Barcelona with Kids. Why and Where ...

Take your children and step back into the old world charm of Barcelona. A distinct city in Catalonia, this 1992 Olympian site offers something for everyone and delivers it with a flair only the people of Barcelona have. The vendors, attractions, walkways, and locals are very family-friendly. There are puppet shows, vendors selling toys, and family day excursions. Everyone will enjoy this trip. There are many benches, umbrellas, shaded trees, and canopies sprinkled among the city for tired and hot children. Walk the streets wide enough for strollers to see the local artwork, taste the cuisine of the city, and meander among the various parks. Or visit the beaches and zoos for family fun. Barcelona offers endless family entertainment and memories of a lifetime.

5 Reasons Why Barcelona with kids:

1. The history and culture are accessible and entertaining for children
2. The locals are friendly and love children
3. The expansive walkways and metro make getting to the venues easy when carrying strollers and backpacks
4. Many entertainment choices are offered for families
5. Your children will form an appreciation for Catalan art and not even know that they are being educated because of the fun and hands-on nature of the exhibits, museums, and tours

Barcelona is a city fit for a family adventure. The history, culture, architecture, cuisine, shopping, and educational opportunities for a family are never-ending. Go ahead book a trip for the family today. Visit Barcelona!

Things You Need to Know When Getting Ready to Travel to Barcelona

1. Travel in Barcelona can involve lines, and at times those lines and the wait for the taxi or metro can belong. Book a hotel in the Raval Gothic Quarter, so the family can walk to the excursions and head back to the hotel when the children get tired. Hotel Market is affordable and located near Mercat de Sant Antoni and the Raval Gothic Quarter. Skip the lines!
2. If you do need public transportation, the metro is easy to use and most all attractions are situated near metro stops. You can purchase metro travel cards in different increments and durations. There is not a family package, but the 2, 3, 4, or 5 day unlimited travel plan allows you to use the metro, bus, tram, local train, and the regional train. You can pre-purchase at http://www.tmb.cat/en/home.
3. The city is family-friendly and life long memories will be made. Do not forget your camera.
4. Dress for comfort, but know that the Catalans care about how they look. Pack dresses for the girls and dress pants for the boys if you plan on visiting any cathedrals. Bring comfortable walking shoes.
5. All seasons are conducive for family travel. Barcelona does have a rainy season: April, and the summer months can get hot and humid. Bring hats and sunscreens for everyone if you visit in the summertime. 

Our 7 Top Recommendations to Barcelona with Kids:

Parc Guell

Antoni Gaudi I Cornet is a Catalan architect. His home/museum is situated in Parc Guell. As you tour the grounds, you will be guided by an audio tour via radio. There are no set tour times; you may start as you enter the grounds or house. It opens at ten and closing time varies during the year, but the times are posted at the site and online. Inside and outside you will discover examples of the fantasy and fairytale type Gaudi work such as the home and the furniture in the home. The children will love the dragon sculpture.

• Gaudi is one of the most famous artists of Barcelona. Bring your family to his home so they can get a sense of his work and enjoy the lovely grounds.
• A wild and warped bench weaves around the park perimeter. It is good for tired children and parents who may need a respite.
• The grounds are large and great for children who might have the energy to burn. Because the area is large wear comfortable walking shoes and brings a stroller for the younger children.
• Through the audio tour, ground guides, and informational placards the family will learn about Gaudi in his element.
• The lines in entering Parc Guell and to enter the museum home can be lengthy. Wear comfortable shoes and bring the stroller.

http://www.parkguell.es/en/portada

La Rambla

Rambla extends from the city center to the port. The three-kilometer walk runs through five distinct districts before it ends at the Columbus statue. Your children will love the street show for kids in La Boqueria market. To dip your family into the middle of culture, food, and people of the city include this tree-lined wide walkway on your Barcelona itinerary.

Important to Know When You Are Taking the Kids:

• Stop and have a street artist sketch a family portrait.
• Buy flowers from a local vendor.
• Let the children run through the Cantaleta fountain. Tradition says once you drink from it, you will keep returning to Barcelona.
• At Rambla de Sant Josep let the children trace with their hands the mosaic by artist Joan Miro. Or have them count the different colored and shaped tiles for fun.
• Make sure the family takes a picture beside the 60m tall Columbus monument.

http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/La-Rambla/_xMCfM9AMDl_lKCezjRpMoGJiIpYeTZYhe7lbJhRdnng

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Photo by Iván Melenchón Serrano

Built-in just one year for the World Fair 1929, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc delights visitors of all ages, coming from all around the world. Highly recommended if you come to Barcelona with your family, it is an artistic mixture of water plays, music, lights, and colors.

