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Outdoor activities in Barcelona with Kids

Barcelona-with-kids

From its Mediterranean beaches to its exuberant fiestas, Barcelona is a city best enjoyed in the fresh air, so far we have around 300 sunny days each year! And even little ones can have fun outdoors, and it doesn’t have to always cost money. Here are six fun outdoor activities for kids that any family can enjoy in Barcelona:

Make your arrival at Barcelona airport easy and book your transfer in advance.

1. DISCOVER THE OLD MONTJUIC CASTLE.

In the hills of Montjuic (“Jewish mountain”), kids will love exploring this 17th-century military fortress. While it has a dark past as a symbol of repression, it’s now a public space where kids use their imagination. They can cross the ancient bridge fighting invisible dragons or launch an imaginary cannonball from one of the large defunct cannons. For even more excitement, take the Telefèric Montjuic (cable car) to get there, which has its own stop at the castle. Montjuic Castle is also a fantastic place to get sweeping views of Barcelona. Tip: Go there on Sunday after 3 pm for free entrance. Ctra. de Montjuïc, 66, 08038.

2. GET LOST AT THE PARC DEL LABERINT D’ HORTA.

The Parc del Laberint d’Horta (Labyrinth Park) is out of the way for first-time visitors of Barcelona, which makes it a fantastic destination to visit and avoid the crowds! The main attraction is the human-sized hedge labyrinth, where kids and parents will seeking their way to the center and find a sculpture of the Greek god Eros. Its lush gardens, Italian porticos, and waterfall also make this neoclassical park a relaxing place to spend an afternoon. It’s also free on Sundays after 3pm. Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, 08035. 

3. EXPLORE THE VIBRANT PARK GUELL.

Famed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí created a magical city haven when he designed Park Guell. This quirky park on Carmel Hill is composed of shady gardens, swirls of rock formations, slanted walls, and a serpent-like bench overlooking Barcelona. Buildings are adorned with trencadis, broken tilework. From the upper tier of the park, kids and parents will enjoy the views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the iconic dragon by the staircase. And buy your tickets online in advance! Carrer d’Olot, 5, 08024.

4. PLAY IN THE CITY’S OASIS, PARC DE LA CIUTADELLA.

The largest and most central park of Barcelona, Ciutadella Park has it all for rest and relaxation. Families can rent a small rowboat in a lake, kids play in one of the 3 playgrounds or take a photo with a huge mammoth sculpture. It also has an umbracle, a tropical greenhouse housed in a beautiful wood-brick building. Love animals? Visit the Barcelona Zoo, home to around 2,000 animals. If you’re feeling lazy, join the other city folks and sit and enjoy a picnic lunch on the rolling lawns and people-watch. Definitely a must with kids in Barcelona! Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003.

5. INDULGE YOU ALL IN BARCELONA DELICIOUS CUISINE.

Eating healthy tapas in Barcelona is a must thing to with kids. Barcelona boasts one of the most healthy cuisines of the world and kids and parents can enjoy a delicious day. You just need to get to a Barcelona Food Market and start trying the basics: ham and cheese, cod fritters and sweets, or go to a restaurant and order “pa amb tomaquet” (bread with tomato), the national staple food here, a piece of toasted bread that your kids will rub with ripening tomatoes, plus patatas bravas, a pair that never fails. Alternatively, you can book a food tour with your kids and get to taste the best of local gastronomy.

6. BUILD SANDCASTLES AT MAR BELLA BEACH.

Mar Bella Beach is flanked between the Mediterranean Sea and the Poblenou neighborhood, and hosting a wide selection of restaurants to eat by the sea. While kids can spend hours frolicking in the sand, they can also slide down the giant slide or scale a climbing frame right on the sand. Head to the nearby Parc del Poblenou, where there are also 2 large playgrounds. Or, walk north along the boardwalk, and they can skate at the Mar Bella Skate Park by the sea. (Be aware there’s a small nudist section by the windsurfing center. I’ve rarely seen nudists though.) Between Nova Mar Bella Beach and Bogatell Beach.

7. INTERACT WITH LIGHTS AT THE BRUUM RUUUM INSTALLATION.

Outdoor activities don’t have to end when the sun goes down. A cool evening activity is to check the outdoor installation outside of the Disseny Hub in Glòries called Bruum Ruum. Here’s how it works: Kids create sounds by yelling inside an “ear”, which has sensors. The ear captures the sounds and reacts with rows of 550 neon LED lights on a floor of 3,300m2. Depending on the intensity and sound of your voice, the lights change with color and intensity. Little ones will love following and stepping on the lights, and changing their volume and pitch to discover how the lights change. Bruum Ruum turns on from 9:30pm to 11:00pm every night.

Want more ideas on what to do with kids? Check out my post on 100+ things to do in Barcelona with Kids.

Author: Justine from Latitude 41, is a Barcelona blogger, proud Californian, churros lover, and mom to three kids.