Family Fun in the Sun: Exploring Spain’s Best Destinations with Kids

Spain is among the most beautiful and interesting countries you can visit. It has no shortage of breathtaking seaside and landscapes to explore, a diverse variety of arts, cultures, and palatable cuisines to appreciate, and centuries’ worth of history to learn from.  You are guaranteed never to feel bored while in Spain because there are just a lot of things you can do—from dining in restaurants serving authentic Spanish cuisine to splashing water and getting tanned at the best beaches in the Mediterranean. Moreover, visiting Spain with kids is safe, and there are plenty of sights to see and activities to do for all ages.

That said, if you booked a vacation package to Spain for the whole family to enjoy, the next step is to plan the perfect itinerary to make sure the kids would enjoy the trip as much as the adults do. Without further ado, here are Spain’s best kid-friendly destinations for wholesome family fun under the sun:

1. Madrid and Segoviaa

The first one on the list is, of course, Spain’s capital—Madrid, and the neighboring city, Segovia. Hailed as the second-largest city in the European Union, Madrid is arguably the best place to visit in Spain with your kids in tow because of the diverse range of options and experiences it can offer. 

For one, you can take them to see what a real-life palace looks like when you visit the beautiful Royal Palace, where the royal family of Spain officially resides. Or you can spend lackadaisical afternoons in the serene El Retiro Park. But if the kids want to play while the adults rest, visit Casa de Campo Park instead. Hailed as the largest public park in Madrid, this park has many playgrounds, row boats you can rent to cruise along the lake, and plenty of shaded areas for relaxing and winding down. But if you’d like your family to taste all the different delicious dishes of Spain, take them to Mercado San Miguel, where you can find a wide variety of tapas and desserts from all over Spain and even abroad.

If your kids are avid Disney fans, take them to Segovia, Madrid’s neighboring city see the Alcázar de Segovia, which served as the real-life inspiration for Disney’s iconic castle in Sleeping Beauty.

2. Ibiza

You might think Ibiza is better known as the top destination for those who want to party and drink all night, but during the day, the island offers a lot of family-friendly activities that you and the kids will enjoy—one of those is swimming in its clear blue waters. There are also lots of incredible culinary options to taste, rich culture to appreciate, and gorgeous coastlines and scenery to admire after you’re done swimming. There are also lots of shops to explore, so you are bound never to get bored while in Ibiza.

3. Seville

Arguably one of the most culturally rich cities in Spain, Seville promises a lively and family-friendly experience to tourists. It is also the birthplace of flamenco, so it should not come as a surprise to see the city’s walkable streets filled with dancers and live music (which the kids will definitely enjoy).

As for the best thing to do in Seville—that would be none other than tapas crawls. Seville’s culinary prowess is among the best in Europe. That is why millions of travelers make it a point to go here every year to sample the delectable snack-sized dishes such as the local seafood and grilled meats.

Seville also boasts of a majestic architecture that is the result of the fusion of Gothic and Moorish influences. Kids may not be entirely enthralled by architectural wonders, but the grand cathedrals, palaces with lush gardens, and all-around friendly vibe will make you and your kids feel like the scene is straight out of a fairytale. 

When in Seville, it is also recommended to visit the Royal Alcázar, a Moorish palace with gardens where kids can wander freely, roll in the grass, and smell the fragrant flowers. Also, don’t miss the chance to visit Plaza de España and the adjacent Parque de Maria Luisa. Here, you can also rent a row boat to explore the man-made lagoon and watch the fish in the koi ponds. For the ultimate fairytale experience, you can even ride a horse-drawn carriage through the park.

4. Barcelona

The vibrant streets and cathedrals in Barcelona are the perfect amalgamation of a unique blend of Roman, Catalan, European, and Islamic influences. Many of these buildings were designed by the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. 

One of the best places to enjoy your time with your kids is in Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features the works of Antoni Gaudí. This park features beautiful mosaics and gardens, along with playgrounds and exhibits. 

If you feel like swimming, the beaches of La Barceloneta are perfect for a midday dip. The coast is also dotted with seafood tapas, and ice cream stands that you can enjoy on the go as you enjoy the sound of the waves and bask under the warm Mediterranean sun. Some of the beaches even have kids’ playgrounds. These can be found in Playa de Calella, Playa de l’Astillero, and Playa de Castelldefels. You can also try lots of fun water activities, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, or pedal boating.

To satisfy your kid’s sweet tooth, you can take them to a chocolate workshop at the Chocolate Museum, where they can make sculptures of chocolate. This will not only let them have fun, but it can even serve as an avenue to express their creativity. 

5. Granada

Granada is the perfect place to go if you enjoy having a Moorish adventure with your kids. There are plenty of artfully constructed mosques and palaces here, such as the Alhambra Palace. The city also offers delicious foods that you can snack on while taking a leisurely stroll throughout the city. 

And if you want go somewhere more remote and far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, take note that Granada is located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, so you can ski, hike, and do other fun outdoorsy activities kids that the kids will surely enjoy.

When you’re done exploring the Alhambra, you can continue to head to Sacromonte, which is home of Granada’s gypsy families. It is arguably the best place to watch a flamenco show, and dance to the beat of the folk music. 

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