Get off the well-trod tourist path and experience the Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia that local Spanish families see; with discounts for kids and grandparents.
Spain is bursting at the seams with delicious food, mid-day siestas and notorious late-night partying. For a multi-generational family vacation, however, you might be in search of a little more than the world’s best paella (although you can never go wrong with the traditional Valencian rice dish!). Here’s how to make the most of your visit with school age children.
Barcelona for Kids
Parc Guell
Ronder General Mitre 226
08006, Barcelona
34 (0) 93 413-2400
This park, now a World Heritage Site (designated by UNESCO), was designed by Antonà GaudÃ. The stunning architecture pulls visitors into a different world. Be sure to check out the famous mosaic dragon. Also keep an eye out for the Room of a Hundred Columns, with 84 crooked pillars of glass and ceramic mosaic, and the Gran Placa Circular, a balcony of brightly colored mosaics that also offers a spectacular view.
Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village)
Av. Marques de Comillas, 13
08038, Barcelona
34 (0) 935 086-300
The Poble Espanyol was built in 1929 as part of the Barcelona International Exhibition and can still be visited today. It includes a 12-acre open-air museum with architecture from Andalusia, Catalonia and Aragon. This “museum” depicts a Spanish village – with 117 buildings, streets and squares it is a “village within a city.” The Children’s Village has craft workshops and kid’s shows games and storytelling; check the website for a calendar of events. Reduced admission for seniors, students with ID, and children ages 4-12. Ask about family discounts as well.
Tibidabo
Pl. De Tibidabo, 3-4
08035, Barcelona
34 (0) 93 211-7942
This famous amusement park sits on top of a hill at the highest point in Barcelona. It can be accessed by the last remaining trolley in the city, the Tramvia Blue. A four-dimensional movie theatre, amusement park rides and Robot Museum are sure to provide hours of entertainment for the family. Reduced children’s admission based on height. The Tibidabo is open daily from 11 am between early March and early December.
Toy Museum of Catalonia
Carrer de Sant Pere, 1
Hotel Paris Figueras
17600, Catalonia
34 (0) 97 2504-585
The Toy Museum of Catalonia boasts more than 4,000 objects, including dolls, puppets, miniature theatre sets, tricycles and more. You can chart toys through time, and many are accompanied by old photos showing children playing with the toys. Several objects in the museum had famous owners, such as Salvador Dali, Federico Garcia Lorca and Joan Miro. This fun museum has extended hours in summer.
Madrid for Kids
Parque del Buen Retiro (Retiro Park)
Plaza de la Independencia, s/n
Madrid, 28001 Spain
34 (0) 91 588-8790
Family members of all ages will be delighted and amused by the street performers in Retiro Park. Here they can also ride in horse-drawn carriages, rent a rowboat to go out on the lake, or watch the puppeteers perform shows. This is the most popular park in Madrid, so it is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local environment and get a feel of what life is like there.
Museo del Prado
Ruiz del Alarcon 23
28014, Madrid.
34 (0) 91 330-2800
Housing European art from the 12th through 19th century curated by notable scholars including Pablo Picasso himiself, the palatial Museo del Prado was founded as a museum for paintings and sculpture. Today it houses thousands of drawings, prints, coins, medals, and decorative art. Entrance to the permanent collection only is free Tuesday-Saturday from 6-8 pm, Sunday from 5-8 pm and on certain Spanish holidays. Children under age 18 are always free.
Madrid Zoo and Aquarium
Casa de Campo
s/n 28011, Madrid
34 (0) 90 234-5014
The zoo has more than 5,000 animals from 5 different continents, and the aquarium has more than 500 species. A big crowd-pleaser at the zoo is the panda collection; two baby pandas arrived in December 2010. If you’ve got antsy young travelers with you, check out some of the great hotel/zoo package offers that grant families a room and breakfast, plus free admission to the zoo, aquarium and nearby Warner Bros. theme park.
Safari Park at Aldea del Fresno
Carretera de Extremadura N-V
KM32, Madrid
34 (0) 91 862-2314
The Safari Park offers an opportunity to see animals like elephants, rhinos, hippos and giraffes not native to Europe. Its prime location is close to a lake and the Alberche River. The safari aspect – viewing the animals from a car – offers a different experience than the typical walk-around zoo and makes for a fun day outing. Reduced admission for children ages 3-10; under 3 free. The park is open daily year round from 10:30am to sunset.
