A city break with young children isn’t always the first holiday that springs to mind – but Barcelona with kids is always tempting, not least thanks to its miles of golden sands. And that’s just the beginning.
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The city has plenty of family-friendly attractions as well, some quirky architecture that will appeal to all ages, great museums, an amusement park, football, animals, dragon-themed walking tours, boat ride, views galore, parks and more.
Plus of course, if your kids want to build sandcastles and paddle, the beach is on the doorstep and there’s lot more coast nearby within an easy day trip from Barcelona with kids. So if you’re wondering what to do in Barcelona, read on for my top tips.
Barcelona beach with kids
There’s not one but several beaches to explore in Barcelona with children, with around 2km of sand stretching from near Marina Vela (not far from the port cable car) down to Parc del Port Olimpic alone.
Barceloneta is the most central of the beaches, although this does mean it gets very crowded at weekends and during the summer, but nearby Sant Sebastià (near the W Hotel) has shallow water that’s good for kids.
If you venture a little further up the coast, there’s more space to be found and some better beaches in Barcelona for families – not to mention another 2km of beaches to discover.
Platja de Bogatell is quieter and there’s good water for swimming – although it gets deep quickly, so not ideal if you’re visiting Barcelona with toddlers. For the most family friendly, continue on to Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella beaches, with a playground nearby.
Or it’s easy to hop on a train and enjoy some of the Costa Barcelona beaches south of the city, including Castelldefels.
Tibidabo Amusement Park & Sky Walk
You can’t miss Mount Tibidabo during a Barcelona family holiday – quite literally as the hill is 512m high and looms over the city. But save some time to visit, as even the trip up Tibidabo is fun, including a tram and a funicular train to reach the top (or catch the TibiBus).
Once you reach the summit, the Tibidabo Amusement Park is among the oldest in the world at over 120 years old. Thankfully the 25 rides aren’t quite that antique, including a ferris wheel and carousels or rollercoasters which whirl high above the city, plus Talaia, the highest point in the city with a 360 degree view from 550m above sea level.
There’s a single entry fee to the amusement park so you can’t pay for individual rides: it’s worth checking the different height restrictions depending how tall your kids are.
But you don’t need to pay a penny for the spectacular views down to Barcelona from the Tibidabo Sky Walk, which are fantastic. The Panoramic Area is completely free to visit and you can see as far as Montserrat, over 30 miles away, on a clear day.
There are also more views from the tower of the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, the church which crowns Mount Tibidabo, so it’s easy to while away plenty of time up the mountain. Just make sure you don’t miss the last train downhill!
Tibidabo Amusement Park is the closest thing you’ll get if you’re looking for theme parks in Barcelona, although Port Aventura is doable as a day trip, just under two hours from the city
Automaton Museum
Along the Sky Walk, you’ll also find the curious Automaton Museum, easily one of the most unusual Barcelona family attractions to add to your wishlist.
The collection of more than 40 pieces includes everything from coin-operated figures to vintage mechanical games and toys, some of which date back to the nineteenth century – the oldest was created in 1880, although there are more modern additions from the 21st century as well.
One of the finest collections of its kind, with models from a string of countries, the quirky exhibits are in pristine condition.
Mirador Collserola Tower
While you’re near Tibidabo Amusement Park, there are more views to discover if you head up to the observation deck of the iconic Mirador-Collserola Tower.
Standing 445m high, its observation deck is 560m above sea level and from the Mirador Torre Collserola, you can see as far as 70km on a clear day.
The viewing platform is on the tenth level, but there’s a fast lift whisking you up there in around two and a half minutes.
You’re also inside the Sierra de Collserola Natural Park, so it’s easy to enjoy a walk if you’re looking for something more active to do.
L’Aquarium Barcelona at Port Vell
You can spot 451 separate species and an astonishing 11,000 different creatures in the 35 different tanks and habitats at Barcelona Aquarium.
Located at Port Vell, it’s just a 10-minute stroll from the Columbus Monument at the end of La Rambla, with plenty to tempt the whole family – younger children can enjoy the touch pools or trying to spot Nemo in one of the smaller tanks, for example.
