Spain with Kids
The complete family guide to holidaying in Spain
Spain is one of the most popular destinations for British families, and for good reason. With reliable sunshine, beautiful beaches, delicious food that kids actually eat, and a laid-back culture that welcomes children everywhere, it is hard to go wrong. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Spain with kids, from the best regions to visit to practical tips for a stress-free family holiday.
Best Regions for Families
Spain offers incredible variety, from the Balearic Islands to the Costa del Sol. Here are the top regions for families:
- Costa Brava - Rocky coves, clear water, close to Barcelona for day trips
- Costa Dorada - Home to PortAventura theme park, sandy beaches, good for toddlers
- Balearic Islands - Majorca and Menorca offer calm beaches and family resorts
- Costa del Sol - Reliable weather, tons of attractions, great flight connections
- Canary Islands - Year-round sunshine, water parks, volcanic landscapes
Best for First-Timers
Majorca or the Costa Dorada are ideal for families visiting Spain for the first time. Both have excellent infrastructure, English-speaking staff, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months for a family holiday in Spain are May, June, September, and October. You will avoid the intense heat of July and August (when temperatures can exceed 40C in some regions), benefit from lower prices, and encounter fewer crowds.
Save on Flights
Flying outside of UK school holidays can save you hundreds of pounds. Consider early June (before half-term ends) or late September.
Family-Friendly Activities
Spain offers endless entertainment for children of all ages:
- Theme Parks - PortAventura (Salou), Terra Mitica (Benidorm), Siam Park (Tenerife)
- Water Parks - Aqualandia, Western Water Park, Aquopolis
- Beaches - Look for Blue Flag beaches with calm, shallow water
- Zoo and Aquariums - Barcelona Zoo, L'Oceanografic Valencia, Loro Parque
- Museums - CosmoCaixa Barcelona, Museo del Prado family tours
Family Tip
Many Spanish restaurants have children's menus (menu infantil) with familiar foods like pasta, chicken nuggets, and chips. However, do not be afraid to order tapas to share - kids love picking at small plates!
Practical Tips
- Siesta time - Many shops close 2-5pm. Plan indoor activities or pool time during the hottest hours
- Late dinners - Spaniards eat late (9pm+), but tourist areas serve dinner from 7pm
- Sun protection - Spanish sun is strong. Use factor 50, reapply regularly, and pack hats
- Car seats - Rental companies charge 10-15 euros per day. Consider bringing your own
- EHIC/GHIC card - Bring your Global Health Insurance Card for access to Spanish healthcare
Planning what to pack? Generate a personalised packing list for your Spain family holiday.
Build My Packing ListBudget Guide
A typical family of four can expect to spend:
- Accommodation - 80-150 GBP/night for a family apartment or hotel
- Meals out - 60-100 GBP/day for all meals (less if self-catering)
- Activities - Theme parks 40-50 GBP per person, beaches free
- Car hire - 30-50 GBP/day including insurance
Money-Saving Tip
Self-catering apartments with kitchens can cut your food costs significantly. Spanish supermarkets like Mercadona have excellent quality and prices.
Getting There
Spain is well-connected to the UK with numerous budget airline routes. Flight times range from 2 hours (Barcelona, Malaga) to 4 hours (Canary Islands). Most major Spanish airports have good facilities for families, including nursing rooms and play areas.
Tip
Book car seats when you book your car, not at the desk. This ensures availability and often gets you a better price.
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