Madrid SnowZone
Puerto Navacerrada (Xanadu) 4
28939 Arroyomolinos, Spain
34 (0) 902 361-309
For a day of winter fun (even in the summer), check out Madrid SnowZone. The adventurous among you can tube down 800-foot slopes, and the calmer in the bunch can play in the snow. Building snowmen, making snow angels and even having a good ‘ol-fashioned snowball fight is a great way to relax from the stress of your travels and bond with the family. It’s also totally refreshing in Madrid’s humid summers. Staying in town awhile? Sign the kids up for their ski racing team.
Valencia for Kids
L’oceanografic at City of Arts and Sciences
Junta de Mars i Valls
Valencia 46013
34 (0) 90 210-0031
Europe’s largest marine park has 500 species of animals and 45,000 fish within a large science center complex. There are seven aquariums with different environments, underwater tunnels with sharks, and a dolphin aquarium. A contact pool allows you to get into the water and touch some of the animals. Regular activities such as Saturday morning music classes aimed at parents with children up to 4, in which music and stories about the sea are shared, as well as Shark Sleepovers, can be found on their website. L’oceanografic also has several restaurants where you can stop in to reenergize before you check out the rest of the facilities. This futuristic “city within a city” also has a Hubble telescope and rotating exhibits, a planetarium, science museum and performing arts center. Reduced general admission price for kids ages 4-12; group rates available as well.
Terra Miticia
Autopista A7, Exit 65A
Benidorm, Alicante
34 (0) 90 202-0220
Located on the Mediterranean coast south of Valencia, this large theme park offers a variety of rides and nearly 80 shows a day. Count on hours of family-friendly entertainment, including water rides for those notoriously hot days. Major rides have smaller replicas for young children. Grab the kids and go for a ride on the Magnus; Colossus, the longest wooden coaster in Europe! The attractions are divided into themed areas representing Rome, Greece, Iberia, The Islands, Ocionia and Egypt, so get ready to explore! Inquire about their reduced admission with the Family Pass; open seasonally.
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“We could change our clothes less often and the world more often.”
Wow. Just… wow.
Congratulations :]
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Thanks for writing. I hear you and respect your view point. I guess it's all in the attitude and approach. Just concerned that the spas may promote a self-centered attitude, but you don't think so and that's cool.
Best
I love holidays and weekend breaks. Recently we stay at an authentic Castle in France.
It would be good to have more chains like Premier Inn, especially in Europe
Inn
Give Kids the world
Dreams for some, Nightmears for others
Everyone that visits Give Kids the World comes out very please, that's because of the great treatment and better yet for its facilities, well thats what people see from the outside what goes on inside is a different story. The worse this that could ever happend to any one trying to provide for their home, I am a ex-employee and I want the world to know while you may see all of us with a smile in our face, thats not what we truly feel. In this company there is what's called competition for power, also hatred between employees and most of all ethnic racism there is no such thing as employee relationship due to the bad administration that depends on what people can say there for approving of those they like and getting rid of those that they don't that many not occure with all hispanics only with those thats are not liked.The sad part about all of this is that every conversation White American has with their Group is no simpler then how they are going to get rid of the next guy without even investigate anything about that person as has happend in the past few months all put together but a group whos leader is Richard Bortula (profecional racist) and has use people like Jhon Bushko to put together stories about all the hispanic which get carried out to the person in charge of executing their employees no matter how profecional or respectful they are whith out any respect the person I am talking about is Neal McCord Acompanied by the person in charge of human resorces Taberi Scott(another racist). She is in charge of dismising inocent hispanic for no operant reason yet the other American who have been know for several offences and untocheble for these two people. The last thing is when Richard Bortula uses two other latins to accuse another latin of racism that leading to his dissmisal and not giving him any explanation not even the benefit of the doubt. Ladies and Gentelments unfortunately this is an institute were the main goal is to provide well being and happy relationships but all of this happenings is due to the administration once again. All I have to say is, what kind of dreams is a kiss going to have when his or her dad cant buy them a chritsmas present, This is not a dream this is a Nightmear.
I know a natural supplement for flu and colds. It is not like cough and cold preparations in the stores which only deal with symptomatic relief. It strengthens our resistance to the viral infection.
This natural supplement is Sinus Eliminato Complex.
Sinus Eliminato complex is made up of Carpinus Betulus (Hornbeam) buds, Rosa Canina (Dog Rose) young shoots, Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) buds, Populus Nigra (Black Poplar), Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) and Juglans Regia (Wlanut) buds.
Fecka (2009) has isolated tannins and polyphenols from Rosa Canina. Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body. In addition, polyphenols also activate the key enzyme (AMP kinase) that can exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of inducible inflammatory proteins that normally occurs once the innate immune system has been activated.
A study done by Roschek et al (2009) has shown that Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) has flavonoids which bind to and prevent H1N1 infection.
