20 Best Attractions in Barcelona for Kids
Discover the most exciting family-friendly attractions in Barcelona, from iconic landmarks to fun-filled adventures that kids of all ages will love.
Barcelona, this fantastic city for families, is bursting with interesting places for the kids to get out and have some real fun. You'll find tons of great spots, be they beautiful parks and exciting museums, or zoos, aquariums, and beaches that are just begging to be explored—something for just about every age.
Whether your kids are absolute animal lovers, thrill-seekers, nature nuts, or just love learning new things, Barcelona's got loads of activities that'll keep them bouncing with joy. Below, we've put together our pick of the 20 Barcelona places to visit for kids, all so you can start planning a holiday that's full of fun and make some truly wonderful memories along the way.
Montjuïc Cable Car
The Montjuïc Cable Car is a great way to get up to the hill; its lower station is nestled right near Montjuïc Park. You can easily take in the views from up top at Montjuïc Castle. As you ride above the hill, the cable car cabins pass right over the city of Barcelona and out to the Mediterranean Sea.
The trip itself is pretty short, covering about 750 meters of distance, but kids just love the big windows on the cable car platform. Plus, it's a quick and easy way to get to the top of Montjuïc Hill, which is why it's a popular choice for families visiting the city of Barcelona. It runs for most of the year, so you're usually able to get up whenever you like.
Address:
Avinguda de Miramar, 30, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Montjuïc Castle
Montjuïc Castle is perched right at the top of Montjuïc Hill, 173 meters above sea level, to be exact. The old fortress has been up there since the 17th century, and its views of the city and harbour just don't get any better. And, of course, the kids love being able to walk along the castle walls and explore the big open courtyards. Plus, from the viewing terraces, you can take in the whole view of the city and out to the coastline, a really stunning sight, to say the least. As for inside the castle, there are loads of exhibitions that tell the story of the castle's history, perfect for kids to learn a bit about a really important bit of Barcelona's past.
Address:
Carretera de Montjuïc, 66, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Parc Güell
If you're heading to Barcelona, then Parc Güell is definitely a must-see, but not just because of the kids; everyone will love it. This public park was designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, and it's absolutely full of his unique and quirky touches. There is the famous mosaic salamander, for example, and the big stone structures that look like they just sprang out of the ground.
And the gardens and open spaces are just perfect for a family day out in the park. Many of the designs are inspired by the natural world, so you'll see all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes and details. As a bonus, the views of the city are just fantastic from the hilltop on which it's situated, on Carmel Hill to be precise.
Address:
08024 Barcelona, Spain
La Sagrada Família
La Sagrada Família is probably the most famous church in Barcelona, and it's easy to see why: it's an absolute masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí's design. Work on the building started in 1882, and you'd think by now it would be finished, but it's still under construction.
What’s already been built is just amazing: the high towers, the sculptures, and the stained-glass windows are all just fantastic. And the kids will love the way the light streams through the windows and creates all these lovely patterns on the floor. You can get different information about the life of Jesus from the different façades, too.
Address:
Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona Aquarium
If you love marine life, then the Barcelona Aquarium is definitely a museum you won't want to miss. And it's not just for the parents; the kids will love it just as much as you do. Located in Port Vell, the aquarium has thousands of marine species on display: sharks, rays, sea bream, and many others. What makes it really special, though, is a massive underwater tunnel that you can walk through, and beneath you, all the fish will be swimming. The kids will also love the interactive exhibits that let them learn about the different habitats in the Mediterranean Sea. It is actually one of the best kids' attractions in Barcelona.
Address:
Moll d'Espanya del Port Vell, s/n, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona Zoo
Located right inside Ciutadella Park, Barcelona Zoo opened way back in 1892 and has been home to a whole host of fascinating animals, including quite a few giraffes, elephants, reptiles, monkeys, and, of course, big cats. The zoo caters to kids of all ages with its various themed areas that focus on different species and habitats, and the educational programs really help people learn more about wildlife and wildlife conservation. Thirteen hectares of space for the animals is a lot and also includes loads of walking paths so that families have a super easy time exploring the different sections.
Address:
Parc de la Ciutadella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Take a Stroll Down Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas—you can't go wrong with this famous pedestrian boulevard in the very centre of Barcelona. For about 1.2 kilometers, it runs from the Plaça de Catalunya right through to the waterfront, and it's just loaded with everything from street performers to flower stalls and all the local shops. A real must-see is La Boqueria Market, full of fresh fruit, snacks, and local goodies to get your teeth into. And the kids will have a blast watching all the street performers all day long. The whole place is lined with trees and historic buildings, which makes it one of Barcelona’s most popular public spaces.
Address:
La Rambla, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Camp Nou
Camp Nou stadium is where the home team FC Barcelona play their home matches. One of the largest football stadiums in Europe is a place that is always bustling with visitors. If they offer guided tours when you visit, you can take a look around the stands, the museum, and the trophy displays. The museum is full of historic photos, football memorabilia, and, of course, all the club's achievements.
Address:
C. d'Arístides Maillol, 12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo
Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo is an old-school amusement park perched right on the top of Tibidabo Mountain. Established way back in 1901, it is actually one of the oldest amusement parks still in operation. They've got all sorts of rides for all sorts of people, including carousels, roller coasters, and rides for families. The kids can get some amazing panoramic views of the city from the top of the mountain, and it's a great place to take in the sights of Barcelona and the Mediterranean coast.
Address:
Plaça del Tibidabo, 3-4, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
La Barceloneta
La Barceloneta is probably the most well-known beach in Barcelona, and it's just a stone's throw from the city centre. The beach has some of the softest sand you'll ever walk on, and the long promenade along the seafront is perfect for a stroll. Little ones can have a blast playing in the sand, watching the boats bobbing about on the water. There are several playgrounds dotted around the beach area, so parents can relax knowing the kids are being kept entertained.
Address:
Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria Market has been a mainstay in the heart of Barcelona for well over a century; it's located just a minute or two off the famous Las Ramblas. This bustling market is home to hundreds of stalls, all packed to the brim with fresh goodies like fruit, veggies, seafood, meat, and all sorts of tasty treats. The colours and smells are sure to delight kids, and you'll find plenty of stalls selling fresh juices and snacks to munch on.
Address:
La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Museu de la Xocolata
The Museu de la Xocolata is the city's very own chocolate museum—yep, a museum dedicated to all things chocolate! It tells the story of how chocolate made its way to Europe, and you can even see some incredible sculptures on display. The interactive exhibits are perfect for getting the little ones involved, and they can even try their hand at making their own chocolate treats in one of the workshops on offer.
And if you're ever wondering how chocolate goes from bean to bar, the info panels have got you covered. It's all located in the trendy El Born district, which is why it's such a hit with families.
Address:
Carrer del Comerç, 36, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Go to Tibidabo Amusement Park
Tibidabo Amusement Park—just the name conjures up memories of carefree days out, doesn't it? Situated high up on Tibidabo Mountain, this park has been around since 1901 and is still going strong. You'll find all manner of rides for families, from gentle carousels to heart-pounding roller coasters. And as you’re on your way up in the mountains, the views of the city and the coast are simply stunning.
Address:
Plaça del Tibidabo, 3-4, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
See the Boats at Port Vell
Port Vell is the old harbour area, tucked away near the waterfront. It's still a bustling marina today, home to all boats and yachts, plus the odd tourist vessel to boot. Families can take a stroll along the harbour and watch the boats bobbing about as they come and go. There are a few pedestrian bridges connecting up the different parts of the marina, which makes it super easy to get around. Kids can watch the maritime action all day long, and there are even shops and restaurants to explore, as well as the excellent Barcelona Aquarium.
Address:
Port Vell, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Go to Poble Espanyol
Poble Espanyol is this really cool open-air architecture museum up on Montjuïc Hill in Barcelona. It was actually built for the 1929 International Exposition, a big deal back in the day. The place is full of buildings inspired by different parts of Spain; it's like a walking tour of Spanish architecture right in front of you. And for kids, they get to stroll through streets and squares that are just like little Spanish towns. There are craft workshops too where you can see old-school skills like pottery and glassmaking on display.
Address:
Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Treat Yourselves to Some Proper Churros
Churros are basically traditional Spanish pastry, deep-fried dough that's a real treat. You can get them fresh from loads of cafés and churro shops all over Barcelona. They're usually topped with a bit of sugar and served with thick, rich hot chocolate. Some shops let the kids watch the churros being made too; they're just so much fun to watch. Churros are a staple snack in Spain, and you'll often see people tucking into them for breakfast or dessert.
See Gaudí's Stuff in 4D
Gaudí Experiència is this attraction that uses 4D technology to bring Antoni Gaudí's amazing architectural work to life. You get to watch a bit of a show that tells you all about his designs and inspirations. The effects are pretty mind-blowing—they've got movement and sound. The kids can interact with some of the digital recreations of his famous buildings too. There's loads of info about Gaudí's projects on display too, so it's a great way to get a bit more insight into the man and his work. It's just a stone's throw from Parc Güell, one of Gaudí's most famous projects in Barcelona.
Address:
Carrer de Larrard, 41, 08024 Barcelona, Spain
Get Your Thrill Fix at PortAventura
PortAventura World is a seriously massive theme park located about 100 km outside Barcelona in Salou. It's got loads of themed areas, family rides, roller coasters, and loads of live shows to get the adrenaline pumping. There are bits of the park inspired by different cultures and regions too, so kids can explore all sorts of new places. And don't worry, there's plenty to keep the younger ones entertained; they've got loads of rides and stuff designed specifically for little ones.
Address:
Av. del Batlle Pere Molas, km 2, 43480 Vila-seca, Tarragona, Spain
Take a Day Trip to Montserrat
Montserrat is this pretty remote mountain range just about 50 km northwest of Barcelona, really worth a day trip if you can manage it. The main attraction in the area is probably the Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery, an amazing sight. You can get to the mountain by train, cable car, or rack railway, so loads of options. If you're a family, it's a great way to spend a day out together. There are loads of walking trails to take in the views of the crazy rock formations that surround the monastery—really breathtaking.
Address:
08199 Montserrat, Barcelona, Spain
In a nutshell, these kids activities in Barcelona offer a mix of everything from sightseeing, learning, outdoor fun, to family-friendly experiences.
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