The good weather is here, spring is coming, and in Barcelona the weather is already very nice… So what could be better than going for a family walk in the city or even a few kilometres from Barcelona? Here we give you plenty of ideas to enjoy this beautiful city with your children. And, icing on the cake: your children will also be able to do these outdoor activities in Barcelona with their babysitter after school! Feel free to send this article to your babysitter 😉
Spend a day at the beach
The simplest ideas are often the best! So grab your buckets, shovels, a picnic and your hat, and head for the beach with the kids! It’s the perfect opportunity for them to let off steam and even, if the weather is nice, to go swimming. You will take the opportunity to play with them, read, chat or simply rest.
Here are our favourite beaches in and around Barcelona :
- Mar Bella, one of the most beautiful beaches in Barcelona
- Nova Icaria, the most peaceful beach in Barcelona
- Castelldefels beach
- Ocata beach
- Garraf beach
- Badalona beach
- Montgat beach
Profiter des nombreux parcs de Barcelone
Parc Guëll
We couldn’t start otherwise than with Barcelona’s most beautiful and famous park: Parc Guëll. Usually full of tourists, but now quieter, this park is famous for its architectural design by the famous Catalan architect Gaudi. You can enjoy a stroll through the various buildings, the mosaic balconies (photo below) and all the surrounding greenery.
Don’t hesitate to climb up to the heights of the park! You will be able to observe the beauty of the whole city of Barcelona. You can also challenge your view and your knowledge of the city by trying to locate the different famous monuments visible from the viewpoint.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Our second selection is the marvellous Ciutadella Park. Visit the landmark of many Spaniards in early spring. And it’s understandable, between its beautiful fountain, small lake, large lawns and huge palm trees, it’s hard to dream of a more ideal setting to have a good time.
Enjoy a good time sunbathing, playing ball with the children or taking a walk by the lake.
Montjuïc
Situated on the hills overlooking Barcelona’s old town and old port, Montjuïc offers you the chance to walk amongst the remains of the 1992 Olympic Games. You will find the Barcelona Arena on one side and the National Palace on the other, all with a breathtaking view of the city.
After seeing all these marvellous buildings, take a stroll through the Botanical Garden. Marvel at the multitude of different species from all over the world. An enchanting walk that will delight your children. 🙂
The Guinardo
To the north of the city you can find the Guinardo Park. Very little known by tourists, this park will offer you a walk among the trees on the heights of the city. Enjoy a quiet place with great views, especially if you are motivated to go up to the “Mirador del Camel”.
Horta’s labyrinth
If you are strolling near the Horta, you can make a stop near a wonderful garden. Visit this beautiful garden, where you can lose yourself in a veritable maze of plants. Really! Take a look at the photo below.
But the visit doesn’t stop there, you can continue and walk between the pond and the beautiful buildings surrounding the park. A walk as beautiful as it is pleasant in the heart of Barcelona. Maintained by the city, you will still have to pay 2.50€ per person for the entrance fee to enjoy it. But the experience is well worth the price.
Cycling with children in Barcelona
Have you run out of ideas for outdoor activities to do in Barcelona with your children? Do you want to enjoy the sun on a long bike ride? Barcelona is the perfect place for this exercise. Discover our selection of 4 rides to get some fresh air in the middle of breathtaking scenery.
The carretera of the Aigües
level: medium
distance : 20 kilometres
time: 2h
The carretera de les Aigües is a path in the heart of the Collserola mountain range. Our route starts from the Penitents district in Esplugues de Llobregat. In spite of the steep gradients, this walk along the dirt tracks will take you to the top of the city of Barcelona. Marvel at the view of the beauty of the city and on a clear day, the view of the sea in the distance. A walk that will appeal to the whole family, but be aware of the difficulty for the younger ones.
level: easy
distance: 32 kilometres
time: 2h
You prefer the sea to the mountains? No problem, we have a circuit for salt water lovers. This walk will take you from the Parc del Forum to the municipality of Sant Andreu de Llavaneres. A simple route that will take you to the seaside for some fresh air. Set off with the children and enjoy a stopover along Spain’s beautiful beaches.
distance : 11 kilometres
time: 1h30
The return journey is via the road from Montjuïc towards the Miramar promenade until you reach Plaça Colón. To get to Plaça Espanya, you have to pedal along the bicycle path on Avenida Paral.lel.
