Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo

With its old-fashioned rides, the only surviving funfair in the city is a delight for children of all ages. The attractions include a House of Horrors, bumper cars, a ferris wheel and the Museu dels Autòmates, with animatronics of all shapes and sizes. There’s also a puppet show, picnic areas, playgrounds and plenty of bars and restaurants. See Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo.

Parc Zoològic

The zoo has an enormous adventure playground where children can run wild. There are also dolphin and whale shows in one of the aquariums. Other activities for children include guided tours and workshops. The “farm” area has goats and rabbits that younger children can stroke. See Parc Zoològic.

Museu Marítim

Ancient maps showing monster-filled seas, restored fishing boats and a collection of ships’ figureheads give a taste of Barcelona’s martime history. Well worth a look is the full-size Spanish galleon complete with sound and light effects. Set in the vast former medieval shipyards, the Drassanes, this is an absolute must for any budding sea captain. See Museu Marítim.

L’Aquàrium

One of Europe’s biggest aquariums, this underwater kingdom is made up of 21 enormous tanks brimming with nearly 400 marine species. The highlight of a visit is the Oceanari, where a walk-through glass tunnel will bring you face to face with three huge grey sharks – named Drake, Morgan and Maverick – lurking in 4.5 million litres (990,000 gallons) of water. See L’Aquàrium.

Jardins del Laberint d’Horta

The main feature of this exceptional park is the huge, hedged maze where children can live out their Alice in Wonderland fantasies. Unfulfilled expectations of mad hatters are made up for by an enormous play area with a bar and terrace. The park is particularly busy on Sundays. See Parc del Laberint d’Horta.

Montjuïc Cable Cars

Unlike the nerve-jangling cable-car ride across the port, these smaller, lower-altitude cable car trips are a better option if you have children with you. The ride to the Montjuïc summit also has the added appeal of the castle (see Castell de Montjuïc & Museu del Cómic y la Ilustración) at the top, with cannons for the kids to clamber on.

• Parc de Montjuïc

• Open Nov–Mar: 10am–6pm daily; Apr, May, Oct: 10am–7pm daily; Jun–Sep: 10am–9pm daily

• Adm

La Rambla

Your shoulders will be aching from carrying the kids high above the crowds by the time you reach the end of Barcelona’s main boulevard. Fire eaters, buskers, human statues decked out as Greek goddesses – you name it and it’s likely to be keeping the hordes entertained on La Rambla. Put a coin in the human statue’s hat and be rewarded with a sudden move, or, if you’re a child, the gift of a tiny lollipop. See La Rambla.

City Beaches

For kids, there’s more to going to the beach in Barcelona than just splashing in warm waters and frolicking in the sand. The Port Vell and Port Olímpic platges (beaches) offer a good choice of well-equipped play areas to keep the little ones entertained. Numerous bars and restaurants make finding refreshment easy, too. See Beaches.

Boat Trips

Barcelona’s golondrines (see Boat Tours) make regular trips out of the port, providing a fun excursion for older children. Younger kids, however, will probably prefer paddling around in a rowing boat on the lake at the Parc de la Ciutadella).

Museu d’Història de Catalunya

This child-friendly museum traces Catalonia’s history through a range of dynamic, interactive exhibits. The best of these allows visitors to get dressed up as medieval knights and gallop around on wooden horses. Very popular with Catalan school groups, it’s equally enjoyable for visitors. Every Saturday, the museum hosts a story hour when Catalan legends are re-enacted for children as well as other children’s activities. See Museu d’Història de Catalunya.