Barcelona with Kids: The Ultimate Exploration Guide

Kristin Espinar

Barcelona with kids offers a myriad of exciting and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation. From the whimsical wonders of Parc Guell to the fascinating array of wildlife at the zoo, the sun-kissed beaches, vibrant playgrounds, enriching museums, and refreshing water parks, there’s something delightful for every member of the family to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, or simply quality time together, this guide will help you navigate the best of Barcelona’s offerings, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Welcome to your ultimate family vacation guide to Barcelona with kids.

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Introduction to Barcelona with Kids

Barcelona is one of Europe’s top family-friendly destinations, with plenty to see and do to keep children engaged and entertained. Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, kid-friendly museums, and architectural landmarks, Barcelona offers a diverse array of activities and experiences perfect for families.

The Mediterranean climate provides mild temperatures year-round, making Barcelona an ideal vacation spot even during the winter months. Summer peaks in July and August with highs around 30°C (86°F), while winters average 15°C (59°F). Barcelona gets little rain compared to other European cities.

Some of the highlights of Barcelona for families include exploring imaginative art and architecture, riding the cable cars up Montjuic for panoramic views, watching street performers in lively plazas, building sandcastles on the beach, or visiting the zoo and aquarium. The city strikes a nice balance between kid-friendly attractions and adult experiences.

The whimsical architecture of Antoni Gaudí draws both children and adults to places like Park Güell and La Sagrada Família. The Gothic Quarter immerses you in medieval ambiance with ancient buildings, narrow alleys, and lively plazas. Museums like CosmoCaixa and the Barcelona Wax Museum fascinate kids with hands-on exhibits and fun activities.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, discover quirky art and architecture, experience Spanish culture, or just keep the kids entertained, Barcelona offers an idyllic family getaway.

Getting There

Barcelona’s main international airport is Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), located about 12 km southwest of the city center. It’s a major hub for flights within Europe and the rest of the world.

Once you land at BCN, there are several transportation options to get into Barcelona city center.

Public Transportation

Train: The airport’s terminals 1 and 2 are connected to Barcelona Sants station in the city center by the RENFE train. The journey takes about 25-30 minutes and trains depart every 30 minutes. Tickets cost around €4 per person each way. This is a convenient option when traveling with kids and luggage.
Bus: The Aerobús is a bus service that operates from right outside the airport terminals to the center of Barcelona, with stops at Plaça Espanya and Plaça Catalunya. Buses run every 5-10 minutes and the journey takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Tickets cost €5.90 one-way or €10.20 roundtrip per person.

Private Vehicles

Taxi: Taking a taxi from the airport to the city center costs around €30-35 and the ride takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Make sure to take only licensed, metered taxis.
Rental Car: All the major car rental companies have desks within the airport terminals. Renting a car can make sense if you plan on doing day trips outside Barcelona. Driving within the city itself is not recommended.
Airport Transfer: If you want to avoid the hassle of trying to figure out how to get to your hotel, especially with a lot of luggage. Try an airport transfer.

Once in Barcelona, the metro system is excellent and stroller/family friendly. Buying a T-10 pass (10 rides) for €10.20 is the most economical option. The metro runs 5am to midnight Sunday through Thursday and non-stop on Fridays and Saturdays.

You may also want to try this Barcelona pass which includes transportation and entrance to some attractions.

Buses, trams, and taxis are also easy to use throughout the city. Most central attractions are walkable for families too.

Accommodation

Barcelona offers a wide variety of family-friendly accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Family-Friendly Hotels

Many hotels in Barcelona cater to families with amenities like connecting rooms, cribs, and babysitting services. Some top picks include Hotel Arts Barcelona, which has 2 outdoor pools, cribs, and soundproofed rooms. Also try Hotel Colón Barcelona, which has babysitting services, onsite laundry and family suites.. The W Barcelona is a luxurious option with blackout drapes, free cribs, arts supplies, and babysitting.

A more budget-friendly hotel option is Hotel Granados 83, which offers cribs, cots, and an outdoor pool.

Apartment Rentals

Renting an apartment is a flexible way to travel with kids, with more space and the convenience of food preparation. The Gothic Quarter and Eixample neighborhoods have central locations with access to attractions. Sites like Airbnb and Vrbo offer family-friendly apartment rentals in all price ranges.

Top Attractions

Barcelona offers many exciting attractions for families with children. Here are some of the top spots to visit:

La Sagrada Familia

No trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting the magnificent Sagrada Familia basilica, designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudí. This awe-inspiring cathedral features towering spires, elaborate facades depicting biblical scenes, and a blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Kids will love craning their necks to take in the sheer size of the church and its many whimsical details. Be sure to take the elevator up one of the towers for panoramic city views. Timed tickets are required for entry. Grab your ticket here.

