Best Things to Do in Barcelona with Kids – Activities by Age (2025)

Pick your child’s age group to explore tailored recommendations

Barcelona is a city for everyone – and with the right planning, your kids will love it as much as you do.

0–3 years

Stroller-friendly parks, calm indoor spaces, baby-friendly cafés.

4–6 years

Interactive museums, gentle rides, playful playgrounds.

Hands-on science, treasure hunts, adventurous nature spots.

7–10 years

11–14 years

Sporty activities, cultural experiences, light adventure.

15+ years

Cool hangouts, creative workshops, active sightseeing.

Best free & budget-friendly family activities in Barcelona for all ages

Free / Budget-Friendly Picks

0–3 years (babies & toddlers)

1. Parc de la Ciutadella – Shady lawns, stroller-friendly paths, and plenty of ducks and parrots to keep little ones entertained.

2. CosmoCaixa Science Museum – Touch & Play Area – Safe sensory exhibits, water play tables, and a giant fish tank that fascinates toddlers.

3. Granja Viader Café – Spacious seating for strollers, high chairs available, and Barcelona’s famous hot chocolate for parents.

Quick Picks – Activities by Age

4–6 years (pre-schoolers)

1. L’Aquàrium de Barcelona – The shark tunnel and colorful tanks are the perfect length for short attention spans.

2. Tibidabo Funicular + Mini Rides – Gentle rides and sweeping city views; a big adventure that’s not overwhelming.

3. Park Güell Treasure Hunt – Simple scavenger games (count lizards, spot mosaics) make Gaudí fun at their level.

7–10 years (school-age kids)

1. CosmoCaixa – Hands-On Science Halls – Interactive experiments (light, sound, physics) they can try themselves.

2. Poble Espanyol Craft Workshops – Pottery, glass-painting or mask-making sessions perfect for curious hands.

3. Montjuïc Cable Car – A fun mini-adventure with panoramic views and a castle to explore at the top.

11–14 years (pre-teens)

1. Camp Nou Stadium Tour – Walk through locker rooms, press areas, and the pitch — football-mad kids love it.

2. Port Vell Kayaking or SUP – Safe, short sessions on calm water to burn energy and try something new.

3. Street Art Walk in Poblenou – Colorful murals and photo-worthy spots that feel “grown-up” but safe.

15+ years (teenagers)

1. Urban Dance or Skate Workshop (MACBA area) – Tap into Barcelona’s youth culture in a fun, supervised way.

2. Day Trip to Sitges by Train – Independence-boosting outing: beach time, gelato, and a quick train ride back.

3. Cooking Class – Tapas or Paella – Teens love hands-on food experiences they can brag about later.

How to Plan Barcelona Activities with Kids of Different Ages

Traveling with more than one child often means juggling very different needs. What excites a toddler might bore a 10-year-old, and teenagers usually want more independence. In Barcelona, the good news is that many activities can keep all ages engaged if you choose them wisely.

• Parks and Open Spaces: Places like Parc de la Ciutadella or Parc de Joan Miró work well for mixed-age groups. Toddlers can enjoy playgrounds while older kids run, ride scooters, or even practice photography.

• Attractions with Multiple Layers: CosmoCaixa Science Museum is ideal – small children love the sensory water play, while older ones dive into interactive science experiments.

• Family-Friendly Landmarks: At Park Güell, little ones can explore colorful mosaics while older siblings enjoy scavenger hunts or photo challenges.

• Split & Reunite Strategy: In areas like Tibidabo, one parent can take younger children to gentle rides while another explores thrill rides with teens, then everyone meets up for panoramic views at the church.

Parent Insider:

Always plan a mix of “whole family” stops and short moments where older kids get a bit of freedom. A flexible schedule keeps everyone happier.

“I loved the Aquarium, Barcelona Zoo and doing cartwheels on Barceloneta Beach. The Halloween event at Poble Espanyol was exciting, even though I don’t speak the local language.”

— Sofia, 11 years old, Europe

What Kids Say About Barcelona