Outdoor fun for the whole family

Barcelona is a city shaped by Mediterranean urban planning. This means that there are no sprawling residential suburbs. Instead, housing is spread throughout the city and distances are relatively short, making it easy to get around on foot. 

To make the city even more walkable, Barcelona City Council is making strategic efforts to reduce traffic and lower speed limits, and at weekends certain roads usually open to cars are transformed into pedestrian-only spaces. Although Barcelona is a densely populated city, its mild climate means there are plenty of open spaces for families to enjoy all year round.  

Start by exploring Barcelona’s beautiful coastline, with almost five kilometres of beaches, bathing spots and leisure areas, all easily accessible by public transport. They’re perfect for playing in the sand, strolling along the seafront or simply enjoying the Mediterranean. 

If you’re looking for nature without leaving the city, head to the Collserola Natural Park, Barcelona’s green lung. If you’re keen on a more relaxed nature outing, there are plenty of family-friendly walks, such as the path to the Budellera natural spring or the Vallvidrera reservoir. You can also take a stroll along the Carretera de les Aigües, a nearly 10-kilometre path that crosses the city and offers spectacular panoramic views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean. 

While you’re in the Collserola hills, don’t miss a visit to the Tibidabo amusement park. You’ll need to purchase tickets to enter this historic space, but the picnic areas and slides are free for everyone. With stunning views over the city, Tibidabo is the perfect place for a day of outdoor family fun.

Another of Barcelona’s hills, right by the sea, is Montjuïc. Soak up the greenery at the Botanical Gardens or admire the collection of cacti on the hillside in the Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens. Take the funicular railway up to Montjuïc Castle, explore the beautiful gardens of Forestier, Laribal and Miramar and then take the cable car down to Barcelona’s port. 

As well as the sea and the Collserola hills, Barcelona is bordered by two rivers: the Llobregat and the Besòs. Both offer great outdoor spaces for family adventures. The Besòs River Park is the last stretch of the river before it flows into the Mediterranean, a green area that’s perfect for walking or playing sports on the river banks. Over on the Llobregat, you can explore the Llobregat Delta Nature Park. You’ll discover a thriving agricultural park alongside natural areas teeming with birdlife, such as the Ricarda and Remolar marshes.  

In the city centre, you’ll find many parks designed for families, with great facilities and activities. One of the biggest and most popular is Ciutadella Park. As well as being home to the Barcelona Zoo, it also has an environmental play centre where children can have a blast while learning about nature. 

Meanwhile, Clariana Park in Glòries offers a large grassy area that’s perfect for a picnic or just relaxing in a deckchair. It’s also a great place for board game lovers, with tables set up throughout the park where families can play games in a peaceful, welcoming outdoor environment. 

If you have a pet, the Estació del Nord Park is an excellent option, with areas specially designed for children and animals to enjoy together. 

Barcelona is also full of playgrounds throughout the city, with giant slides, zip-lines and other fun activities – perfect for the most adventurous kids! Try the Fòrum Park, famous for its bathing area and humongous slides, the Joan Brossa Gardens, the Diagonal Mar Park or the Castell de l’Oreneta Park, with wide open spaces for running and playing in the safety of nature, plus a miniature train that’s sure to delight the little ones. 

Other great spots such as Nou Barris Central Park, La Pegaso Park and Can Batlló Park also have fantastic play structures designed to encourage outdoor fun and physical activity. Click here to check the location of all the parks and gardens in the city.

Another unique feature of Barcelona is its central courtyards. These are found inside the blocks of the Eixample district, which is known for its grid-like layout. Many of these courtyards are now open to the public, having been refurbished and landscaped, and include playgrounds. Quiet, green oases in the heart of the city!

And if your child loves skateboarding, Barcelona’s urban sports parks are the perfect place to test their skills. These parks aren’t just for skating and pulling off skateboard tricks – there’s also space for plenty of other outdoor activities.