Free Things to Do with Kids

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Montjuïc is Barcelona’s green hill, and its gardens are free to wander. Start at the Jardins de Laribal, a series of shady terraces linked by paths, stairways, little fountains and water channels, laid out for the 1929 International Exhibition.

Next door, the gardens of the Teatre Grec surround an open-air amphitheatre set into an old quarry, with a rose garden and views over the city. They’re open every day from 10am, until 7pm in winter and 9pm from April to October.

Keep climbing to reach the Fundació Joan Miró (the museum itself charges for entry). There are plenty of steps, so it’s hard going with a pushchair. You can also ride the Montjuïc funicular up from Paral·lel metro on a normal metro ticket, then walk down through the gardens.

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A free evening show of water, music and light below the National Palace on Montjuïc. From spring to autumn it usually runs Thursday to Sunday evenings, with a shorter winter schedule. Check the official times before you go.

Make an evening of it. Arrive early and let the children play at Parc de Joan Miró, just behind Arenas, with its playgrounds and Miró’s giant Woman and Bird sculpture. Then browse the shops in Arenas de Barcelona, the old bullring on Plaça d’Espanya, ride the glass lift to the rooftop for a couple of euros (you get it back if you eat up there) and have dinner with 360-degree views, before heading down to the fountains for the show.

See our Montjuïc Magic Fountain guide →

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The wide, open, car-free square in front of the cathedral has steps leading up to its Gothic façade, and there are often street musicians. The cathedral is usually free to go in during worship times, in the morning and early evening outside the paid visiting hours, and the cloister with its 13 white geese is normally open then too. Times vary, so check before you go.

Just behind the cathedral, the Museu Frederic Marès has a peaceful courtyard garden café, the Cafè d’Estiu, open in the warmer months. It’s a quiet place for a break, and the museum is always free for under-16s.

Then wander the car-free lanes to Plaça de Sant Jaume, where the City Hall and the Catalan government palace face each other. The City Hall is free to visit on Sunday mornings. From there it’s a short walk to Santa Caterina market, with its colourful wavy roof.

Many city museums, including the Maritime Museum and the city history museum (MUHBA), are free on Sunday afternoons from 3pm and all day on the first Sunday of the month. Some have their own free times: the Picasso Museum is free on Thursdays from 4pm to 7pm and MNAC on Saturdays from 3pm, as well as on the first Sunday of the month. Both need a free online booking, and first Sundays get busy.

The Museu Frederic Marès, beside the cathedral, is free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month and every Sunday from 3pm, and always free for under-16s.

Museums in Barcelona: Best for Kids →

Walk around Parc de la Ciutadella, try the new Parc de les Glòries, or find one of the hundreds of neighbourhood playgrounds, from the zip line on Montjuïc to shady courtyard gardens in the Eixample.

Parc del Laberint d’Horta: the hedge maze is free on Wednesdays and Sundays. On other days there’s a small admission charge.

See our parks and playgrounds guide →

All of Barcelona’s beaches are free, and the promenade from Barceloneta to Port Olímpic is good for scooters and bikes. On Somorrostro beach, the city’s beach centre even lends out sand toys for free.

See our beaches guide →

• Markets: Wander through the food stalls. Santa Caterina is less busy than La Boqueria. See our markets guide →

• Park Güell’s free woodland: The paths and viewpoints around the Monumental Zone are free to explore.

• Festivals: Look out for giants, parades and fireworks at local festas, especially La Mercè in September.