Spain is a fantastic holiday destination for families. It’s a place where culture, nature, and cuisine converge to create shared memories that linger long after the journey ends. With sun-drenched beaches, storybook cities, and immersive cultural experiences, this family-friendly destination knows how to keep every generation engaged. From toddlers building castles in the sand to teenagers exploring medieval fortresses, there is a multitude of things to do in Spain for families and single parents alike.
Discover Magic in Barcelona
Few cities captivate children and adults the way Barcelona does. The fantastical architecture of Antoni Gaudí, especially the enchanting Park Güell and whimsical Casa Batlló, feels like stepping into a storybook. The Sagrada Família, one of Gaudí’s masterpieces with its towering spires and intricate stained-glass windows, offers a surreal sense of awe for visitors of all ages.
Barcelona’s wide pedestrian promenades, such as La Rambla and Passeig de Sant Joan, make it easy to explore with a pushchair or curious pre-teen in tow. There is no shortage of things to do for families here, whether you fancy a visit of Barcelona Zoo in Ciutadella Park or a bike ride along the beachfront promenade.
Don’t miss the many hidden gems in this famous city, from the Casa Amatller, an example of Catalan modernism, to the marvellous maze at Horta Park, to a Flamenco show at the Palau Dalmases.
Beach Bliss on the Costa del Sol
Spain’s Costa del Sol is a magnet for sun-seeking families. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, this southern coast is tailor-made for seaside adventures. Towns like Estepona, which still has a traditional Spanish feel, Nerja, and Fuengirola offer family-friendly beaches, calm waters, and an abundance of things to do for families, as well as seaside restaurants where little ones are genuinely welcomed.
Bioparc Fuengirola is a beautifully designed zoo that focuses on immersive, naturalistic habitats. It’s a hit with children of all ages. Meanwhile, Aqualand Torremolinos offers a full day of splash-filled fun, complete with water slides, wave pools, and a kids’ zone.
Don’t hesitate to explore the lesser-known spots on the Costa del Sol, such as the village of Casares or the small town of Alhama de Granada. With their Moorish architecture and winding streets, they offer breathtaking scenery. If you are looking for a quiet beach, El Cañuelo stands out as a largely untouched spot, with crystal clear waters against a backdrop of imposing cliffs.
Step Back in Time in Granada
Granada is where history comes alive. At the majestic Alhambra Palace, families can walk through rose-scented gardens, trickling fountains, and intricately carved arches. The experience feels like wandering through a medieval Arabian Nights tale. Many tour operators offer child-friendly guides who bring the history to life through storytelling and interactive games.
After a morning exploring the fortress, hop aboard the city’s miniature tourist train to wind through the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicín district, the oldest neighbourhood of Granada and a World Heritage Site since 1984. It’s an exceptionally beautiful example of Hispano-Muslim architecture from the Middle Ages. Don’t miss trying churros con chocolate at a local café—one of Spain’s most beloved family indulgences.
Madrid: Culture and Play
Madrid might be Spain’s capital of culture, but it’s also a city that celebrates family. Start in the heart of the city at El Retiro Park, where families can rent rowing boats, explore puppet shows, or simply picnic under the shade of 19th-century trees. Just north of the park is the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales with many interactive experiences that turn learning into play. Equally hands-on is the Museo del Ferrocarril (Railway Museum), which can be found south of El Retiro. Continue your journey west for a chance to watch street performers, chase pigeons, and sample Spanish treats, such as jamón ibérico, olives, and fruit smoothies in cobbled squares like Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel.
There are many more things to do for families in the area: If you or your children are history buffs, you could continue with a tour of the Royal Palace before making your way to Casa de Campo, where you will find Zoo Aquarium de Madrid and a theme park, Parque de Atracciones, amongst many other attractions. With an area of over 4000 acres, this is Madrid’s largest park and a great place to visit if your kids need to burn off some energy after visiting Madrid’s top sights.
Island Adventures in the Balearics
The Balearic Islands — Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera — deliver everything from sandy escapades to cultural discovery. Mallorca, in particular, is ideal for families: The Palma Aquarium offers encounters with sharks and sea turtles, while the scenic Soller train, a vintage wooden railway, takes you through olive groves and mountain tunnels and past beautiful beaches and is well worth the ride.
In Menorca, quiet beaches with shallow waters and nature reserves teeming with birds and turtles offer peaceful alternatives to resort bustle. Families can kayak along the coast, go horseback riding, or visit lighthouses that seem plucked from adventure novels.
Whilst Ibiza is better known for its party scene, lesser-known Formentera is a fabulous destination for a beach holiday with kids. The smallest of the four inhabited Balearic islands has lots of beautiful sandy beaches and a relaxed vibe that both families and single parents will enjoy.
Valencia: Science Meets the Sea
Valencia’s futuristic City of Arts and Sciences is an architectural marvel and one of Spain’s most family-friendly attractions. Kids can admire giant dinosaurs in the Science Museum, enjoy interactive experiments, and watch 360-degree films in the planetarium. The Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium, is the crown jewel — featuring everything from beluga whales to jellyfish lagoons.
Just a short tram ride away, the Malvarrosa Beach offers golden sand, family-run chiringuitos (beach bars), and plenty of space for kite-flying, sandcastle building, and sea-drenched fun.
Embrace Festivals and Local Traditions
If you are looking for truly immersive and unforgettable things to do in Spain for families, we highly recommend planning a visit of one of Spain’s many seasonal festivals where kids are welcome and included in the celebrations. La Feria de Abril in Seville dazzles with horse parades, flamenco dancing, and carnival rides. La Mercè in Barcelona fills the streets with human towers, puppet parades, and fireworks. These festivals are lively, colourful, and often free — perfect for families on a budget.
Practical Tips for Family Travel in Spain
- Dining: Children are welcome almost everywhere in Spain, and most restaurants offer highchairs and kid-friendly options. Expect a later dining schedule, with locals eating dinner from 8 PM onwards.
- Transport: Trains and buses are punctual, comfortable, and well-connected. Many offer family discounts or group travel passes.
- Safety: Spain has a relatively low crime rate. Petty theft is, however, widespread, and you should protect your valuables and beware of pickpockets and vehicle crime.
- Staying digitally connected: When you use Google Maps, pre-book transport or entry tickets to sights, check restaurant reviews, or download your boarding passes for your return home, it helps knowing that you are not paying over the odds for data. Using data abroad is risky, and buying a travel-focused eSIM from a provider like Simify means peace of mind, as you won’t have to worry about your data use or that of your teenagers.
Spain doesn’t just accommodate families — it celebrates them. Whether it’s when you are eating out, dancing at a street festival, or out sightseeing — kids are welcome everywhere you go. And this much is clear: You will never find yourself short of things to do in Spain for families.
