickets.
If you’d relatively journey only one, we’d advocate leaping on the funicular at Paral-lel metro station to Telefèric de Montjuïc. You can then take the scenic 750-metre-long journey as much as Montjuïc Castle on the mountain’s summit.
Admire the views from Montjuïc Castle
Once you attain the mountain’s summit on the Telefèric de Montjuïc, you’ll discover mediaeval Montjuic Castle. The massive navy fortress dates again to the seventeenth century and was constructed 173 metres above sea stage to supply a strategic vantage level over town and waters.
As you go to the citadel, take a stroll alongside the ramparts for wonderful panoramic views over town, the port, and the Mediterranean sea. There’s additionally an attention-grabbing customer’s centre that takes you thru the historical past of the citadel and area.
Alternatively, take a stroll across the citadel’s exterior and the encircling park, which is house to some enjoyable slides, a playground, and loads of extensive open house for little ones to take pleasure in.
Take a tour of Camp Nou
A go to to Camp Nou is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Barcelona with youngsters who love soccer. Home to one of many world’s finest soccer golf equipment – FC Barcelona – the stadium grounds are open to the general public for guided and audio-guided excursions on non match days.
On a stadium tour, you’ll get to go to the pitch, dugout, stands, dressing rooms, gamers tunnel, trophy room, and press field.
Along the route, you’ll discover quite a few enjoyable household picture alternatives, together with the prospect to take a photograph together with your favorite participant – with the assistance of a inexperienced display and photoshop, not less than.
Kids will even benefit from the further (paid) actions, comparable to capturing in opposition to the Robokeeper or experiencing the Camp Nou pitch in 360 digital actuality.
Tickets to Camp Nou additionally embody entry to the FC Barcelona Museum, the place guests of all ages will take pleasure in studying in regards to the historical past of the membership and its most legendary gamers.
Poble Espanyol
One of the most effective museums in Barcelona for teenagers, Poble Espanyol is a singular open-air museum that shows the architectural types and cultural heritage from totally different areas of Spain.
Translating to ‘Spanish village’, the 49,000-square metre gallery is designed to imitate a conventional Spanish village, proper within the coronary heart of the Catalan capital.
You can wander by way of the slim streets to find charming city squares, historic buildings, and among the most well-known landmarks from throughout the nation.
Kids also can get arms on with the standard arts and crafts workshops, from glass blowing to wicker basket making and extra. Plus, preserve an eye fixed out for particular household actions, reveals, and concert events going down on the museum all year long.
Big Fun Museum & Museum of Illusions
The Big Fun Museum is an entertaining family-friendly museum crammed with mind-boggling illusions and interactive exhibitions which are certain to excite youngsters (and youngsters at coronary heart).
Perfect for a number of hours of foolish household enjoyable, you’ll be able to try to remain upright within the Topsy-Turvy House, get misplaced in a fascinating wonderland with Alice by way of the Looking Glass, dive into the ball pool, and even study essentially the most excessive psychiatric strategies all through historical past on the Museum of Madness.
For an extra payment, you too can go to the close by Museum of Illusions, the place you’ll be able to snap much more enjoyable household pictures with wonderful 3D artworks and mysterious illusions.
If you do plan to go to each, it’s price shopping for a combo ticket upfront to get a reduction.
How to get round Barcelona with youngsters
With the metro, trams and buses, it’s very straightforward to get round Barcelona on public transport with youngsters and kids beneath 4 journey free.
The centre of town can also be very walkable, whilst you can simply rent bikes when you’re visiting with older youngsters.
The hop on hop off vacationer bus can also be a great way to get from A to B, in addition to serving to you discover town, whereas the funicular and cable vehicles are a enjoyable further that you just don’t discover in all cities.
There are numerous totally different tickets and journey passes obtainable, which can be utilized throughout the general public transport community (remember that single tickets might not be legitimate to do that, particularly when you’re altering the kind of transport).
Or there are additionally day passes and longer journey playing cards to select from. The different possibility is to purchase a Barcelona Card (or Barcelona Family Card) which incorporates free public transport, with 3, 4 and 5 day playing cards.
It’s additionally straightforward to journey alongside the coast and additional afield for day journeys from Barcelona by prepare – relying in your vacation spot, digital tickets aren’t all the time obtainable so chances are you’ll want to purchase them on the station.
Check out my ideas for visiting the Costa Barcelona too, the coast simply exterior town to the north, in addition to the most effective issues to do in Sitges with youngsters, a simple day journey to the south
*First printed 2013, final up to date 2022*
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