10 Free Things to Do in Barcelona With Kids
Plan a budget friendly family trip to Spain’s most exciting city with these ten free things to do in Barcelona with kids!
Barcelona is a vibrant city brimming with rich history, stunning architecture, and plenty of family-friendly attractions. While it’s widely known as a party hotspot, it’s equally ideal for those traveling with children.
Famous for landmarks like La Sagrada Família and Park Güell, the city also offers a wide range of free activities that will keep the whole family entertained without breaking the bank. From exploring charming neighborhoods to enjoying green spaces and cultural treasures, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do with kids in Barcelona that won’t cost a thing.
Whether you’re looking to soak up the city’s unique atmosphere or let your little ones burn off some energy, Barcelona has something for everyone. The best part? Many of these activities are completely free!
In this guide, we’ll explore the top free things to do in Barcelona with kids, helping you make the most of your trip while keeping your budget in check.
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Quick List: Free Things to Do in Barcelona With Kids
- Get Lost in Mercat de la Boqueria
- People Watch or Chase Pigeons at Plaça de Catalunya
- Have a Picnic at Ciutadella Park
- Look Up at Basílica de la Sagrada Família
- Stroll Down La Rambla
- Visit the Botanical Garden (Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera)
- Visit the Location of the Olympic Games
- Find Gaudi’s Masterpieces
- Spend an Afternoon at the Beach
- Hike to the Top of Parc del Turó del Putxet
The Essentials for Visiting Barcelona With Kids
🍽 Most traditional restaurants in Barcelona typically open around 7 PM for dinner. If you’re not used to having your kids up late, consider choosing other places to eat that may be open all day instead.
☕️ In Spain, it’s very common to find bars and cafes situated right next to playgrounds. This is one of the best aspects of visiting Barcelona with kids, in our opinion!
🚶🏻♂️ Barcelona is a walkable city, so come prepared to get your steps in, either with a stroller or baby carrier.
💤 While Barcelona is very touristy, it’s important to remember that many businesses still shut down after lunchtime to observe the afternoon rest (siesta).
🎟 Take advantage of free admission for kids under 18 years old; nearly all museums (even the most popular ones) offer free entry for children.
10 Free Things to Do in Barcelona With Kids
1. Feed Your Eyes in Mercat de la Boqueria
The market has a deep history that dates back to the 13th century. Originally, it began as a meat market outside the city’s walls, where vendors would set up stalls to sell their products.
Today, Mercat de la Boqueria may top the list of tourist attractions in Barcelona but we’ve been heard of a handful of locals who actually do shop there.
Visitors can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to cured meats, cheeses, and delicious prepared foods, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of Catalonia. You will be hungry just from seeing everything, promise!
Inside the market, you’ll also find numerous food stalls and tapas bars where you can enjoy authentic Spanish and Catalan dishes. The market is an unassumingly great place to sample local delicacies like jamón ibérico, paella, and fresh seafood.
2. People Watch or Chase Pigeons at Plaça Reial
Also known as the Royal Square, Plaça Reial is one of the most atmospheric corners of Barcelona. Surrounded by a block of pretty buildings and featuring a fountain in the middle of the courtyard, there’s something about this spot that just screams ‘Barcelona.’
Since its inauguration in 1848, the square has quickly become a vibrant social hub, known for its neoclassical architecture and palm trees. Visitors are drawn to its numerous cafes, restaurants, and lively ambiance.
Families traveling with young children will love visiting Plaça Reial because it is closed to road traffic, and there’s no denying that chasing pigeons always counts as a form of low-effort entertainment.
3. Have a Picnic at Ciutadella Park
Barcelona’s most prominent green space is Ciutadella Park, which is centrally located yet manages to provide much-needed peace and quiet away from the bustle of the city.
Its green lawns are perfect for impromptu picnics or an outdoor siesta under a tree in the summer. The park features a small zoo, paddle boating on the lake, playgrounds, and a grand fountain at the center of it all. By every definition, it’s the perfect urban park—and thankfully, it’s free to enjoy.