Also contained in Sinus Eliminato are a variety of plant growth hormones and vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, which can certainly fight off infection and boost immune resistance during the cold months!
WHY WASTE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS during this economic recession for only temporary symptomatic relief when you have a natural supplement which you can buy for $ 30 a bottle and experience relief after 1-2 weeks and boost immune resistance as well to prevent repeated viral infections which can cost you thousands of dollars in clinic visits, medicines and hospitalizations? NOT TO MENTION your lost time in work.. and the time you can spend with your kids and loved ones!
Sinus Eliminato Complex can be purchased at PSC Nutrition’s website: http://store.plantstemcells.net.
For more top tips and advice on fun family holidays and breaks in London, including family friendly hotels and things to do visit http://www.takethefamily.com
I don't get why Brian Head is up there – it does have a lovely ski school for kids but it can't even come close to the other areas you mention or many other western US resorts for a family experience. It's really a day trip for people who live in Las Vegas!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. You make some great points and I hope to have the experience you did one day.
I especially like that you wish that kind of eye-opening experience for the people you care about too.
Can anyone tell me where I can buy golden russet apples.
Thanks
I did my essay on Honduras too! How refreshing 🙂
Vanessa, great article! Another great source of both domestic and international vacation condos/resorts/villas/homes is http://www.VacationValuesClub.com With over 2 Million weeks in 200 countries, there are a lot of choices at prices that are really affordable- especially for a family. Check it out
I love Europe!
We get many questions from parents about their kids traveling within the US, over state lines, with guardians other than their parents.
It is illegal to cross U.S. state lines with a minor without custodial parents' consent, and the age of "minors" varies across the states. However, the families within this travel community have never complained about having a problem when inviting friends of their children along on a trip, for example, so we have little experience with this issue.
Therefore, this article is for travel outside the United States, where there are clear international laws in place to prevent international child abduction.
Within the US, temporary guardians should use the same permission to travel letter as well as medical treatment authorization letter noted at the end of the article, when possible.
Keep in mind that these laws are in place to allow authorities to investigate a traveling party if they notice suspicious activity (such as children who resist going with adults). Of course, the majority of travelers will never be stopped and questioned. For most of you, if the birth parents are easily available by phone, then making a daytrip should not be a problem.
nice to know 😀
What a great article! We went to Tulum a few years back, before we had kids, and loved staying in the $15 cabanas on the beach but always wondered how to go back with the little ones … you have given us an option!
I would like to know if a permission letter from my son and Daughter inlaw and my grand Daughters birth certificate is enough to take my 10 yr old grand daughter
on a day trip in to the U.S.A
I agree that these ski trips are expensive, and although I enjoy going with the family I don't ski, and have no urge to learn at my age. I love going with the family however, but spend all my time at the spa and the lounge in front of the fire.
In this article the author comes across as the typical 'progressive' who feels apologetic about their country.
I found online trip planning tools to be a great resource when i wsa planning our reunion. Nice sites for planning are http://www.triporama.com and tripit.com. We planned out our hotels through http://www.groople.com and once through http://www.hotelscouter.com All the resources can be found with simple searches online. It used to be much different when we were growing with actual maps and stopping for directions.
Planning an event, whether large or small, can be a challenge
Hi, a tutu is what we would call a taxi in Anerica. They get you from one place to another and they are mad so different. They don’t have doors on them, they can fit about 3-4 people in them. They don’t have a steering wheel what the driver drive with is made like a motorcyle steering wheel. They are so fun and amazing… If you would visit the website at the bottom of my article you will get a chance to see one… Thanks for your interest in my article…
We are off to the Whitsundays with our two girls for ten days and the article sounds great. We're provisioning ourselves though, as we save alot of money each time we sail from Shute Harbour. We've also practised man-overboard procedure in our pool and have increased the frequency of our girls swimming lessons and have stinger suits.
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Nice article. I have traveled Ireland many times and loved staying in Self Catering vacation rentals. It's like having a home form home and provides lots of space for the kids.
"parents …will find that the special infant fare is currently offered on all major domestic airlines;" Not all of them. "Delta does not offer discounted infant and child fares for travel within the domestic U.S." according to their website.
Made my mouth water. A great piece. Can't wait to return to discover the places you did and we didn't.
Great piece! Very insightful!
what a fascinating article
it certainly makes the cove palace come to life
seems like a great place to go
alison you brought it to life
We did a similar trip when our daughter was 6 at Club Med. However, that was much more costly and with fewer options.
This sounds great.
