Barcelona’s Top 10 : Attractions for Children

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  1. Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo

    With
    its old-fashioned rides, the only surviving funfair in the city is a
    delight for children of all ages. The attractions include a House of
    Horrors, bumper cars, a ferris wheel and the Museu dels Autòmates,
    with animatronics of all shapes and sizes. There’s also a puppet show,
    picnic areas, playgrounds and plenty of bars and restaurants.

  2. Parc Zoològic

    The
    zoo has an enormous adventure playground where children can run wild.
    There are also dolphin and whale shows in one of the aquariums. Other
    activities for children include guided tours and workshops. The “farm”
    area has goats and rabbits that younger children can stroke. 




    Penguins, Parc Zoològic

  3. Museu Marítim

    Ancient
    maps showing monster-filled seas, restored fishing boats and a
    collection of ships’ figureheads give a taste of Barcelona’s martime
    history. Well worth a look is the full-size Spanish galleon complete
    with sound and light effects. Set in the vast former medieval shipyards,
    the Drassanes, this is an absolute must for any budding sea captain.




  4. L’Aquàrium

    One
    of Europe’s biggest aquariums, this underwater kingdom is made up of 21
    enormous tanks brimming with nearly 400 marine species. The highlight
    of a visit is the Oceanari, where a walk-through glass tunnel will bring
    you face to face with three huge grey sharks – named Drake, Morgan and
    Maverick – lurking in 4.5 million litres (990,000 gallons) of water. 




  5. Jardins del Laberint d’Horta

    The main feature of this exceptional park is the huge, hedged maze where children can live out their Alice in Wonderland
    fantasies. Unfulfilled expectations of mad hatters are made up for by
    an enormous play area with a bar and terrace. The park is particularly
    busy on Sundays.

  6. Unlike
    the nerve-jangling cable-car ride across the port, these smaller,
    lower-altitude cable car trips are a better option if you have children
    with you. The ride to the Montjuïc summit also has the added appeal of
    the castle  at the top, with cannons for the kids to clamber on.

    • Parc de Montjuïc


    • Open Nov–Mar: 10am–6pm daily; Apr, May, Oct: 10am–7pm daily; Jun–Sep: 10am–9pm daily

    • Adm




  7. La Rambla

    Your
    shoulders will be aching from carrying the kids high above the crowds
    by the time you reach the end of Barcelona’s main boulevard. Fire
    eaters, buskers, human statues decked out as Greek goddesses – you name
    it and it’s likely to be keeping the hordes entertained on La Rambla.
    Put a coin in the human statue’s hat and be rewarded with a sudden move,
    or, if you’re a child, the gift of a tiny lollipop. 




  8. City Beaches

    For
    kids, there’s more to going to the beach in Barcelona than just
    splashing in warm waters and frolicking in the sand. The Port Vell and
    Port Olímpic platges
    (beaches) offer a good choice of well-equipped play areas to keep the
    little ones entertained. Numerous bars and restaurants make finding
    refreshment easy, too. 




    Children at play, Port Olímpic beach

  9. Boat Trips

    Barcelona’s golondrines  make regular trips out of the port, providing a fun excursion for older
    children. Younger kids, however, will probably prefer paddling around
    in a rowing boat on the lake at the Parc de la Ciutadella).




  10. Museu d’Història de Catalunya

    This
    child-friendly museum traces Catalonia’s history through a range of
    dynamic, interactive exhibits. The best of these allows visitors to get
    dressed up as medieval knights and gallop around on wooden horses. Very
    popular with Catalan school groups, it’s equally enjoyable for visitors.
    Every Saturday, the museum hosts a story hour when Catalan legends are
    re-enacted for children as well as other children’s activities.