The 9 best playgrounds in Barcelona

A real gem in the poshest neighbourhood of Barcelona. Being in Turó Parc feels like stepping out of a storybook – the paths are winding, the trees are plentiful and lush, and the colourful, surrounding buildings peak over and through the shrubbery creating a magical backdrop for play dates and meandering. There is a generous children’s play area, which provides fun for both younger and older children. The sculptures and poetry dotted around the park capture its artistic and cultural history as a former amusement park. You'll find a bar with snacks, drinks and tables, and, in the warmer months, lily pads fill the pond, rounding out this charming park as a place for everyone.

Great for kids ages two to ten.

Just blocks from both the Arc de Triomf and the iconic Sagrada Família you can visit Parc de l’Estació del Nord for some good old-fashioned frolicking and climbing. Blue mosaic wave-like structures protrude from the ground and curve throughout the park, giving it an architecturally appealing vibe that you'd expect from the centre of Barcelona. There's an enclosed children’s area right off the winding path that's perfect for swinging and climbing, and benches line the way for prime dog-watching. The park is easily accessible for younger children, and most will have fun in the play areas and on the structures.

Great for kids ages two to ten.

Parc de la Ciutadella is a cultural oasis in the bustle of the Barcelona city centre. Sitting in the shadow of the Arc de Triomf, the park is a 17th-century military citadel and is home to the Catalan parliament building, two museums, Barcelona’s zoo and endless patches of grass fit for basking in the afternoon sun or nibbling on some picnic food. In one corner of the park you can find the majestic, towering waterfall. Visitors often set up camp around the waterfall to kick around a ball, snap some photos or watch as their children pop giant bubbles created by crafty entrepreneurs (that is, you will want to give them some coins for the pleasure). Only a few strides away are a small play area for children to climb and swing, as well as a lake where you can gaze at the geese and rowboats as they drift by (or try a boat yourself). The park and playground are easy for children to toddle around, and they have plenty of room to run free. Plus, they'll love the woolly mammoth!

Great for kids ages two and older.

The Parc Turó de la Peira is strategically placed on a massive hill; paths branch off every which way, but all seem to swirl upward, like soft-serve ice cream in a cone, to the top of the hill, where you’ll find a scenic overlook of Barcelona’s northwestern neighbourhoods. Along the way, you’ll pass picnic areas, open spaces to kick or throw a ball around and quaint children’s playgrounds. The trees tower over every path, providing maximum shade in much of the park. There are designated areas for bocce ball, table tennis, basketball, volleyball and football. And in the unlikely event that there’s a sport this park hasn't made a place for, there’s plenty of room to create your own. The simplicity of Parc del Turó de la Peira is ideal for younger children to play around, but at the same time the sports areas are also appealing for older children.

Great for kids ages two and older.

It’s like a sea right on the sea. If you’re out and about along Barcelona’s Mediterranean stretch and looking for a break from the walking and talking, head over to Parc de Diagonal Mar. The kids will love the wide open space for running and jumping, and you’ll enjoy the cool sea breeze and, let’s be honest, everyone will appreciate the winding and twisting steel architecture that curls out of the ground. You'll find an abundance of water in the pools and under the bridges, and there are plenty of benches and uniquely sculpted chairs where you can sit and take a break, and you have loads of dining and shopping options right there by the seaside. The play areas and slides could be fun for younger children, but the areas with huge metal structures might be a bit daunting.

Great for kids ages five and older.

Perfect for a stroll, a picnic or just to kick around a ball. Located in Barcelona’s northernmost district, Nou Barris, Parc de la Guineueta is an easy find from the Llucmajor metro station and is a simple green space for people of all ages to enjoy. The park features a small pond and a big space to sit and have a bite or to play a pick-up game of football. There is a careful balance between sun and shade, and toward the back of the park you'll find a sand area with raised wooden beams and steps for kids to test and improve their balance. We recommend that children are accompanied by an adult in that particular area.

Great for kids ages five and older.

Wear your walking shoes and bring your camera. The park’s entrance might require quite a few stairs or difficult terrain for younger children, but older kids will be fascinated by the lively play areas and modernista architecture. In the park’s free zone, you can follow the snaking paths – under the tunnels of trees, through columns of Gaudí’s creation and past vendors with sheets of vibrant art and knick-knacks – and always pop out to see a view of Barcelona better than the previous. If you make your way to the top of the park, you'll can have a breezy picnic lunch with a panoramic view of the city.  Sure, the Monumental Zone might be worth the €5 to €8  ticket at some point during your visit, but if you’re looking for a relaxing day, free of charge, the views and activities in Park Güell’s free zone are simply spectacular.

Great for kids ages eight and older.

Jardíns de Joan Brossa is mountains above the rest... literally. Located on Montjuïc, the park sits on the 185-metre-tall hill above Barcelona and offers sweeping views of the city. There are a couple ways you can get there. If you're into it, you can make the journey on foot; alternatively, the No 150 bus makes its way up to the park; and, for those up for a little adrenaline rush, the most scenic route is the funicular, a cable car system that drops you right at the park and gives you a spectacular view of the mountains, the city and the sea. Once inside the park, you can snack at the giant, open-air picnic area; or you can take a gander at the sculptures and vegetation. The park is clean and well-kept, but there are plenty of opportunities to get your shoes dusty by taking a walk off the paved path to catch a view or explore a little. The play equipment and terrain require more experience and might be better for older children.

Great for kids ages eight and older.

Find the tall, abstract, colourful statue, and you’ve hit the jackpot. One of Joan Miró’s most famous sculptures, 'Dona i Ocell', built one year before his death, stands at the entrance of the park that bears the artist's name. the park is a veritable paradise for kids because, although the green grass is limited, the amenities are endless: caged basketball courts, a miniature zip line, countless climbing structures, ping-pong tables, a giant swing that holds multiple children at once... Most of the equipment and play areas are better-suited for older children. You can grab a quick bite at the snack bar and park it at one of the benches or take a gander through the Joan Miró Library located along the back edge of the park. 

Great for kids ages ten and older.