Barcelona with Kids: Top Tours & Things to Do

Barcelona is one of those cities that sounds like a dream for families. Sun, beaches, churros, Gaudí! But the reality? It takes a bit of planning and patience, especially when you’re traveling solo with two five-year-olds (hi, that was me!).

I recently brought my twins to Barcelona for a long weekend (in February 2025). It was my first time traveling alone with them, and I was determined to make it fun and manageable.

As the co-founder of Devour Barcelona and a Spain-based food and travel writer since 2009, I’ve explored Barcelona more times than I can count. I even went to culinary school there! But this was my first time doing it with two energetic preschoolers in tow. It was messy, joyful, chaotic, and one of the most rewarding trips I’ve ever taken.

Here’s what worked for us, what didn’t, and how I’d plan our next family trip to Barcelona. Whether you're spending a couple of days in Barcelona with kids or planning a longer stay, I hope this guide helps!

What Makes Barcelona So Family-Friendly?

Barcelona gets a lot of things right: it’s walkable, easy to navigate, packed with parks and beaches, and full of friendly people who don’t blink at the sight of kids in restaurants or cafés. The metro system is mostly stroller-friendly, playgrounds pop up in nearly every plaza, and there are enough churros and chocolate-dipped snacks to power a small army of toddlers.

But Barcelona is also a real city. It’s busy, loud, and not every famous sight is built with families in mind. That’s why a bit of smart planning—plus flexibility—is key to making it work.

Here’s everything I recommend after doing it solo with my twins.

Choose Barcelona with kids for:

• Easy public transport (especially the metro)
• Loads of pedestrian space
• Parks everywhere
• Food! Churros, patatas bravas, fresh juice, ice-cream = kid-approved food
• Most people genuinely like kids

8+ Unmissable Things to Do in Barcelona with Kids

1. A Barcelona for Kids Tour with Devour

If there’s one experience I’d recommend to every family, it’s this: Devour’s Private Family Food Tour in Barcelona.

We designed this tour with curious kids in mind. You taste your way through a local neighborhood, visit the market, try jamón, sip fresh juice, and end with churros and chocolate. The pace is flexible, the stops are fun, and the guides are phenomenal with kids.

It’s hands-on, delicious, and a great way to introduce Spanish culture. My twins still ask when they can go back and eat “the Barcelona bread with tomato.”

2. Park Güell

Park Güell is one of the best outdoor attractions in Barcelona for kids. Gaudí’s mosaics are vibrant and whimsical, and the open space gives kids room to run.

Pro tip: book tickets well in advance (this sells out)!

Booking options: Park Güell official tickets

3. The Beach (Barceloneta)

Barceloneta beach is a hit with kids year-round. We brought buckets, collected stones and seaglass (go at low tide for treasure hunting!), and shared fried calamari at a beachside chiringuito. It’s an easy way to relax without planning much at all.

Tip: Morning or late afternoon is best—avoid the midday crowds.

4. CosmoCaixa Science Museum

This is the best indoor museum in Barcelona for kids. The interactive exhibits, hands-on physics displays, and mini rainforest were a huge hit. Also: air conditioning and affordable tickets (if you are a customer of La Caixa it's free!).

Get tickets: CosmoCaixa – Official site

5. Parc de la Ciutadella

This giant park is centrally located and perfect for a picnic. It's Barcelona’s best free green space for families. We knew there would be playgrounds inside, but were blown away by the incredible (free!) Montessori-like playground and indoor playspace in the park. My kids spent hours there, and it may honestly be one of the best playground experiences we've had -- ever!

6. Visit the Barcelona Aquarium

If you need a reliable crowd-pleaser, this is it. L’Aquàrium de Barcelona is home to more than 11,000 sea creatures, including sharks you can walk underneath in their massive tunnel tank. It's located right by the marina, near shopping and restaurants, making it a great midday activity.

Get tickets: Barcelona Aquarium 

7. Spend a Day at Tibidabo Amusement Park

What would a family trip be without a little thrill? Tibidabo Amusement Park, perched 500 meters above sea level, is one of Europe’s oldest operating theme parks—and an absolute must if you have older kids or brave little ones.

The Ferris wheel and carousel are the most iconic rides, offering sweeping views over all of Barcelona. It’s charmingly retro, incredibly scenic, and totally unique.

Don’t miss: The panoramic area (free to access), even if you skip the full park.

Day Trips from Barcelona with Kids

If you have more than 3–4 days, there are easy and rewarding day trips:

• Montserrat: Ride the cable car, explore the monastery, and enjoy cooler temps
• Sitges: A relaxed beach town with family-friendly cafés and shops
• Tarragona: Roman ruins, a seaside amphitheater, and quieter beaches

These are all less than 90 minutes by train, and easy to navigate with kids.

Things I’d Skip with Young Kids

• Sagrada Família: We went to see it from the outside (and played at the playground in front of it!), but they honestly could have cared less. If it's your only trip to Barcelona, go inside, of course -- but for YOU, not the kids :).
• La Rambla: Crowded and chaotic; not super stroller-friendly -- save the stress and skip.
• Museu Picasso: Fantastic for adults, not interactive enough for toddlers or young kids. I'd skip it.

What to Pack for Barcelona with Kids

• Compact stroller or baby carrier for little ones (I did not bring anything for the 5-year-olds, and they did great - but I knew we wouldn't be able to walk too much!)
• Sun hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles
• Layers for cooler evenings (we were in t-shirts during the day and warm jackets at night in February)
• Snacks (markets are great for this!)
• A general plan—but not a packed schedule

Where to Stay in Barcelona with Kids

We stayed at the border of El Born and Eixample, and I’d choose it again in a heartbeat.

The Eixample neighborhood is famous for its wide boulevards and grid layout—ideal for strollers and simple navigation. More importantly, it’s calm at night, dotted with playgrounds, and central to almost everything. We rented a small apartment with a kitchen (great for breakfast and snacks) and a washing machine (invaluable after sandy beach days).

If you're looking for something more local and cozy, Gràcia is another excellent choice. It used to be its own village before becoming part of the city, and still feels that way—quiet plazas, independent cafés, and a slower pace of life.

Other family-friendly areas include:

• Gràcia – local vibe, cute plazas, quieter at night
• Eixample – central and wider streets, lots of room to breathe!
• Poble Sec – affordable, close to Montjuïc

Looking for a full guide on Barcelona lodging? See: Where to Stay in Barcelona

Wherever you stay, look for accommodation with a bit of outdoor space—a balcony after bedtime is a game-changer.

So, what do you think—will you be heading to Barcelona with kids soon? I hope this guide has inspired you! And if you’re looking for a fun, structured activity the whole family will love, don’t miss Devour’s Private Family Food Tour in Barcelona.