Parc Güell

Another highlight of any Barcelona family vacation is Parc Güell, also designed by Gaudí. This colorful park is set on a hillside and incorporates viaducts, mosaic-covered benches, stone columns carved like tree trunks, and winding pathways that let kids’ imaginations run wild. Have fun posing for photos on the iconic mosaic salamander statue at the entrance. Wander through the Monumental Zone to see sculptures and buildings integrated with the natural environment. Grab your ticket here.

L’Aquarium de Barcelona

For an underwater adventure, head to L’Aquarium de Barcelona, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Highlights include walking through the 80-meter underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and schools of fish. Other kid favorites include petting the small sharks and rays in the touch pool, watching divers feed the fish, seeing penguins waddle around their enclosure, and experiencing 4D cinema shows about the ocean depths. Grab your ticket here.

Museums

Barcelona has some wonderful museums that are very engaging for kids. Three of the top museums to visit with kids are:

CosmoCaixa

CosmoCaixa is an interactive science museum that features fascinating exhibits on topics like genetics, the solar system, geology, and more. Kids can walk through a recreation of the Amazon rainforest, see geological formations up close, and do hands-on experiments. There’s also a planetarium with space shows. This is included in the Barcelona Pass.

Chocolate Museum

At the Chocolate Museum, kids can learn about the origins and history of chocolate through interactive exhibits. They can see sculptures made of chocolate, smell the diverse aromas of cocoa beans, and even make their own chocolate bar to take home. Chocolate tastings and a chocolate shop are also part of the experience. This is included in the Barcelona Pass.

Wax Museum

Barcelona’s Wax Museum brings famous people to life through hyperrealistic wax figures. Kids can see replicas of stars like Messi, musicians, artists, historical figures, and more. A highlight is snapshots with the wax sculptures. Audio guides provide extra details on each figure.

All three museums deliver immersive, hands-on experiences that make learning about science, history, and art fun for kids. With engaging exhibits, chances for interactivity, and chocolate, they offer family-friendly visits kids will find entertaining and memorable. Grab your ticket here.

Parks & Playgrounds

One of the best parts about visiting Barcelona with kids is all the incredible parks and playgrounds available for them to explore and burn off energy. Three top parks to check out are Parc de la Ciutadella, Parc del Laberint, and Turó Park.

Parc de la Ciutadella

Parc de la Ciutadella is a large and lively green space right in central Barcelona. There’s plenty for kids to enjoy including rental boats on the lake, a small zoo, fountains to play in, plus shady trees to relax under. The playground here is excellent with equipment like swings, monkey bars, and a huge wood and rope climbing structure. There’s also an old-fashioned carousel kids will love riding. Pack a picnic or let the kids play at the cafes and restaurants around the perimeter of the park.

Parc del Laberint

Located on the grounds of an old amusement park, Parc del Laberint has a cool hedge maze plus other fun activities like trampolines, ping pong, and miniature golf. Kids can work their way through the maze of towering hedges, then bounce on the trampolines or play games afterwards. There’s also a nice little cafe here to grab an ice cream and cool down.

Turó Park

In the Gràcia neighborhood, Turó Park is a nice green space situated on top of a hill. Kids will enjoy climbing up the long staircase to the top then exploring the park and looking out over the city views. The playground here has jungle gym equipment, climbing walls, slides, and more to keep them entertained. Make a day of exploring Gràcia then ending at Turó Park so the kids can run around.

There are so many fantastic parks and playgrounds for kids all over Barcelona. Getting outside in the sunshine and fresh air will be a welcome break between visiting all the museums and tourist sights.

Beaches

Barcelona has several excellent beaches that both kids and adults will love. The most family-friendly options include:

Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta Beach is one of Barcelona’s most popular stretches of sand. Located right in the heart of the city, it offers calm, shallow waters that are perfect for younger kids to splash around in. There’s also a promenade behind the beach lined with restaurants, shops, and activities. Barceloneta Beach has lifeguards, showers, changing rooms and is wheelchair accessible.

Nova Icaria Beach

Nova Icaria Beach is another top pick located near Port Olympic. The beach has fine golden sand imported from the Canary Islands. The gentle sloping seabed provides safe swimming conditions. Nova Icaria is very well-equipped with changing rooms, showers, accessible facilities, beach bars and more. You can rent sunbeds and parasols.

Bogatell Beach

Bogatell Beach is just north of Nova Icaria. It’s a bit less crowded but offers beautiful views of the sea. The beach slopes gently into the water, creating a kid-friendly wading area. You’ll find volleyball nets, showers, and equipment rentals available. The surroundings are more peaceful than Barceloneta.

All of Barcelona’s beaches have lifeguards on duty during peak season. They offer a great way for families to relax, play, and enjoy the Mediterranean climate. The facilities, amenities, gentle waves and proximity to the city make these beaches ideal for a day out with kids.