The huge Oceanarium, with 4.5 million litres of water, has moving walkways to take you around, passing under a glass tunnel along the way: spotting the 80 or so species, including sharks and manta rays, is unforgettable. There are occasional special events like ‘ Sleeping with Sharks’ which are brilliant for older kids as well.
Open year-round, there are plenty of extra family activities to enjoy as well, plus if you’re unlucky enough to spend a rainy day in Barcelona with kids, it’s a great option.
Cosmocaixa Science Museum
If your kids are into science and nature, then a trip to the Cosmocaixa Science Museum (or Museo de la Ciencia CosmoCaixa to give it its proper name) is unmissable.
One of the biggest museums in all of Spain, you’re greeted by a figure of Albert Einstein, before spiralling down five floors to the basement, weaving around an Amazonian tree.
Packed with interactive exhibits, children are encouraged to get hands on with hundreds of experiments covering everything from maths and geology to chemistry and more.
Along the way, you’ll explore the Flooded Forest, an impressive recreation of 1,000 square metres of Amazonian rainforest ecosystem, inhabited by piranhas, crocodiles, plus other animal and plant species, as well as taking a journey through the evolution of life on our planet in the Room of Matter.
Entry is included in the Barcelona Go City Explorer Pass and the Barcelona Card pass
Museu de Xocolata (Chocolate Museum)
What kind of museum can you guarantee that kids will love? A chocolate museum, of course. The Museu de Xocolata even includes a chocolate bar with entry.
There’s a serious side, so you can see how important chocolate has been to the history and trade of Barcelona – once the main port where cacao was important and distributed – as well as quirky details including the fact it was once given to the army in its rations, and once used in medicine.
For a much less serious side, there are some fantastic children’s activities to discover too: everything from making a chocolate sculpture and drawing with melted chocolate, to tours aimed at three to six-year-olds.
Easily one of the most fun things to do in Barcelona for families, even without tasting the finished product – although obviously there’s plenty of chance to do that too.
Montjuic Magic Fountain
Designed for the 1929 Universal Exhibition, the Montjuic Magic Fountain was restored in 1992 for the Olympics, and it’s a spectacular display of colour, light, motion and music – perfect if you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Barcelona in the evening.
The moving water jets in a shifting rainbow of colour are synchronised to music as 2,600 litres of water are pumped through every second. If you’re particularly lucky, you may be there for one of the accompanying firework displays.
Closed during January and February, the Magic Fountains have more limited displays in spring and winter, but these do take place at earlier times – usually 8pm or 8.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
During the summer months, from June to September, there are displays from Wednesday to Sunday, normally at 9.30 and 10pm.
Casa Batlló
Renowned architecture Antoni Gaudi’s unique style is an unmissable part of a visit to Barcelona with kids – even if your family wouldn’t normally take a detour to spot architecture, don’t miss Casa Batllo at least.
One of the most central of Gaudi’s designs, the fantastical house is best known for its skull and bone inspired balconies and details, and houses a museum.
Part of the Manzana de la Discordia, or block of Discord, it’s one of a series of buildings in Passeig de Gracia (and probably the most famous).
Inside you can learn about this jewel of Modernism, plus there are two new immersive rooms, the Gaudí Dome and the Gaudí Cube, which are a fun interactive option for kids.
For another fun way to enjoy Gaudi’s works with kids, try the Gaudi Experience – as well as a small exhibition, there’s a 4D experience suitable for ages 6+ to immerse you in the artist’s world – plus you can visit Casa Mila, better known as La Pedrera
La Sagrada Familia
However many times you’ve visited Barcelona, you can’t miss the wonderful Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s masterpiece which was begun in 1882 and is still being built.
Getting ever nearer to completion (due to be finished in 2026), you can visit some of the cathedral’s towers – which are continuing to change Barcelona’s skyline – as well as enjoying the quirky architecture and fabulous colours.
Like all Gaudi’s work, the details and often fantastical feel means it will appeal to kids as well as adults – pick up a skip-the-line ticket to the Sagrada Familia to avoid the queues.
