Barcelona Family And Kids Fun

If you are planning on visiting Barcelona with your family you are sure to have a good time as there are many fun things to do with kids. Children are generally welcomed by everybody at the city's attractions.

For starters, some of the interesting things to do and see with the kids in Barcelona:

Gaudí Architecture
Walking along some main avenues of Barcelona will yield some exciting discoveries for the whole family if you choose to go and see some of Antoni Gaudí's buildings. His masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, which was his lifetime's work and and as yet unfinished, is an amazing cathedral - totally unique with majestically tall, colorful, dotted spires which would appeal to any child's playfulness. Apart from the fascinating interior of the building one can see modernistic statues and stained glass windows on the outside.

The next Gaudí building stop would be La Pedrera at No 92 Passeig de Gràcia which houses offices and apartments. The rippled grey stone façade resembles stone from a quarry (pedrera) and is beautifully framed with elaborate wrought-iron balconies. You can see a variety of temporary exhibitions on the lower floors and from there proceed with a tour of the building which includes a tour of the apartment on permanent display. The apartment has suprising curves and corners with playful decor and original and unusual furniture. But the rooftop is probably the highlight of La Pedrera. It has giant chimneys that looks like medieval knights lording it over the city and neighbouring buildings. The view of the city centre from up there is spectacular.

As the kids might prefer to go to a park instead, it would prove to be an enchanting experience to visit Gaudí's Parc Güell, which is situated about 4 km north from Plaça Catalunya, the centre of the city. Plan to spend some leisurely hours there with some snacks or a picnic. It is a large park with unique landscaped architectural structures in unexpected places. The entrance is in Carrer d'Olot where you'll go through two quaint gate-houses. From there the steps that go up - which is guarded by the famous mosaic lizard - will take you into the park. Now is the time to explore this interesting park where you'll see supreme examples of Gaudí's creative, natural architectural forms.

La Rambla
For something different, another day's sightseeing with the kids could start at Plaça Catalunya and continue down the famous pedestrian walkway, La Rambla, which goes down all the way to the statue of Columbus and the port. La Rambla, a very busy and somewhat noisy walkway, is very popular with tourists and locals alike. Vendors with stalls sell a variety of goods along the way - including birds. One can rent a chair to sit and watch performing street artists, painted mime artists, or just  to people watch - all very entertaining!

Barcelona Beaches, Old Port and Pleasure Cruises
At the end of La Rambla you'll find the old port and the closest beach, Barceloneta, of the city. There are a lot of activities to take part in at the city beachfront. From simply spending time at the beach during the long summer relaxing, tanning and playing on  one of the many well-kept beaches of Barcelona, to taking short or long day cruises on a pleasure boat, to strolling or roller blading along the beach promenade, listening to street musicians, to having a drink or meal at one of the various excellent restaurants along the way, there are many choices.

Barcelona Aquarium and 3-D Cinema
Not far from there is the L'Aquàrium de Barcelona which will prove to be a hit with the kids. The aquarium has a beautifully designed, long underwater tunnel walkway from where you can observe exotic fish swimming over and all around you. The aquarium shop has a good selection of gifts on offer. Another entertainment venue is the Imax Port Vell 3-D cinema, which is housed in the same Maremagnum complex, where adventure and wildlife films are screened from 12 midday to 10 at night daily.

Barcelona Tourist Bus
Finally, for an overall sightseeing tour of Barcelona the family could pile into the top deck of a Barcelona Bus Turístic where you are alerted and given interesting facts of all the areas and buildings on the way through earphones in your chosen language. One can get on and off anywhere on any of the routes, within the duration of your ticket. Of course, this tour could also be done upon arrival in Barcelona as an orientation tour.