Barcelona with Children

Are you planning to travel to Barcelona with the kids? That’s highly recommended! Barcelona is an incredibly family-friendly city, offering countless activities for all ages. Even with a stroller, you’ll have no trouble getting around the city. In addition to the famous sights in Barcelona, such as Park Güell, the Mercat de la Boqueria, and the Sagrada Família, you can also visit other truly kid-friendly attractions like the Tibidabo amusement park, the Barcelona Aquarium, or the zoo. Many museums and parks also host special events for children. If you want to explore Barcelona stress-free with your kids, follow my tips and visit one of the following 100% kid-friendly spots in the city!

A Family-Friendly City

Barcelona is a very child-friendly city, reflected in its many playgrounds, the wide variety of child-friendly museums and attractions, and many other family-friendly facilities and locations. Additionally, Spaniards are very family-oriented, and children are always welcome everywhere.

However, you should keep in mind the Spanish rhythm and meal times, which are later than what you might be used to. Spanish children generally go to bed later and eat at Spanish times. This shouldn’t be a problem for you: you can decide when to eat and when your kids should go to bed. Furthermore, there are numerous bars and cafés in Barcelona where you can eat throughout the day.

For parents with young children, it’s recommended to have access to a kitchenette during your stay, so you can prepare meals and bottles at any time.

The fact that Barcelona is a very family-friendly city is also confirmed by the locals. The city is filled with fun playgrounds, family-friendly squares, beautiful urban parks, cinemas, museums, and children’s theaters where kids can have endless fun.

Additionally, children always play an important role during local festivals like Carnival and Three Kings Day.

Due to the open and social nature of Spaniards, you may be approached on the street or in a store by someone who has fallen in love with your little ones. It’s also common for kids to get treats at the bakery, and no one bats an eye if you’re out with your children until late in the evening.

Lastly, if you want to experience Barcelona like a local with your family, follow my tips below.

What to do in Barcelona with children?

Depending on the age and interests of your child and the season in which you’re traveling, there is always something to do in Barcelona. While little ones enjoy a visit to the aquarium or a ride on the train at Parc de l’Oreneta, older children and teenagers can also have a blast, such as attending a Barça match at Camp Nou, joining a fun bike tour around the city, or visiting the Tibidabo amusement park. Below, I’ll show you the best options.

Barcelona’s top attractions for children

Barcelona is a very child-friendly city, and this is reflected in the numerous children’s activities and attractions, ranging from laughter and fun in an amusement park to discovering the exciting history of the city. There are a few attractions that should definitely be on your to-do list when visiting Barcelona with kids. My advice: buy your tickets for the attractions below in advance to avoid long queues.

Child-friendly museums in Barcelona

Barcelona has numerous museums for those interested in history, culture, nature, or science. Some of them are perfect for visiting with children. While the little ones will enjoy the interactive experiences and discoveries at the science museum CosmoCaixa and the natural history museum Museu Blau, older children can learn a lot about history at museums such as the Museu d’Història de Catalunya and the Museu d’Història de la Ciutat.

Poble Espanyol: This open-air village is a collection of the best from Spain in architecture, gastronomy, and culture. It’s fun and educational, and because it’s outdoors, children can run around and play.
CosmoCaixa: One of the largest science museums in Europe, and very popular with locals. Children can participate in many scientific experiments here.
Museu Blau: A museum dedicated to nature and science where children will explore the beauty and wonders of the natural world. The museum offers a fun and varied children’s program.
Museu de la Cera: In Barcelona’s wax museum, you can see figures of historical figures and celebrities like Lady Di, Superman, or the Star Wars cast. Right next to it is the fantastic café El Bosc de les Fades, decorated as a fairy-tale forest.
Museu de la Xocolata: Chocolate lovers, take note! Visit Barcelona’s chocolate museum or join one of its workshops, from drawing with chocolate to chocolate cooking classes.
Museu d’Història de Catalunya: This museum focuses on the history of Catalonia. Everything is presented in chronological order and in a very interactive way, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history and learn about the origins of Catalonia and Catalan identity.
Museu d’Història de la Ciutat: Barcelona’s history museum has several locations, but the most impressive is the underground museum MUHBA Plaça del Rei, where the remains of the Roman city of Barcino are exposed.
Museu Egipci: Barcelona’s Egyptian museum showcases an impressive collection from ancient Egypt gathered by businessman Jordi Clos. The museum’s permanent collection introduces you to all aspects of ancient Egyptian culture through various artifacts.
Planetarium of Barcelona Observatori Fabra: In Barcelona’s planetarium, children can take a walk through the stars thanks to special effects. It’s a great way to learn about the universe.
Museu Marítim: Barcelona’s maritime museum is also very child-friendly, thanks to its impressive collection of old ships and a schedule full of activities for children.
Museu de la Música: Barcelona’s music museum houses an interesting collection of 500 different musical instruments. In the interactive room, children can play different instruments.
Jardí Botànic: Barcelona’s botanical garden is worth a visit if your child is interested in plants. New exhibitions are regularly created, and there are various treasure hunts for children.
Museu de les Il.lusions: Visit Europe’s first photographic project dedicated to optical illusions, featuring works by Dalí, Goya, Picasso, and also famous singers and footballers!
Big Fun Museum: A quirky museum located on La Rambla where children will have the time of their lives. With rooms full of giant objects, an upside-down house, and a world full of sweets. The spectacular photos you get make the visit even more fun.
Gaudí Experience: This interactive exhibition about Gaudí, also known as the G-Experience, is a great way for kids to learn about Gaudí, his life, and his work.
Casa dels Entremesos: A very special museum to learn about Catalan culture. It features an impressive collection of gegants (giants) and other fantastic creatures that brighten up local festivals.

