Barcelona is an awesome spot for family fun, packed with tons of activities for kids. Whether it’s theme parks, beaches, hands-on museums, or spacious parks, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy time together. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the coolest things to do in Barcelona with your kids, helping you make unforgettable memories on your next visit to this vibrant city.
Get set to explore, discover, and have a blast in Barcelona with your young explorers!
1. Visit the Barcelona Aquarium
The Barcelona Aquarium stands as the biggest Mediterranean aquarium in Europe. Children will be thrilled to walk through its massive glass tunnel, surrounded by sharks, manta rays, and a variety of other sea creatures gliding by. Throughout the day, there are exciting shows and feeding times that keep everyone entertained.
There are plenty of hands-on exhibits where kids can press buttons, crawl through tunnels, slide down, and burn off some energy while learning. On the second floor, there’s an outdoor play area where you can grab a snack and a drink while watching your kids play.
2. See the Sagrada Familia
Checking out the Sagrada Familia is definitely something you should do in Barcelona with your kids. The stunning architecture and rich history will surely captivate their interest. On a bright sunny day, the vibrant colors shining through the stained glass windows are simply mesmerizing and will grab their attention right away.
Although the audio guide might not be the best fit for kids, you can still share some cool tidbits with them, like the fact that Gaudí is laid to rest there and that the church has been in the works for over 140 years. Plus, there’s a playground right across the street, which is perfect for letting the kids burn off some energy before or after your visit.
3. Explore Park Güell
Sticking with the Gaudí vibe, Park Güell is this massive park that gives you a great view of the city. The architecture is super fun for kids, featuring houses that look like they’re crafted from gingerbread, vibrant tile mosaics, and whimsical curves along the paths that you can stroll under and over.
The highlight of the park has to be the Monumental Zone, which spans 12 hectares. Here, you’ll find the iconic Dragon Staircase, the stunning Hypostyle Hall, the outdoor Greek Theater, and the well-known Portico of the Laundress. Plus, there are playgrounds and a spacious area for picnics.
4. Have a sweet time at the Chocolate Museum
A mouth covered in chocolate is such a nostalgic sight from childhood. What kid wouldn’t want to explore a whole museum dedicated to this delicious treat? Barcelona boasts its very own chocolate museum that dives into the history of chocolate and showcases amazing chocolate art.
Naturally, no trip to the Chocolate Museum would be complete without the chance to actually touch and taste the chocolate. On weekends, the museum also hosts fun workshops and games for kids aged 12 and under, making for some unique and enjoyable experiences.
5. Discover Spain’s treasures at Poble Espanyol
The Poble Espanyol, which translates to ‘Spanish Village’ in Catalan, brings to life the streets, squares, and buildings from across Spain in a vibrant, full-scale setting. You’ll find shops showcasing traditional Spanish crafts and restaurants that celebrate various regional cuisines. Plus, there’s even a gallery featuring works by famous artists like Dalí and Picasso.
If you’re looking for something fun to do, you can join one of their many workshops, ranging from gardening to pottery, which are perfect for older kids. There’s also a family-friendly pirate-themed gymkhana, where you can embark on a treasure hunt that leads you to explore all the hidden gems of the village.
6. Feel the excitement at Tibidabo Amusement Park
Tibidabo Amusement Park is a must-visit spot for families in Barcelona. With stunning views of the city, it offers a variety of attractions suitable for everyone, from a classic carousel to thrilling roller coasters and a giant Ferris wheel. The park’s vintage rides add a nostalgic touch, making it a unique experience for visitors of all ages.
7. Visit the renown Zoo of Barcelona
Nestled right in the heart of the city, you’ll find the Barcelona Zoo located within the Parc de la Ciutadella. This zoo is a vibrant home to a variety of animals, such as hippos, rhinos that look like they stepped out of a prehistoric era, sea lions, elephants, giraffes, lions, and tigers. Plus, you can dive into interesting facts about their conservation and the threats of extinction.
Kids are in for a treat with a day packed full of fun activities! They can enjoy pony rides, explore dragon land, wander through the flying aviary, and play in two fantastic play areas. Don’t forget to visit the farm area where they can interact with friendly goats, cows, sheep, pigs, donkeys, and horses.
8. Be fascinated by the Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is an amazing building created by Gaudí, showcasing his vibrant and playful style that kids really enjoy. The place features a cool augmented reality tour and two rooms where stunning light shows bring Gaudí’s creative ideas to life. It’s truly a fantastic sensory adventure.
For the little ones, the audio guide comes with interactive devices that present the rooms in a fun and unique way, making it super engaging. You can also choose to go on a dramatized tour for an extra layer of excitement. All in all, it’s a perfect outing for families. Plus, they provide baby carriers and can keep your stroller safe while you explore.
9. Have a complete day of fun at PortAventura
Just a short drive or train ride from Barcelona, PortAventura Park is about 90 minutes by car or 75 minutes by train. This amazing theme park has something for everyone, featuring six themed zones filled with exciting attractions, shops, dining options, and entertaining shows for the entire family.
10. Take a Barcelona Bus Tour
Taking a sightseeing bus ride around Barcelona is one of the coolest activities for families. On a sunny day, head to the top deck and soak in the sights from a fresh angle, plus you can jump on and off at your leisure.
11. Visit the great Spotify Camp Nou and FC Barcelona Museum
If your kid loves soccer, you’ll have no trouble discovering fun activities in Barcelona. FC Barcelona is not just a well-known team in Spain, but it’s also recognized globally. While you’re in the city, you can check out the Spotify Camp Nou, which is currently undergoing renovations, along with the Barça museum.
This iconic stadium and museum offer a fantastic glimpse into the world of soccer, making it a must-visit for any young fan. Even though the Camp Nou is closed for now, there are still plenty of other exciting things to explore in Barcelona that will keep your little one entertained.
12. Indulge in Churros
If you’re looking for a fun snack for both kids and grown-ups, why not swing by one of the city’s iconic churro spots in the morning? These crispy fried dough sticks, dusted with sugar, are just what you need to kickstart your day.
Dunking them into a rich cup of thick chocolate makes for an unbeatable treat that everyone can enjoy.
Satisfying that craving won’t be hard, as there is no shortage of churrerías in Barcelona. I recommend any of these 3 traditional churrerías – they won’t disappoint!
Churrería J: a Barcelona classic, open since 1968 (Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 218, L’Eixample, 08036, Barcelona)
Granja La Pallaresa: another classic where they serve churros and chocolate a la taza, as well as ensaimadas, cocas and ice cream (C/ de Petritxol, 11, Ciutat Vella, 08002, Barcelona)
Churrería Laietana: they offer very good quality churros, and can accompany them with delicious hot chocolate. You can also order fritters, cakes, and ice cream (Via Laietana, 46, Ciutat Vella, 08003, Barcelona)
With this list of activities, finding fun things for kids to do in Barcelona is easy. From interactive museums to sandy beaches, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Leverage your trip with the Barcelona Family Fun City Pass. Dive into the city’s fun and unique offerings and create lasting memories together. Use these suggestions to explore every corner of Barcelona and make the most of your visit.
~ This post was written by Ricardo Ramirez. A passionate traveler and resident of Barcelona for more than 20 years, he is the co-founder of barcelonando.com and part of the Guiajando team.
barcelonando.com is an online guide to discover the secrets and most authentic corners of Barcelona, from the most emblematic places, where he shares practical tips to visit them, to the best information on what to do, how to get around and where to stay in Barcelona.
