Activities for kids
Montjuïc
Montjuïc (the "Jewish mountain" in Catalan) is located on a hill overlooking Barcelona. It is a large park offering all sorts of activities especially for the little ones. It can be accessed by cable car or funicular, there is a castle to tour, horses to look at, gardens to picnic in, different playgrounds at the Park Joan Brossa, a swimming pool, an amphitheatre and a museum showcasing works of Catalan artist Joan Miró.
The beach
There is no better place to go with the little ones than the beach, and Barcelona was named the best beach city in the world by National Geographic and its golden sands are well worth a visit. Easily accessed by metro on the yellow L4 line, the beach stretches for several kilometres and you will find all the facilities you need, including parasols, sun loungers, showers and toilets, as well as a good choice of beach bars and kiosks – and even the odd sculpture!
El Cau
El Cau is a new play centre in Barcelona’s L’Eixample district. Designed exclusively for children, it’s a play paradise, created for enjoyment, fun and creativity. It’s an ideal place to go on a rainy day, or when the kids need to burn off some excess energy. Whether you live in Barcelona or are just visiting, El Cau is somewhere where the children are guaranteed to have fun and make friends, while parents can enjoy snacks, chats and spot of relaxation.The concept is similar to that of a gym, but instead of going there for exercise, kids go there to play. One part of the interior space is filled with toys, games, arts and crafts, whilst the other part has an innovative maze-like design with steps, ramps, toboggans and huts where children can run, climb, jump and hide.
www.el-cau.cat
Aquarium
A great way to discover the wonders of the deep without getting wet. Ocean, tropical and Mediterranean themed aquariums showcase some of the extraordinary life forms of the sea.
http://www.aquariumbcn.com/en/
Tibidabo Park
Perched high on a hill and accessed via furnicular, the Tibidabo amusement park is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. With 25 rides suitable for all ages, a Skywalk and vintage toys museum as well as restaurants and picnic areas it’s a great family day out, and the views of the city are breathtaking.
http://www.tibidabo.cat/en/
CosmoCaixa Barcelona
A great indoor option if it’s too hot (or raining) outdoors, is the CosmoCaixa Science Museum in Sant Gervasi. The museum takes children on a journey through the natural world and beyond, exploring rainforests and flooded forests, and travelling through space and time at the planetarium. There are lots of interactive workshops, activities, games and experiments children can take part in.
Address: Carrer d'Isaac Newton, 26, 08022 Barcelona
Barcelona Zoo
One of the oldest zoos in Europe, you could easily spend a whole day here. Animals are well-care for in open enclosures, loosely grouped by region. In addition to lions, tigers, elephants and giraffes, you can see gorillas and orangutans, all sorts of exotic birds, reptiles large and small, and sea lions. Fast food is served at various on-site establishments, or take a picnic with you. A ‘zoo train’ can take you around the grounds, or you can hire a buggy. Added attractions include daily dolphin shows, playgrounds, a farmyard zoo and clowns. Be advised that animals may be sleeping on hot days and kept in doors on cold days.
https://www.zoobarcelona.cat/
Petit à Petit Café
This place is not only child-friendly but also beautifully decorated by its owner Marta Codina who is herself a mother and opened this great place close to Plaza Molina (Putxet i Farró district). Parents find time to eat and relax while the children have fun playing in the play area where they can find a mini kitchen, great books and toys to distract themselves or meet new friends. The food is very good too, they offer a large variety of delicious sandwiches, sweet pastries, fresh juices, coffee and tea and a daily lunch menu. We recommend to try their carrot cake!
https://www.facebook.com/petitapetitcafe
