Recommended Things to Do in Barcelona with Kids

We have been to Barcelona four times, and the last time was in August 2025. This was the first time I was there together with our girls – Maya, 5.5, and Sophie, 2.5. We arrived in Barcelona for one day during a cruise we took from Rome. I checked in advance what would be good to do in the short time we had, and honestly, we managed quite a lot, and the girls really enjoyed it. I also have a detailed post with recommendations for things to do in Barcelona (from our previous trips).

Do I think Barcelona is suitable for a trip with kids? Definitely. The city is crowded, but it has a lot of attractions suitable for children, parks to visit, and even a beach. Really enough to enjoy together.

Table of content hide

1 Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus

2 Jardins Miramar

3 Cable Car to the Beach

4 Beach

5 Poble Espanyol Museum

6 Barcelona Aquarium

7 Parc Guell

8 Ciutadella Park

9 Cable Car and Magic Fountains

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Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus

We found that with kids this is a great way to explore the city, especially if time is limited and you want to fit in a lot. The Hop-on Hop-off bus allows you to explore the city comfortably and easily – especially for those traveling with kids or who have little time. The bus stops at several stations along the route, letting you choose whether to get off and explore the area or stay on the bus and continue. Usually, the buses run every 10–15 minutes.

The bus has audio in different languages explaining the attractions and stops. Some companies even have audio in Hebrew. Tickets can be purchased for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and some companies offer different colored routes – some include less-known points and some the main sites of the city.

During our ride, we stopped at Jardins Miramar and from there took a cable car to the beach. Another stop was at Poble Espanyol, from there we continued to the Barcelona Aquarium (combined with another bus route) and finally to Parc Guell.

It is worth noting that the company we chose was a bit outdated in my opinion, and on some buses the audio did not work for some seats. In hindsight, I would do more research on which company is recommended. From the reviews I checked, it seems worth considering City Sightseeing, which offers quality service and working audio in most places.

To book tickets for the tourist bus with cancellation option

Jardins Miramar

Being with kids in gardens and parks is always fun, and if there is also an amazing view, even better. We arrived at this garden during the hop-on hop-off bus ride, and there was a live musician playing, which was very pleasant and relaxing.

Jardins Miramar is a well-kept garden with comfortable walking paths, shade trees, and wide lawns, from which you can see a stunning view of the city and the sea. It is a great place for a short stop, for children’s play, or just to enjoy the moment and the view. Directions.

Directions: Near the garden there is also a cable car that leads directly to the beach, making the place accessible and easy to combine with a trip with kids.

Cable Car to the Beach

Barcelona has two main cable cars: one leading to the beach and the other climbing to Montjuïc hill. On previous trips we had been on the Montjuïc cable car, but this time we had the opportunity to use the cable car to the beach, and the experience was very fun.

The ride costs 20 euros per adult for a round trip, and no payment is required for small children. We arrived around 11 a.m. and there was almost no line, but it is important to know there is only one cable car, so during busy hours there may be a wait.

The ride lasts only a few minutes, but during that time you can enjoy amazing views of the sea, the port, and the city. The girls really enjoyed the experience, both the ride itself and the view.

During the ride, you can see Barcelona’s beaches, the port, the city area, and the surrounding hills. The cable car has closed and spacious cabins, so it is also suitable for families with small children. Directions.

Beach

Honestly, this was the first time I saw Barcelona’s beach fully, also because all our previous visits to the city were in summer, but this time we experienced the beach from a different viewpoint, after descending from the cable car that dropped us right near the beach. In August, it was perfect for a day with the girls: the weather was warm, the sun was pleasant, and the water ideal for swimming.

Barcelona beach is wide and clean, with golden sand and facilities suitable for families. There are shaded seating areas, restrooms, and public showers. Along the beach is a pleasant promenade, restaurants, fast-food stalls, and bars with drinks and ice cream. You can rent chairs and umbrellas or bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the beach.

The beach is also a convenient starting point for other activities in the area, like cycling along the promenade, water sports, or just a pleasant walk along the sea. Directions to San Sebastian Beach.

Poble Espanyol Museum

Poble Espanyol is a unique open-air architecture museum built in 1929 for the international exhibition, presenting a typical Spanish neighborhood with narrow streets, charming squares, buildings in various architectural styles from all over Spain, and authentic daily life.

In Poble Espanyol you can find not only stunning architecture but also a variety of craft shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Children can enjoy special playgrounds spread throughout the complex, try crafts, and roam freely while adults browse the art and design.

Additionally, the place hosts workshops, temporary exhibitions, and family events, so during some visits you can participate in experiential activities like painting, sculpting, or special activities for kids. Sculptures and artistic installations appear in every corner, and the entire complex is pleasant for walking, with paved streets and squares with fountains.

Entrance fees are 15€ per adult and 10€ per child, or 40€ for two adults and two children. The place is easily accessible by Hop-on Hop-off bus or public transportation, and there is limited parking if arriving by car.

