Last Updated on November 21, 2025 by Emma Fajcz | Published: March 7, 2018
Barcelona is the ideal place for an unforgettable family vacation! If you’re planning a family trip to Spain, this complete family friendly guide to Barcelona is a must-read! Here’s what to do, where to stay, and what to eat when visiting Barcelona with little ones.
Are you traveling to Barcelona with teenagers? Get our 10 favorite activities in Barcelona for teenagers!
Table of Contents
Why Barcelona Is Perfect for Family Trips
- Safe, Welcoming, & Beautiful: Barcelona is the capital of Catalan and is perfect for family vacations–even if you have young children.
- Lots of Activities for All Ages: Whether you have small kids or young teens, there’s activities in Barcelona that everyone will enjoy.
- History, Culture, & Great Food: Exploring Barcelona is not only fun, but is also educational!
What to Do
Tibidabo Amusement Park
Let loose and have some family fun at Barcelona’s iconic amusement park! Perched on a hill with stunning views overlooking the city, Tibidabo has rightfully earned a spot in our family friendly guide to Barcelona.
For more than a century, this historic park has delighted and amazed families from all over the world. The old-world charm combined with fun, modern experiences make this the perfect option for a relaxing day away from the city center.
Address: Plaça Tibidabo, 3-4
Chocolate Museum
That’s right—Barcelona has an entire museum dedicated to everyone’s favorite sweet treat! The Chocolate Museum takes you on a historic journey through time as you discover how chocolate came to be so popular in Europe. See how chocolate is made and marvel at some seriously incredible chocolate sculptures!
If you have more time to spend here, they also offer some fun workshops for kids to get hands-on with their favorite candy. Of course, there is plenty of chocolate to eat as well!
Check out our list of 7 best chocolate shops in Barcelona and our favorite museums in Barcelona for more ideas.
Address: Carrer Comerç, 36
Park Guell
Get lost in Gaudí’s magical fairytale park! Kids will love the gigantic gingerbread houses and colorful tiles at Park Guell. The whimsical architecture will even captivate adults—we’re sure you’ve never seen a park like this before!
The park’s large size means that you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so plan accordingly. We suggest packing a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park!
Address: Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona, Spain
If you love art and history, check out our recommendations for art and history tours in Barcelona!
Where to Stay
Here’s our top hotel recommendations for families in Barcelona! Explore even more in our guide to family-friendly hotels in Barcelona.
- Le Meridien: With a prime location right on La Rambla, this hotel earns a spot on our family friendly guide to Barcelona for its comfortable family rooms and fun activities for kids.
Address: La Rambla, 111 - Sunotel Aston: This fabulous hotel features an incredible outdoor pool that’s perfect for the whole family. Try the kid-friendly international food in their unique restaurant, too!
Address: Carrer de París, 101 - Majestic Hotel: Classy and elegant while remaining unpretentious, this 5-star hotel is perfect for a relaxing family getaway.
Address: Passeig de Gracia, 68 - Grand Hotel Central: From beautiful, well-equipped family rooms to a stunning rooftop pool, everyone will love this relaxing hotel in the Gothic Quarter.
Address: Via Laietana, 30
Where to Eat
These restaurants will please even the picky eaters in the family, and will give everyone the chance to try authentic and delicious Spanish cuisine.
Explore our food tour recommendations for kids and save our tips for how to budget for food in Barcelona.
- Merquén: Chilean-Catalan fusion food might sound too fancy for little picky eaters, but we think they’ll be pleasantly surprised. Simple recipes and minimalist decor make this a great, no-fuss option for the whole family.
Address: Calle Viladomat, 36 - Granja Petitbo: This simple, beautiful café serves all kinds of kid-friendly dishes. From scrambled eggs in the morning to yummy sandwiches in the afternoon, they’re sure to find something they’ll love.
Address: Passeig de Sant Joan, 82 - Pudding: This whimsical café will delight travelers of all ages! Besides just having great family-friendly food, they also offer several games and activities for kids to play with while parents relax and sip their coffee.
Address: Carrer de Pau Claris, 90
Explore Barcelona with a Guided Tour
Want to experience Barcelona with an expert local guide on a private tour? You’ll love our Private Food, Fun & Folklore for Kids Tour!
This private Barcelona food tour is engaging, interactive, and packed with sweet bites, savory snacks, dragons, legends, and giant-sized surprises. With your expert local guide leading the way, both kids and parents get a morning of local flavor and stress-free exploring!
FAQs
Is Barcelona a good place to go with kids?
Yes! Barcelona is very family-friendly, with walkable neighborhoods, plenty of parks and playgrounds, family-oriented museums, and easy access to the beach.
What are the best things to do in Barcelona with kids?
Activities like Tibidado Amusement Park, Park Güell, and the Chocolate Museum are sure to be a hit with young children and parents alike! Other ideas include exploring the interactive exhibits at CosmoCaixa science museum, riding the Montjuïc cable car, and enjoying a beach day along the Mediterranean.
Are Barcelona’s restaurants child-friendly?
Yes, many of Barcelona’s restaurants welcome families, and you’ll often find ones that offer kids’ menus or smaller portion options. Tapas are also great for sharing with little ones!