👉 See an overview of all the museums and attractions in Barcelona here.

Parks and Playgrounds in Barcelona

Almost every square and city park in Barcelona has a playground where children can interact with other kids and have hours of fun. At the entrance, there is always a sign indicating the recommended age for the playground. Most playgrounds feature equipment like slides and swings, along with sandboxes and climbing towers.

Some playgrounds stand out due to their location or play equipment, such as:

Parc de la Ciutadella: This beautiful city park in the center of Barcelona has several interesting buildings and attractions, such as the zoo, the giant mammoth sculpture, and a lake where you can rent rowing boats. For younger children, there is a special playground called LaLudo.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta: Barcelona’s oldest park, which includes a real maze, making it a popular spot for local families with children.
Parc del Castell de l’Oreneta: This wooded park at the foot of the Collserola hills is a super fun place to visit with kids for playing and picnicking. There are multiple playgrounds nestled in nature, and on Sunday mornings, a little train rides around.
Jardins de Joan Brossa: This park on Montjuïc is full of surprises for kids; here, children can jump on various musical cushions and slide down a zipline. Very close by, you’ll find a few large slides!
Parc de la Diagonal Mar: In this large park near the Diagonal Mar shopping center, you’ll find numerous slides, green zones with fountains, a football field, ping-pong tables, and more fun activities.
Turó Park: This small yet beautifully landscaped park with a playground is where the affluent come to play. A visit to Café Pinhan, a kiosk with a terrace offering delicious treats, is also highly recommended.
Parc de la Barceloneta: This park near the beach is best known for the beautiful 4.5-meter-high water tower in Modernist style. For kids, there’s a large playground and a football and basketball court.
Parc de la Pegaso: On the site of the former La Pegaso truck factory, you’ll now find this versatile urban park with a traffic park and various children’s playgrounds. A huge eye-catcher is the giant octopus, which has been placed as a playground. Those seeking tranquility can walk through the water channel and Japanese-style garden in Parc de La Pegaso.
Parc Central de Nou Barris: In this peaceful park in the outskirts of Barcelona, children can play in a large whale or be amazed by the many fountains spouting water.
Parc de la Creueta del Coll: This impressive park, located on a hill, is particularly known for its lake, which serves as a swimming pool in the summer. A great spot to visit with children, full of playgrounds, picnic areas, and lots of calm.

👉 See here an overview of the best playgrounds in Barcelona.

Fun Kids Activities in Barcelona

A family city trip to Barcelona naturally includes fun outings, and the great thing is that Barcelona offers a variety of options in this regard. You can make it as adventurous as you like in Barcelona: from participating in a sports activity or a theater show for the kids to spending a day at the beach or going on a bike tour through the city.

Here are a few fun ideas to make your visit to Barcelona even more enjoyable:

