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Barcelona is a giant playground for the young and the young-at-heart. Check out our list of things to do in Barcelona with kids and where to stay for a memorable family holiday.
Little Travelers, Big Adventures
Ah, Barcelona, the colorful playground of Catalonia! Home to captivating architecture, enchanting parks, and a child-friendly culture, Barcelona is one of those rare cities that genuinely caters to small explorers. There are numerous things to do in Barcelona with your kids, and each activity provides an opportunity for fun, learning, or both!
Here’s an interesting tidbit for you or anyone in your family who loves to read: National Book Day was born in Barcelona in 1926. Instead of Valentine’s Day, people here celebrate love by gifting each other flowers and books every April 23rd. Streets brim with books and flower stalls, hence the start of a new international holiday.
But National Book Day or not, Barcelona is a wonderland for little travelers to go on big adventures. Read on to discover what activities you can do in Barcelona with your kids as well as locations to recharge, bond, and create priceless memories with your family.
Things to Do in Barcelona With Your Kids
The enchanting city of Barcelona offers a dizzying array of adventures tailored for families. Here are ten unforgettable things to do in Barcelona with kids that you shouldn’t miss:
LIVE THE FAIRYTALE LIFE AT PARK GĂśELL
Step into the world of fairy tales at Park GĂĽell, an enchanting park designed by the world-renowned architect Antoni GaudĂ. A labyrinth of colorful mosaics, intriguing stone structures, and panoramic city views, this park is a wonderland that stokes kids’ imaginations. Don’t forget to visit the famed dragon stairway as well to get up close and personal with a sparkling giant lizard!
DIVE INTO THE DEEP AT AQUARIUM BARCELONA
If your kids are fascinated by the mysteries of the deep sea, the Aquarium Barcelona is the perfect stop. Home to more than 11,000 marine creatures, this aquarium offers an immersive experience, including a transparent tunnel where sharks swim overhead. To streamline your visit, be sure to check their opening hours and purchase tickets at their official website.
WATCH A LIGHT SHOW AT THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN OF MONTJUĂŹC
An evening visit to the Magic Fountain of MontjuĂŻc is an unforgettable way to end a full day of exploration. As the sun sets, the fountain comes alive with a stunning show of lights, water, and music that is sure to captivate both children and adults alike. The best part? Amazing tapas bars and restaurants are not too far away, so you can head to dinner straight after the show!
MAKE SCIENCE FUN AT COSMOCAIXA
A museum brimming with interactive exhibits, CosmoCaixa turns science into a physical adventure. Children can learn about the Amazon rainforest, astronomy, geology, and more. Its Planetarium is also a popular draw as it takes viewers on a spectacular journey across the cosmos. Time your visit with any of their workshops and special events to get the most out of your day.
MEET THE ANIMALS AT BARCELONA ZOO
When looking for things to do with your kids in Barcelona or anywhere else, zoos are always a great top pick. An animal lover’s paradise, Barcelona Zoo houses over 300 species, from primates to predators. Apart from observing these animals, kids can participate in workshops and interactive activities that promote a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation.
DISCOVER ART AT THE PICASSO MUSEUM
There’s no better place to introduce your young ones to art than in the Picasso Museum. Housing over 4,000 works by the legendary artist, this museum provides a unique journey through Picasso’s early years of artistic exploration. With specially curated children’s tours and workshops, kids can interactively learn about art history, and who knows, it may even spark their own artistic passions.
BUILD SANDCASTLES AT BARCELONETA BEACH
On a sunny day, nothing beats a family outing to Barceloneta Beach. Known for its golden sand and calm waters, it’s the perfect spot for splashing around, building sandcastles, enjoying some seaside ice cream and drinks, or just soaking in the view.
TASTE SWEETNESS AT THE CHOCOLATE MUSEUM
For chocoholic families, the Chocolate Museum is definitely a ‘must’ on the list of things to do in Barcelona with your kids. A visit here is a delight for all the senses. Explore the fascinating history of chocolate, its origins, and its impact on cultures around the world. Kids can engage in delightful hands-on experiences like chocolate-making workshops, turning this visit into a deliciously memorable adventure.
