Ten types of weekend getaways with kids in Spain, each with specific destinations, real prices and tips to make it all go smoothly. From the beach to the mountains, from theme parks to farms — here are ideas to choose from based on your children's ages, your budget and the time of year.
1. Beach and coast with the family
The most classic plan and one of the easiest to organise. Spanish beaches offer fun for all ages: sandcastles with the little ones, snorkelling with tweens, surfing or paddleboarding with teenagers.
Where to go:
- Costa Brava (Catalonia): L'Estartit has shallow waters, a kids' beach club and ID wristbands for toddlers. Santa Cristina (Lloret de Mar) offers coves with crystal-clear water and full amenities.
- Costa del Sol (Andalusia): Mild weather almost year-round and great family-friendly infrastructure. Activities near Málaga to round out your trip.
- Rías Baixas (Galicia): Wilder landscapes, fewer crowds. Perfect in summer.
Estimated budget: Family apartment on the Costa Brava from ~€165/night. Mid-season (May, June, September) offers better prices and fewer people.
Explore the Costa Brava
On Picuco you'll find water activities, excursions and family plans on the Costa Brava. See activities →
Practical tips:
- Travel in mid-season to avoid crowds and save money.
- Choose accommodation with direct beach access if you're bringing a pushchair.
- Sunscreen, hats and floaties or a swim vest for the little ones.
- Mornings for water activities (more energy); afternoons for easy-going walks.
2. Mountains and hiking
Mountain trails with kids work better than you'd think — as long as you pick the right route. The key is matching distance and elevation to their age.
Family-friendly routes:
- Lagos de Covadonga (Picos de Europa, Asturias): 6.2 km, ~2h 30min, easy difficulty. Suitable from age 5–6. Stunning scenery with mountain lakes. Free access (in summer, vehicles are restricted and a shuttle bus runs instead).
- Cascada de Oros Bajo (Aragonese Pyrenees, Huesca): 1.2 km round trip, 20 min each way. Very easy, suitable from age 3.
- Pradera de Aguas Tuertas (Aragonese Pyrenees): 1h each way, 270 m elevation gain. Suitable from age 6–7. One of the most beautiful valleys in the Pyrenees.
On Picuco: Explore more trails in Picos de Europa and Sierra de Guadarrama.
Practical tips:
- Start with well-marked trails with little elevation gain.
- Comfortable hiking shoes and a baby carrier backpack for the youngest ones.
- Bring plenty of water and energy snacks (nuts, cereal bars).
- Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
3. Theme parks
The safe bet for guaranteed fun. Spain has options for every age group.
The top parks with real prices:
- PortAventura World (Tarragona): From €42.50 adult. Under 3s free. Up to 30% off when you book online in advance. Great for all ages with separate themed areas.
- Parque Warner (Madrid): €39.90 with advance online discount. Children under 1 metre tall free. The ticket gives access for 2 consecutive days.
- Dinópolis (Teruel): €34 adult, €27 child. Full pack with 7 satellite centres for just €3 more. 15% discount for large families. A blend of fun and palaeontology.
- Puy du Fou España (Toledo): From €29 adult, €24 child (book 3 weeks ahead). Under 3s free. Open-air historical shows — a very different experience from a conventional amusement park.
Book discounted tickets
Find theme park tickets across Spain: Day trip to PortAventura · Puy du Fou from Toledo
Practical tips:
- Arrive early and hit the most popular rides first.
- Schedule a mid-afternoon break to avoid burnout.
- Buy fast passes on busy days.
- Comfortable shoes and a portable phone charger.
4. Agritourism and farms
A chance to unplug from screens and let the kids connect with country life. Agritourism combines accommodation, animals and hands-on workshops.
Specific destinations:
- La Montaña Mágica (Llanes, Asturias): Rural hotel with a farm of native Asturian breeds. 16 rooms, some with fireplace and jacuzzi. From ~€92/night. Kids feed the animals and have dinner with produce from the estate.
- Eco Moyano Posada (Gaucín, Málaga): A restored 17th-century inn. Organic garden, animals, pool. From €99/night. Booking score: 9.7.
- Farms near Barcelona: We have a full guide to 5 farms for kids near Barcelona with prices, opening hours and verified details.
On Picuco: Discover more nature activities and rural plans near Oviedo or Málaga.
Practical tips:
- Ask before booking what kids' activities are included.
- Wellies, clothes that can get dirty and a rain jacket.
- Always supervise young children around animals.
- Many estates offer their own fresh produce — make the most of it.
5. City breaks with kids
Cities rich in heritage can be a lot of fun if you turn the visit into a game.
Destinations that work:
- Toledo: A medieval maze where three cultures once met. Combine it with Puy du Fou España (10 min away) for a perfect weekend: city in the morning, show in the afternoon.
- Barcelona: Gaudí's magic captivates all ages. Family activities near Barcelona on Picuco.
- Mérida: Spectacular Roman heritage — the theatre, the amphitheatre and the museum are an open-air history lesson.
- Córdoba: The patios, the Mezquita and the old-town alleyways spark the imagination.
Practical tips:
- Less is more: pick 3–4 main attractions, don't try to see everything.