Despite restorations after the Civil War and the complete renovation before the 1992 Olympic Games, the Magic Fountain keeps most of its original mechanisms.

Every second, 2,600 liters of water are pumped through the fountain, using a water recirculation system, to create a spectacular show, with plays of water and waterfalls. Kids will enjoy it to the max!

Important to Know When You Are Taking the Kids:

• Performances of light and music are held usually on weekends and last for about 30 minutes, including soundtracks from movies, classical and modern sheets, traditional Spanish music;
• Having the lighted National Palace in the background creates an even more spectacular view, so visit the place around sunset;
• The place is crowded with tourists, so pay attention to the children and pickpockets.

http://www.bcn.cat/parcsijardins/fonts/EN/magica.html

Tibidabo Amusement Park

Photo by Lalupa / CC BY-SA 3.0

Tibidabo is a 100-years old park symbolizing Barcelona, a place you cannot miss if you are visiting the city with your kids. There are over 25 rides that you can try, from classical trains for small children to themed routes that carry the children into a fairy world, crashing cars and a rollercoaster. You and the kids can have a good laugh visiting Miramiralls, the famous hall of mirrors, one of the first attractions in the Park. Also, you shouldn’t miss the Sky Walk, offering a marvelous overview of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

Important to Know When You Are Taking the Kids:

• Purchase tickets online; the website is well-structured and gives you all the information that you need;
• Access to various attractions and rides in the park is related to the kids’ height, so you can check the allowed locations according to your family members;
• There are plenty of restaurants and food courts and also a picnic area, so you can have lunch right there in the park.

http://www.tibidabo.cat%20/

Montjuïc Castle

 By Sergi Larripa / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Take your kids into a cable-car ride to visit Barcelona’s castle of Montjuïc. Built starting with 1640, originally a fortress, then a castle and even a prison during the Spanish Civil War, it serves today as a municipal facility and some of it for military purposes. Spending a few hours at the Montjuïc Castle is one of those moments when you can mix your desire for visiting famous tourists attractions with the kids’ desire to play and have fun. Furthermore, you can enjoy a picnic lunch, grabbing something to eat from one of the food kiosks available, and relax into the wide-open green spaces.

Important to Know When You Are Taking the Kids:

• There are no admission fees;
• Montjuïc Castle offers a nice view of the Barcelona harbor and city;
• Let the kids run freely over the stone bridge, admire the left-over artillery or climb one of the 120 cannons;
• Especially boys will enjoy the military museum in the castle, where they can admire all sorts of weapons, miniature castles, and uniforms.

http://www.castillomontjuic.com/

Port Aventura

The family theme park is located in south Barcelona and will require extra transportation means. The metro has a nearby stop. It is Spain’s biggest theme park and well-loved. Millions experience it every year. It is divided into six separate historic regions: Mediterranean, Far West, Mexico, China, Polinesia, and SesamoAventura. It also features parades and shows. Additionally, there is also an adjacent family water park.

Important to Know When You Are Taking the Kids:

• Has a family area called SesamoAventura.
• Has on-site hotels.
• Sits on the Mediterranean Sea, so when the children get tired and need a rest, sit at one of the many benches provided and listen to the ocean and cool down in the breeze.
• You will be provided with a park map when you enter and can plot your course.
• Tickets may be ordered online.
• Stroller rentals are available.

http://www.portaventura.co.uk/barcelona

Parc de La Ciutadella

By Coldcreation / CC BY-SA 3.0

For decades the solely green area of Barcelona, Parc de la Ciutadella is probably one of the most fashionable, yet beautiful attractions of the city. The park takes its name from the star-shaped fortress built at the beginning of the 18th century by King Philips V, whose chapel, Governor’s palace and arsenal still survive today. The last holds the Catalan Parliament.

Besides being the home of the famous Parc Zoologic and several museums, the park offers endless possibilities for the entire family. Three playground areas, well equipped and sometimes holding workshops will surely attract the kids, while you can admire the beautiful Cascada, the monumental fountain with an arch and waterfall, said to be inspired by Antoni Gaudí.

Important to Know When You Are Taking the Kids:

• The park offers also sports opportunities – you can rent a bike (also family type bicycles are available) or play tennis;
• Make a stop at the famous giant mammoth stone sculpture – kids of all ages will love to climb it;
• Don’t miss the chance of a ride on the lake in Parc de la Ciutadella; rent a rowing boat, feed the ducks and watch out for the turtles that sometimes come out of the water;
• The shaded alleys offer the perfect spot for a picnic or just a snack; some kiosks in the park will supply you with goodies.