Kid-friendly Bike Tour: Renting bikes in Barcelona is also a great option for families with kids. Join a bike tour with a Dutch guide, or set off on your own with your family!
Theatrical Museum Tours: Several museums in Barcelona (such as Casa Batlló and Casa Amatller) offer theatrical tours for children. Through jokes, anecdotes, and a good dose of historical facts, kids will learn about some of the most unique buildings in the city in a fun way.
Trencadís Workshop: For the creative ones, this mosaic workshop is a must. It’s suitable for the whole family. Let your creativity flow!
Fairytale Maze: Let your kids have fun and get lost in the Laberint d’Horta, which is also located in the oldest garden of Barcelona!
Ice Skating: Barcelona has several ice rinks, but the one next to Camp Nou is especially popular among kids. During Christmas, you can also find many outdoor ice rinks on the streets.
Swimming: You can swim year-round at one of Barcelona’s many indoor swimming pools, but the most fun for kids are the summer outdoor pools (such as Piscines Municipals de Montjuïc, Can Dragó, and Parc de la Creueta del Coll) or a trip to the beach.
Going to the Beach: Even in winter, the beach is a lovely spot for a family walk. For example, visit Sal Cafè, right on the beach, which offers a kids’ menu and high chairs, so while the kids play on the beach, you can enjoy a drink!
Going to the Fair: Every neighborhood festival in Barcelona has a fair. You can also find some fun fair attractions at many shopping centers. Don’t miss Tiovivo Ronda del Guinardó, the last working carousel on the streets of Barcelona.
Going to a Show: Barcelona hosts many children’s performances. Families with babies can enjoy a family show at the small Cinema Maldà, while older kids can watch exciting films with special effects at the Filmax Gran Via cinema.
Learning Magic Tricks: The 100-year-old magic shop, El Rey de la Magia, is definitely worth visiting with the kids. At the nearby Teatre Museu El Rei de la Màgia (Carrer Jonqueres, 15), you’ll find not only a museum but also magic shows.
Escape Room: A fun family activity is the escape room. During an escape room, teams work together to solve puzzles and riddles to “escape.” Fun escape rooms for kids in Barcelona can be found at Lock Clock and Magic Escape.
Imaginative Cafés: A super fun experience with kids is to visit the fairy tale forest café Bosc de les Fades. For younger children, the café Pudding Pau Claris, decorated in the style of Alice in Wonderland with a fun play corner, is highly recommended. Pudding Diagonal is ideal for kids who are big Harry Potter fans.
Indoor Playgrounds: If the weather is bad or if you’d prefer to stay indoors, there are plenty of indoor playgrounds in Barcelona. In addition to the well-known play paradise Happy Parc, there are other indoor playgrounds where kids can play, climb, slide, and run to their hearts’ content. Super fun indoor play centers include El Cau and Peek A Boo.
Giant Slides: In several places around the city, such as Montjuïc, Parc de la Diagonal Mar, and Parc de les Glòries, you’ll find giant slides where kids can slide down and have hours of fun.
Trampoline Jumping: You can also go trampoline jumping in Barcelona! There are many indoor play paradises with trampolines for all ages. At The Indoor Jumping Club, you’ll find 1,200 square meters of trampolines for both kids and adults.
Watching the Fire Department: L’Espai Bombers – Parc de la Prevenció de Barcelona has an interesting exhibition about the fire department in Barcelona, showcasing the equipment and vehicles they use. They also offer fun family tours every weekend.
Traffic Park: In several locations, such as Parc infantil de trànsit at Montjuïc and Parc de la Pegaso, there are special traffic parks where kids can learn about traffic rules in a playful way. Children can practice with their bikes (or borrow one on-site).

Eating Out with Kids in Barcelona

Many children will love the food served in Barcelona: the famous sandwiches (bikini in Spanish), pizzas, and pastas are found everywhere, along with treats like ice cream, waffles, muffins, and croissants!

Children are generally welcome at all restaurants in Barcelona. However, if you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, it’s always a good idea to go to a restaurant specifically geared toward families with children. This way, you can be sure that the necessary facilities for both parents and children will be available.

It’s also quite normal to have a warm meal in the afternoon (around 2:00 – 3:00 PM) and to go to a restaurant late in the evening (from 9:00 PM onwards). In the hours between, Spaniards (including children) always have a tasty snack. For a quick bite, you can also buy sandwiches, savory pastries, or pieces of fruit to take with you.

Dining Out with Kids in Barcelona is a treat at one of the following family-friendly restaurants and cafés. These are all spots mostly frequented by locals, where children are more than welcome.

Breakfast Spots

Granja M. Viader (Carrer d’en Xuclà, 4-6): For chocolate con churros and a Cacaolat.
Mumus Coffee & Cake (Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 50): For cupcakes and delicious pastries.
Woki Organic Market (Ronda Universitat, 20): For a tasty breakfast with organic ingredients.

Lunch Spots

Mama’s Café (Carrer Torrijos, 26): A small café with a terrace at the back; the kitchen is open all day. It also has fun toys for the kids.
Picnic (Carrer del Comerç, 1): The place for a family brunch, with high chairs and a kids’ menu.
Tucco Real Food (Carrer del Consolat de Mar, 23): Fresh homemade Italian meals for less than €5, with a children’s play area.
Billy Brunch (Carrer de Bailèn, 115): A fun and kid-friendly café for a delicious brunch. They offer a kids’ menu, drawing materials for the little ones, and the friendliest service.

