Barcelona For Kids And Fun

Parents who want to visit Barcelona can rest assured that there is lots of fun to be had for parents and kids alike. The locals are very tolerant of kids on the streets and at the city’s many attractions. Following is just a brief mention of some of the main sightseeing attractions in Barcelona for both kids and parents:

Gaudí Architecture

Barcelona for the family can turn out to be an exciting and fairytale adventure, considering the fantastic modernistic architecture of Antoni Gaudí. His masterpiece is undoubtedly the cathedral of the Sagrada Família, his lifetime’s work and still unfinished, which is a tall, unique structure with colorful spires dotted with fruit and bubbles – which children would like. The building also has many fascinating statues on the outside and modern stained glass windows.

Another equally fascinating and fun Gaudí building in Barcelona is situated at La Pedrera at No 92  Passeig de Gràcia, which is a combined office and apartment block. It has a rippled grey stone façade, like stone from a quarry (pedrera), which is emphasized by beautiful and elaborate wrought-iron balconies. The lower floors host temporary exhibitions of all kinds. One can take a tour through the building and see an apartment with curved and unexpected corners and playful touches in furniture and decor everywhere. However, the most fascinating part is the roof with its giant chimney pots looking like multi-colored medieval knights, and from where you can enjoy a unique view of the center of the city. During the month of August three short chamber music concerts per day are held on La Pedrera rooftop.

Although there are other equally remarkable Gaudí structures it would be more fun for kids to visit Parc Güell, which is north of Gràcia about 4 km from Plaça Catalunya, the center of the city. Pack a picnic and head out for this enchanting park landscaped by Gaudí. Upon arrival you’ll pass through the two quaint gate-houses on Carrer d’Olot. The steps up from there are guarded by the much photographed mosaic lizard. From there it’s just a matter of leisurely exploring all the interesting nooks and crannies of this park where Gaudí’s passion for natural architectural forms took fanciful flights.

La Rambla

Back in the center, and after a good night’s rest and breakfast, parents and kids can take a stroll down La Rambla, the  well-known, busy  pedestrian walkway which ends at the statue of Columbus near the port. It is flanked by busy streets, shops and street merchants. I find it a bit noisy, but it is a very famous and popular part of the city where many visitors find the birds (real ones!) on sale fascinating, and apart from sitting there on rented chairs people watching, visitors also find the painted mime artists performing there amusing.

Barcelona Beaches, Old Port and Pleasure Cruises

Continuing down to the bottom of La Rambla you’ll get to the old port and beaches of the city. The possibilities of having fun with the kids here at the city beachfront are positively endless. You can be spending time relaxing, tanning and playing on one of the well-kept beaches in summer time, or taking a short or long day cruise on a pleasure boat from the harbor, or strolling along the beach promenade any time of the year, or listening to some street musicians, or having a drink or meal at one of the many good restaurants along the way – the choices are too many to list here – you have to experience it for yourself!

Barcelona Aquarium and 3-D Cinema

For the kids L’Aquàrium de Barcelona would definitely be a hit, which is in the same area. The aquarium has a lengthy underwater tunnel where all kinds of spectacular fish,and plant life can be seen. The aquarium shop offers a unique variety of gifts for sale. Also, not far from there is the Imax Port Vell 3-D cinema, which is housed in the Maremagnum building complex, where adventure and wildlife films are screened daily from 12 midday until 10 at night.

Barcelona Tourist Bus

Finally, when everybody just wants to sit and enjoy the sights of the city, the whole family could take the Barcelona Bus Turístic and get on and off as many of the routes as you like, within the time period of your ticket. These tourist buses are equipped with a guide and earphones to alert you to all the interesting attractions on the way.