6 Days in Spain - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family-Friendly Spain: Barcelona & Valencia

This family-friendly adventure brings you and the kids to the vibrant cities of Spain's Barcelona and Valencia, perfect for families seeking a blend of history and cultural immersion. From soaring to the summit of Mount Montjuïc via cable car to exploring Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, visiting Valencia's world-renowned aquarium, and enjoying leisure days in nearby historic cities, this trip promises a Spanish vacation suitable for families with kids of all ages.

Begin in Barcelona with a cable car ride to the summit of Mount Montjuïc, where fabulous views and a 17th-century castle await. Kids will love exploring Poble Espanyol, an open-air museum of recreated Spanish buildings, and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. The following day, tour the Gothic Quarter and El Born neighborhood. The whole family will marvel at the Sagrada Família cathedral, and the kids will have a blast as they take part in a "dragon hunt," learn about Spanish legends, and see the papier-mâché figures at the Casa dels Entremesos (Museum of Giants) before a sunset cruise on the Mediterranean Sea.

On a leisure day, take a day trip to the historic city of Girona, the mountain and monastery of Montserrat, or savor beach time at Barceloneta Beach or the coastal town of Sitges. Hop on a train to Valencia for a tour of sites like the Plaza Del Ayuntamiento, the historic Mercado Central, the 15th-century Gothic fortress of Llotja de la Seda, the Valencia Cathedral, and the City of Arts and Sciences, home to the Prince Philip Science Museum and the world-famous L'Oceanogràfic aquarium. Kids will love exploring the Turia Gardens and climbing the massive play structures at Gulliver Park. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona & Madrid

This family-friendly trip through Barcelona and Madrid is perfect for families wanting a mix of cultural immersion and fun activities, including a visit to Gaudí's famous Park Güell, a tour of Madrid's Royal Palace, and a ride on the Montjuïc Cable Car. With plenty of family-oriented activities, from a dragon hunt in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter to a visit to Mount Tibidabo's theme park, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Take a self-guided tour of Barcelona, visiting the Montjuïc Cable Car, a fun ride for the little ones. Bonus, the castle at the top is an excellent place for the kids to stretch their legs and burn off any pent up energy! The family can admire Poble Espanyol, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Spanish architecture. The following day, explore Antonio Gaudí's architectural masterpieces, including the whimsical Park Güell and Sagrada Família, sure to be a hit with the kids. On Day 3, tour the Gothic Quarter as a family and ascend Mount Tibidabo for breathtaking city views.

On Day 4, kids will love the exciting train ride to Madrid, where they can play in El Parque Retiro, or your family can take in a show on Gran Vía street. The next day, immerse yourselves in Madrid's royal legacy with a visit to Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Food Market, and the city's impressive Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Then, in Sabatini Gardens, the kids can say hello to the palace peacocks and be intrigued by the changing of the guards before it's time for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Seaside Family Fun in Spain: Barcelona & Costa Brava

This seaside family fun itinerary in northeastern Spain splits time between the city and the beach, starting in Barcelona and ending on the Costa Brava. Kid-friendly activities include a hot-air balloon ride over the Catalonian countryside, a family ceramics workshop, a kayak tour through Costa Brava's sea caves, and boating around the medieval castle walls of Tossa de Mar. 

In Barcelona, you and the kids will take a guided tour of the Gothic Quarter, exploring its ancient architecture and local traditional shops, followed by a hot-air balloon ride offering a bird's-eye view of the Catalonian countryside and coastline. The kids can let their imaginations run wild through the artistic world of Antoni Gaudí. Wander around the whimsical Park Güell and Casa Batlló, where kids will be enthralled by the legend of Saint George and the dragon and can explore quirky stairways, a mushroom fireplace, and turtle-shaped windows.

The following day, engage in a hands-on pottery workshop at Taller Gingell studio, followed by an afternoon lazing on Barcelona's beaches and gentle shorelines, perfect for the little ones. On Day 4, you'll transfer to the Costa Brava for a sea kayaking tour, discovering the beautiful coves and caves along the coast. The next day brings you and the kids to the historic seaside town of Tossa de Mar. Here you'll see a medieval castle, board a glass-bottom boat, and enjoy a scenic hike before a relaxing kayak trip to Mar Menuda Beach. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Family Adventures in Spain: Madrid & Seville

Explore the cultural richness of Spain on this family adventure to Madrid and Seville. This itinerary provides a perfect blend of education and entertainment, with activities ranging from a guided tour of Madrid's vibrant plazas and markets, a sword-making workshop in Toledo, and a family cooking class to a flamenco dancing lesson in Seville. With the added thrill of a Guadalquivir River Cruise and a visit to historical sites like Seville's Cathedral and Alcázar, this trip is full of cultural activities suitable for the whole family.

Begin in Madrid, where you and your family will explore Plaza Mayor. The kids will enjoy the souvenir shops, the many street performers, a snack of churros and chocolate, and exploring its markets on a guided tour that includes a visit to Madrid's Royal Palace. On a day trip, head off to the historic city of Toledo. The kids will thrill to a lesson of the ancient art of sword-making in a hands-on workshop with a master swordsmith—one of the city's primary cultural attractions. On Day 3, continue by train to Seville for a sunset river cruise along the Guadalquivir River.

In Seville, you and the kids will continue your cultural learnings with a family cooking class where you'll prepare traditional Spanish dishes with a local family, and the kids will get hands-on by creating their own ceramic pieces at a pottery workshop in Triana. On your penultimate day, you'll join a guided tour and take the kids to see Seville's Cathedral and Alcazar. But the day's highlight is a flamenco lesson and show where the whole family will learn about the dance's history and try out a few moves. Learn more

More Great 6-Day Spain Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain? Check out these other six-day Spain itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.