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What to do with kids in Barcellona

Barcelona works well with children: the sea is in the city, there are plenty of parks and Gaudí's houses look like something from a fairy tale. The trick is to alternate an indoor visit with an outdoor break, and keep the hot summer hours for the beach or a museum. Distances are long, though: the metro and buses help.

Below are the places children actually enjoy, and further down every family-friendly place, sorted by where you are. For a ready-made day, the planner keeps a slower pace and puts the breaks in the right places.

Where to take the children

  1. CosmoCaixa

    The science museum with an Amazon rainforest recreated indoors, fish, plants and hands-on experiments. Half a day goes by easily, out of the heat and the rain.

  2. L'Aquàrium de Barcelona

    On Port Vell, the aquarium with a glass tunnel that runs beneath the sharks. It is indoors and a short walk from La Rambla and Barceloneta beach.

  3. Park Güell

    The tiled dragon, houses that look like gingerbread and the wavy terrace: Gaudí's park appeals at any age. The monumental area has timed entry, to be booked.

  4. Parc de la Ciutadella

    The park to run around in the centre, with the rowing-boat lake, the monumental fountain and play areas. A shady break between El Born and the sea.

  5. Spiaggia della Barceloneta

    The city beach closest to the centre, for a few hours in summer. At peak times it is very crowded: further north, towards Poblenou, there is more room.

  6. Tibidabo

    At the top of the mountain, a historic amusement park with rides and a view over the whole city. Go up by funicular, and allow half a day.

A slower pace, short walks between stops and a break to eat: the walk fits the little ones.

Plan a walk with children

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Every family-friendly place

Frequently asked questions

Is Barcelona good for children?

Yes. There is the sea, plenty of parks and museums made for them, such as CosmoCaixa and the Aquàrium. Distances are long: use the metro between neighbourhoods and take a long lunch break.

How much walking is a day with children?

In the planner, choose the "Relaxed" pace and the "With children" interest: stops get shorter, breaks more frequent, and walks between them stay short. Every leg shows its minutes and metres.

What if it rains?

CosmoCaixa and the Aquàrium are indoors and can fill a whole morning. There are more ideas on the page about what to do in Barcelona when it rains.

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