Batlló House (Gaudi)

Address Passeig de Gracia, 43, Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel (34) 93 216 03 06, Hours 9am-8pm Daily, Cost 16.50 Euros, includes AudioGuide

This beautiful home, designed by Gaudi for the wealthy Batllo family, has an interesting enough design to engage most kids. Our kids love the sea-like effect of the blue tiles and stained glass.

Visitors are expected to climb the stairs, but the families with strollers or wheelchairs can use ...

Biciclot (Bicycle Rental)

Address Passeig Marítim (La Barceloneta) 33-35, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel 932 219 778, Reservations Email maritim@biciclot.net, Summer Mon-Thurs 10am-3pm and 4-8pm; Fri-Sun: 10am-3pm and 4-9pm, Autumn Fri-Sun: 10am-3pm and 4-6pm Website

Rent a bicycle and pedal around the beach and Parc de la Ciutadella, or schedule an organized tour by bike. A wide variety of bikes are available to suit your family's needs, including city bikes, bikes for kids, tandems, tricycles for adults, children carriers and seats; and more…

Castle of Montjuic

Address Carretera Montjuïc 66, 08038 Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel 933 298 613, Hours military museum hours change seasonally, call ahead for latest schedule Website

Built in the 18th Century, this castle has magnificent views and a passable military museum. Kids will have fun climbing on the old cannons before heading back downhill, and there is a snack shop selling cold drinks (but not milk) and candybars. There is also an indoor restaurant.

CosmoCaixa

Address C/Teodor Roviralta 47-51 Barcelona Spain Map, Tel 93/212-6050, Hours 10am-8pm Tue-Sun, Cost €3 for age 3+; Planetarium €2 for ages 3+, Tickets servicaixa.com and BarcelonaTurisme.com Website

Located off the beaten path, this newly revamped science museum and planetarium is a good option if you're looking for a kid-specific activity. There are a wide variety of hands-on exhibits for children, geared for ages three through nine. The most popular exhibit is "The Flooded Forest," a living ...

El Liceo (Opera House)

Address La Rambla, 51-59, 08002 Barcelona Map, Tel 93/485-9913, Metro Liceu Website

The Petit Liceo Program organizes children's events for ages 3-14 with classical music, fairy tales, actors and puppets. Visit the El Liceo website for details and schedule. Opera house tours are also available.

El Transbordador Aeri del Port (Cable Car from Barceloneta to Montjuic)

Address Passeig Joan de Borbó, Barcelona Map, Tel 93 225.27.18, Cost One-way 9€; Round trip 12.50€ Website

This cable car ride, far above the city can be really fun, or really scary depending on how comfortable you are with heights.

Fundacio Joan Miro (Miro Museum)

Address Parc de Montjuïc, Barcelona Map, Tel (34) 934.439.470, Map Location on map is approximate. Entrance is close to the funicular station, Hours change seasonally, Cost Adults 7.5€, Metro Paral·lel, then take the funicular from the Metro station up to Montjuc Website

We love Miro's whimsical paintings, and titles make us giggle. We think your kids will love them too. This museum, with a huge collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and more is a great place to find out.

Happy Parc (Indoor Playground)

Address Pau Claris, 97, 08009, Barcelona Spain Map, Tel 93-317-86-60, Hours Mon-Fri 5-9pm; Weekends 11am-9pm, Cost 4€ per hour for children, free for adults, Notes There is a second location at Comtes de Bell-lloc, 74-78

This indoor playspace may not feel particularly Spanish, but your kids will have a blast (especially on a rainy day) and get an opportunity to interact with local kids. There's climbing, slides, a ball area and more plus staff on hand to watch what's happening. Simple, kid friendly ...

L'Aquarium Barcelona

Address Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell, 08039, Barcelona Map, Tel 00 34 93 221 74 74, Hours 9.30am-9pm with later closing on weekends, holidays and in July and August, Cost Adults 16€; Children age 4-12 are 11€, Metro L3 Drassanes, L4 Barceloneta Website

Known as one of the best Aquariums in the world, we're especially impressed by the huge shark tank. There is also an underwater tunnel 80 metres (262 feet) long and an immense Oceanarium. Many of the tanks in the Aquarium extend all the way to the floor, making the ...

