Looking for family-friendly things to do in Barcelona that won’t bore the grown-ups? You’re in luck. Whether you live here with your family or you’re visiting and brought the kids along, this city is full of plans that are fun for both little ones and adults.
I’m an American living in Barcelona with two nieces who keep me on my toes. So believe me when I say I’ve tested almost every “fun for kids” activity the city has to offer. And I’ve figured out which ones are truly worth your time.
From science museums and boat rides to amusement parks with stunning views — and even a family-friendly restaurant you’ll actually want to return to — here’s your go-to list for the best family plans in Barcelona.
Tibidabo is a must if you’re visiting Barcelona with kids. It’s one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe, perched on a hill with the best panoramic views of the city.
Getting there is half the fun — metro, tram, and a funicular ride to the top. Once you arrive, there’s something for everyone: classic rides, a giant Ferris wheel, and even a vintage airplane that “flies” over the city.
There are also free shows and picnic spots with views that stretch all the way to the sea.
Pro tip: Locals can get a yearly pass called TibiClub for around €60 per adult, with great discounts on food, tickets, and transport.
If your kids love wild photos and mind-blowing spaces, this museum is a hit. Everything’s tilted, flipped, or spinning — and you’re encouraged to interact with every exhibit.
There are mirror rooms, rotating tunnels, and upside-down spaces. It’s perfect for a rainy day or when you want to escape the heat. And it’s located right in the center of town, close to cafés and shops.
Surprise your loved ones with a special lunch or dinner. A gastronomic experience that includes Barcelona’s most famous paellas, candles, desserts, and delightful surprises.
This is hands-down one of the best science museums in Europe. It’s massive and has so much to explore: a flooded rainforest with real fish and crocodiles, hands-on experiments, and even a planetarium.
Kids can touch, play, and learn at the same time — and adults will love it too. If you’re a resident of Catalonia, entry is free with ID or proof of address.
One of the most affordable and fun ways to get to the beach is by boat. From the city center, you can catch a small passenger boat (Las Golondrinas) that takes you from La Rambla to the beach at Sant Sebastià.
If you sit on the top deck, you’ll catch great views of the harbor — and the kids love seeing the seagulls fly right past.
Once you arrive, it’s all about towels, snacks, and sandcastles.
Right by the beach and just a 5-minute walk from Sant Sebastià, Maná 75 is hands down one of the best restaurants in Barcelona for families. Spacious, relaxed, and with a beautiful terrace, it’s perfect for those post-beach lunches when you want good food and no stress.
They have a kids’ menu, high chairs, and plenty of space for strollers. But let’s talk food: the paellas here are top-tier. My favorite is the seafood “senyoret” — all the flavor, none of the shells.
× Starter
× Main dish
× Dessert
× Coffee
Perfect to try the specialty of the house: PAELLA!
This is one of those places that surprises you — even if you’ve already been. The main highlight? A massive underwater tunnel where you walk beneath sharks, rays, and giant fish.
There’s also a touch pool where kids can feel starfish and other sea creatures. My nieces are always mesmerized by the penguin feeding session. A great plan for any season — especially rainy or chilly days.
Tip: Occasionally they offer discounts for residents. It’s also cheaper to book online or through apps like Tiqets.
Got a kid who can’t sit still? Jungle Tag is the place to go. It’s an indoor adventure park packed with obstacle courses, mazes, team challenges, and lots of action.
They have different play zones for different ages, and the team-based challenges make it feel like a real mission. Ideal for rainy days or when you want to let them burn off some serious energy.
If you’re looking for a calm, green space that’s not packed with tourists, Parc de la Pegaso is a local favorite. It’s located in the Sant Andreu neighborhood and feels like a small forest in the city.
There are duck ponds, bike paths, skate areas, and several playgrounds for different ages. We usually bring sandwiches and spend the morning there relaxing — no planning needed.
Looking for an outdoor activity that feels like a mini jungle adventure? Bosc Urbà (Urban Forest) is a treetop adventure park set up right inside Barcelona’s Parc del Fòrum. It’s perfect for energetic kids who love to climb, balance, and swing.
There are different circuits for different age levels — from ages 3 and up — so even the little ones can join. My nieces came out sweaty and thrilled. I came out sore… but happy.
Surprise your loved ones with a unique and special gift: a culinary experience featuring the most famous paellas in Barcelona.
Just 30 minutes outside the city, Illa Fantasia is a family summer favorite. With over 20 slides, giant pools, splash areas for toddlers, and a wave pool, it’s an all-day plan.
We bring our own picnic (yes, it’s allowed), but there are restaurants and snack bars inside too. If your kids love water, this is a must during the summer months.
Tip: No specific resident discounts, but look out for family packs and online promos.
Want to swim with a view? The Montjuïc pools sit on a hill overlooking Barcelona. There’s an Olympic-size pool and a diving pool, both open to the public during summer.
There aren’t slides or splash zones, but it’s clean, spacious, and perfect for relaxing after a day in the city. The best part? It’s super affordable.
If you’re looking for more spots like this, check out our guide to the best pools in Barcelona.
Located inside Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona Zoo is one of the oldest and greenest in Europe. It has over 400 species, shaded paths, playgrounds, a petting farm, and even a mini train.
In the summer, the zoo hosts workshops and educational activities for kids. If you’re in a group of 10 or more, you can get discounted tickets — but you need to book in advance.
From April 10 to July 13, 2025, the Hot Wheels City Experience takes over the La Maquinista mall. It’s an interactive exhibition for car-obsessed kids, with giant track displays, play zones, and themed photo spots. Great plan before lunch or during shopping. Sapos y Princesas
Between June 1 and June 8, this charming children’s theater in the heart of the city puts on a family-friendly musical version of Aladdin. Small venue, big fun — and perfect if you want an air-conditioned break from the sun. Web de Barcelona
From June 26 to August 5, the Grec Festival fills the city with outdoor performances, circus acts, family shows, and creative workshops for all ages. Check the calendar for English-friendly shows — many don’t require language at all! Grec Festival 2025
Starting August 15, the Gràcia neighborhood turns into a giant street party. Neighbors decorate their streets with wild, handmade themes (dinosaurs, underwater worlds, outer space — anything goes). Expect music, workshops, and kids’ activities on every corner. Just go early before the crowds!. See more
As you’ve seen, Barcelona is packed with awesome things to do with kids — from amusement parks and museums to boat rides and nature escapes. Whether you’re here for a few days or living nearby, there’s always a new corner of the city to explore with the little ones.
And after a full day of fun? There’s no better way to slow down, refuel, and enjoy time together than over a delicious meal. That’s why I always recommend Maná 75. It’s a relaxed, spacious restaurant just a short walk from the beach. They’ve got high chairs, a kids’ menu, and some of the best paellas in town.
Whether it’s your first time or your new favorite spot, it’s the perfect end to a perfect family day in Barcelona.
Lover of Barcelona's gastronomy and culture. Full time taster of new places, food and experiences.
Sé el primero en conocer los mejores restaurantes y eventos de Barcelona