For Sweet Treats

We Pudding (Carrer de Pau Claris, 90): A fantastic place to go with your baby or child to have lunch or enjoy a piece of cake. In addition to its Alice in Wonderland-themed décor, they have an amazing children’s play area downstairs.
Granja La Nena (Carrer Ramon y Cajal, 36): This chocolatería and farm in Gràcia is a beloved spot among locals. They come around 5:00 PM for “la merienda,” a snack often consisting of something sweet with chocolate.
Papabubble (Carrer Ample, 28): Using simple ingredients like sugar, water, and glucose, they make the best handcrafted sweets in Barcelona. A must-stop for every child!

Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Restaurante Martínez (Carretera de Miramar, 38): A Spanish restaurant with a beautiful view over Barcelona.
Amaloca (Carrer de la Virtut, 11): A fusion cuisine restaurant where children can entertain themselves for hours. They have a special play area and library, with a caretaker to watch your children while you enjoy your meal. They also provide high chairs and changing facilities.
El Guindilla (Plaça del Poeta Boscà, 2): A tapas restaurant with an outdoor terrace and a super kid-friendly spot featuring changing tables, a kids’ toilet, high chairs, a children’s menu, and a play area.
Café Godot (Carrer de Sant Domènec, 19): A family-friendly restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with the whole family. It has a play area, and on weekends, they offer brunch.
Balthazar (Carrer del Rosselló, 189): A Mediterranean restaurant with a terrace, located in a lovely shady courtyard with a playground. Children can play before, during, or after the meal. They offer high chairs but no changing facilities.

Dining Out in Barcelona with a Child with Food Allergies

Hammock Juice Station (Carrer Mallorca, 194): Delicious healthy meals, juices, and last but not least, hammocks!
Nabibi Vital Cooking (Carrer Marià Aguiló, 61): A vegetarian restaurant, 100% organic, with vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options.
Sopa (Carrer Roc Boronat, 114 and Carrer de Provença, 330): A vegetarian and macrobiotic restaurant with gluten-free options.

Fun Kids’ Events in Barcelona

Looking for something fun to do with the kids in Barcelona? Barcelona has a packed events calendar, with particularly enjoyable events and activities throughout the year for both young and old. Moreover, these events are often a great opportunity to experience Catalan traditions up close, such as the gegants (giant dances), correfocs (fire runs), and castellers (human towers).

👉 Check out the best events here.

Fun Kids' Events in Barcelona — Fun Kids’ Events in Barcelona

Fun Things to Do with Kids Around Barcelona

Looking for a fun day out with the kids? Here are some great activities, highly popular with locals! Grab your car (or rent one for the day) and enjoy a day trip with the family.

Catalunya en Miniatura: This miniature park lets you see all the major sights of Catalonia in small-scale models. It’s super fun for the kids!
Parc del Riu Llobregat: Located just outside the city, this park is a favorite among locals for cycling with kids.
Port Aventura: The best theme park in Catalonia! With a wide variety of rides, roller coasters, and water attractions for all ages. During the summer, you can also visit Caribe Aquatic Park, a spectacular water park featuring a large pirate ship with Sesame Street characters and numerous water slides.
Aqualeon: This water park, set in nature, is suitable for all ages and offers a variety of water slides.
Illa Fantasia: With large swimming pools, a wide selection of restaurants, and a large picnic area, you and your whole family can enjoy a fun day out here.
Marineland: A combination dolphinarium and water park. Watch a variety of animals and enjoy the acrobatic performances by dolphins and sea lions.
Granja Aventura Park: This farm allows younger children to pet rabbits, chickens, and pigs. The kids can also learn about where their food comes from in the vegetable garden. There are plenty of play structures and zip lines to keep older children entertained.
Ferrari Land: A 570-meter racetrack and museum dedicated to the legendary Italian Scuderia Ferrari.
Caldea Likids: Caldea offers beauty and wellness services, including special treatments for kids aged 3 to 8 years old.

Travel Tips for Barcelona with Kids

Traveling to Barcelona with Kids

For a short city trip, it is recommended to fly to Barcelona with your children. Choose a direct flight to Barcelona El Prat Airport and make sure your flight has convenient departure and arrival times.

For longer stays in Barcelona, or if you plan on traveling around Catalonia or need to bring a lot of things, driving to Barcelona might be a good option.

