Exploring Spain with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide
Of all the places to travel with children, Spain is up there with the best of them.
Generally speaking, the population loves to dote on little ones. Be prepared for abuelas (grandmothers) to coo over newborns, and children’s presence is accepted—celebrated, even—in almost every aspect of day-to-day life, from shopping to dining. On balmy evenings, it’s common to see families out way past sunset. In pretty plazas, children whizz down slides and make friends despite the language barrier while parents watch over from the terrace nearby, sipping a chilled vermouth.
Is Spain Good for Kids?
One of the most brilliant things about Spain is the sheer amount of playgrounds. They’re everywhere: airports, historic plazas, even next to bars.
Most restaurants in Spain are family-friendly, too. ‘Highchair’ in Spanish is trona, very similar to trono, which means throne. This reflects the attitude towards children in restaurants and tapas bars, where little ones are treated like royalty. Moreover, restaurant staples like tortillas and patatas bravas (potatoes in spicy tomato sauce) are often a hit with young diners.
While historic city centers are beautiful to look at, navigating them with a buggy can be a chore. A sling may be more convenient for carrying small babies, but the summer months (July, August) are often too hot for them. Overall, the stroller is usually best for breezy naps and sun protection.
Where is Best in Spain for Kids?
Rippled with mountain ranges, full of culture-charged cities, and fringed with a sandy coastline, Spain has a vast variety of terrains for families to explore. For seaside adventures, take a dip in the turquoise water of the Balearic Islands, grab a sun lounger on the Costa Brava, or make sandcastles on the lush north coast. For city breaks, Valencia and Palma are well-sized for young families, while Barcelona and Madrid feature vibrant galleries and theme parks suitable for older kids.
Best Things to Do in Spain with Kids
Best Things to Do in Spain with Babies and Toddlers
Splash on the Beach:
The Costa Blanca is full of family-friendly beaches, but for a quieter break, try the island of Formentera, only accessible by ferry from Dénia or Ibiza. It has plenty of clean beaches where babies can take their first dip. Additionally, wild options like Islas Cíes, a tiny archipelago in Galicia, boast pristine beaches and simple campsites nearby.
Potter in Plazas:
Elegant squares provide an idyllic setting for a toddler’s first steps. Plaza de Santa Ana in Madrid features an enclosed playground surrounded by beautiful old houses with ornate balconies. Families flock to Plaza de Gracia in Granada for its climbing frame and park, while Plaza de la Alfalfa in Seville offers stunning architecture and sun-dappled terraces.
Relax in Grand Gardens:
Madrid’s Parque del Buen Retiro, once part of the Spanish monarchy, has over 15,000 trees, ensuring a shady picnic spot. For a refreshing outing, visit Marimurtra Botanical Garden, just 65km (40 miles) from Barcelona, where dramatic clifftop views await.
Best Things to Do in Spain with Kids
Out-of-This-World Architecture:
Children will be captivated by the colorful roof of Casa Batlló, featuring undulating tiles reminiscent of a dragon. In Valencia, the architectural marvel Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias dazzles with swooping white IMAX theaters. Here, children’s music workshops bring additional excitement.
Fairy-Tale Palaces:
Palaces aren’t confined to fairy tales. The red-walled Alhambra in Granada dates back to the 9th century and boasts intricate symmetry. The Real Alcázar in Seville is another sensational royal palace with a rich history.
Family-Friendly Museums:
In Valencia, Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània offers a respite for parents while kids play in the courtyard. Additionally, at Museo Guggenheim in Bilbao, children can weave through fascinating installations. In Málaga, OXO Museo Videojuego provides opportunities for kids to challenge their parents in retro games.
Best Things to Do in Spain with Teenagers and Tweenagers
Stargazing:
For aspiring astronomers, Parc Astronòmic del Montsec, located around 200km (125 miles) from Barcelona, offers guided tours with breathtaking views of the night sky. Sierra Sur de Jaén in Andalucia is a protected starlight reserve where local astronomy associations organize tours.
Snorkeling:
Menorca features some of the best snorkeling in Spain with its seagrass meadows and colorful sea life. Cala Macarelleta is perfect for exploring small caves, while Illes Medes, the only marine reserve in the country, provides opportunities to spot coral and octopus on guided tours.
Planning Tips
Children under 135cm must use a car seat, but luckily, taxis often provide them. Traveling by train is also convenient with the modern and reliable RENFE national network, where children under six travel for free. Long-distance high-speed trains offer ample space for children to move around and enjoy their journey.
