IDEAS FOR FAMILIES
Barcelona is one of the most child-friendly cities in Europe, given its numerous parks, play-areas, beaches and activities.
Here we have listed some activities we think you should know about Barcelona with kids and will keep little ones amused in Barcelona.
Zoo Barcelona
www.zoobarcelona.com
13 Hectares of the Parc de La Ciutadella are dedicated to the city’s zoo which is home to over 4,000 animals from 400 different species.Dolphin shows are run twice daily and there is plenty of shade and picnic areas. There are 2 play parks for younger and older children as well as a petting zoo and pony rides.
One way to take advantage of the zoo and its activities throughout the year is family membership to the Zoo Club. 2 adults and 2 children can visit as often as they please for an entire year all for a one-off payment of €68 (plus an initial subscription charge of €15). Children can also take part in courses, weekend trips and workshops at a reduced rate.
“Mornings at the Zoo” are organised for kids aged 4 – 11 yrs, offering them the chance to learn about the lives of zoo animals, how dolphins are trained and also meet the zoo vet. You can also take part in a special family visit during where you will get to know the sealions and dolphins and find out what goes on behind the scenes at the zoo. Saturdays 10am-1pm. Price €15.40 (members) and €22.30 (non-members). 4 morning pass €46.25 (members only).
On “Children’s Saturdays”, special activities are organised for zoo club members (6yrs – 10 yrs) and during the summer day camps are run for budding zoologists (5yrs – 14yrs).
Location: Parc de La Ciutadella / Entrance: Passeig de Picasso or C/ Wellington / Metro: L3 Ciutadella-Vila Olimpica or Barceloneta
Open: 10am–5pm (Nov/Feb) ; to 6pm (Mar-May) to 7pm (Jun-Sep) ; to 6pm (Oct)
Price: Adults €15.40 ; Children (3-12 yrs) €9.30
Barcelona Aquarium
www.aquariumbcn.com
Their advertising campaign boldly states that if you have not visited the Aquarium then you have not visited Barcelona! Considered the largest Aquarium in Europe and offering an impressive range of marine life, it is indeed one of the main attractions in the city.
A popular choice for a family day out. You will receive a10% discount and avoid the queues when you buy your tickets online (valid from 3 months of purchase)! If you intend to visit on several occasions during the year, consider purchasing the Carnet de L'Aquairum which gives unlimited visits as well as a 10% discount on the shop and cafe. A Carnet Familiar for 2 Adults and 2 children costs €90.00 per year (with an initial fee of €12.00) See Party Time for hosting children's parties at the Aquarium.
Sleeping with Sharks
An unforgettable night spent sleeping with the fishes during an overnight stay at the Aquarium. Watch and learn about sharks and what they get up to after dark. Activities involve learning about the sharks’ senses, shark stories and watching the marine life as it wakes up. Dinner, breakfast, an explorers handbook and a child ticket to the Aquarium are included in the price as well as (interestingly enough) accident and liability insurance!
Kids will need to bring night wear, sleeping bags, spare clothes and a torch. Ages 8 to 12 yrs; 8 pm to 10am (Fri-Sat); €75
Location: Moll d’Espanya, Port Vell (access from Maremagnum) / Open: 9.30am – 9pm Mon-Fri; Weekends and public holidays 9.30am–9.30pm (July & Aug. until 11pm)
Price: Adults €16.00; Children 4-12 yrs €11.00
Poble Espanyol
www.poble-espanyol.com
A mock village built at the beginning of the 20th century with its own districts according to type of historic Spanish architecture. There are 40 workshops where you can see 21 different types of craftsmanship at work, shops, art galleries and restaurants. For familes there is plenty of green as well as picnic areas and, on Sundays, children's actvities and shows are organised outside.
Location: Av. Marques de Comillas, 13
Metro: Pl. Espanya L1 or L3 then bus (13, 50, 61 or Bus Montjuic or 10 min. uphill walk). Open: Mon. 9am–8pm; Tue, Wed, Thur 9am-2pm; Fri, Sat 9am-5am, Sun 9am-11pm
Price: Adults €8.00 ; Children (4-12 yrs) €5.00, under 4's FREE, Family 2 adults & 2 children €20.00, annual family pass €30.00
Mirador Del Colón (Columbus Statue)
At the bottom of the Rambla, the Columbus statue makes a popular congregation point as well as a traditional Barcelona photo opportunity of someone pointing in the vague direction of the New World or perched precariously on one of the giant stone lions. You can also take the kids 60m up the Columbus statue for a panoramic visit of the Port Vell marina and the Ramblas.
Location: Pl. Portal de la Pau s/n (bottom of Las Ramblas)
Open: Daily 10am to 6.30pm (Nov-Apr); Daily 9am to 8.30pm (May-Oct)
Price: Adult €2.30; Child €1.50
Magic Fountains
The Font Màgica situated between Plaza Espanya and the Palau Nacional (National Palace) is a spectacular musical show of water and coloured lights that makes a wonderful after dark treat. The fountains were created in 1929 for the World Exhibition and is a must visit in Barcelona. The shows run every 30 minutes with 15 minute breaks.
