Famous for its unusual and flamboyant architecture, beautiful Barcelona is the jewel of Spain. Its motley, original and astonishing buildings are the work of the architect Gaudí, whose imagination knew no bounds. Just as adults marvel at his works, so do children. As well as the city's creative side, children and parents can enjoy a maze, a boat trip or discover its colorful neighborhoods. Let's get started with our top 11 things to do in Barcelona with kids!
1. Parc Güell, the best thing to do in Barcelona with children
It was Gaudí's dream, and we can only salute his genius as we stroll the paths of the parc Güell. A daring blend of original houses, lush greenery and colorful mosaics, the setting is simply enchanting. It's undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Barcelona with children!
Tip from Petit Futé : entrance to Parc Güell is not free. Rather than buying your ticket on the spot, at the risk of having to wait sometimes more than an hour to get in, we advise you to buy it online right here. You'll need to think ahead, however, as a specific time slot must be reserved.
2. Visiting Barcelona's Sagrada Familia with children
Visiting a religious building is not for your children? Perhaps not. Yet even they will fall head over heels in wonder at the splendor of the Sagrada Familiabarcelona's most emblematic landmark. Unsurprisingly, it makes the top 19 list of things to do in Barcelona, and it leaves no one indifferent, with its absolutely magnificent , unstructured architecture.
Good to know: the Sagrada Familia is one of the 21 most beautiful places to see in Spain. Not to be missed! To find out more, go here to book your ticket for the Sagrada Familia, including audioguide.
3. Visit the Palais Güell with your children in Barcelona
It's undeniable that the artist's touch is once again evident in the Palais Güell, whose shapes and colors are a real eye-catcher. Colorful, unstructured mantelpieces... marble columns... sumptuously original interior decor: it's not hard to understand why this architectural work by Gaudí, one of his first major commissions, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To book: click here to book your ticket for Gaudí's Palau Güell!
4. Admire Montjuïc's magic fountain at night with your family
The Font Màgica hydraulic organ on Montjuïc is a must-see marvel in Barcelona with your children! As soon as night falls, from 8 or 9:30 p.m. depending on the season, the fountain lights up. In a magical interplay of sound, light, fireworks and lasers, it puts on a dazzling show for free. It's sure to be one of your children's best vacation memories (and maybe yours too!).
Good to know: from early January to mid-February, the Font Màgica is not in operation. If you've never seen it before, you may want to plan your stay in Barcelona with your children before or after this date.
5. What to do in Barcelona with children? Visit the aquarium!
Dedicated in part to the Mediterranean marine world, Barcelona'saquarium has been dedicated to education since it opened in 1995. Both entertaining and instructive, it offers a true immersion in themarine world that surrounds us. Hundreds of species amaze children, as well as parents, who may well discover fish and other molluscs they never knew existed!
Good to know:special events for children are regularly organized at the Barcelona Aquarium. Treasure hunts, activities and other interactive games are a regular feature! Tempted? Click here to book your ticket to the Barcelona Aquarium.
6. Get lost with the family in the Horta Labyrinth
The horta Park is a true haven of peace, magnified by its romantic garden and neoclassical French garden. However, the real attraction for children is the park's magnificent labyrinth, which has been perfectly "cut to size". With its four possible entrances, it's not really difficult and therefore perfectly suited to children of all ages.
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7. Things to do in Barcelona with children at Parc de la Ciutadella
Unsurprisingly, the parc de la Ciutadella was already included in our itinerary tips for visiting Barcelona in 3 days, including with children. With its 28,000m² of green space, it's a favorite with locals and visitors alike. As you stroll along the path after a family picnic, you may well come across some musicians... The park is also home to children's playgrounds, the Museum of Natural Sciences and a zoo. Add to this a lake on which you can take a rowboat ride, and you've got plenty of time to spend with the whole family!
8. What to do in Barcelona with children CosmoCaixa Science Museum
Barcelona's natural science museum, CosmoCaixa, opened its doors in 2005. Its 30,000 m² of floor space is a delight for families. Highlights include the Amazon rainforest, the Geological Wall and the planetarium. An interactive level lets you explore scientific phenomena. We love it! From the Foucault pendulum to the wave simulator and terrariums, this 2 to 3-hour family visit promises to be top-notch!
Good to know: The Barcelona Card, which you can buy right here, gives you free access to over 25 of Barcelona's best museums and attractions, including the CosmoCaixa Museum. You'll also have free access to public transport.
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9. Family fun at Parc du Tibidabo
Located on Mount Tibidabo, this amusement park offers a panoramic view of the whole of Barcelona, particularly from the Talaia, an attraction that takes you to new heights! Parc du Tibidabo is a delight not only for children, but also for thrill-seeking teenagers and parents. From the gold mine to the roller coaster, not forgetting the thrills offered in the scary Hotel Kruger, this is one of the best places to do in Barcelona with children, young or old.
To book: Go here to book your Tibidabo theme park ticket.
10. Discover Barcelona in a different way aboard a golondrina!
For the record, golondrinas have been around since 1888, the date of the city's Universal Exhibition. Aboard these small tourist boats, you can admire the port and the coastline during an hour of pleasant river cruising. It's the ideal vantage point from which to contemplate Barcelona's skyline, its beaches and the Olympic port. Children generally love these short, out-of-the-ordinary excursions... and they don't tire their little legs!
To book: Discover Barcelona's must-sees from the sea by booking your boat trip right here. A unique opportunity to enjoy the coastline, the sun, the breeze and the magic of the sea.
11. Stroll around the Poble Espanyol, the city within the city
Visit Poble Espanyol recreates the architecture of different regions of Spain. It features Castilian squares, a Catalan monastery and Andalusian houses. This life-size leisure center offers a wide range of activities for families:
- craft workshops,
- stores,
- audiovisual installations,
- landscape exhibitions,
- folk festivals, etc.
Designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, the Poble Espanyol is a perfect tourist site for discovering Spanish diversity with children, during a visit to Barcelona!
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What can you do in Barcelona with your family for less?
There's nothing like Spain's beautiful beaches for family fun without breaking the bank. There are two choices: Barceloneta beach and Nova Icària beach. Did you get hungry? Another inexpensive activity to do in Barcelona with children is to try churros dipped in hot chocolate with whipped cream. Not at all healthy, but so delicious!
On the Gaudí side, some visits like the Sagrada Familia are expensive, but others are much less so, or not at all. Parc Güell, for example, costs between €7 and €10 per person. You can also admire many of his works throughout the city free of charge, as well as the Casa Batllóin part! In the case of the latter, the interior visit is indeed rather expensive, but there's nothing to stop you admiring it for free from the outside.
The lowest price of all, however, goes to Horta's Labyrinth, which costs less than €2.50 per person!
Good to know: from December 1ᵉʳ, 2024, entry to the labyrinth will be paid for by credit card only.
To travel without breaking the bank, check out our article on the 15 best free activities to do in Barcelona. Some, like Ciutadella Park, will fit in perfectly with a trip with kids!
So, tempted by a family trip to Barcelona? The good news is that it's an ideal family destination in Europe, thanks to its proximity to France. If you enjoy travelling by train or car, you can even travel without a plane to this city so imbued with the work of the great Gaudí. Find out all our tips for preparing your family holiday here. Finally, if you have a little time left over, don't hesitate to get out of town. There are many beautiful villages in Spain that are easy to visit with children.
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