Why Seville is Great with Kids
When you’re traveling to Spain as a family, it’s reassuring to know your children will be welcomed with warm smiles – the Spanish dote on little ones. As a compact city, Seville is easy to navigate, offering family-friendly cultural, historical, and scientific attractions within a manageable area. Look for a bilingual map marking points of interest for families, called Sevilla con los Peques (Sevilla with Kids).
Activities
1. Acuario de Sevilla
Appropriately located by Seville’s main waterway, the river Guadalquivir, the Acuario de Sevilla features more than 400 aquatic and tropical species in over 40 tanks. The marine creatures are arranged according to the route taken by Ferdinand Magellan on his round-the-world voyage (1519-1522) – departing from the city, down the river to the Atlantic, and onto the tropics. Kids can explore rock pools for starfish and sea urchins, observe baby pipefish in the “nursery,” spot camouflaged lizards and tiny tree frogs in the rainforest, and be mesmerized by jellyfish illuminated with ultra-violet light. The tank is one of Europe’s largest, hosting sharks. On Saturdays at noon, there’s a special workshop for budding marine biologists to examine shark skin and coral skeleton through a microscope. After your visit, cross the street to Parque de Maria Luisa for some outdoor fun or a playground session while admiring the fabulous tiles and magnificent architecture of Plaza de España.
2. Metropol Parasol and Museo Antiquarium
It’s always exciting to view a city from a good vantage point. At Metropol Parasol (take the lift from the basement up to the Mirador), kids will enjoy following the swooping walkway around the “mushrooms” – the largest wooden structure in the world. This contemporary architectural icon is nestled in the historic heart of Seville. The walkway offers breathtaking, 360-degree views from 80 feet high; panels at the highest point indicate important buildings, inviting kids to spot the cathedral or the bridges.
Afterwards, the lift takes you next to Museo Antiquarium, showcasing extraordinary Roman mosaics discovered during construction works.
3. Isla Mágica
No family can resist the allure of a theme park on a sunny day! Your kids will experience thrilling rides at Isla Mágica, a Spanish colonial-themed park outside the city center. While smaller than Disney’s offerings, it provides ample entertainment for a morning or afternoon. Smaller kids can engage in fun water battles from a boat, while older kids will be thrilled by a 50 miles-per-hour rollercoaster and the daredevil Desafio, a 220-feet free-fall with six different intensity modes available for choice. Inside the park, at Agua Magica, you can swim in a wave pool, lounge on a beach, or ride a water slide – perfect for cooling off on a hot day if your accommodation lacks a pool. To minimize wait times, consider obtaining a Fast Track Pass for rides.
4. Caixa Forum
For a more cerebral and creative experience, visit this remarkable subterranean art center beside Torre Sevilla, which houses two exhibition spaces showcasing everything from Tintin to Disney and Greek sculpture to Spanish impressionist painter Sorolla. Each exhibit at Caixa Forum includes a section for kids featuring specially designed activities – handicrafts, image sorting, drawing, and writing short messages that complement the display. Additionally, the center hosts special concerts, workshops, and events themed around science and art for families. Don’t forget to stop by the shop – a treasure trove of colorful books, toys, and games.
5. Pabellon de Navegación
Next to Caixa Forum, this former Expo 1992 (World’s Fair) pavilion now houses the riverfront Pabellon de Navegación, a museum devoted to maritime navigation. After Columbus embarked on his journey in 1492 from nearby Palos de la Frontera, Seville became Spain’s main port – Magellan set off here on his historic circumnavigation of the globe, along with countless fleets of missionaries and merchants. Discover what life was like on board these ships for adventurers, including dietary habits, navigation methods, and treatments for illnesses. Children particularly enjoy interactive video games – steering the ship and shooting pirates. Moreover, you can ascend the 165-feet-high Torre Mirador for spectacular panoramic views over the city.
Recommended Neighborhoods
Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, is full of narrow alleyways and plazas that are entertaining to explore. However, be mindful of little ones as they might easily get lost when turning into a corner. In the Alameda de Hercules, a wide tree-lined plaza with a bohemian atmosphere, you’ll find several playgrounds conveniently located next to bars.
Across the river in Triana, kids can check out the traditional food market, then stroll along the river on Calle Betis and the car-free Paseo de la O. On the opposite bank, Paseo Alcalde Marques de Contadero offers a pleasant, traffic-free stroll where you can view a replica of Magellan’s ship Nao Victoria. The riverside is also perfect for a relaxed family bike ride, extending north to Alamillo Park and south to the Acuario de Sevilla.
How to Get Around
Most attractions in Seville are accessible on foot; however, when little legs grow tired, taxi apps like Cabify or Freenow are convenient options for your family, or you can use an official white taxi. The bus network (Tussam) is exceptional – kids enjoy riding on buses – and if you’re staying outside the center, the Metro offers handy transportation.
