Are you preparing to set off on a family vacation this year and hoping to explore Spain with toddlers? If your clan includes the little ones, you’ll need to be extra mindful when choosing where you will visit.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the five best destinations for visiting Spain with toddlers!
Whether you are looking for a place where they can run around and play or somewhere steeped in culture and history – there is something here for everyone.
Get those suitcases packed – let’s get going!
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A few things to know before traveling with kids in Spain.
Here are a few things to know when traveling with kids in Spain.
🧳 Pack the right gear
When traveling with kids, you’ll want to pack light (as much as you can). Having a good carry-on suitcase and packing cubes are a lifesaver. Depending on the age of your kids and the type of travel, you might be better with a kid’s carrier (perfect for adventure trips) or a travel stroller (ideal for city trips).
🎟️ Book your tours
Viator and Get Your Guide are two great websites for finding fun and unique tours around the world. It can help you make a memorable bucket list trip.
🩹 Don’t forget a First Aid Kit
Take a travel first aid kit with you when hiking with toddlers. Make sure it is well-stocked, especially with bite/sting cream and band-aids – you never know when unsteady little legs might take a tumble. Keep your travel first aid kit somewhere accessible.
📱 Download a few apps to help you plan your trips
The GoWhee app has unique recommendations for kid-friendly activities, lodging, and restaurants. Roadtrippers will help you plan any road trips. It helps you add stops along the way. AllTrails is our go-to app for looking at trail reports and seeing if the trail is kid-friendly. You’ll also find recent information about the status of the trail.
🚘 Renting a Car in Spain Best Companies: Try Discover Cars
When it’s time to search for car rental companies and rent a car online, try Discover Cars.
Discover Cars is an international car rental website that provides rental car bookings for most destinations, including many Spain locations such as:
They search through many local and international car rental companies to get you the best deal.
Why Visiting Spain With Toddlers
A trip to Spain is perfect for a family vacation with babies and toddlers. There is a wide range of activities to do for all the family. Plus, the weather is amazing. You’ll get lots of sunny days and little rainy days.
Spain has many child-friendly beaches and lots of parks and playgrounds. There are many museums with hands-on exhibits and great food (that is not too spicy).
How to Get Around Spain
Spain has a great network of public transport, including trains and buses. Major cities like Barcelona and Madrid have a metro network that allows you to go pretty much everywhere in the city.
With families traveling with toddlers and babies in Spain, public transport can be harder since not all stips are accessible with a stroller. Having your own car remains the best way to get around Spain, especially if you’re planning to visit towns outside the main cities.
Renting a car in Spain will provide you with comfort and flexibility. You’ll want to be renting a car to make sure you enjoy Spain as much as you can.
Renting a campervan can also be another great way to discover Spain with your family. With a campervan, you’ll be able to access less-known cities and towns with a car.
🚘 Looking for a car rental in Europe? Auto Europe is a great place to start looking.
Spain With Toddlers: Our Top Destinations
There are many places to explore in Spain with your toddlers, from the Costa Brava to the Basque Country. But today, we’ve listed our Top 5 destinations to bring your toddlers to Spain.
1. Tenerife
If you’re looking for the ultimate family holiday, Tenerife has so much to offer. No matter if you travel with a toddler or an older kid, fun is guaranteed for all the family.
Not only does Tenerife have warm and beautiful temperatures all year round, but it offers a great variety of activities.
Siam Park is one of the most famous water parks in Spain and in the world! Coco Beach is a lovely space with a wave pool for parents and small children to play.
If your kids love animals, you’ll find many places to spend half a day discovering new animals. Loro Park is a must-see attraction for families, but you can also visit Jungle Park or go on a whale-watching and dolphin trip.
For family adventure seekers, there are hiking opportunities in Spain, especially in Tenerife, including going up to the impressive Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain.
However, if you want a relaxing time, go to Tenerife family beaches like Playa Las Vistas or Playa de Puerto Colón.
🚗 Rent a car in Tenerife here!
👉🏻 Looking for things to do in Tenerife with family? Book your Tenerife tours here!
2. Malaga
Malaga and Costa del Sol are popular destinations for family beach holidays. Whether you stay in Malaga City or in one of the coastal towns, you’ll find many activities to do with toddlers.
Malaga City has a good range of activities for kids – from interactive museums to green spaces and sandy beaches.
The park of Malaga is an abundant green park with playgrounds, gardens, and plenty of space for your kids to run. In this park, they can also have fun spotting the green parakeets flying from tree to tree.
Next to the park, there are other great places to visit with children, including Muelle Uno, Málaga’s port. Here you can sometimes find free outdoor entertainment that your kids will love.
But you can also spend a day at Malagueta Beach, the beach located in the city center.
Older kids will enjoy attractions like La Alcazaba, a beautiful Moorish fortress palace with stunning views of the port and charming courtyard, and the Interactive Music Museum. And if you’re looking for something new, go on a trail with your kids in Lagar Las Quirosas, located just close to Malaga City.
Outside Malaga City, you can also:
- Visit the waterparks like Aqualand in Torremolinos,
- Visit the Butterfly Park in Benalmadena or
- Spend half a day at Tivoli amusement park.
If you want to stay in a family-friendly coastal town, we highly recommend staying in Benalmadena. It has the best attractions for children. Plus, it’s close to the airport and other lovely towns in case you want to go on day trips.