Las Ramblas

Address Placa de Catalunya 1, 08002 Barcelona Map,

While the Rambla might seem to touristy if you were travelling without the kids, it's lots of colorful fun for them. Start from the Placa de Catalunya and walk towards the Harbor. You'll first see the Canaletes Fountain. Next you'll see stands selling pets (my son's ...

Magic Fountains of Montjuc (La Font Màgica)

Address la Font Màgica, Barcelona, Spain Map, Metro Placa Espanya, then walk towards the National Palace, Winter (October to April) Fridays and Saturdays from 19:00 to 21:00, Summer (May to September) Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 20:00 to midnight, Cost Free Website

The magic fountains, built in 1929, were the first lighted fountain show where the water changes shape in time with lights and music, and they are still wonderful to watch.

Mercado de la Boqueria (Boqueria Market)

Address Rambla 91, 08001 - Barcelona, Spain. Map, Tel 93.318.25.84, Hours Mon-Sat 8am-8:30pm Website

La Boqueria, officially named Mercat Sant Josep, is a bustling market filled with fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy products, meats, and seafood. There are also a few inexpensive places to grab a bite to eat. Kids (if they're not too squeamish) will enjoy wandering the market and seeing everything. This ...

Montjuic

Address Parc de Montjuïc, Barcelona Map, Notes Take the metro to Para-lel stop and then follow the signs to the funicular (inside the station). Exiting the funicular, follow the signs to the gondola station next door and take it to the top.

Monjuic mountain is best described as a weekend playspace for Barcelona families. There are gondolas, the Magic Fountains, Museums, a swimming pool, a castle (Castle of Montjuic) and fantastic playgrounds. There's also a model Spanish Village (best skipped) called Poble Espanyol.

Museau de la Xocolata (Chocolate Museum)

Address C/. Comerç, 36,08003 Barcelona Map, Tel 93.268.78.78, Website

The chocolate museum tells the history of chocolate and has lots of interesting chocolate sculpture to look at. Kids of chocolate eating age will find it interesting. and they'll certainly enjoy the cafe and chocolate shop. The best part, is the kids chocolate making classes on weekends (available for ...

Museu d’Art Contemporani (MACBA)

Address Plaça dels Angels, 1, 08001 Barcelona Map, Tel 34 93 412 08 10, Cost 4€ for the permanent collection; 7.5€ for whole museum, Hours (Winter) M,W,Th,F 11am-7.30pm; Sat 10am-8pm; Sun 10am-3pm Website

MACBA is a very kid-frienly museum, with an open-plan, ramps everywhere, and enough buzz to cover minor baby or kid noises. Some of the artwork is especially engaging, on our visit the kids were enthralled by an exhibit featuring light projectors and shadows.

Museu Maritim (Maritime Museum)

Address Av. de les Drassanes, 08001 Barcelona Map, Tel 933 429 920, Museum Mon-Sun 10am-8pm, Metro Drassanes (Portal de Santa Madrona exit) Website

The Museu Marítim de Barcelona is in the historic royal shipyards building. The shipyards were built to serve as a military dockyard for the galleys commanded by the Crown of Aragon. There's tons for kids to see and do here, including full-size ships to walk through, individual audio ...

Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum)

Address Montcada Street, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona Spain Map, Tel +34 93 256 30 00, Tickets An ARTICKETBCN pass will enable you to skip the ticket line at this and several other Barcelona museums, Metro Arc de Triomf, Liceu or Jaume I Website

This museum features Picasso's early work, including some ceramics and also organizes excellent temporary exhibitions. If you think your kids will have a difficult time making it through the entire collection, start with the most recent work and visit the collection backwards as the more recent work is more ...

Parc de la Ciutadella (Citidel Park)

Address Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona Map, Metro Arc de Triomf Website

Barcelona's largest park has plenty of space for kids to run, a great playground, a zoo, and an ornamental fountain designed by Antoni Gaudi. The tropical Umbracle greenhouse and Hivernacle winter garden make good places to visit on a rainy day. Kids will also enjoy a life size statue ...

