5 Fun Family Activities in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona real estate Blog

Wednesday, 18 May 2011 10:39

Barcelona, Spain is a kid-friendly city, situated on the magnificent Mediterranean coast. It's the most popular tourist destination in Spain, and family fun activities abound in Barcelona, Spain. Thanks to a brilliantly designed metro, hitting all the family hot-spots is oh so easy to do. Check your stress at the airport; family activities in Barcelona, Spain will leave you rejuvenated, not haggard!

Here are our top five picks for fun family activities in Barcelona, Spain.

1. Beat it to the Beach!

Every kid loves the beach, it's just that simple. About 10 minutes from Barcelona's city hub you'll find Barceloneta, a lovely Barcelona beach that offers fantastic swimming for the little ones, opportunities for wind and kite surfing, and even ice cold drinks from one of numerous beach huts. Barceloneta is easy to reach via metro, but you're advised to head out for your day in the sand by noon, as the beach can get crowded during peak season. The sea is clear, the sun is shining, and there are sandcastles waiting to be built! Oh, and if your family is up for a bit of adventure, try riding the cable car from Barceloneta beach to Montjuic.

2. Explore Parc de La Ciutadella

Right in the heart of Barcelona you discover an impressive green space: Ciutadella park. In the center of the park you'll notice a small lake- perfect for a family row boat excursion! Trust us, it will feel like an adventure! Pack a simple picnic of fresh local fare and make yourself at home. Or, relax on one of the numerous park benches and let the kids play to their hearts content. Paths lined with near tropical vegetation beg you for a stroll and massive ornamental fountains mesmerize you. This is simple family fun and perfect for kids of all ages. Here's a bonus; the Barcelona Zoo is located within the park. Sounds like you've got a full day planned!

3. Get wild at the Barcelona Zoo

Visiting the zoo is a childhood rite of passage. The Barcelona Zoo dates back to the early 1890s and has a fascinating history. But besides that, the Barcelona Zoo sports a huge variety of animals to make your kids giggle! Try the Titi Monkey Gallery, farm life, or check out where the gorillas reside (always a family hit!) You'll be greeted by Snowflake, the famous white gorilla and learn just about anything you could want to know about man's close relative. The zoo also boasts a restaurant, gift shop, mini-train, electric cars and even ponies! Wow. As a reminder, it's located in the Parc de La Ciutadella. Signs will direct you, and it is easily arrived at by metro. The Barcelona Zoo opens at 10:00 am and closes at 5:30, 7:00 or 8:00pm depending on the season. There is a fee to enter.

4. Magical Barcelona Aquarium

Welcome to the largest aquarium in Europe, your family is in for a treat! The Barcelona Aquarium is a family fun stop that you won't want to miss. It features an 'Oceanarium', the only one of its kind in all of Europe! A clear massive tunnel crosses under it, making your family feel as though they are taking a stroll right on the sea bed. The experience is enlivening and sure to please your crowd. Next, head the kids off to the aquarium's seven smaller tanks which hold a magnificent world of tropical sea color. Save yourself some time and hassle by purchasing your tickets on the Barcelona Aquarium's website prior to arrival. The Barcelona Aquarium opens at 9:30am year round, and closes at 9:00, 9:30 and even as late as 11:00pm depending on the season. It's reached easily via metro. There's and IMAX Cinema right next door if you and your munchkins have any energy remaining!

5. Magic Fountain of Montjuic

Trust us, every member of your family is going to think this is the bomb. The Magic Fountain of Montjuic puts on a water and music performance that's jaw-dropping. Although created way back in 1929 with the helping hands of over 3000 workers, the Magic Fountain isn't stuck in a time-warp. In fact, it's ultra-modern and magical, offering water dynamics set to an artistic blend of color, music and light. Full of life and oh-so impressive, it's simply a sensational show! You should note that the Magic Fountain of Montjuic does not operate on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesdays. Like other fun family activities in Barcelona, it's easy to reach courtesy of the metro. The spectacular show takes place between 7:00 and 9:00pm or 9:00 and 11:00pm, depending on season.

Whether it's a relaxed day paddling the lake at Barcelona's Parc de La Ciutadella, admiring the variety of life found at the Barcelona Zoo, or playing in the waves under the Spain sun, you'll discover a variety of family fun activities in Barcelona, Spain. Most are free or reasonably priced, and all are easy to get to via metro- making your day as fun as the one you're treating your kids to!

Guest contributor: Show Appeal Realty, an Arizona real estate brokerage selling Scottsdale Homes and Gilbert real estate.