👉🏻 Looking for things to do in Málaga with Toddlers? Book your tours Malaga here!
3. Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most kid-friendly cities in Spain, with plenty of activities for kids of all ages.
We love Barcelona because most main attractions include activities for children, so not only will they have a good time, but you will too.
The city is a fun and creative place for kids. They’ll be able to explore beautiful green spaces. They’ll also get to boost their imagination and creativity with the outstanding architecture by Gaudí, such as La Sagrada Familia Cathedral.
Parc Güell is amazing to visit for all ages. The mosaic colorful terrace is a magical and spacious place with passageways to have fun, but the rest of the park has also lovely spaces for kids to play.
Another must-see park in Barcelona that your children will love is Ciutadella Park. This park has fun playgrounds, lakes with friendly swans and ducks, and a zoo.
The park is also very close to Barceloneta Beach, a great beach to spend the day with kids.
If you’re looking for a less touristy place, we suggest going to the Parc del Laberint d’Horta. It’s a beautiful park on the outskirts of Barcelona where your children can enjoy running through the maze. Or take your kids on a hike.
🚗 Rent a car in Barcelona here!
👉🏻 Looking for things to do in Barcelona with family? Book your Barcelona tours here!
4. Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a great choice for families who are looking for a weekend or short city break.
Here you can expect incredible amusement parks, beautiful green spaces, and family-friendly museums and events. There are plenty of places in Madrid to visit, perfect for you and your kids.
Museums in Madrid are absolutely amazing for kids. Some museums we recommend checking are:
- the Wax Museum,
- the House of Pérez Mouse,
- the National Museum of Natural Science, and
- The Museum of Illusions Madrid.
IKONO is a fun guarantee museum because toddlers and older kids can develop their senses through immersive activities, colors, smells, and textures.
In addition to these incredible museums, El Retiro Park is a must-see attraction for families. Spend the afternoon at El Retiro, where your children can play at the wooden playground with slides or rent a rowboat in the main artificial lake. And if you’re looking for where to stay with your family in Madrid, book your hotel here.
Other things to do in Madrid with kids include:
- exploring the Madrid Zoo Aquarium,
- going to Madrid Parque de Atracciones amusement park
- visiting Faunia (a wildlife park) or
- Going on a football and stadium tour
🚗 Rent your car in Madrid here!
👉🏻 Going to Madrid with your toddlers? Book your Madrid tours here!
5. Mallorca
One of the incredible family destinations when visiting Spain is Mallorca. This island is a good choice for many reasons – its pleasantly warm temperatures, crystal blue sea beaches, beautiful countryside, and various activities.
Most resorts in Mallorca are very well-equipped for families as they include a kid’s pool, children’s entertainment, and activities. Some hotels include waterparks too.
Regardless of the accommodation you choose, the destination is packed with fun activities.
First, you’ll want to spend a day at the outstanding and tranquil beaches in Mallorca. Then, your family can:
- Go to the waterpark,
- Visit Palma Aquarium,
- Take the Palma to Soller vintage orange train, or
- Go on a morning cruise and watch the Dolphins
If your family loves adventure, you’ll be impressed by the beautiful hiking trails and sports activities you can do in Mallorca.
Sóller is one of the most beautiful hiking areas in Mallorca, and it isn’t too challenging, which makes it good for families.
🚗 Rent a car in Mallorca here!
👉🏻 Going to Mallorca with your toddlers? Book your Mallorca tours here!
FAQS: Visiting Spain with Toddlers
What part of Spain is best for kids?
The best part of Spain for kids is the Costa del Sol region. This region has a mild climate, beautiful beaches, and plenty of kid-friendly attractions, such as amusement parks, zoos, and water parks. The area is also filled with fun activities like shopping, restaurants, and museums to explore.
What type of trip is best with a toddler?
A trip to a family-friendly destination with activities and attractions geared toward toddlers is the best type of trip for a toddler. Look for destinations that have interactive exhibits, parks with playgrounds, and kid-friendly shows and events. Family resorts are also great options since they often have activities specifically designed for toddlers.
Is Spain a good place to take kids?
Yes, Spain is a great place to take kids. With its vibrant cities, stunning beaches, and cultural attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Kids will love exploring the country’s history and culture through its museums and art galleries. Children of all ages can find something enjoyable in Spain, from family-friendly parks and outdoor activities to amusement parks and zoos.
Which is better for kids, Barcelona or Madrid?
Both Barcelona and Madrid are great destinations for kids. Barcelona is a vibrant city with many attractions like the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the beach. Madrid is full of culture, boasting art galleries, palaces, and parks like El Retiro. Both cities provide plenty of exciting activities to keep kids entertained.
Final Thoughts: Spain with Toddlers
Visiting Spain with toddlers is truly an experience that must be had. From the sunny beaches to the beautiful nearby forests, there are countless sights to explore and activities to enjoy.
Whether you explore ancient cathedrals or spend days playing on the beach beside them, your adventure in Spain will be memorable for you and your young one.
Start planning your trip today and let yourself get swept away to sunnier climates.
Take a profound break from reality and be prepared because once you visit Spain with toddlers, you may never look back!
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity – check out Spain as your next family holiday destination!
If you need some more inspiration, check out our 14-day Spain road trip itinerary.
Happy travels! 🙂
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- Hiking in Spain in April: What to Know & Our Best Trails
- Our 12 Best European Road Trips For Families
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.