Parc Güell

Address Parc Güell, Carrer d'Olot, 13, 08024, Barcelona Map, Tel 932-130-488, Cost Free, Hours 10:00-20:00, Metro Lesseps and exit left out of the Metro station, cross the streets Princep d'Asturies and Gran de Gracia and catch bus #24 to the park Website

This 30 acre garden, filled with Gaudi's eccentric benches, patios, buildings, walkways and more, is a wonderland for children to explore. Don't miss the dragon stair railing. The park has some nice playgrounds (segregated by age) and we recommend bringing a picnic lunch along with you.

Sagrada Familia

Address Mallorca, 401, Barcelona, Spain, 08013 Map, Tel 34 93 207 30 31, Cost Individual admission 8€; Combined admission with Casa-Museu Gaudí (Park Güell): 9€, Hours October to March 9am-6pm; April to September 9am-8pm, Metro Sagrada Familia Website

Many things about this famous, unfinished temple will engage your children. The site and architecture, the intriguing back story, and the ongoing construction activity. Bring a good guidebook so that you can explain the history of the building and the symbolism of each facade if your kids have questions.

Telefèric de Montjuïc (Gondola)

Address Carretera Montjuïc 66, 08038 Barcelona, Spain Map, Cost Adult 1 way 5.50€; round trip 7.50€; Payment by credit card requires that you know your PIN Website

The Montjuic Gondola was recently renovated, reopening in 2007. It leaves from the Montjuc Funicular station, and carries you up to the castle, with the opportunity for a view stop on the way. The ride is beautiful, but beware that you'll pass over some very fun looking playgrounds on ...

Tibidabo Amusement Park

Address Pl. del Tibidabo, 3-4. 08035 Barcelona Map, Tel 93 211 79 42, Cost Adults 24€, children 19€, Hours vary; weekends and holidays only during winter Website

If your kids are in need of a day of kid-focused fun, Tibidabo, known as one of the best amusement parks in Europe, is a great option. In addition to the usual rides, there is a train and regularly scheduled puppet shows.

Casa Camper

Address Carrer Elisabets 11, Barcelona 08001 Map, Tel 933-426-280, Website

This super-hip design hotel has some features that make it a nice retreat with kids. The hotel features free snacks and drinks through most of the day and night (a boon in a city where restaurant hours are fairly rigid and tend to not to work well with kids schedules ...

Citadines Barcelona

Address C/ La Rambla 122, 08002 Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel +34 932 701 111, Website

If you need the space and amenities of a vacation apartment, but the services of a hotel, the Citidines ApartHotel is a great alternitive. Studios and one bedroom apartments are available in this centrally located property. All rooms are air-conditioned and have kitchens, safes and free wi-fi. Note that housekeeping ...

Habitat Apartments

Notes Various locations throughout Barcelona Website

This well known apartment rental agency has a number of reasonably priced rentals around town. During our visit we stayed in the Art 2 apartment, near La Rambla.

Hotel Casa Fuster

Address Paseo de Gracia 132, Barcelona Spain Map, Tel +34 93 255 30 00, Notes Small pool available Website

This Luxury hotel is a member of the "Leading Small Hotels of the World." The location is central, but well away from the Las Ramblas bar scene. Hotel rooms vary in size, so ask for a larger room when you check in.

Art Nouveau Escriba Cafe

Address C/ La Rambla 83, 08002 Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel 933-016-027, Hours daily 8:30am–9pm

Escriba, practically next door to the Boqueria, serves delicious croissant and fresh pastery as well as hot coffee drinks. This is also a great place to pick up a sweet in the afternoon. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Ca L'Isidre

Address C/ Flors 12, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel +34 934 411 139, Hours Open for dinner Mon-Sat, Reservations available online via their website Website

This beautiful, elegant restaurant is centrally located and features fresh, seasonal ingredients. If you're looking for a classical formal Catalonian meal without the kids, this is the place to go.

Cafe Viena

Address La Rambla del Estudis 115, Barcelona Spain Map, Tel (34-933) 171-492, Notes Takeaway, bar and seated dining Website

Mark Bittman of the New York Times calls the "Ibiric" sandwich at Viena the best sandwich he's ever eaten, and many of the other choices are also delicious. This quick, fast food-like sandwich place is a great place to pick up sandwiches for a picnic or grab a quick ...