- Kids' audio guides or family tours to keep everyone engaged.
- Alternate monuments with parks, ice-cream shops or play areas.
- Book museums for the morning (kids are more receptive) and buy city passes.
6. Camping and glamping
From a traditional tent to glamping with all the comforts. Sleeping outdoors brings the family together like few other plans can.
Specific options:
- Kampaoh Tarifa (Cádiz): Pre-pitched and fully equipped tents (beds, fridge, kitchenware). Bell XL tent for 4 people. From ~€42/night in low season. Pool, playground, set in the Parque Natural del Estrecho.
- Pyrenees and Picos de Europa: Campsites with spectacular mountain backdrops. Ideal to combine with hiking.
- Glamping in general: 79% of glamping sites in Spain cost under €100/night. Average: €53/person/night.
Practical tips:
- If it's your first time, go for glamping or a campsite with good facilities (toilets, showers, play area).
- Invest in sleeping bags suited to the temperature and comfortable sleeping mats.
- Organise outdoor games: treasure hunts, plant identification, stargazing.
- Teach basic safety rules: don't wander off alone, be careful around fire and water.
7. Water parks
Guaranteed fun in summer. Slides, wave pools, lazy rivers and kids' zones for every age.
The best ones with prices:
- Siam Park (Tenerife): Adult €42–45, child (3–11) €30–32, under 3s free. Widely regarded as one of the best in the world. Open all year.
- Aqualandia (Benidorm): Adult €27, child (4–12) €23, under 4s free. Season: May to September. Excellent kids' areas.
- Aquopolis (multiple locations): Options across Spain with children's areas and moderate rides.
Discounted tickets
Practical tips:
- Buy tickets online to skip the queues. Weekdays or mid-season are best.
- Water-resistant sunscreen, water shoes and a waterproof phone pouch.
- Pick a visible meeting point before splitting up.
- Bring reusable water bottles and snacks.
8. Wildlife and nature
Watching animals in spacious, natural settings teaches kids about conservation in a hands-on way.
Two very different options:
- Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno (Cantabria): 750 hectares with over 100 species roaming in semi-freedom. Cable car included. Prices vary by season: adult €25–45, child (4–12) €15–25, under 3s free. 10% discount for large families. More activities near Santander.
- Parque Nacional de Doñana (Huelva/Seville): Guided visit required. Tour from El Rocío: adult €33, child up to 10 years €18. Day trip from Seville: adult €89, child €65. Book well in advance (very limited spots). Activities near Seville.
Practical tips:
- Bring binoculars and a camera with zoom.
- Get up early: the first hours are best for wildlife spotting.
- Wear neutral-coloured clothing so you don't startle the animals.
- Teach the kids to be patient and stay quiet.
9. Adventure and sport
Zip lines, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking — for families seeking a thrill and wanting to step outside their comfort zone.
Verified destinations:
- Aventura Amazonia Cercedilla (Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid): Madrid's largest multi-adventure park. 114 challenges, 33 zip lines, 7 circuits by level (MiniKids from age 4). From €9 for the kids' circuit. Equipment, insurance and an introductory session included. 35 min from Madrid. More activities in Sierra de Guadarrama.
- Selwo Aventura (Estepona, Málaga): Combines safari with adventure. Zip line over 100 metres long. From €17.90 online. 2,000 animals across 100 hectares.
On Picuco: Explore more active tourism options across Spain.
Practical tips:
- Choose operators with up-to-date safety certifications.
- Start with easier activities to build confidence.
- Check that all gear (harnesses, helmets, life jackets) fits properly.
- Comfortable sportswear and enough water for everyone.
10. Wellness and family spas
More and more spas now offer family programmes with children's pools, adapted circuits and relaxation workshops for kids.
A verified option:
- Balneario de Archena (Murcia): Thermal pool with a kids' zone (water jets, slide, games). Adult €12–23, child (<11) €8–13, baby (0–2) free. Family pass (min. 4 members): €9–18/person. Balnea Thermal Circuit (2h): €25–35. A different way to teach self-care and relaxation.
Practical tips:
- Choose spas that explicitly offer family packages.
- Combine spa sessions with outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
- Keep sessions short so the kids can get used to the temperatures.
- Check the minimum age for access to thermal pools before booking.
Which one should you choose?
| Getaway | Best for | Budget | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach | All ages, easy plan | Medium | May–Jun, Sep |
| Mountains | Active families, from age 3 | Low | Spring, autumn |
| Theme parks | Guaranteed fun | High | Low season |
| Agritourism | Unplugging, animals | Medium | Year-round |
| City break | Learning, rainy days | Medium–High | Year-round |
| Camping/Glamping | Nature immersion | Low–Medium | Spring–summer |
| Water parks | Summer, all ages | Medium | Jun–Sep |
| Wildlife/safaris | Nature, educational | Medium–High | Spring, autumn |
| Adventure/sport | Teenagers, adrenaline | Medium–High | Spring–autumn |
| Wellness | Family relaxation | High | Year-round |
More family plans on Picuco
These ten ideas are just the starting point. On Picuco you can explore family activities by destination, filter by type and book directly: