Spain for
Families
Beautiful beaches and expansive nature reserves, outdoor activities and sports aplenty, castles and ancient ruins that inspire inquisitive minds: there are plenty of reasons Spain continues to attract families year after year.
t A twirling swing ride at Isla Mágica, a theme park in Seville
Theme Parks
Thrill-seekers will love PortAventura, Spain’s biggest theme park, which has plenty of hair-raising rides. The fastest is Dragon Khan, which speeds along at more than 110 km/h (68 mph). Step inside your favourite movies at Parque Warner, near Madrid, which brings characters to life in imaginative attractions, including a Superman ride that will make you feel like you’re flying like a bird or a plane, and a haunted house where Scooby Doo serves as your furry sidekick (www.parquewarner.com). There is more family fun to be had at Terra Mítica in Benidorm (www.terramiticapark.com), Seville’s Isla Mágica and Tivoli World (www.tivoli.es).
Active Fun
After spending time inside, kids will need to let off some steam. Fortunately, Spain is criss-crossed by vías verdes (“greenways”), a network of 115 converted train lines perfect for biking. The country also has 15 national parks in which youngsters can run amok and active kids and teens can try out adrenaline-pumping activities, such as climbing, white-water rafting and canyoning. In the colder months, head to the Pyrenees or the Sierra Nevada for winter sports galore, such as skiing, snowboarding and snow-shoeing. In summer, spend time enjoying the beaches, which offer every activity under the sun, from canoeing to kite-surfing, snorkelling to sailing.
Rainy-Day Activities
If rain stops play, the obvious place to head is a museum. Located in seven Spanish cities, including Barcelona, CaixaForum hosts fun-filled family events, including concerts, painting workshops and film screenings. Another good indoor option is a family cooking class, where kids can learn how to make some of the tasty local dishes that they’ve enjoyed on their trip. In Barcelona, try Barcelona Cooking (www.barcelonacooking.net); in Seville, contact A Taste of Spain (www.atasteofspain.com).
DISCOVER Spain Your Way
Family-Friendly Festivals
Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos
The Three Kings parade through towns, throwing sweets to children.
Carnival
Kids all over Spain wear fancy dress to school.
Sant Jordi
Catalonia is overtaken by booksellers and there are lots of special family-friendly events.
Fiesta de San Juan
The feast of St John the Baptist is celebrated with fireworks.
Las Fallas
Giant papier-mâché creations are burned on 19 March in one of Spain’s biggest, noisiest and fieriest festivals.