Family-Friendly Activities in Barcelona

Eagle-eyed culture fans have long looked to Barcelona for an artsy escape, and families can dive in too thanks to the city’s child-friendly spirit. Whether it’s trippy architecture, avant-garde galleries, or that enticing coastline, kids are welcomed into every inch of this seaside city. From exhibitions aimed at tweens to playgrounds next to tapas bars in star-lit plazas, it is a place where culture and children happily collide.

Is Barcelona Good for Kids?

Charming doesn’t quite cover Barcelona’s architecture. The city is a brightly colored, swirling creature which captures children’s imagination just as much as adults’ and makes sightseeing much more enjoyable for the entire family.

Moreover, the center of Barcelona is relatively small, and lots can be seen and done on foot. Families who do need to take the Metro will find an easy-to-navigate transport system. Look into the T-Familiar ticket (€10), where up to four people can travel eight journeys in 30 days.

While navigating the city’s cobblestoned streets with a stroller isn’t ideal, it’s doable. On the plus side, a buggy can offer sun protection and double up as a portable cot for evenings out. With small babies, a sling might be more convenient for nipping into tiny tapas bars, but they can get very hot in the summer.

Barcelona’s opening hours might be a sticking point for some visitors. Firstly, lots of shops and restaurants adhere to the siesta, which lasts from around 2pm to 4pm. Secondly, everyone eats late – including families. The best restaurants don’t serve food until around 8pm at the earliest. That being said, it is a cosmopolitan city, and there will be options for hungry families at all hours. If possible, join the locals and eat at around 9pm; the kids can sleep in the buggy if need be – no one will bat an eyelid.

Where is Best in Barcelona for Kids?

The fairytale streets of the Ciutat Vella will spark wonder in little ones; they’re lined with cute tapas bars, ancient bodegas, and wonky houses with wrought iron balconies. At lunch, track down one of the many restaurants with playgrounds outside, such as Plaza del Sol, with its climbing frame surrounded by tapas bars, or the lovely vegetarian joint Sopa Barcelona with its huge terrace and enclosed playground.

At times, the busy city center can feel claustrophobic with small kids. When it gets a bit much, take refuge in parks like Parc de la Ciutadella, which is the biggest and best, or beaches if Barceloneta is too busy. There are also family-focused events organized by local galleries, which can be a great way to engage children in art and culture.

Best Things to Do in Barcelona with Kids

With Babies and Toddlers

• Parc de la Ciutadella: Let toddlers waddle free in this 31-hectare oasis, which contains a zoo, museum, whimsical garden center, and a shaded space that hosts free workshops and games for children.
• Tapas Crawl: While the baby naps in the stroller, embark on a mini tapas tour. Try La Cova Fumada’s famous spicy croquettes known as la bomba.
• Hit the Beach: Babies adore plunging their squidgy toes in the sand; while Barceloneta is the closest beach, for a calmer family beach day, travel to Bogatell or Nova Icària, just a couple of kilometers northeast along the coast.

Fun for Older Kids

• Tibidabo Theme Park: This nostalgic fairground is located on top of a high hill, offering breathtaking views, miniature trains, teacup rides, and the iconic Aviò plane.
• Casa Batlló: Children under 12 go free into this incredible mansion; they’ll love the interactive tablets that immerse them in Gaudí-inspired virtual reality.
• Sagrada Familia: This majestic cathedral captivates with its abstract stained glass. There’s a brilliant playground opposite where kids can blow off steam after exploring.
• Mercado de la Boqueria: Plan a picnic with fresh fruits and sandwiches from this vibrant market. A hidden playground nearby offers a fun break for kids.

Planning Tips for Families

Families with small babies take note: Barcelona-El Prat Airport has luggage trolleys with Maxi Cosi seats for babies. Staff at the information point will assist if there aren’t any visible. Traveling light? Bulky items like baby baths, high chairs, and car seats can be rented in Barcelona from local shops.