To book tickets for Poble Espanyol Museum with a discount

Barcelona Aquarium

Before arriving in Barcelona, I searched for activities suitable for children and found the aquarium. Once I showed Maya that there are sharks, she got really excited and wanted to go there, and waited for it all day. For Sophie, whose favorite animal is fish (and birds, haha), the aquarium was also a perfect experience.

It is recommended to book tickets online in advance; it is usually cheaper and avoids waiting in line. You can check the aquarium’s official website or booking sites like Get Your Guide with free cancellation.

You can also reach the aquarium by Hop-on Hop-off bus, but it is about a 10-minute walk from the station. We took a taxi via the FreeNow app, which was convenient to use in Spain, as our time was limited.

The aquarium itself is not huge, but well designed and shows a wide variety of fish, crabs, and other marine animals. The girls were especially fascinated by the sharks, just sitting and watching them for a long time. But what they enjoyed the most, and still talk about, was feeding the fish with a squeeze bottle, an experience that is both educational and fun.

If your kids like fish and marine animals, the visit is definitely recommended. If not so much, you could consider skipping it.

To book aquarium tickets with free cancellation
To book a combined ticket for the Barcelona Aquarium and Zoo with free cancellation

Parc Guell

Parc Guell is one of the most famous parks in Barcelona, and it can also be easily reached via the Hop-on Hop-off bus. The park was designed by the iconic architect Antoni Gaudí and is famous for colorful paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and unique building designs that resemble imaginary structures.

Maya really wanted to see the park because she said the houses looked like gingerbread houses – and when we entered, she was fascinated by the colors, shapes, and unusual sculptures. Sophie also enjoyed it very much, especially the open spaces and places to play.

The park is large, so it is recommended to choose in advance the areas you want to see to save time, especially when traveling with children. You can combine the visit with a short walking tour of the nearby neighborhoods or take a break for coffee or ice cream at one of the kiosks in the park.

Note that there is a specific area in the park that requires an entrance ticket (the central part with the famous mosaics), while the rest of the areas are public and free (you need to reach the stairs above to get to the free entrance). It is best to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially in summer.

The park also offers stunning viewpoints over the city and the sea, and walking in it is a fun experience for both children and adults.

Ciutadella Park

Due to lack of time, we did not manage to go there with the girls this time, but Ciutadella Park is one of the greenest and nicest places in Barcelona, and we visited it on previous trips. It is a well-kept park, suitable for relaxing, a calm walk, a picnic on the lawn, or just sitting in the shade and relaxing, and it is very suitable for a visit with kids.

The park includes open spaces, shaded lawns, and pleasant walking paths. There is also a beautiful lake where you can rent pedal boats and row among the swans. Additionally, you can find Barcelona Zoo here, which is especially suitable for families with children, and a small zoological museum.

To book tickets for the Barcelona Zoo with free cancellation

The park features a stunning fountain, partly designed by the young Antoni Gaudí, as well as small bridges and charming corners that add to the magical atmosphere.
Entrance to the park is free, and it is suitable for a visit at any time of day. Many local residents come in the afternoons and evenings to relax away from the bustling city. If you are looking for a quiet spot in nature in the heart of Barcelona, Ciutadella Park is the perfect place.

Cable Car and Magic Fountains

Another cable car we loved but didn’t manage to do this time with the girls is the cable car leading up to Montjuïc Hill. It is highly recommended to do this during the day, to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the entire city, including the sea, the port, La Rambla, and the Sagrada Familia. The ride itself is short but impressive, and the views are worth every moment. Directions.

After finishing the cable car, you can continue on foot to the Magic Fountains of Barcelona (update 2025: the fountains are currently not operating). It is a water, light, and music show held in front of the Palau Nacional, not far from Plaça Espanya. The fountains change colors, move according to the rhythm of the music, creating an exciting and impressive experience for all ages. Each show lasts about 15 minutes, and in the evenings the place fills with people, both locals and tourists, who come to watch and enjoy it.

The operating hours of the fountains vary depending on the season, so it is recommended to check in advance on the Tourist Information Center website.

You can return down with the cable car or walk down pleasant paths that lead back to the city center. The whole experience combines nature, views, architecture, and art, and it is a perfect ending to a day of sightseeing in Barcelona.

To book a round-trip cable car tickets with free cancellation

In Summary, Barcelona is definitely suitable for a trip with children, even if time is short. The city is busy, but there are enough attractions suitable for kids: parks, beaches, museums, and even cable cars with views. We found the Hop-on Hop-off tourist bus to be a convenient way to explore the city, especially when traveling with children and limited time. The gardens, beaches, museums, and parks provide pleasant breaks from the busy city and also offer play and activity opportunities for children. With a little advanced planning, it is possible to see many things and enjoy together without stress, and the experience combines fun for children, beautiful views, and enjoyment for adults.

I hope my post helped you. If so, I would be very happy if you leave a comment here, and if you have more questions, you are also welcome to ask them in the comments or contact me on the blog’s social media: Facebook and Instagram.

Looking for more information about Barcelona? I have more posts on my blog about Barcelona and more posts about Spain.

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