Park Güell
Park Guell is a huge private park in the north of Barcelona that’s famous for its many architectural elements designed by Antoni Gaudí.
Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, the unique gardens are filled with distinctive modernist buildings, unusual sculptures, broken tile mosaics, and plenty more.
From the colourful Salamander staircase to the fairytale-esque gatehouse, the magical Parc Guell is sure to fascinate guests of all ages.
Away from the monuments, you can also follow the many trails and pathways through the lush forest to discover some stunning viewpoints over the city. It’s worth knowing that there’s free entry to part of Park Guell, but the Monumental Zone, which has Gaudi’s mosaics, needs a ticket if you’re aged 6+.
Explore by Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Barcelona is a vast and sprawling city, meaning it isn’t the quickest or easiest destination to move around. Fortunately, the Bus Turístic is a convenient way to travel around Barcelona for families with younger kids who may struggle walking long distances.
The bus runs 2 different routes – the Blue route and the Red route – giving you the option to stop at over 40 of the city’s most famous landmarks and popular neighbourhoods, so it’s a really child friendly way to see and experience more of the Catalan capital.
As you journey around Barcelona, there’s an audio commentary, so kids can learn about the sites while enjoying 360 degree views from the top deck of the open-top double-decker bus.
Take a walking tour
If you’re looking for a walking tour of Barcelona for kids, there are a string of different choices which are perfect for keeping children entertained as you explore.
Wander through 2,000 years of the city’s history with a few family-friendly twists; this dragon-themed tour includes solving riddles as you walk, while this family walking tour features sweets along with giants.
This three-hour walking tour with kids takes you through Barcelona’s medieval quarter, with a side of churros and chocolate, plus there’s a two-hour walking tour of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s Barri Gotic.
Bike through Barcelona
If you’d like to see more of Barcelona than just walking, there are some great family cycling tours to try as well.
This two-hour Barcelona bike tour for families is a great way to get an overview of the city, pedalling through the Old Town, past the beach, through parks and to the old harbour. Plus it’s suitable for all ages over one year.
Or venture even further – without too much effort – with an e-bike tour of Barcelona, which heads along the seafront past the old harbour and Born area of the city, as well as over to the Raval neighbourhood. Suitable for kids aged 2+, with child seats provided.
You can also rent bikes in the city, including bike sharing scheme Ambici (adult bikes only), if you prefer a bike ride at your own pace.
Take a boat trip
For a family city break by the sea, you shouldn’t miss the chance to see Barcelona from the water with one of the boat trips available.
One of the most popular boat tours in Barcelona is seeing the beaches and skyline with Golondrinas Tours. There’s a choice of two short tours: the 60-minute option, which takes you along the coast, or a 40-minute cruise on a classic wooden boat around the port.
For a longer and more luxurious boat tour of Barcelona for kids, this family sailing tour is suitable for children aged 5+, with a chance to learn some more about the city as you sail along.
Eat at La Boqueria
La Boqueria market is one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions and a great place to explore with younger visitors to the city as well.
Located just off Las Ramblas in El Raval district, the large food market sells just about every type of food you can think of, from fresh fruit and vegetables to ready-to-eat tapas, fabulous juice and so much more.
Even if you’re only browsing rather than buying, the colourful market is an exciting experience for children, with energetic traders peddling their assorted produce to the thousands of visitors who pass by every day.
Grab a fruit smoothie and take a wander through the market to see what tempting treats you can find. It’s also ideal if you’re wondering where to eat in Barcelona with kids, as you could pick up a picnic to enjoy in one of the city’s parks or on the beach. Don’t miss the macaron ice cream sandwiches as well.
Drink at El Bosc de les Fades
At the bottom of La Rambla, around a 10-minute from La Boqueria (and a similar distance from the aquarium), you can find fairies at El Bosc de les Fades.
A cafe-bar with its own unique selling point, it’s touristy for sure, but still a magical spot to pause for a drink in Barcelona for families.