Originally built in the 18th century, the park was part of the Citadel (Ciutadella), a military fortress constructed by the Bourbon King Philip V after the War of Spanish Succession.
4. Look Up at Basílica de la Sagrada Família
Though still unfinished, the Sagrada Família is already a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completion has been delayed multiple times but is now projected for 2026, marking the centennial of Gaudí’s death.
Although the basilica is a church, there is an admission fee (€25+), unlike most religious landmarks. If you prefer not to wait in a long queue, even with pre-purchased tickets, you can simply admire the stunning exterior of the Basílica de la Sagrada Família.
The church is flanked by two parks, one on each side, both featuring shaded benches and, most importantly, playgrounds for kids. When we visited, we took photos in front of the church from the park while our toddler (who could care less about Gaudí’s work) sat on the swing.
It is Barcelona’s most iconic symbol for many reasons and undoubtedly a must-see for anyone visiting, even if only from the outside!
5. Stroll Down La Rambla
La Rambla is the boulevard that runs through the heart of Barcelona. It’s one of the city’s most popular attractions, though ironically, it was originally a drainage stream outside the medieval city walls. Over time, its identity has evolved into that of a bustling promenade.
Beloved for its tree-lined pedestrian pathway, La Rambla is filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and street performers, reflecting Barcelona’s dynamic and energetic atmosphere.
Despite its touristy nature, the street remains an important symbol of the city’s urban life. It’s also highly functional, offering the most convenient route to the waterfront as it runs directly from the city center.
6. Walk Through the Gothic Quarter
Whether or not you’re seeking free things to do in Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter is likely to be on anyone’s itinerary. It’s the most iconic part of the city, featuring an endless array of great restaurants, picturesque blocks of medieval architecture, and narrow alleyways to explore.
Also known as Barri Gòtic, the neighborhood offers a glimpse into the city’s ancient past, with Roman remnants and historic landmarks, including Plaça Reial, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri and the Barcelona Cathedral.
Some of our favorite inexpensive places to eat in the Gothic Quarter include Macchina Pasta Bar, PUFF Sandwich and Bo de B.
7. Visit the Location of the Olympic Games
Located above Montjuïc Castle is the site of the 1992 Olympic Games. In addition to still being fully functional as a sports complex today, the Olympic Games marked a positive turning point for Barcelona.
The 1992 Olympics are considered a defining moment in the city’s modern history, sparking a period of urban regeneration. The Games led to significant improvements in infrastructure, including new roads, public transportation, and waterfront development.
Visitors can freely explore the various fields and arenas, as well as visit the flower and botanical gardens on Montjuïc Hill.
8. Find Gaudi’s Masterpieces
While Park Güell houses many of Gaudí’s masterpieces in one location, the park is not free to enter. What many tourists tend to overlook is that Gaudí has actually left his mark throughout the entire city, not just at Park Güell.
One of the best free activities to enjoy in Barcelona with kids is going on a treasure hunt to find all the buildings designed by Gaudí. There are ten famous ones scattered around the city that are worth visiting, including Casa Milà and Casa Batlló.
If you plan to admire these works of art from the outside, it won’t cost you a penny!
9. Hit the Beach
Tourists don’t often think of Barcelona as a beach destination, opting instead for cultural sightseeing and landmarks. However, if your kids could use some time in the water, visiting one of Barcelona’s many beaches is a great idea.
The closer you are to the city center, the more crowded the beaches will be. If you venture to the furthest sandy inlet, Llevant, you’ll find a more relaxed atmosphere.
Barcelona’s beaches are surprisingly nice, with clean sand, clear water, and even public restrooms. Unless you see umbrellas for rent, you can assume the beach is free to enjoy!