Getting Around Barcelona with Kids

Traveling on public transportation in Barcelona with kids is perfectly manageable. Locals with children do it daily, so you can be sure that transportation in a city like Barcelona is well set up for families.

Public transport is the best way to get around the city. Especially the metro and trams are comfortable and straightforward options for traveling with kids. Other options such as cable cars and hop-on-hop-off buses can also be fun and useful during a city trip to Barcelona with the kids.

Children under 4 years old can travel for free on public transport (it’s advisable to carry proof of your child’s birthdate, such as an ID card or a copy of their passport).

Try to avoid traveling during rush hours, and if you prefer not to take the metro with the kids, hop-on-hop-off buses are a great alternative. With the Bus Turístic (blue bus) or Barcelona City Tour (red bus), you can comfortably sightsee the city from the top deck. The buses have various routes and stop at all major attractions.

Since the Barcelona metro is over 100 years old, not all metro stations have elevators. If you’re traveling with a stroller, it’s better to avoid the following metro stops: Plaça de Sants (L1 and L5), Espanya (L1, L3, and L8), Urquinaona (L1 and L4), Clot (L1), Maragall (L4 and L5), Verdaguer (L4 and L5), Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica (L4).

Where to Stay in Barcelona with Kids

When going on a family holiday to Barcelona, it’s best to choose child-friendly accommodations that suit your family situation. Families with babies and small children might prefer renting an apartment or staying in an aparthotel (a hotel with apartments), while those with older children or teenagers can easily manage in a hotel or hostel.

In many hotels, children up to 2 years old can stay for free in their parents’ room, and cribs are provided if necessary.

Generally, an apartment can be the best option when traveling with your family. You’ll have your own space in the city, with a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and multiple rooms where the kids can play and sleep.

The most family-friendly areas to stay in Barcelona are l’Eixample and Gràcia. Staying in Ciutat Vella is convenient due to its central location in the old town, but for families with small children, it’s better to stay in El Born and avoid the crowds of the Gothic Quarter.

🏨 Read more about family-friendly hotels in Barcelona or check out the following suggestions:

Money-Saving Tips for Families

Although most activities for babies and children in Barcelona are free, a family trip can quickly become expensive. Popular attractions like the zoo and the aquarium are not exactly cheap. Plus, when you factor in meals and public transport, it’s nice to save on costs where you can.

I recommend first identifying the places you want to visit and checking the costs involved. Sometimes, entry for babies and young children is entirely free or available at a reduced rate. Also, don’t forget that children from 4 years old need a transport pass to travel on public transport in Barcelona.

A quick and easy way to save on your family city trip is by purchasing a discount pass like the Barcelona Card or the Barcelona Family Card. These cards give you free access to public transport, as well as free entry to major museums and attractions, plus discounts on theme parks and other fun activities.

Other Travel Tips for Barcelona with Kids

Fun Things to Do with Kids in Barcelona: When you’re in Barcelona with your family, you’ll obviously want everyone to have a great time. Be sure to plan enough activities for the kids to enjoy during your trip.

Buy Your Tickets Online: It’s highly recommended to buy tickets for museums and attractions online in advance for a family trip. This way, you can avoid long (and boring) queues at the ticket counter! Plus, most attractions now allow you to choose a time slot, so you can plan better for feeding times and diaper changes.

Changing Your Baby on the Go: If you’re in the city and need to change your baby, use the restrooms in department stores like El Corte Inglés, shopping centers like El Triangle, or kid-friendly cafes, which are equipped with the necessary changing tables. You’ll also find changing facilities at the airport and major train stations. Read more tips on traveling to Barcelona with a baby here.

Arrange Babysitting Services in Barcelona: Take some time for yourself! Hire a babysitter for as little as €20 per child. This way, you can experience Barcelona’s vibrant nightlife, go for a romantic dinner, or simply explore the city at your own pace.

Rent a Stroller in Barcelona: Renting a stroller for your trip is super handy! You can rent good-quality strollers for as little as €30 per day from Back Pack Baby. They also offer car seats, baby carriers, and other baby gear.

Barcelona Kids’ Books: For a fun way to prepare and get excited about your trip to Barcelona, you can buy a kids’ book about the city, like a travel activity book or a reading book.

Connecting with Locals: Your baby will likely attract attention from passersby and fellow passengers on the metro and bus. In Barcelona, it’s very common for people to make jokes with your child, tickle their feet, and chat with you. With older children, it’s mostly in playgrounds where parents chat with each other. In short, traveling with kids in Barcelona means you’ll quickly and easily connect with the locals.

Barcelona with Children

A Family-Friendly City