Times vary according to the time of year.
Oct. to Apr. shows Fri & Sat bet. 7pm and 8.30pm; May to Sep. shows Thurs-Sun between 8pm to 11.30pm. It's Free!
The Olympic Stadium Barcelona
Barcelona was the 1992 venue for the Olympic games and the city itself has changed dramatically since this event. Many of Barcelona's sporting facilities exist thanks to the games and several areas of the city have never looked back since being given a long awaited facelift.
Whilst in Barcelona, you have the rare opportunity of experiencing the thrill of walking through the tunnel into the vastness of an Olympic Stadium. You can take a tour of the stadium and the Olympic track from Monday to Sunday from 10am till 8pm in summertime and 10am till 6pm during winter.
Palau Sant Jordi, which is now the venue for Barcelona's biggest rock concerts as well as the annual indoor bike trials and many other exhibitions and shows, may also be toured during the same hours. These visits last an hour and are free. Call beforehand in case there is an event on, in which case these schedules may change.
Tibidabo Amusement Park
www.tibidabo.es
The hilly backdrop to Barcelona’s skyline, Tibidabo is well worth the journey up if you are looking for unbeatable views of the Barcelona. As well as the Sacred Heart Church (which is visible from the city) you will find a hilltop funfair and amusement park. It is probably more suited to younger children but with a pirate area, castle and a variety of old-fashioned and more modern rides there is plenty to keep them happy.
Location: Pl. del Tibidabo 3-4
By Bus: From Plaza Catalunya to Tibidabo
By Train: FGC (L7) from Plaza Catalunya to Av. Tibidabo then Tramvia Blau
then Funicular to Tibidao
Open: Weekends and public holidays check website for dates
Price: Adult €24.00; Child €11.00 (€9.00 under 120cm)
Montjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc)
Worth the trip up, especially if you take the cable car for some great views of Barcelona. In the summer months a very relaxed bar opens up around the back of the castle, La Caseta del Migdia, (follow signs along the port view footpath) which has music, barbecued food and sometimes a Crepe van that arrives at 6pm. There is also a picnic area here, grass and shade. The castle also houses the Military museum and the Museum of Comics and Illustration. The Castle offers children's workshops and activities in the Children's Corner - "Rincón del Niño" located in one of the rooms in the Patio de Armas. Outdoor cinema is also shown on a large screen in the grassy moat area on warm summer evenings and the Hamaka relaxed music festival which all the family can enjoy that takes place 2 or 3 times during the summer.. Just down from the castle's drawbridge entrance is a small children's playground which features 2 super long slides which will thrill kids as they sweep down a steep slope that offers great views over the city.
Price: Castle admission FREE; Entry to Military museum and the Museum of Comics and Illustration} €2.50 (under 7’s FREE)
Open: 10am to 7pm (closed Mondays except public holidays)
Metro: L1 and L3 (Espanya) or Montjuic Cablecar
Imax Port Vell
www.imaxportvell.com
3D, Wrap round screen and Imax films from midday to midnight. See also Cinema for Children.
Price: Matinee - €7.50 or €11.00 for double bill; Evening – Double bill €11.00
Location: Moll D’Espanya (Nr Port Vell)
Sagrada Familia
www.sagradafamilia.org
Still under construction since 1882, this world famous Gaudi project continues to be built through subsequent interpretation of his planned work. 4 belfries are yet to be built including a 170m centreal dome. At the museum you can see scale models, photographs and plans as well as model makers at work restoring and reproducing Gaudi's original work. Great views from the top - a must visit for all the family.
Open: 9am-6pm Oct to Mar; 9am-8pm Apr to Sep
Price: General Entry €8.00 / Reduced €5.00
Location: Calle Mallorca, 401. Metro Sagrada Familia
FC Barcelona Museum and New Camp Tour
Home to the legendary Barcelona Football Club, the New Camp stadium can hold over 98,000 spectators. The tour takes you to every part of the stadium, the president’s box, the changing rooms and an adrenalin charged walk through the player’s tunnel onto the pitch.
The tour includes a visit to the museum exhibiting 100 yrs of club history as well as a whole host of memorabilia and sporting material on show. You can also visit the FC Botiga shop here for souvenirs or alternatively see Sports Shops for FC official stores in town.
Price:
Camp Nou Tour and Museum Adult €11.50; Child 6-13 yrs €9.20
Museum only Adult €7.50; Child 6-13yrs €6.00; (Under 6 yrs FREE)
Open: Match days Tour not available. Museum open 10am to 1pm
10am-6.30pm Mon to Sat; 10am to 2.30pm Sun
Summer time hours to 8pm
Location: Aristides, Maillol 12-18
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