Free Things to Do with Kids

Montjuïc is Barcelona’s green hill, and its gardens are free to explore. The Jardins de Laribal are shady terraces of paths, stairways, fountains and water channels, laid out for the 1929 International Exhibition. Next door, the Teatre Grec gardens surround an open-air amphitheatre with a rose garden and city views (open daily from 10am, until 7pm in winter and 9pm from April to October). There are a lot of steps, so it’s hard going with a pushchair: the Montjuïc funicular from Paral·lel runs on a standard metro ticket, so you can ride up and walk down past the Fundació Joan Miró. 📍 Map

The car-free square in front of the cathedral often has street musicians. The cathedral is usually free to enter 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. 📍 Map

From the cathedral, the old lanes lead to Plaça de Sant Jaume, where the City Hall is free to visit on Sunday mornings, and on to Santa Caterina market. Nearby, La Casa dels Entremesos on Plaça de les Beates displays the giants, big-headed figures and dragons from Barcelona’s festivals. Entry is free, Tuesday to Saturday 10am–1pm and 4pm–7pm, and Sunday 11am–2pm.

Parc de la Ciutadella and the newer Parc de les Glòries are the main city-centre parks, and most neighbourhoods have a playground. Parc de Joan Miró has climbing ropes and a zip line.

See our parks and playgrounds guide →

All Barcelona’s beaches are free. The promenade from Barceloneta to Port Olímpic suits scooters and bikes, and the beach centre on Somorrostro beach lends out sand toys free of charge.

See our beaches guide →

A free evening show of water, music and light below the National Palace on Montjuïc. It usually runs Thursday to Sunday evenings from spring to autumn, with fewer shows in winter, so check the official times before you go. Parc de Joan Miró, a short walk away, has playgrounds, and the rooftop of Arenas de Barcelona looks over Plaça d’Espanya. 📍 Map

See our Magic Fountain guide →

Near the Olympic Stadium, the Jardí Botànic has plants from the world’s five Mediterranean-climate regions, with ponds and a boardwalk. It’s free on Sundays from 3pm and on the first Sunday of the month, and always free for under-16s. Adults otherwise pay €5. 📍 Map

These museums are free for everyone at set times. The Picasso Museum and MNAC need a free online booking, and first Sundays get busy.

• Museu Blau, Montjuïc Castle and MUHBA: Sundays from 3pm and the first Sunday of the month. Museu Blau is always free for under-16s.

• Museu Frederic Marès: Sundays from 3pm and the first Sunday of the month. Always free for under-16s.

• Maritime Museum: Sundays from 3pm. Always free for under-17s.

• MNAC: Saturdays from 3pm and the first Sunday of the month.

• Picasso Museum: Thursdays 4pm–7pm (October to March) and the first Sunday of the month. Always free for under-18s.

Museums in Barcelona: Best for Kids →

Many paid attractions let children in free up to a certain age. Some still need a free child ticket, so add children when you book.

• Markets: Santa Caterina is calmer than La Boqueria. See our markets guide →

• Park Güell woodland: The paths and viewpoints outside the paid Monumental Zone are free.

• Festivals: Giants, parades and fireworks at neighbourhood festes, especially La Mercè in September.

• Port Vell: The Rambla de Mar footbridge crosses the harbour from the bottom of La Rambla to Maremagnum. The Bus Nàutic water bus crosses to Barceloneta beach in 10 minutes, from €1.90.