Looking for a little challenge? Go to the hill of Montjuïc to enjoy a walk as complex as it is beautiful. There are two possibilities, for a simpler and more serene climb you can start from Plaça Espanya. For the harder ones, you’ll have to start from Calle Lleida to climb up to Montjuïc Castle with an exceptional view of the port of Barcelona. You can then take advantage of the descent to observe the view and take your time.
level: easy
distance: 10 kilometres
time: 1h30
The Els Vivers de Can Borni gardens are nestled in the heart of the Collserola mountain range. Take your time in the middle of nature, an ideal environment to wander around without pressure and enjoy a moment with your family. Between exotic plants and a small pond full of colour, let yourself be carried away by the beauty of what surrounds you.
Having fun in Barcelona’s skateparks
Skateboarding is one of the favourite outdoor activities for children in Barcelona! Considered by many to be the European skateboarding capital, you will have the opportunity to see many skateboarders walking around the city and in the squares. If you want to find the iconic places to show off your best tricks or to take your children along, you can go to the following places:
Mar Bella Skatepark
Located in the Esportiu Park, near the beach, this new skatepark has everything you need. Between slopes, swimming pool, ramps, stairs, bars, … you will find everything you need to enjoy instead of your board.
Forum Skatepark
Built for the 1992 Olympic Games, the Forum is a fully equipped skatepark close to the Diagonal Mar shopping centre towards the sea.
Pamplona Skatepark
If you are a little experienced, then you won’t be able to miss the Pamplona skate park. A huge indoor skatepark, this place will offer you all the infrastructure you’ve always dreamed of. Be careful, in order to get in you will have to buy a step that may seem a bit expensive. Find it near the Razzmatazz.
Port Olimpic Skatepark
Slightly smaller, this skatepark is a fully equipped place that appeals to its skateboarders. Close to the sea, you can have fun in a more than pleasant setting.
Skatepark Barri Canyelles
A little more off-centre than the others, the Barri Canyelles skatepark remains an ideal place to practice. Fully equipped, you can find it in Nou Barris, in Via Favencia, in the northern part of Barcelona.
Discover or rediscover street art in Barcelona with children
Do you want to see Barcelona street art? You can go to the narrow streets of the old town where you will find beautiful creations.
If you want to see other places that still exist, you can go :
- On the heights of Barcelona in the Guinardo Park, a series of bunkers from the Spanish Civil War offer a beautiful palette of colours and styles.
- In the Misclena gallery in the Raval, or in the Montana gallery in the Born, which offers many street art and contemporary art exhibitions.
- In shops selling spray paint cans and equipment: See also Montana.
- La Boqueria market is the most famous market in Barcelona. It is located in the Raval district. Almost all the delivery trucks have been decorated with artists.
And then on https://www.facebook.com/streetartbcn
Our favourite terraces in Barcelona
Tired of all those outdoor activities in Barcelona? It’s high time to take a break. Here is our selection of our favourite terraces in Barcelona.
Terrasses de la Barceloneta
If you are in the Barceloneta district you will find countless sunny terraces. But the ones that have attracted us the most are the Surf House Barcelona, the Beach House, Buenas Migas or the Santa Marta.
A perfect moment to rest and take a breath of fresh air by the sea. Be careful though, during busy tourist periods the service can be a little slower. But we know you will be accommodating.
Preferred hotel terraces
Despite the higher prices, the terraces of Barcelona hotels have nothing to envy the bars. Enjoy a privileged moment, calmer and in an idyllic setting.
The Lobo Bar
The Bar Lobo is a refined, well-decorated and trendy place. From meat to vegetarian dishes, sweet and savoury, tapas as well as main courses are served here. Thanks to its quiet atmosphere, you can enjoy a good and pleasant meal.
Voilà! We hope you’ve noticed all our outdoor activities to do in Barcelona! And don’t forget, Marypop also offers you activities with a bilingual baby-sitter who will take care of your children in Barcelona, at your home or through our video service.