EXPLORE HISTORY AND NATURE AT MUSEU BLAU
For an educational day out, Museu Blau is an excellent choice. This natural history and science museum allows kids to learn about the evolution of life and the planet. With plenty of interactive displays, it’s a great place to engage their curiosity and inspire them to learn more about the natural world. After all, learning doesn’t have to take a pause during your vacation.
TRUDGE AROUND LIKE A GIANT CATALUNYA EN MINIATURA
Stomp through a landscape of miniature marvels at Catalunya en Miniatura. This theme park allows your kids to tower over scaled-down versions of famous Catalonian landmarks, offering a fresh, engaging way to learn about the region’s history and architecture. It’s a short trip away from Barcelona, but a worthwhile addition to your family-friendly itinerary.
Where to Find Family-Friendly Vacation Rentals in Barcelona
Finding the perfect place to stay is another crucial aspect when planning things to do in Barcelona with your kids. Here are five family-friendly districts close to kid-friendly attractions, where you can comfortably settle during your stay:
EIXAMPLE: Eixample lies in the heart of Barcelona and is ideal for families. It is home to two of GaudĂ’s masterpieces, Casa BatllĂł and La Sagrada Familia. Families will appreciate the ample playgrounds, shops, and an array of fusion eateries like the La Pasta Lab and Padam.
Where to Stay:Â Experience the comfort and convenience of a home away from home in this spectacular 3-Bedroom Apartment in Dreta de l’Eixample, Barcelona. With a fully equipped kitchen, state-of-the-art appliances, soft bedding, and high-speed WiFi, this apartment offers everything your family needs to make the most of your Barcelona holiday.Â
BARCELONETA: Barceloneta is perfect for beach-loving families. Just a stone’s throw away from Barceloneta Beach, this area boasts an authentic neighborhood feel with a variety of seafood restaurants like Can Maño. Don’t miss the nearby Aquarium Barcelona for an aquatic adventure.
GRÀCIA: Boasting a village-like ambiance, Grà cia is a charming district known for its outdoor cafes and indie boutiques. Park Güell is just a short walk away, too! If you decide to stay here, a visit to Plaça de la Vila de Grà cia is just one of the many things you can do with your kids while in Barcelona.
Where to Stay: If you’re looking for the perfect holiday home, we highly recommend the Ecohouse With Terrace and Sky Pool in El Coll, Barcelona. This vacation home is perfect for a family-friendly vacation because it offers a convenient location near popular attractions such as Park GĂĽell and Gaudi House Museum. The property also provides amenities that are suitable for families, such as an outdoor pool, outdoor furniture, and free WiFi. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, it offers plenty of space and comfort when traveling together with your loved ones.
POBLENOU: Close to both the beach and city center, Poblenou offers a balance of leisure and sightseeing. Enjoy family meals at restaurants like Els Pescadors, and explore the modern art at Museu Can Framis.
CIUTAT VELLA: Immerse your family in the history and culture of Barcelona in Ciutat Vella, the old city. With a labyrinth of narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and old-world architecture like Plaça Reial’s, it’s sure to be a delight among kids who love their fairytales. If your crew is more into contemporary art, however, the Picasso Museum is not too far away.
Bond in Barcelona With Rent by Owner
With endless sights to see and things to do in Barcelona with kids, it is without a doubt a city that fosters imagination and brings the family closer together. As with all family trips, we recommend being prepared with backup plans, as child-friendly policies in different destinations may change at short notice.
Of course, the bonding truly begins at home, or rather, at your home away from home! With Rent By Owner, you’ll easily find the safest and most stylish vacation rentals in Barcelona or beyond. Plus, you’ll never run out of travel ideas with our steady stream of content! Start drafting up an itinerary today with Rent By Owner.
TLDR
For families seeking an unforgettable vacation in Barcelona, this guide curates the best things to do in Barcelona with kids, featuring exciting attractions like CosmoCaixa, the Magic Fountain of MontjuĂŻc, the Chocolate Museum, Barceloneta Beach, Catalunya En Miniatura, and more. Ideal districts for accommodation like GrĂ cia, Poblenou, and Ciutat Vella are ideal home bases for their proximity to attractions and family-friendly amenities. With Rent By Owner, you can easily find comfortable and spacious accommodations that are perfect for exploring Barcelona’s rich tapestry of experiences.