Head there during the daytime when it’s less busy, and you can discover the fairy grotto and sweeping trees which transform the courtyard, complete with woodland sounds and the occasional fake storm.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella is a beautiful historic park to the northeast of Barcelona’s central Gothic Quarter, the Barri Gotic, and easily one of the best free things to do with kids in Barcelona.
One of my top travel tips is escaping the bustle of the busy city centre for a while here – the 70-acre Ciutadella Park has plenty to do for visitors of all ages..
You can pack a picnic and enjoy a peaceful lunch amongst the lush greenery while the little ones run around and stretch their legs. There’s also a pond in the middle of the park where you can hire rowing boats to head out on the water, and two kids playgrounds.
The large woolly mammoth is the park’s most iconic attraction. The life-sized sculpture is always a big hit in Barcelona for kids who can climb its trunk for a fun photo opp.
Parc de la Ciutadella is also home to the city’s Zoo, another of the top things to do with kids in Barcelona.
For more great photo spots in Barcelona, check out this pick of the city’s Instagrammable best
Barcelona Zoo
One of the world’s largest city zoos, Barcelona Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals, as well as being involved in a string of conservation programmes.
Set in Parc de la Ciutadella, it’s easy to while away a couple of hours exploring, as you spot everything from Catalan donkeys to Komodo dragons, not to mention gorillas, giraffes, birds and bugs.
There are also regular talks, including the chance to learn more about the zoo’s penguins and sea lions, plus extra family activities.
If you’re visiting Barcelona with kids who love animals, there’s also a joint ticket for Barcelona zoo and aquarium while the zoo is included in the Barcelona Family Fun Pass
Ride Barcelona’s cable cars
Barcelona has two cable cars; the Port Cable Car and the Telefèric de Montjuic.
The older Port Cable Car runs from Barceloneta beach, over the historic harbour, and ends at the Miramar viewpoint on Montjuïc hill. The more modern Telefèric de Montjuïc then continues the journey up to the summit of Montjuïc hill.
The cable cars are a fun way to explore Barcelona with kids and see the city from a unique perspective.
You can easily transfer between the two cable cars on Montjuïc hill, with the stations sitting just two hundred metres apart, although you will need to purchase separate tickets.
If you’d rather ride just one, I’d recommend jumping on the funicular at Paral-lel metro station to Telefèric de Montjuïc. You can then take the scenic 750-metre-long ride up to Montjuïc Castle on the mountain’s summit, as well as exploring Barcelona’s Botanical Gardens.
While you’re in the area, you can also visit the Olympic Park – entry is free to the Olympic Stadium (if there are no events taking place), or stop in at the interactive Olympic and Sports Museum next door
Admire the views from Montjuïc Castle
Once you reach the mountain’s summit on the Telefèric de Montjuïc, you’ll find medieval Montjuic Castle. The large military fortress dates back to the 17th century and was built 173 metres above sea level to provide a strategic vantage point over the city and waters.
As you visit the castle, take a walk along the ramparts for amazing panoramic views over the city, the port, and the Mediterranean sea. There’s also an interesting visitor’s centre that takes you through the history of the castle and region.
Alternatively, take a stroll around the castle’s exterior and the surrounding park, which is home to some fun slides, a playground, and plenty of wide open space for little ones to enjoy.
Take a tour of Camp Nou
A visit to Camp Nou is one of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids who love football. Home to one of the world’s best football clubs – FC Barcelona – the stadium grounds are open to the public for guided and audio-guided tours on non match days.
Edit: the stadium is undergoing renovations but you can take an immersive tour visiting the FC Barcelona Museum including an optional audio guide
On a stadium tour, you’ll get to visit the pitch, dugout, stands, dressing rooms, players tunnel, trophy room, and press box.
Along the route, you’ll find numerous fun family photo opportunities, including the chance to take a photo with your favourite player – with the help of a green screen and photoshop, at least.
Kids will also enjoy the additional (paid) activities, such as shooting against the Robokeeper or experiencing the Camp Nou pitch in 360 virtual reality.
Tickets to Camp Nou also include entry to the FC Barcelona Museum, where visitors of all ages will enjoy learning about the history of the club and its most legendary players.