10. Hike to the Top of Parc del Turó del Putxet
The highest and most unobstructed views of Barcelona can be found at Tibidabo, where the amusement park sits above the city. However, it’s not free to reach unless you hike, as the funicular ride costs money.
For families who still want to enjoy some of the best views of Barcelona and don’t mind breaking a sweat, trekking to Parc del Turó del Putxet is a great alternative. From this viewpoint, you can see the Basílica de la Sagrada Família and even the sea in the distance.
FAQs Family Travel in Barcelona
Is Barcelona Safe at Night?
Many of Barcelona’s alleys throughout the historic center are dark and narrow, making them feel less safe when walking at night. That said, the city’s most common type of crime is pickpocketing, which occurs in broad daylight.
There is little distinction between how safe Barcelona is during the day versus at night, but pickpocketing remains a significant issue for both the city and its tourists. To avoid falling victim to petty theft, we recommend:
- Staying alert and aware of your surroundings, especially when approached by strangers.
- Being cautious in crowded areas and avoiding the display of expensive items.
- Keeping valuables secured and out of sight.
❗️True Story: We travelled to Barcelona with someone who had their camera bag stolen. Fortunately, their travel insurance covered the incident completely. Purchasing travel insurance for a place like Barcelona is 100% worth it.
Do Children Have to Pay for Admission to Museums?
Most museums in Barcelona offer free admission for children under 18 years old, even at famous ones like the Picasso Museum!
Nearly every museum in Barcelona has certain dates when admission is free for everyone, but the timing varies. Therefore, you must check the individual websites of the museum(s) you’re interested in visiting to find out about free admission before scheduling your trip.
There are also a couple of noteworthy museums in Barcelona that are always free, such as Palau de la Virreina and the MUHBA Temple d’August.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Barcelona With Kids?
If you’re the type of family that likes to stick to the main sights while traveling, you can comfortably spend three days in Barcelona. Fortunately, most of the “top 10” attractions are easily accessible and centrally located, so you won’t need a ton of time.
Planning a longer trip of 5 to 7 days will allow you to venture a bit off the beaten path. You could also squeeze in a day trip to one of the interesting places near Barcelona, such as Montserrat or the turquoise beaches just north of the city.
Are There Playgrounds in Barcelona?
Barcelona has a healthy number of playgrounds sprinkled throughout the city. They aren’t always large, but it’s quite effortless to stumble upon a sufficient enough swing set and slide when you desperately need one.
You’ll also notice that children are often left comparatively unsupervised on the playground and when they’re among other kids. In Spain, parks and cafes are typically located next to each other, allowing parents to sit and relax with a coffee or drink while keeping an eye on their children from a distance.
Can You Bring Kids to a Wine Bar in Barcelona?
Spain’s approach to children being around alcohol is very similar to that of Italy, Portugal, and other Mediterranean countries. There is no distinct line; kids regularly join their parents for outings to restaurants and even bars.
Establishments typically do not provide special arrangements just because you are visiting with children, as this is simply the norm. Unless a restaurant, club, or bar specifically states that it is for adults only, you can bring children almost anywhere and at any time with you in Barcelona.
How to Get Around Barcelona With Kids
You can think of Barcelona as having a lower and upper half. Luckily, the lower half is flat and very easy to navigate on foot. However, as you move into the upper half for attractions like Park Güell, the streets become progressively steeper. Thus, making it a bit of a haul when travelling with children.
It’s recommended to utilize the metro system as much as possible, particularly if you’re visiting Barcelona with kids and need to save time commuting from one sight to the next.
Areas not covered by the metro can be reached by bus, which has extensive coverage throughout the city. The same pass can be used for all types of transportation.
Don’t feel like planning your own transportation? Book a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour instead and save yourself the hassle.
Where to Stay in Barcelona for Families
Apartments Rambla 108 – CHECK PRICES
Del Mar Hotel – CHECK PRICES
Aparthotel Mariano Cubi Barcelona – CHECK PRICES
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