This post is a part of our Spain for Everyone series. The information below was curated by our expert guides across the country. They are parents too, and this is their bucket list for you!
A family vacation in Spain will surely delight everyone!
Spanish culture places huge emphasis on families. Children are regularly included in outings and adults make frequent trips to visit their own parents and grandparents. This welcoming culture makes Spain the perfect place to bring your own crew. If you’re considering a family vacation in Spain, let us first say that you’ve made an excellent choice! Second of all, these suggestions for family activities around the country will ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time.
1. Learn something new at Madrid’s CaixaForum
There’s always something exciting going on at CaixaForum! The cultural exhibition center draws attention from well down the street thanks to the vertical garden of plants crawling up the exterior wall. Inside, CaixaForum features a rotating schedule of unique temporary exhibitions, many of which are perfect for families. In fact, they offer regular kids’ programming that includes fun workshops, creative opportunities, movie screenings and more. A family vacation in Spain is even better when you can learn something new, and that’s exactly what you can expect from a visit to CaixaForum.
Address: Paseo del Prado, 36
See Also: Madrid with Kids: How to Plan the Perfect Family Trip
2. Experience the wonders of Tibidabo in Barcelona
From its privileged perch on the mountain of the same name overlooking Barcelona, Tibidabo Amusement Park features thrills and fun for everyone. Since opening more than a century ago, this colorful park has delighted families from all over the world. It enjoys a status as one of Europe’s oldest amusement parks, but masterfully combines a vintage feel with modern fun. Take a ride on the colorful ferris wheel for unbeatable views of the city. Thrill seekers can’t miss the winding roller coaster or whirling swing ride, either. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, the park also has several neat museums and exhibitions that kids will love. Add Tibidabo to your itinerary for guaranteed fun on your family vacation in Spain!
Address: Plaça del Tibidabo, 3
3. Chow down on churros in Seville
If there’s one food kids will absolutely go crazy for in Spain, it’s churros! After all, what could be better than piping hot, crispy fried dough dipped into deliciously sweet hot chocolate? Churrerías are a dime a dozen all across the country. However, some of our all-time favorite churros can be found at Bar El Comercio in Seville. Open since 1904, this establishment has earned its place in the hearts (and stomachs!) of sevillanos for their perfect churros con chocolate. Visitors to the city love it, too.
Address: Calle Lineros, 9
4. Escape to one of Malaga’s secluded beaches
It’s no secret that Malaga draws thousands of visitors every summer to its glimmering Mediterranean beaches. However, the beaches closest to the city can get quite crowded, and families may prefer something a bit more out of the way for less hassle. On your family vacation in Spain, consider making the 45-minute drive from Malaga capital to Cala del Cañuelo. This secluded hidden gem of a beach sits on the border with Granada province. The shallow, calm waters make for great snorkeling. To make things even easier, a shuttle bus runs every five minutes between the beach and the parking lot. This would be especially useful for families traveling with picnics, umbrellas, and beach toys—plus, it only costs two euros per person for a return ticket.
5. See San Sebastian from above at Monte Igueldo
San Sebastian offers plenty of fun for the whole family. However, chances are your kids will jump at the opportunity to visit Monte Igueldo. Take the historic funicular up to the top of the mountain of the same name and you’ll arrive at a charming, old-world amusement park. Dating back to 1912, the park will enamor adults with its vintage vibe while still providing plenty of entertainment for the kids. Ride right over the sea on the Swiss mountain roller coaster or grab a horse on the gorgeous carousel for something more relaxed. As evening falls, stick around to see a picture-perfect sunset for a beautiful ending to your day.
Address: De Igeldo Ibilbidea, 187
6. Explore Madrid’s kid-friendly parks
As one of Europe’s greenest capitals, Madrid offers dozens of beautiful parks where you can relax during your family vacation in Spain. The most famous is easily Retiro (Plaza de la Independencia, 7), home to the iconic Alfonso XII monument and peaceful manmade lake where you can rent rowboats. Kids will also love the glistening Crystal Palace, as well as the multiple playgrounds scattered throughout the park! Another excellent option is Madrid Río (Puente de Toledo, s/n) a six-kilometer stretch of natural paradise along the Manzanares River. There are a whopping 17 different play areas in this park, each carefully designed for children of a specific age. Be sure to check out the neat exhibitions at nearby cultural center Matadero Madrid (Paseo de la Chopera, 14) as well.
7. Dive into the Olympic pool in Barcelona
There aren’t many places in the world where you can say you’ve gone swimming in a real Olympic pool! However, Barcelona is one of them. After the 1992 Olympics, the city opened the swimming and diving venue to the public under the name Piscina Municipal de Monjuïc. Soak up the sun at this massive swimming pool and enjoy sweeping views over the entire city. It’s a no-frills space where hundreds of people come to relax and enjoy summer. If you’re looking for a way to chill out during your family vacation in Spain, this would be an excellent option.
Address: Avinguda Miramar, 31
8. Experience the passion of flamenco in Seville
If there’s one art form continually associated with Spain, it’s flamenco. This passionate blend of dance and music is at its best in Seville, where it has deep roots. During your family vacation in Spain, be sure to give your kids the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this beautiful art form in its homeland. With so many excellent shows in the city, it’s important to pick one that you and your family will enjoy. If you really want to go the extra mile, consider taking a flamenco class as a family! Triana native Eva from IshowU Sevilla offers private flamenco workshops that are perfect for families, all at reasonable prices.
9. Discover the world of science in Granada
Kids understandably don’t want to think about school while they’re on vacation. However, we certainly don’t think they’ll complain about an educational experience if it’s as fun as Granada’s Parque de las Ciencias! Located just outside the city center, this fun and fascinating museum will amaze kids of all ages. As Andalusia’s first interactive museum, it features groundbreaking educational material that will teach kids all about the world we live in through the fun world of science. Your whole family will enjoy learning about health, the environment, astronomy and so much more through the hands-on exhibits.
Address: Avenida de la Ciencia, s/n
10. Brush up on seafaring skills in San Sebastian
With a stunning location on the sapphire waters of Spain’s northern coast, San Sebastian features plenty of unique opportunities to explore surrounding areas by boat. One such destination is Santa Clara Island, located right in the middle of La Concha Bay (seriously, how many cities can say they have their own separate island?). Take a ferry out to the island and spend a relaxing few hours away from the busy city. One highlight is a lovely picnic area with plenty of space for kids to run around. Another great option for boat-loving kids is to take a 15-minute drive to nearby San Pedro. There, you can see the Albaola Basque Maritime Factory (Ondartxo, 1) and watch as historic boats are built!
