Visiting Barcelona with Kids: The Best Spots

At a glance

What can you do in Barcelona with kids? Discover in this article which spots will leave your children with wonderful memories.

Barcelona, with its sunny climate and welcoming atmosphere, is an ideal destination for a family holiday! The city is full of places that delight young and old alike. You'll find that Barcelona's green parks, beaches, and most iconic landmarks are usually just as appealing to the youngest visitors. Barcelona also has a few interactive museums and other activities designed specifically for children. Discover here, thanks to the guide Bonjour Barcelone, some of the city's must-sees.

The Barcelona Science Museum

The Barcelona Science Museum, known as CosmoCaixa, is a captivating experience for children, but also for adults. This interactive museum invites visitors to explore the wonders of science through fun, educational exhibitions.

Among its main attractions are a recreation of the Amazon rainforest, an immersive planetarium, and experiments that let you discover the fundamental principles of physics. Children can handle objects, observe natural phenomena, and learn while having fun.

CosmoCaixa is therefore the ideal place to spark their curiosity and keep them entertained between more "grown-up" outings. Located in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, the museum is open every day of the year from 10am to 8pm. Note especially that admission is free for under-16s! Beyond that age, it only costs €5. Be aware that the visit is quite long: allow around three hours to go around.

The Tibidabo amusement park: for maximum fun!

Perched on the heights above Barcelona, the Tibidabo amusement park is the perfect place for a full day of fun, with activities suited to all ages. This iconic park combines modern rides with retro ones, some dating back to its opening in 1901! Tibidabo will also win you over with its spectacular panoramic views of Barcelona... If you can, take the new Cuca de Llum funicular to reach the park. The kids will be delighted before they've even bought their ticket!

For the youngest ones (ages 3-6), carousels, mini trains, and puppet shows guarantee magical moments. Older children (ages 7-12) enjoy the roller coasters and interactive games. As for teenagers and adults, they get their dose of adrenaline on attractions such as the free-fall tower or the flight simulator. In summer, the water fountains let everyone cool off while having fun.

The Tibidabo amusement park is open every day of the year, but opening hours vary by season. You can visit from 11am to 7pm in summer, and from 11am to 6pm in winter. For children under 1.2 m tall, admission costs €14. For taller visitors, it's €35.

Barcelona Zoo: a great classic!

Barcelona Zoo is a must-visit destination for families visiting the Catalan capital. Located in Ciutadella Park, this zoo is home to more than 300 animal species from around the world, offering a both enriching and educational experience. Children are always amazed by iconic animals such as lions, elephants, and giraffes.

Depending on the time of year, Barcelona Zoo's opening hours vary, but it's open every day of the year. In summer, you can visit from 9am to 6pm. In winter, it closes at 5pm. Admission is free for children under 3. For everyone else, it costs €20. Allow around three hours to visit the zoo at a relaxed pace.

The Font Màgica in Montjuïc

When visiting Barcelona, you're bound to pass through the Montjuïc district. Indeed, Montjuïc is home to the Joan Miró Foundation, the Palau Sant Jordi, Montjuïc Castle, and the Botanical Garden, among others... Take advantage of being in the area to admire the Font Màgica (Magic Fountain)! It's located in front of the Palau Nacional, at the end of Avenida de la Reina Maria Cristina.

This magic fountain is Barcelona's largest ornamental fountain. Created for the 1929 World's Fair, it delights families with its 120 rotating colored prisms, its 4,760 bulbs producing up to 7 billion light variations, and its many water jets.

Note that the light shows are only at certain times! For the full show, go see it:

From April 1 to May 31 and in October: Thursday to Saturday, from 9pm to 10pm.
From June 1 to September 30: Wednesday to Sunday, from 9:30pm to 10:30pm.
From November 1 to March 31: Thursday to Saturday, from 8pm to 9pm.

Don't hesitate, it's completely free!

Barcelona's must-sees are a hit with kids too

In Barcelona, even the must-see attractions win kids over! The city isn't just a bustling, cosmopolitan destination, it's also a very family-friendly one.

La Sagrada Família, with its impressive towers and colorful stained-glass windows, amazes anyone with its fairy-tale look and dizzying height. At Park Güell, Gaudí's dazzling mosaics and flowing shapes spark children's imagination, while the shaded pathways invite them to explore and play. Of course, Barcelona's beach is a paradise for the youngest visitors, with sand for building castles and gentle waves for splashing about... Finally, even the old town, with its narrow streets and lively squares, offers an adventure playground where children can have fun spotting surprising details like gargoyles! In the city center, you'll also come across several quirky shops that never fail to catch little ones' eyes. Don't miss the impressive covered market of La Boquería, located along Las Ramblas, the largest fresh produce market in Spain.

You can take our word for it, taking your kids to discover these treasures will leave them with unforgettable memories!

Lastly, if you're looking for more ideas for family outings in Barcelona, be sure to read this comprehensive article from Bonjour Barcelone.

Article written in collaboration with "Bonjour Barcelone".
"Bonjour Barcelone" is a travel blog sharing some great tips for Barcelona and practical advice.