Day Trips

Barcelona makes an excellent base to explore the surrounding areas of Catalonia. Three top day trips with kids are Montserrat, Sitges, and Girona.

Montserrat

About 1 hour northwest of Barcelona is the impressive Montserrat mountain range. Take the rack railway up to the Benedictine monastery at the top for spectacular views. There are hiking trails for families, including an easy 1-hour route to the Santa Cova cave. Little ones will also enjoy feeding the ducks and swans at the Montserrat Natural Park. Check out this day trip option.

Sitges

Sitges is a charming coastal town just 45 minutes southwest of Barcelona by train. It has 17 beaches, ranging from small hidden coves to long sandy stretches perfect for building sandcastles. Wander through the historic center’s narrow cobblestone streets, stopping for churros con chocolate or homemade ice cream. Time permitting, take a quick hike up to the Parc de Garraf for panoramic views. Check out this day trip option.

Girona

The medieval city of Girona, about 1 hour north of Barcelona, transports visitors back in time. Walk along the ancient city walls, cross the picturesque Onyar river, and explore the Jewish Quarter’s labyrinth of narrow alleyways. Let kids burn off energy climbing the 90 steps up the Cathedral’s bell tower. On the way back, make a quick stop in Figueres to see the imaginative works of Salvador Dalí at the Teatre-Museu Dalí. Check out this day trip option.

Food

Barcelona offers lots of excellent dining options for families with children. Here are some top picks for kid-friendly restaurants and fun food experiences:

Kid-Friendly Restaurants

La Paradeta: This popular, no-frills chain serves up classic Catalan seafood dishes like paella and fideua at bargain prices. The casual, cafeteria-style setting is great for families.
Mamarosa: Located right on the beach, Mamarosa has a play area for kids and a menu with pizza, pasta, burgers, and more. It’s a convenient spot for beachgoers.
La Nena: At this bright and modern eatery, kids get their own miniature versions of dishes like quesadillas and build-your-own tacos. There’s also a play area.
El Gran Café: This elegant yet relaxed restaurant in the Born neighborhood does upscale versions of classics like chicken nuggets and fries.

Tapas for Families

Try pintxo (tapas on bread) crawls through neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter, sampling bites as you go. This works well for older kids.
Choose a tapas restaurant with ample seating and order a selection of kid-friendly items to share family-style.
Opt for tapas lunches, when prices are lower and restaurants less crowded than at dinnertime.
Try grilled meat skewers, patatas bravas (fried potatoes with sauce), tortilla (Spanish omelet), and pan con tomate (bread with tomato).

Picnic Ideas

Packing a picnic is a fun, budget-friendly way to eat with kids:

Assemble sandwiches, snacks and beverages to go and enjoy at places like Parc de la Ciutadella or on the beach.
Stop by La Boqueria market to pick up fruit, cheese, cured meats and other tasty bites for an impromptu moveable feast.
Check out Mercat de Santa Caterina for all the makings of a Mediterranean picnic spread.

With plenty of kid-friendly eateries, tapas for sharing, and picnic provisions, dining with children in Barcelona offers lots of appetizing options.

Tips & Essentials

When visiting Barcelona with kids, the best time is generally in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller than peak summer months. Late September through October is a great time with comfortable weather, fewer tourists, and fun festivals.

Getting around the city is easy with Barcelona’s extensive metro system, buses, and taxis. The metro can accommodate strollers, just avoid rush hours.

FAQ’s

Is Barcelona suitable for children?

Absolutely! Barcelona is incredibly child-friendly, offering a wealth of attractions and activities tailored to kids of all ages. From its beautiful beaches and parks to interactive museums and amusement parks, Barcelona provides endless opportunities for fun and adventure for children.

Why is Barcelona suitable for a family?

Barcelona’s family-friendly atmosphere, combined with its diverse range of attractions, makes it an ideal destination for families. The city boasts numerous parks and playgrounds, child-friendly restaurants, and accommodations tailored to families. Additionally, Barcelona’s public transportation system is efficient and accessible, making it easy for families to navigate the city with young children.

How many days do you need in Barcelona?

The ideal duration for a trip to Barcelona can vary depending on your interests and preferences. However, to fully experience the highlights of the city and soak in its vibrant culture, we recommend spending at least 3 to 4 days in Barcelona. This allows ample time to explore popular attractions, enjoy leisurely strolls through charming neighborhoods, and savor the local cuisine.

Is Sagrada Familia good for kids?

While Sagrada Familia may not have traditional child-centric attractions, its awe-inspiring architecture and captivating history can still be appreciated by children. Many kids are fascinated by the towering spires, intricate facades, and colorful stained glass windows of this iconic basilica. Additionally, Sagrada Familia offers audio guides and interactive exhibits that can enhance the experience for older children, making it a worthwhile stop for families visiting Barcelona.

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