Top Family-Friendly Activities in Barcelona
Barcelona – laid-back, beautiful and right on the beach – is a great city to bring kids, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Many of Barcelona’s top attractions won’t cost you a penny. Long, sandy beaches overlooking the Med, fairy tale Modernista architecture, fun-packed museums full of attractions, and shady parks with labyrinths and giant slides – Barcelona offers a plethora of free activities that appeal to children!
Mad Modernista Architecture
You can’t visit Barcelona without exploring the city’s astounding Modernista architecture, especially when traveling with kids. These enchanting, storybook buildings will captivate children with their whimsical shapes, reminiscent of dragon bones and witches’ hats, and their dazzling colors. Take a stroll along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia and admire La Pedrera, Gaudí’s famous structure that resembles ice cream. Another Gaudí treasure, Casa Batlló, known as the ‘House of Bones’, is inspired by the legend of St George with its dragon-like facade. Don’t miss the whimsical Park Güell, where you can enjoy free access to its beautiful entrance pavilions and gardens.
Play Areas, Open Spaces, and Gardens
Even within the busy streets of Barcelona, there are ample playgrounds for kids to unleash their energy. Notable spots include the impressive dragon slide at the Parc de l’Espanya Industrial and a picturesque boating lake filled with ducks at the Parc de la Ciutadella. Montjuïc is home to various lush gardens for picnicking and outdoor fun, with favorites like the Jardins de Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer, where kids can watch tadpoles, and Jardins Joan Brossa, which offers outdoor musical instruments. Make sure to experience the enchanting Font Mágica, a dazzling fountain that captivates audiences with its evening light shows.
Museums and Galleries
Even during Barcelona’s sunny days, occasional rain can occur. Museums are ideal for such days, particularly as many feature engaging hands-on activities. The CosmoCaixa science museum and the Museu Blau natural history museum are free for under-16s, featuring amazing exhibits including an Amazon rainforest exhibit and interactive displays. For art-loving kids, the Museo Picasso and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya provide free entry at select times, allowing families to admire Catalan art and stunning sonorous rooftop views. Young adventurers can explore the Maritime Museum, which features a full-sized replica of a 16th-century galleon, allowing creativity to blossom.
Fun on the Beaches
Barcelona’s sandy beaches stretch almost 5km along the stunning Mediterranean coast, offering one of the best free days out in the city. Kids can revel in the sun, sea, and sand, exploring the climbing frames, ping pong tables (just bring your own equipment), a skateboard park behind Platja de la Mar Bella, and many beach volleyball courts. However, you might want to keep a few euros handy for that refreshing ice cream treat!
Instagrammable Viewpoints
For social media enthusiasts, Barcelona is a paradise for capturing memorable photos. An iconic location is the Carmel bunkers on the Turó de la Rovira, a former civil war installation that offers panoramic views of the city and breathtaking sunsets. Additionally, the city is adorned with fantastic street art, including the Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies in Poble Sec, a vibrant spot ideal for those edgy Instagram-worthy shots.