I loved reading your article. Our family tends to vacation your USUAL way (that is, no big all- inclusive resort package) yet reading your piece I realized how much our teenage kids would enjoy that type of experience- whoa! A teenage LOUNGE? Cool!! So if indeed such a holiday can be had as you say at an economic price- why not? Who knows, maybe next time we might just head down to Mexico ourselves- the easy way!
PS: We are interested in Eastern Europe and are considering a family holiday in Serbia or Croatia- Any suggestions? Maybe there are some good family deals over there?
Indy is a great place to visit … so many things to do, yet very walkable and convenient. And affordable.
"Chinggis" Tourist Camp is located in the Southern Part of Terelj National Park ( GPS: N47°49.893', E107° 31.339') in the beautiful natural Tuul river Nomad's Sacred Valley of streams, pine trees with mountains and steppes in the background , just 55km (25miles) from Ulaanbaatar city."Chinggis" Tourist Camp is Highly recommended by "Lonely Planet Mongolia", by the author Michael Kohn and Mongolian Tourism Board. "Chinggis" Tourist Camp, was inaugurated in July 2002 in memory of "Chinggis" Khaan's 840th Birthday Celebration!.This lovely traditional tourist camp owned by Samar Magic Tours LLC, lies on the bank of "Tuul" river between 107°31'29" Longitude and 47°49'32'' Latitude. The average altitude is 1446m (4338 feet) above sea level. "
-A 40 meter (~133,3 feet) Statue of "Chinggis" Khaan on a big horse on Tsonjin Boldog Hill is located just ~3kms (~1,5miles) to "Chinggis" Tourist Camp.
-Around 15km (~7.5miles) Southeast of the "Chinggis" Tourist Camp is an 8th-century Turkic Stele of Tonyukuk.
Hi Shamita,
What’s a tutu… it sounds pretty funny.
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Whew!*sigh of relief* Fathers are really amazing, they can comfort you whenever possible. This post made me realize that diffrent people has diffrent cultures, it just that, sometimes, we need to trust others, as one saying goes “If you’ll never learn to trust, how can you find the good guys?” 😉
Life’s really like that, sometimes, learnings come from unexpected places. Good for you atleast that experience made you a better person.:)
hi to all my family?
The author mentions 2 highly regarded companies, Nabila Tours and Sonesta, an American hotel chain that has boats on the Nile. Both companies have links in the story, and both can help with land arrangements as well.
Another author traveled with Oberoi Tours, an Indian hotel chain with Nile boats, and loved her trip. You can read about it on http://www.travelBIGO.com.
For more help, please fill out a Custom Trip Plan request form at this link: http://www.travelbigo.com/trip_plans/new and we'd be glad to help you.
Wish all the family have a nice time in China.
Come to Vietnam with Niche Travel. Niche Travel Vietnam, Boutique and Luxury Travel Service In Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia. Unique, Style, Comfort.
Halong Bay Kayaking: Halong bay cover the area of 1600square km with 3000 plus islets rising above the emerald water. This 3 day trip is not only for the adventure- bound traveller but also for those who appreciate seafood or time on the water
Sapa Vilage Walking: This unique trek itinerary suitable for most active traveller. The remote northern Town of Sapa close to the Chinese border offers some ofVietnam's most colorful experiences. Layer upon layer of blue ridges fade into the distance, edged by sharp, rocky peaks and lust green rice paddies in between highlight the beauty of the region.
Festival Hue: Visit Hue by the waterway. The all day boat trip give us a chance to visit the ancient capital of Vietnam: tomb of the Emperor, Perfume river, Pagodas… Hue own its beauty to its narrow treet, tranquil garden houses and old pagodas
Vung Tau Golf tour: Located just 100 km in the west of Hochiminh City, Vung Tau is perfect relaxing place for the locals in the City. The trip combine golfing and relaxing in the top resort of Vietnam.
http://nichetravel.com.vn
RoomSaver's website says that they are available in all of the lower 48 states, so they are no longer limited to 33. I love using them myself, both for the discounts as well as the free maps! I even follow them on Facebook and Twitter!
Who can you recommend to book us an organized tour for a family of three. Travel would be between December 21, 2009 and January 1, 2010.
This is such a good story and you make a really good point about how people — often more than places — make up the travel experience. I hope I sit next to you on a plane some day.
hello, i would like to spend ma holidays in engaging in that forum, so i need an invitation letter. Hope to hear from u.
Ruth.
I'm goin to travel to another state to see my family, and my cousin wants me to take her 6month baby boy so the family can meet him. What kind of form would I need in order for me to travel with my cousin's baby?
Please e-mail me and I woild appreciate your help.
wonderful!!
Please send me a copy of letter of concent so that I may use it to travel with my children Thank you