When it comes to family travel, Spain stands out as a fantastic destination for parents with little ones. The warm hospitality towards children is evident throughout the country, with abuelas (grandmothers) showing affection to newborns and families embraced in various aspects of daily life, from shopping to dining out. With its friendliness, and superb location, we’re listing the best things to do in Spain with kids.
Is Spain a good destination for kids?
Absolutely! Spain is a fantastic destination to travel to with kids. Playgrounds are abundant, found in unexpected places like airports and historic plazas. The family-friendly atmosphere extends to restaurants, where the term ‘trona’ (highchair) echoes the royal treatment children receive. Popular dishes like tortillas and patatas bravas cater to young taste buds.
Navigating historic city centers with a buggy can be challenging, but Spain’s diverse terrains offer ample opportunities for family adventures. Whether it’s the turquoise waters of the Balearic Islands or the cultural charm of cities like Valencia and Palma, Spain has something for every family.
Best Things to Do in Spain with Babies and Toddlers
1. Splash on the Beach:
- Costa Blanca: Explore the family-friendly beaches along Costa Blanca, where soft sands and gentle waves create a perfect environment for little ones.
- Formentera Island: For a more tranquil experience, take a ferry to Formentera Island from Dénia or Ibiza. Ses Illetes boasts milky-white sand, providing an ideal spot for babies’ first dips.
- Islas Cíes, Galicia: Venture to the car-free Islas Cíes in Galicia, a tiny archipelago with pristine beaches. Illa de Monteagudo offers simple campsites with pre-pitched tents, complete with cots for hire, next to the sea.
- Patacona, Valencia: Experience a cosmopolitan beach day at Patacona in Valencia, adorned with laid-back chiringuitos (beach bars) and inviting brunch spots. Rent a deckchair and parasol for shade while the little ones play in the sand.
2. Potter in Plazas:
- Plaza de Santa Ana, Madrid: Delight in Plaza de Santa Ana in Madrid, featuring an enclosed playground at its center. Surrounding the square are beautiful old houses with ornate balconies and historic cervecerias (bars), creating a charming backdrop for family outings.
- Plaza de Gracia, Granada: Head to Plaza de Gracia in Granada, where families gather around a climbing frame and park surrounded by tapas bars. The lovely atmosphere makes it an ideal location for children to play while parents enjoy the local cuisine.
- Plaza de la Alfalfa, Seville: Discover the prettiness of Plaza de la Alfalfa in Seville, characterized by colourful architecture and sun-dappled terraces. It’s a picturesque setting for families to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
3. Relax in Grand Gardens:
- Parque del Buen Retiro, Madrid: Experience the historical Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid, adorned with over 15,000 trees. Find a shady picnic spot, and let the children play in the open green spaces.
- Marimurtra Botanical Garden, near Barcelona: Enjoy a refreshing sea breeze at Marimurtra Botanical Garden, just 65km from Barcelona. This clifftop garden offers stunning views of the sea, winding paths, and lily pad-filled ponds for a leisurely family stroll.
- Park Güell, Barcelona: Dive into the whimsical world of Antoni Gaudí at Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Barcelona. Marvel at the vibrant mosaic sculptures, including the iconic lizard, “El Drac,” and explore the serpentine bench adorned with colourful tiles. The park’s playful design, combined with panoramic views of the city, offers a great experience for families. Engage the little ones in spotting the enchanting creatures scattered throughout the park.
Best Things to Do in Spain with Kids
1. Out-of-this-World Architecture:
- Casa Batlló, Barcelona: Marvel at the rainbow roof of Casa Batlló in Barcelona, designed by Gaudí. The undulating tiles resembling a scaly dragon capture the imagination of kids and adults alike.
- Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Valencia: Visit the architectural marvel of Calatrava’s Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia. Kids will be fascinated by the swooping white IMAX theaters, designed to resemble the human eye, and the sparkling Palau de les Arts hosting children’s music workshops.
2. Fairy-Tale Palaces:
- Alhambra, Granada: Step into the red-walled palace of Alhambra in Granada, dating back to the 9th century. Admire the sublime symmetry and Arabic poetry etched into its walls. Purchase tickets in advance to avoid queues.
- Real Alcázar, Seville: Explore the sensational royal palace of Real Alcázar in Seville, with a history dating back to 913 CE. The palace showcases various architectural extensions added by numerous monarchs over the centuries.
3. Family-Friendly Museums:
- Centre del Carme Cultura Contamporània, Valencia: Take a breather at Centre del Carme while kids play in the cool, leafy courtyard. Explore the playroom with squishy shapes and floor lights available for free hire.
- Museo Guggenheim Bilbao: Immerse yourselves in the Museo Guggenheim Bilbao, where kids can weave through the legs of Louise Bourgeois’ 9m-tall spider. The museum offers a captivating experience for both adults and children.
- OXO Museo Videojuego Málaga: Engage in retro gaming fun at OXO Museo Videojuego Málaga, where kids can outshine adults on classic games consoles.
4. Amusement Park:
- Tibidabo Park, Barcelona: For an adrenaline-filled family adventure, visit Tibidabo Park in Barcelona. Perched atop Mount Tibidabo, this historic amusement park offers a magical experience with a mix of classic and modern rides. From enchanting carousels to exhilarating roller coasters, Tibidabo Park caters to all ages, making it a perfect destination for families seeking joy and excitement.
Best Things to Do in Spain with Teenagers
1. Stargazing:
- Parc Astronòmic del Montsec: Ignite the curiosity of budding astronomers at Parc Astronòmic del Montsec, approximately 200km from Barcelona. Guided tours provide a mesmerizing glimpse of the night sky through the observatory’s enormous telescope.
- Sierra Sur de Jaén, Andalucia: Explore the protected starlight reserve in Sierra Sur de Jaén. Local astronomy associations organize regular tours, offering a unique opportunity for teenagers to delve into the wonders of the night sky.
2. Snorkelling:
- Menorca: Dive into the underwater wonders of Menorca, featuring seagrass meadows and vibrant sea life. Cala Macarelleta, with its sheltered cove and small caves, is perfect for family snorkelling adventures.
- Illes Medes, Costa Brava: Discover Illes Medes, the only marine reserve in Spain, just off the coast of the Costa Brava. Join a guided tour departing from L’Estartit to spot coral, starfish, and octopus in this captivating underwater world.
Tips on Transport in Spain
- Children under 135cm should use a car seat, often available in taxis.
- Travelling by rail is convenient with the modern and reliable RENFE national network. Children under six years travel for free, making high-speed trains an excellent option for families. The spacious buffet car provides a comfortable space for children to stretch their legs during the journey.
Discover more about travelling to France with kids with our free family travel guides to Spanish destinations.