Poble Espanyol
One of the best museums in Barcelona for kids, Poble Espanyol is a unique open-air museum that displays the architectural styles and cultural heritage from different regions of Spain.
Translating to ‘Spanish village’, the 49,000-square metre gallery is designed to mimic a traditional Spanish village, right in the heart of the Catalan capital.
You can wander through the narrow streets to discover charming town squares, historic buildings, and some of the most famous landmarks from across the country.
Kids can also get hands on with the traditional arts and crafts workshops, from glass blowing to wicker basket making and more. Plus, keep an eye out for special family activities, shows, and concerts taking place at the museum throughout the year.
The Picasso Museum
If you’re visiting Barcelona with teens, or kids who love art, the Picasso Museum has a whopping 4,251 works by the artist, who lived in the city from his early teens for just under a decade.
Appropriately, the museum focuses on this formative period of his life, showcasing some of his earliest pieces and paintings from his youth.
Housed in five adjoining medieval palaces in the historic El Born neighbourhood, the collection includes an early self-portrait, as well as pieces from his Blue Period and his the first influences of Cubism.
You can also buy skip-the-line tickets including a guided tour of the Picasso Museum which introduces you to some of the highlights, or check out Moco Museum too if your kids love contemporary art
Maritime Museum
If you think a Maritime Museum sounds a bit dull for kids, a visit here will prove you wrong. Set just at the end of La Rambla, and easy walking distance from the aquarium, the Barcelona Maritime Museum houses a life-size reproduction of a 16th century galleon.
The flagship at the Battle of Lepanto in 1572, the Royal Galley of John of Austria is over 60m long and 6m wide, and there’s a chance to get close up to see the reality of life aboard the ship, including the number of rowers needed.
You can also sometimes visit the museum’s 1918 schooner, plus there are large models, figureheads and other navigation instruments to view. Information is a bit limited, but if you want a chance to see a huge historic warship, rather than too much detail, this is a winner!
Big Fun Museum & Museum of Illusions
The Big Fun Museum is an entertaining family-friendly museum filled with mind-boggling illusions and interactive exhibitions that are sure to excite kids (and kids at heart).
Perfect for a few hours of silly family fun, you can attempt to stay upright in the Topsy-Turvy House, get lost in an enchanting wonderland with Alice through the Looking Glass, dive into the ball pool, and even learn about the most extreme psychiatric techniques throughout history at the Museum of Madness.
For an additional fee, you can also visit the nearby Museum of Illusions, where you can snap even more fun family photos with amazing 3D artworks and mysterious illusions.
If you do plan to visit both, it’s worth buying a combo ticket in advance to get a discount.
Paradox Museum is another fun alternative if your kids love experiences to trick their eyes, puzzle their brains and create some very fun photos, with more than 70 different exhibits
How to get around Barcelona with kids
With the metro, trams and buses, it’s very easy to get around Barcelona on public transport with kids and children under four travel free.
The centre of the city is also very walkable, while you can easily hire bikes if you’re visiting with older kids.
The hop on hop off tourist bus is also a good way to get from A to B, as well as helping you explore the city, while the funicular and cable cars are a fun extra that you don’t find in all cities.
There are various different tickets and travel passes available, which can be used across the public transport network (be aware that single tickets may not be valid to do this, especially if you’re changing the type of transport).
Or there are also day passes and longer travel cards to choose from. You can also use the TMB app and contactless payment, as well as buying tickets at metro stations.
The other option is to buy a Barcelona Card (or Barcelona Family Card) which includes free public transport, with 3, 4 and 5 day cards.
It’s also easy to travel along the coast and further afield for day trips from Barcelona by train – depending on your destination, electronic tickets aren’t always available so you may need to buy them at the station.
Check out my tips for visiting the Costa Barcelona too, the coast just outside the city to the north, as well as the best things to do in Sitges with kids, an easy day trip to the south
*First published 2013, last updated 2025*
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
Casa Batllo copyright MummyTravels, all other images courtesy of Depositphotos
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