Quirky, colorful and doused with Mediterranean sunlight, the spirit of Barcelona is distinctive. With a beachside location, fanciful architecture and plenty of options for hands-on fun, Spain’s second-largest city is a perfect place to introduce your family to Europe. There are so many things to do in Barcelona with kids!
While I may not have children of my own, I’m a teacher of first and second grade, and, on my recent visit to the city with my mom, I couldn’t help but note the array of sites that would make great field trip locations.
Here’s a few of my family-friendly favorites that you can’t miss on a visit to Barcelona.
Things to do in Barcelona with Kids
Gaudi’s Architecture
There’s something different about many of the grand buildings in Barcelona’s city center that makes them unique from anywhere else in Europe. That something comes from Antoni Gaudí, a Spanish architect who spearheaded an architectural movement in the late 1800’s called Catalan Modernism that is marked by curved lines, asymmetry and influences from the natural world.
His most famous work is the unfinished cathedral Sagrada Família. From marble floors covered in rainbows by bright stained glass to the ceiling seemingly covered in lily pads to the sweeping views from the rooftop, the details here will appear to a wide range of ages.
Casa Batlló, a former family home redesigned by the architect will also appeal to adults and children alike with its “bone” encrusted façade and rooftop dragon.
Park Güell
Another wonder by Gaudi, Park Güell sits in the hills of upper Barcelona, providing a scenic escape to nature steps from the cosmopolitan setting.
There’s plenty of room for children to run and the cave-like stone archways are great for hide and seek.
In the monument section, long, serpent shaped mosaic benches overlook several buildings that look like, as my mom said, a Dr. Suess book come to life. Who doesn’t want to explore a real life gingerbread house? Be sure to say hell to el drac, a multicolored mosaic salamander, on the way out.
The Beach
Beaches are a universal pleasure, and Barcelona is full of plenty with its prime location on the Mediterranean coast. Wander through the quaint, Spanish streets of Barceloneta, the old fishing district. The long strip of sand here is home to three beaches. Waters are generally calm and good for swimming in this area.
The city’s aquarium is just a short walk away as is this really cool lobster guy.
Outdoor Market
Mercat de la Boqueria is one of the best-known outdoor markets in Europe, and it’s a great place to walk through and sample foods. There is a huge selection of produce, meat and seafood, tapas and candies that fill the space with an array of colors and smells.
This market is a great place for kids to get up close to and learn about different types of food and traditional Spanish dishes.
My favorite part of the market is the fresh fruit juices. Several stands offer fun flavors such as Piña colada, strawberry coconut and pomegranate for just one euro a glass.
Magic Fountain
Apparently Disneyland and Las Vegas aren’t the only locations with water and light shows.
As darkness takes hold, PLAÇA DE CARLES BUÏGAS, a plaza near the Palau Nacional museum, is the setting for a free light and water and light show. Built for the World Fair in 1929, this fountain still fills the sky with thousands of gallons of water and lights to show tunes and pop hits.
The Magic Fountain operates nightly from 9-11:30 p.m. in summer months and 7-9 p.m. the rest of the year.
About the Author
Lauren Salisbury is a travel enthusiast who is currently exploring Europe while based in Spain teaching English in Madrid. She also writes for Something In Her Ramblings, a travel blog aimed at female and solo travelers.
James says
Barcelona is a great city for kids. Other great places for the kids to explore is the Horta Labyrinth, the fun park on Tibidabo and the Aquarium.
melinda says
thats so cool she got to experience Barcelona, It looks gorgeous over there
Keikilani says
What an amazing experience this must have been! Such vibrant colors and rich history and culture.
Brandi says
I would love to take my daughters to Barcelona! Maybe as a graduation present?!
cam | bibs and baubles says
I am so looking forward to traveling abroad with my kids! Barcelona is definitely on the list! I need to book mark this!
Lauren says
Barcelona is truly a fabulous city- so colorful and vibrant. One of my favorites!
Toni says
I LOVE Barcelona! It's such a beautiful city, I would definitely love to go back with my kids someday.
Carly Bellard says
I have always dreamed of traveling to Europe. Barcelona looks like it will have to go on my traveling bucket list! Beautiful pictures!
Keikilani says
I have dreamed of traveling to Europe too! What a great experience so young!
Elizabeth Norton says
I have never been to Barcelona. Maybe one day I can go but I think i will leave the kids at home and take my husband.
Aimee Smith says
These are great ideas! I hope to make my kids to Barcelona someday! Looks like an amazing trip.
Mommy2jam says
What beautiful pictures. I love them all, makes me want to travel more.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
My good friend lives in Barcelona and has for a couple of years now. She has nothing but good things to say!
Angela S says
Barcelona is near the top of my travel bucket list. I think you just bumped it up even more! It's good to know that it's such a family friendly city.
Amy Desrosiers says
Wow, this place is so super cool! I would love to see it if I somehow wouldn't have to fly there.
sharon says
I have never been to Barcelona but it sure is fun to see some really cool cultural things to do!
Jennifer Soltys says
Wow, looks gorgeous! I love that bone ceiling. Too cool!
Liz Mays says
So many cool things to see there. I would just love to go! I like all the ideas you've shown!
Pam says
I have always wanted to go to Barcelona. I didn't know there was so much to do there with kids!
Debi says
I have always wanted to go to Barcelona. Maybe someday
valmg says
I've never been to Spain, it sounds like a fun place to go. And those photos make me feel like I can almost reach out and get there now, don't I wish!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
wow this sounds like a great place to visit with lots to do and see!
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
Oh boy! This looks amazing! Europe is on my bucket list!
Amber Edwards says
I am in complete AWE! I have always wanted to go to Barcelona! What an amazing experience!
Kayla says
I'm with Amber, I'm in awe from everything in this post! It's a dream of mine to be able to go explore Europe and this is one place I'd LOVE to see. From all those fantastic attractions and the gorgeous pictures above, I'm going to have to mark them must-dos, too 🙂
Sarah says
Barcelona looks amazing! I'd love to visit that Casa Batlló! Looks very neat.
Sandra says
Wow that looks like an amazing time, I can't wait to take our kids there when they are older.
Janice says
I wish! Maybe someday. Great post!
Marina says
The place looks so colorful. And you can never go wrong with the beach, when it comes to kids!
Tammi says
My dream is to go to Barcelona, so many things to see and do. Plus, the history!!
Ann says
Great tips. I really love the idea of a teacher's perspective of what would be fun to take kids on a field trip to in a city. I've been reading a lot of Barcelona for family posts that don't seem to do as good a job at recommending fun activities even though the parents wrote it! And she doesn't even have kids. Thanks!