Top 8 Things to Do in Spain with Family

Discover the incredible imagination of Antoni Gaudi with a visit to La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell in Barcelona.

You can marvel at the enchanting world within the walls of the fairytale-like basilica, with masterpieces, massive stained-glass windows, and impressive winding staircase, or as you walk the pathways to take in the mosaic sculptures and bridges of the park.

Gaudi’s incredible work is bound to inspire families of all ages, with history for parents to unpack and fascinating facades that mesmerize younger and older children on Barcelona Itineraries & Vacation Packages.

Best Gaudi Architecture in Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia • Park Guell • Casa Mila • Casa Batllo

This water show amazes visitors of all ages, as the fountain dances to music, with flashes of vibrant color.

The kid-friendly performance can feel mystical amid the historic walls and glamorous sweep of Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, which leads to the Palau Nacional. Children and teenagers can enjoy the sound of splashing waters, the captivating musical accompaniment, and the way the water flickers in the flashes of light.

Afterward, families can freely explore the Montjuïc neighborhood of Barcelona surrounding the fountain and discover many fascinating landmarks and charming restaurants along the way.

Best Attractions in Montjuïc: Montjuïc Castle • Joan Miró Foundation • Poble Espanyol • Telefèric de Montjuïc

Walk the opulent halls of Granada's famed La Alhambra palace, which dates back to 889 AD, on a tour of Andalucia that is as exciting as it is educational.

As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can pose for photos in front of beautiful mosaic walls, smell the flowers in the courtyards, and enjoy panoramic views of the city, following in the footsteps of Moorish caliphs.

Venture west to the charming city of Seville and you will get the chance to take in a live flamenco show, clapping your hands and stomping your feet to the rhythm of the beat. During family-friendly Tours & Vacations of Southern Spain, which include flamenco shows, you can marvel at the intricate footwork, enjoy the demonstration of tradition, and learn about the history of the dance.

Best Heritage Sites in Andalucia: Royal Alcázars of Seville • The Alcazaba • The Alhambra • Marbella Old Town

Northern Spain presents families with an opportunity to get out and get active, with hiking trails and beaches to explore.

From surfing lessons in Bilbao to exploring the town of Santiago de Compostela by train, or climbing to the roof of the cathedral to take in the beautiful view, Northern Spain Tours & Vacations offer all sorts of adventures.

Spend time exploring San Sebastian and discover the Combs of the Wind, outdoor art sculptures that are sure to fascinate. Perhaps walk up Mont Urgull, which offers amazing views and a castle to explore at the top, or laze on the sand in Zarautz, the longest beach on the Basque coast.

Best Active Adventures in Basque Country: Surfing in Bilbao • Climbing Mont Urgull • Kayaking in San Sebastian • Canyoning in La Leze

Wandering through the 17 playgrounds of the Madrid Rio or the street art-lined lanes on your way to finding a pintxos stop in the La Latina neighborhood offer families a delight for all five senses.

Madrid is a bustling city that intrigues visitors of all ages, with various ways to explore it, from open-top buses to the Teleferico cable, while older children can sightsee via Segway.

On Barcelona & Madrid Tours that take you and your family from Catalonia to Spain’s capital city, you can marvel at the Crystal Palace in Retiro Park, almost completely made of glass, and come away fascinated after a visit to the Prado Museum.

Best City Highlights of Madrid: Madrid Rio Park • Barrio de La Latina • Retiro Park • Prado Museum

Spain boasts many family-friendly beaches along its southern and northern coastlines, as well as the Spanish islands.

Veiled in golden light during summer and sharing access to crystal-clear sea teeming with marine life, Spain’s beaches are a great place to bring your children for a day or two building sandcastles, sunbathing, or snorkeling.

From breathtaking sheltered Balearic bays to sweeping marigold shores, you can embrace seaside splendor as you visit Mallorca or Bay of Biscay beaches, where you can savor the Top 7 Things to Do in San Sebastian.

Best Family Beaches in Spain: La Concha Beach, San Sebastian • Playa de Las Catedrales, Galicia • Playa de Roses, Costa Brava • Playa de Trengandin, Bay of Biscay

Football is Spain’s national sport and the majority of the country’s citizens spend their Saturdays and Sundays in front of the television or at stadiums watching LaLiga matches. As a family, there are few better ways to connect with authentic Spain than by joining the fútbol fun.

Parents with older children can book a ticket to see a Spanish soccer match at stadiums around the country, be it the famous Santiago Bernabéu of Real Madrid or Camp Nou of Barcelona. If you are visiting Spain with younger children, we recommend skipping the crowded and noisy stadiums for a Spanish tapas bar, where you can watch the soccer as you snack on bite-sized treats and cheer for your favorite team.

The LaLiga season typically kicks off in August, meaning Spain Vacations in August and Spain Tours in September are excellent options for families wishing to see Spanish soccer in action.

Best Soccer Stadiums in Spain: Santiago Bernabéu • Camp Nou • Mestalla Stadium • Metropolitano Stadium

Families cannot visit Spain without trying their hands at creating one of the country’s famous culinary staples, paella. And where better to enjoy such a cooking class than at the dish’s destination of origin, Valencia?

You can join your chef for a tour of the local markets, another Spanish activity that excites children of all ages as they follow fresh fragrances to stalls decorated with colorful produce. Your kids will have the first pick of seasonal items, which you will carry back to class to learn how to bring out their unique flavors and aromas.

Your chef will teach you the secrets to traditional Spanish paella, something you will keep hush-hush between you and your family as you render this culinary classic together for years to come. To savor sensational Spanish paella in Valencia, you can stop by the famous foodie destination on Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid Vacations & Tours.

Best Dishes to Try in Spain: Paella • Patatas bravas • Jamon • Gazpacho

The top things to do in Spain with family can inspire new ways to discover a city or surprising ways to enjoy life’s simple pleasures while creating unforgettable memories with your children. You can explore the right combination of excursions and activities for travel in Spain with kids in our Spain Family Vacations & Tours.

If you would like to learn more about Spain and where to take your children on vacation, visit our 6 Best Places to Visit in Spain with Family or browse our Spain Travel Guide for more travel inspiration.