Cal Pep

Address Plaça Olles 8, Barcelona Map, Tel 34 933 107 961, Notes Expect to wait in line for a seat at the bar. Reserve a table well in advance. Website

This excellent and casual tapas restaurant is a great stop for older kids or for parents on a night out. The bar faces the open kitchen, where you can watch much of the food being prepared. Tapas feature fresh local seafood and everything is delicious. Instead of asking for a ...

Can Manel la Puda

Address Passeig Joan de Borbo 60, Barcelona Map, Tel 93-221-5013, Hours Closed between 4-8pm and on Mondays

If you are out at the beach with the kids, this is a great place to stop for Paella. The food is excellent, there's a covered outdoor patio, and service is quick. Child friendly dishes (besides paella) include bread smeared with tomato, spanish tortilla, and croquettes. There's also ...

Granja-xocolateria La Palleresa

Address C/ Petritxol 11, 08002 Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel 93-302-20-36,

This old fashioned chocolateria served the best churros and chocolate we've had. The rich pudding-like chocolate was perfect for dipping and not too sweet. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable for children (and what child would not be on their best behavior with the promise of churros and chocolate.)

Inopia

Address C/ Tamarit 104 08015 Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel +34 934 245 231, Hours Tu–F 7 p.m.–11 p.m.; Sat 1 p.m.–3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.–11 p.m. Closed Sun and Mon Website

This friendly neighborhood tapas bar in the Sant Antoni barrio delivers perfectly executed traditional Spanish tapas. Chef Albert Adrià is the younger brother to Ferran Adrià of El Bulli Fame. The bar is casual enough for all ages, but be aware that there is very little seating and this is ...

La Cova Fumada

Address La Cova Fumada, Baluard 56, Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel 93 221 40 61, Metro Barceloneta, Cost Cash only

This working-persons bar serves typical tapas, the specialty being the potato bomba with chilli. It is difficult to get a table after 1pm, so arrive early.

MamaCafe

Address C/ Doctor Dou 10, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel (34-93) 301-2940, Lunch Set menu available, Dinner service begins at 8pm, but Tapas are available between lunch and dinner

This bright space, near the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), serves Lunch, Dinner, and a light Tapas menu between meals. Food is modern, and not typically Spanish. However, it is fresh, excellent tasting and very reasonably priced. Ingredients come from the nearby Boqueria market.

Origen 99.9%

Address C/ Vidrieria 6-8, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel 93-310-75-31, Website

Origen 99.9% focuses on preparing typical Catalon dishes using (almost) exclusively ingredients from this region. While it might sound touristy, the food is excellent as is the location close to the Picasso museum. A picture menu makes it easy for even young children and toddlers to choose their own ...

Pinotxo

Address Rambla 91, 08001 - Barcelona, Spain. Map, Tel 34-93/317-1731, Hours Same as the Market

Located on the right hand side just as you enter the Boqueria market, this bustling "bar" serves up some of the best food we had in Barcelona. Seafood is especially good. The crowd means that you may need to be a little aggressive to get your order in, but it ...

Quimet y Quimet

Address Poeta Cabanyes, 25, Barcelona Spain Map, Tel 34-93-442-31-42, Price 15€ per person, Open 12-4pm, 7-10.30pm, closed Sundays, Metro Poble Sec

This small, quirky, tapas bar has been in the Quim family for four generations! Tapas are of excellent quality, and served out of tins in the traditional Basque style. It's crowded, and there are no chairs, however, so go without kids or have a plan for managing them through ...

Taller de Tapas

Address Plaça Sant Josep Oriol 9, 08002 Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel 933 018 020, Hours Mon-Sat 9:30-24h; Sun 12-24h Website

This trendy tapas restaurant has a huge menu of traditional tapas made from fresh local ingredients. Everyone is bound to find something they will enjoy. In warm weather, there is plenty of outdoor seating. While the restaurant is open all day, expect a more limited menu during lull times.

Taverna Basca Irati

Address C/ Cardenal Casañas 17, 08002 Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel +34 933 023 084, Hours Mon-Sat 12-12 (closed Aug and Christmas)

This bar serves typical basque tapas a reasonable cost. Kids may enjoy the self service where you help yourself from fresh platters of food are set on the bar. At the end of the meal, your toothpicks are counted to determine how much you owe!

Barruguet Toy Store

Address Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 620, Barcelona Map, Tel 93-301-58-07,

This lovely toy store, close to Placa Catalunya, stocks many of the major European toy brands and high quality Spanish made dolls. Toys are placed low to the floor to enable kids to try them out.

Boboli Outlet

Address Carrer Valencia, 654, Barcelona Spain Map, Tel 93 265 34 05, Hours Mon-Fri 10am-1:30pm & 4:30-8pm, Sat 10am-1pm & 4-8pm, Metro Clot Website

Boboli, a wonderfully cute children's clothing chain has stores throughout the city, but this location is the outlet store. All stores stock newborn to 18 years.

Desigual

Address Passeig de Gràcia, 47 , Barcelona, 08003, Spain Map, Tel 34 93 304 31 64, Metro Passeig de Gracia Website

If you're looking for edgy/cool clothing for kids, this is the place. There are five locations in Barcelona

Kiddy's Class

Address Moll Espanya S/N, 08039 Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel Tel: +34 93 2379812, Braches at Portal de l'Àngel, 16 and Carretera de Sants, 27, Hours M-F 10am-1.30pm & 5-8.30pm; Sat 10am-2pm & 5-8.30pm

Zara's affordably priced new clothing store for kids only has locations throughout Spain. Look for traditional clothing for two and under and fashion items for older kids.

Lefties Zara Outlet

Address 11 Placa de la Universitat Map, Metro Universitat Website

This two story outlet store on Placa Universidad where it meets with c/ Pelai has the "left-overs" from several popular Spanish brands, including Zara, TRF, Mango and Bershka. It also carries low cost items made specifically for the store. Children's clothing is downstairs.

Mullor

Address Rambla de Catalunya 102 Barcelona 08008 Map, Tel +34 93 3488 3581, Metro Diagonal

This exclusive shop sells beautiful traditional baby clothing and layette items. Look for special items like baptismal gowns, hand knitted sweaters and dress clothing

Papabubble

Address Carrer Ample, 28, Barcelona Spain Map, Tel (34-93) 268-8625, Hours Tu-F 10am-2pm & 4-8:30; Sat 10-8:30; Sun 11-7:30. Closed Mondays and August Website

Papabubble, like the taffy shops of my childhood, is as much show as it is about the sweets. Children can watch vividly striped, fruit-flavored candies being made by hand. If your timing is right, everyone will get a chance to taste the warm, sweet candy before it is shaped and ...

Prenatal

Address Avinguda Diagonal 567, Barcelona Spain Map, Tel 34 934 050 738, Website

If you've forgotten something from home, this store is a great place to get what you need. Prenatal stocks a complete range of childcare products, including clothing, furniture, and baby gear for ages 0-4. Pranatal also stocks maternity clothing. Clothing is functional and well made, but not the cutest ...

Xocoa

Address C/Petritxol, 11, Barcelona Spain Map, Tel 34 93 319 66 40, Metro Liceu Website

Delicious dark chocolates in unusual flavors (e.g. green tea, pistachio) are packaged in bold containers, perfect to bring home as gifts. There are also delicious fresh pastery items sold to go and novelty items like chocolate beer. With five locations around Barcelona, you're bound to run into one ...

Zara

Address Carrer Pelai 58 Barcelona Spain Map, Tel 93/301-0978, Website

This low priced clothing store has some of my favorite designs for children and babies. Clothing is fashionable, well made, and reasonably priced. I especially love their fashionable girls clothing. Most stores also carry Zara's new line of maternity clothing.

Hospital Sant Joan de Déu

Address Passeig Sant Joan de Déu, 2. 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat Map, Tel 34 93 253 21 00, Website

Children's hospital affiliated with the University of Barcelona. Specializes in pediatric medicine and has urgent care facilities.