Traveling in Spain with Kids: Top Beaches, Attractions, and Family-Friendly Cities

When it comes to family travel, Spain is among the finest destinations available.

The local population tends to shower children with affection. Expect abuelas (grandmothers) to fuss over infants, and children are not just accepted but often celebrated in daily life—from shopping trips to dining out. On warm evenings, it's typical to see families enjoying the outdoors long after sunset. In charming plazas, kids zip down slides and form friendships regardless of language barriers, while parents relax nearby, enjoying a chilled vermouth.

Is Spain a family-friendly destination?

One of the standout features of Spain is the abundance of playgrounds. They can be found everywhere: at airports, historic squares, and even alongside bars.

Dining out in Spain is typically family-friendly. The Spanish word for 'highchair' is trona, closely resembling trono, which means throne. This reflects the country's attitude towards children in restaurants and tapas bars, where young diners are treated like royalty. Plus, classic dishes like tortillas and patatas bravas (spicy tomato sauce potatoes) are often favorites among kids.

While the historic city centers are stunning, pushing a stroller through them can be challenging. A sling might be more practical for carrying infants, although summer months (July and August) can be too hot for that. In general, a stroller is preferable for providing shade and comfort during breezy naps.

Which places in Spain are the most suitable for children?

With its majestic mountain ranges, vibrant cities brimming with culture, and beautiful sandy shores, Spain offers an incredible array of terrains for families to explore. For coastal fun, dive into the sparkling waters of the Balearic Islands, unwind on the sunny beaches of the Costa Brava, or build sandcastles along the picturesque northern coastline. When it comes to city escapes, Valencia and Palma are perfectly suited for young families, while Barcelona and Madrid boast lively galleries and theme parks ideal for older kids.

Top family-friendly activities in Spain

Best experiences in Spain for infants and toddlers

Enjoy the beach fun

The Costa Blanca is packed with family-friendly beaches, but for a more peaceful getaway, consider the island of Formentera, reachable only by ferry from Dénia or Ibiza. It offers numerous quiet, clean beaches perfect for babies taking their first dip, like the soft white sands of Ses Illetes. For an even more untouched experience, visit the Islas Cíes, a small car-free archipelago in Galicia that features pristine beaches and basic campsites with pre-pitched tents (and cots for rent) right by the sea. If you're looking for a lively beach scene, head to Patacona in Valencia, known for its relaxed beach bars, where you can rent a deckchair and parasol for shade, along with fantastic brunch options.

Playtime in the plazas

Charming squares provide a perfect backdrop for a toddler's first steps. At the heart of Plaza de Santa Ana in Madrid, an enclosed playground is surrounded by stunning historic buildings adorned with intricate balconies and traditional cervecerias (bars). Over in Granada, families flock to Plaza de Gracia, which features a climbing frame and a park nestled among tapas bars, while Seville’s Plaza de la Alfalfa stands out with its vibrant architecture and sunlit terraces.

Unwind in magnificent gardens

Madrid's Parque del Buen Retiro, once a royal retreat, boasts over 15,000 trees, ensuring plenty of shady spots for a picnic. Just 65km (40 miles) from Barcelona, Marimurtra Botanical Garden offers a stunning clifftop experience with breathtaking sea views and winding paths that meander past tranquil lily pad-filled ponds.

Top activities for families in Spain

Stunning architecture

Kids will be captivated by the colorful rooftop of Casa Batlló, featuring wavy tiles reminiscent of a dragon's scales. This is just one of seven UNESCO World Heritage sites created by Gaudí in Barcelona. Further south, about 350km (217 miles) away, lies the architectural wonder of Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia. Its swooping white IMAX theaters resemble the human eye, while the Palau de les Arts, adorned with shimmering mosaic tiles, offers children's music workshops.

Enchanted palaces

Palaces are not just for fairy tales. The red-walled Alhambra in Granada, which dates back to the 9th century, boasts stunning symmetry and is adorned with Arabic poetry (be sure to purchase tickets in advance to skip the lines). The Real Alcázar in Seville, a magnificent royal palace established in 913 CE, showcases extravagant extensions added by various monarchs over the years.

Museums that welcome families

In Valencia, the Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània offers a refreshing break for parents while kids enjoy the shaded courtyard. There's even a playroom filled with soft shapes and light-up floors that can be reserved for free. At the Museo Guggenheim Bilbao, children can weave around Louise Bourgeois' towering 9m spider, and at OXO Museo Videojuego Málaga, adults often find themselves bested by kids on classic game consoles.

Top activities for teenagers and tweens in Spain

Stargazing

Aspiring astronomers should make their way to Parc Astronòmic del Montsec, located about 200km (125 miles) from Barcelona. Nestled in the Serra de Montsec mountains, a guided tour offers an incredible view of the night sky through the observatory's massive telescope. Additionally, Sierra Sur de Jaén in Andalucia is a designated starlight reserve, where local astronomy groups arrange regular tours (check skyandaluz.com for details).

Snorkeling

Known for its seagrass meadows and vibrant marine life, Menorca offers some of the finest snorkeling in Spain. Cala Macarelleta is a tranquil cove with small caves to explore. Just off the Costa Brava, Illes Medes is the country's only marine reserve, where you can see coral, starfish, and octopus on guided tours departing from L'Estartit.

Traveling tips

Kids under 135cm are required to use a car seat, but fortunately, many taxis have one available in the trunk. Traveling by train is effortless; the national network RENFE is both modern and dependable, with children under six traveling for free. Their long-distance high-speed trains are especially fast and feature a spacious buffet car where kids can move around comfortably.