Barcelona’s best museums for the whole family

Finding a day out that appeals to the whole family, particularly an educational one, can be a challenge no matter where in the world you live. Indeed, for many, the word museum is wont to conjure up images of yawning youths, temperamental teens and frazzled parents. Thankfully, many of Barcelona’s museums are fighting against this stereotype with exhibits, activities and workshops to keep everyone entertained, no matter their age or interests.

Here are some of the city’s best museums for a fun-filled, yet informative day out with the kids.

• Camp Nou Stadium

  Whether your family are football fanatics or not, there is plenty at the Camp Nou Experience to make everyone happy. FC Barcelona’s home turf and Europe’s highest capacity stadium, Camp Nou provides the backdrop for this self-guided tour. The tour gives you behind-the-scenes access to the impressive stadium, letting you peek inside the press room, walk onto the pitch and even take a seat in the President’s box. Entry to the FC Barcelona museum is included in the price of the tour - here you can learn about the history of the club, which has been running for more than 100 years, and even have your picture taken alongside your favourite FC Barcelona team members.

• CosmoCaixa Science Museum

  Curious kids and science buffs alike will love the CosmoCaixa Science Museum, which has more than 30,000 square metres of exhibits to explore. The star of the show is without a doubt the flooded forest, a permanent exhibit that transports visitors to the jungles of the Amazon with real trees, rainfall at regular intervals throughout the day and exotic animals like caymans and boa constrictors. Clik and Flash is another section of the museum that uses games to encourage younger children to learn about science. Throughout three interactive stations, kids can perform their own experiments with mirrors and magnifying glasses, and learn about exploration, construction and electricity with different technologies.

• Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

  Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

  Think art galleries are a no-go when you have kids? The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya may well surprise you then. While you peruse the stunning frescoes in the Romanesque art section or marvel at works by world-renowned artists like Picasso, youngsters can pretend to be detectives with ‘The enigmas of the Museu Nacional’, a game organised by the museum itself. Clues are scattered throughout the museum to help participants solve mysteries such as “Who murdered the poor shepherd?” or “Who stole the ancient manuscripts?” After just one visit, your children will begin to see the many secrets that art can hide.

• Museu de la Xocolata

  Chocolate is the biggest crowd-pleaser of all, so what better place for a family outing than a museum dedicated to all things chocolate? At the Museu de la Xocolata you can explore the history of the world’s favourite sweet as well as the processes involved in making it. The museum also puts on a huge range of workshops for all ages, from a painting with chocolate workshop for kids under three, to a class on how to pair chocolate with different wines for the adults.

• L'Aquàrium Barcelona

  A trip to the world’s largest Mediterranean-themed aquarium, L’Aquarium Barcelona, is a great activity for the whole family. The enormous Oceanarium holds nearly four million litres of water and houses diverse sea life such as sandbar sharks and rays. The aquarium also has a number of smaller themed aquariums containing seahorses, shark eggs and more. Another highlight comes in the shape of a life-size sperm whale statue, which is so large, you can actually walk through it!

• Museu d'Història de Barcelona

  The Plaça del Rei section of the MUHBA is a must for budding historians and inquisitive minds. Located largely underground, beneath the actual square, visitors can wander the streets of the Roman city of Barcino, pass through the ancient city walls and even marvel at a laundry from the 2nd century A.D. Kids will love the see-through walkways, which let them peer down into the ruins below. Tickets are valid for all MUHBA centres and entry is free every Sunday from 3pm.