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A Weekend in Barcelona with Kids

A Weekend in Barcelona with Kids

Last updated: October 26, 2026. This update corrects selected Barcelona transport, ticketing, and visitor information; the family’s outings remain historical. Date information added October 28, 2026.

Our two-day Barcelona trip with five kids, originally published November 1, 2021. We filled a short weekend with walks, Gaudí architecture and market treats. Casa Batlló and the light inside the Sagrada Família were highlights for our family. We reached Park Güell but did not go inside, and several other ideas below came from recommendations rather than places we visited. Our stories and photographs are from that trip; the practical updates distinguish current operator information from our experience then.

We visited Barcelona for the short weekend trip described in this 2021 post. Having very little previous experience with Spain, we weren’t exactly sure what to expect, but I must say…What a gem of a city!

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous community within Spain. Catalan and Spanish are both official languages there, and Catalan traditions give the city a distinct character. The Barcelona City Council shares more about the city’s identity.

We took our five kids around the city for two days, and all had a blast!

Barcelona With Kids

Getting Around Barcelona with Kids

Walking

Barcelona is built for walking.  Throughout Spain, you’ll see large medians on the big streets that are reserved for pedestrians and bikes only.  These are fantastic!  Be ready to walk a good amount each day, and come prepared with comfortable shoes.

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are my own, and I only endorse products I support. By clicking on any of the links below, I may get a small commission if you purchase at absolutely no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support.*

Taxis

On our 2021 visit, taxis were easy for us to find. Since our family is so large, we often had to split into two cars. If you are staying in a hotel, ask your bellman to help when you can. The taxis we used were metered and accepted credit cards, and our drivers spoke English.

Uber Vs. Free Now

As we’ve mentioned before, we are big Uber fans. Our original post recommended FreeNow. Uber now lists rides in Barcelona on its current city page, so check the available options when you travel.

If you plan to use FreeNow, check current availability and set up the app before you arrive.

Public Transportation in Barcelona

We used both the Metro and the bus during our visit, and they worked well for us. At the time, we could buy tickets on the spot with a credit card. Today, TMB says its single ticket is non-integrated and valid for one journey on a TMB bus, metro (except Airport L9 Sud stations T1 and T2), or the Montjuïc funicular. Bank-card validation is available on buses and at some metro stations; children under 4 travel free. Check current ticket details and TMB’s visitor FAQs before you go.

The easiest way to map your route using public transport is with Google Maps.  Once you enter a destination and click “get directions,” you can toggle through walking, driving, or public transport options.

*Below is an example of what Google Maps directions look like*

Kid-Friendly Activities in Barcelona

Following Gaudi

Many of the top things to do in Barcelona deal with the famous architect Antoni Gaudi.  He radically changed this city, and his masterful work is a must-see, even for kids.

Sagrada Familia

Arguably the most famous landmark in Barcelona, this stunning basilica stands out. When we visited in 2021, it was packed! If your itinerary allows, I recommend going early. We went midday on a weekend, and there were hundreds, if not thousands, of other people around us.

This incredible structure is a masterpiece designed by Gaudí. The cornerstone was laid in 1882, and construction continues today. The basilica’s history is quite amazing. When we visited, the ticket we chose included an audio guide that we downloaded to an app.

The audio guide wasn’t kid-friendly for my younger children, but it helped keep them from getting bored. I made my older children listen, and they did get something out of it! At the time, each person needed a device.

Our tour took about 45 minutes. You admire the outside, enter and walk around a bit, then exit on the opposite side to take it in from there. Without an audio guide, it would be a quick visit. The official ticket page now lists a standard audio guide of about 45 minutes and an express audio guide of about 25 minutes. Its audio guide is not adapted for children under 10; check current booking details, including free admission for children under 11 and the age-specific ticket requirements, before you go. See current visit and ticket options.

My tips for visiting La Sagrada Familia with kids:

• Enjoy the views outside and keep your valuables secure in the busy crowds.
• Keep the kids close.  There are a lot of people and lots of big tour groups. It’s easy to get separated and lost in the crowd.
• If you’re touring inside, check the official ticket page for timed entry and availability. We also kept the original third-party booking link here for comparison.
• There are several cute cafes around, so it’s easy to make lunch or dinner.
• There are two playgrounds surrounding the basilica.  It’s an excellent place for the kids to let off steam before you go inside.
• Share your favorite snippets from the audioguide with the younger kids.  For example, I told my boys about the crypt and how Gaudi was buried there.  Little facts like this kept them fascinated for several minutes.  🙂
• This is almost a “temple of light.”  If you visit on a sunny day, the colors coming through the fantastic stained glass are astounding.

Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, and Casa Vicens

These houses, also designed by Gaudí, can be fun to explore with kids. My kids loved exploring a new home, and the audio guide at Casa Batlló was incredible! Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are on Passeig de Gràcia; Casa Vicens is at Carrer de les Carolines, 20–26 in Gràcia. Casa Batlló visitor information and Casa Vicens details can help you plan each stop.

We only visited Casa Batlló, which was stunning from the outside. The roof looked like a dragon, and the home was filled with wonder and mystery. Our tour took about an hour and offered an optional light show at the end. Overall, the whole family loved it.

My tips for Casa Batllo with kids:

• On our visit, the adult headsets updated room to room based on where you were. The kids’ version used interactive phones to show each room in another form, and it was fun and engaging. The current General Visit is about 75 minutes, starts at €29, and is free for children ages 0–12; the audio guide is included. Room and rooftop access vary by ticket, so compare the official ticket options before booking. The original third-party booking link is also here.
• The gift shop was great on our visit; we bought several things there!
• There was a rooftop bar on our visit. Check the current experience and rooftop access for your ticket before planning a stop there.
• On our visit, there was a photo stop. We liked our photo and bought it. Check what photographs, if any, your ticket package includes.
• We didn’t see bedrooms on our tour, which was disappointing, but we did get two outdoor spaces.
• There were plenty of stairs in the tall building, but an elevator was available. Today, Casa Batlló says it offers baby carriers for children under 2 and stores strollers. Its elevators give priority to visitors with disabilities, reduced mobility, and pregnant visitors. Check its current visitor information.
• My recommendation after our visit was to choose a baby carrier. Casa Batlló currently lists stroller storage and baby carriers for children under 2 among its visitor services.

Parque Guell

Continuing with the Gaudí theme, Park Güell is a large park with city views. We made it there during our 2021 trip but didn’t have enough time to explore, so we didn’t go in. The ticket was about €10 per person then, and we wanted more time to enjoy it. Current general admission is €18; children ages 7–12 pay €13.50, and children 0–6 enter free with a ticket. Visitors need the appropriate admission or access authorization, and tourist tickets have entry time slots. Check current prices, hours and ticket availability.

However, several people recommended it and said kids love it!  We took the bus to get here, which was easy and cheap.

You can purchase admission tickets ahead of time here.

Other Activities in Barcelona with Kids

• La Rambla: This is a beautiful, tree-lined tourist street with tons to see and do. You can find restaurants, shops, street performers, and more.

• For a bike ride, look for a commercial rental option. Bicing is the city’s resident bike-share system, not a visitor rental service. Check Bicing’s current terms.

• Picasso Museum

• Fountains at Montjuïc. This was another idea on our original list, rather than a stop we described visiting. Showtimes and maintenance closures change, so check the city’s current schedule before planning an evening.

• Torre Baro Castle.  Great for kids to explore!

• The Gothic Quarter.  This is the central historic part of Barcelona. Full of history, amazing architecture, and endless activities, many people say this is a must!

• Walking tours of the city of Gaudi’s work

• Zoo Barcelona

• Chocolate Museum

• Markets:
  • La Boqueria:  Touristy, but super fun.  It’s best to go during the day.  You can get all kinds of food here and eat some fun treats.  There are also amazing candy stands!
  • Mercat de Santa Maria (this name in our older list is unverified; confirm the exact market before planning a visit).

What To Eat In Barcelona With Kids

Tapas is the name of the game in Spain!  Tapas are essentially a small plate or “appetizer” of Spanish cuisine; you must try these small dishes. Even the airport offers some amazing versions.

Paella is a rice dish with all kinds of filling, from seafood to meat to vegetables, and it’s delicious!

I gathered suggestions from followers before our visit, and these were a few of their recommendations at the time. Check current opening details before making a special trip:

• Taquerias Tamarindo
• Salterio (In the Gothic Quarter)
• Cerveceria Catalana
• El Xampanyet

Outside of Barcelona

For a possible day trip outside Barcelona, our original list suggested the Abbey of Montserrat.  It’s a stunning catholic monastery carved into the mountain with breathtaking views. It looks incredible! My good friend Laura has a great post about it!

Any more suggestions for visiting Barcelona with the kids?  Please add them to the comments below!

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