Barcelona with children – a perfect family holiday

Families, Things to do on November 30, 2010 1:59 pm

Family holidays can be the best experience ever but a lot depends on what the destination has to offer! Barcelona is one city where fun for all the family is practically guaranteed, with lots to keep the both you and the kids entertained for the whole of your trip.

Check out our list of Barcelona’s top attractions for families with children to turn your trip into a holiday that you and your children will remember for the all right reasons.

Barcelona Aquarium (1)

One of Europe’s largest aquariums, this underwater kingdom is made up of 21 enormous tanks brimming with almost 400 marine species. Children will love making friends with relatives of Nemo, Dory, Flounder and Sebastian the crab, but the highlight of a visit here has to be the Oceaneri, where a walk through glass tunnel, (known as Shark Tunnel) brings you face to face with three huge grey sharks – named Drake, Morgan and Maverick, lurking in 4.5 million litres of water.

We recommend having your photo taken standing inside the giant jaw of a prehistoric shark (Carcharodon megalodon), it makes for a superb souvenir.

Barcelona zoo (2)

As well as lions, tigers, elephants and gorillas, Barcelona zoo also has a great adventure playground where the children can run wild. We highly recommend the dolphin shows. We saw the dolphins last month and the show was fantastic, with the dolphins launching balls in to the audience to play catch. As well as guided tours and workshops the zoo also offers a farm area with goats and rabbits for the younger ones to pet. Not forgetting the ever popular pony rides. The animals are all very well kept and it is said to be one of the cleanest zoos in Europe.

The Zoo is based in the Parc de la Ciutadella which is beautiful, especially on a sunny day with a picnic, children can feed the ducks and you can even rent a boat on the lake.

CosmoCaixa (3)

Far from your average museum; Cosmocaixa is an educational yet entertaining and interactive natural science museum in Barcelona that is fun for all the family. Take the kids on a  trip deep into the Amazon rainforest and experience tropical rain, conduct your own experiments, generate sandstorms at the push of a button, or pet animals from all ends of the earth, including hairy spiders and exotic snakes. The museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions each year, some of which have included the importance of numbers and Charles Darwin.

Everybody, young or old, can learn something here and with its affordable prices, it would be rude not to pay a visit, especially since entrance is free every 1^st Sunday of the month.

Las Ramblas (4)

This spectacle is just as fascinating for children as it is for adults. The street is essentially a huge stage for street performers, seen by over 150,000 visitors each day. Human statues of all descriptions, from angels and demons to floating statues, footballers and cowboys, line the street from top to bottom, mesmerising their audience with their unique costumes and performances. Place a coin in a hat and be rewarded with a dance or sudden move. Another great photo opportunity but beware of pick pockets!

The street also has numerous stalls selling gifts the usual tourist knick-knacks. La Boqueria market is also well worth a visit, it is just off Las Ramblas and children will love the colourful fresh fruit drinks on sale.

El Poble Espanyol (5)

A one-of-a kind open-air museum built on Montjuic mountain, Poble Espanyol makes for a fun and interesting visit. In this ‘town within a city’ you are able to visit 117 life-size landmarks from throughout the whole of Spain. The streets are free from traffic, making it very safe for children to explore and you to discover the art and culture of this unique village and its buildings. Declared an Area of Craft Interest by the Catalan government, you’ll find over 40 arts and crafts workshops selling one of a kind pieces, as well as original shops and a wide variety of Mediterranean cuisine. The ‘Poble for Kids’ programme organises performances, children’s workshops and a treasure hunt, a family activity which reveals the secrets of the Poble Espanyol in a fun and informative way.

Outside of Barcelona

If you’ve overdosed on Barcelona itself, why not take the children on an adventure to some great attractions outside of the city.

Port Aventura is just a short train journey from Barcelona and will be a sure-fire hit with kids of all ages. Although at its best when the sun is shining, during December the park really embraces the Christmas spirit and Children will love the celebrations, musical shows, meeting Santa and general merriment. The park also puts on a great show for Halloween and other public holidays. La Isla Fantasiais Barcelona’s water park and the perfect location for splashing around on a hot summer’s day. The park offers over 15 slides, a wave pool, pirate ship, rapids and amenities for families of all sizes.

Save 10% with the Oh-Barcelona Discount – {What’s This?}

Chocolate & Churros are the perfect way to put a smile on a glum face! A thick & gloopy chocolate drink with deep fried batter biscuits to dip. A personal favourite of ours, absolutely delicious! Most cafes and restaurants offer this treat, which works wonderfully as a bribe. Be warned, things can get slightly messy!

Other Popular children’s attractions in & around Barcelona

Montjuic Cable Cars
The Magic Fountains
The Barcelona Tourist Bus
Parc Gúell
Imax Cinema
FC Barcelona Museum and Camp Nou Tour
Wax museum
City beaches
Bosc Urba – Barcelona city adventure park

Been to Barcelona with children before? Did you find anything we missed? Are you visiting soon? We would love to hear from you!

Chloe

About the author Oh-Barcelona

We are a leading holiday accommodation provider, with a fantastic choice of affordable rental apartments, hotels and hostels in the Catalan capital.
Oh-Barcelona.com

Related posts

Why plan your trip to Barcelona?

It’s raining sweets on the streets of Gràcia – the Sant Medir Festival

Your full guide to Barcelona’s beaches

Cirque du Soleil in Barcelona – the circus comes to town!