Complete guide: the best family excursions near Barcelona for 2026

Finding activities to do with children near Barcelona that are both educational and fun can be a real challenge. Fortunately, Catalonia offers a wonderful variety of options for families seeking nature-based plans. In this guide, we have selected the best family excursions near Barcelona, with practical information on prices, timetables and recommendations.

Why choose nature activities with children?

Spending regular time in nature supports children’s concentration, creativity and emotional well-being. Family outings also strengthen bonds and create shared memories. The Barcelona province, with its combination of mountains, countryside and coast, is a paradise for nature-loving families.

1. Granja Natura (Navas): a nature education centre in the Bages region

Just one hour from Barcelona, this nature education centre combines environmental learning with hands-on fun. With over 30 animal species, from classic farm animals like goats and pigs to exotic species such as emus and iguanas, it is a unique experience for the whole family.

What makes it special: The guided visit is led by experts who share fascinating facts about the animals in an engaging way, and children can touch and feed many of the animals. The centre also offers specialist activities for schools, birthday parties and groups. The family guided visit runs on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 11:00 to 13:00. In the afternoon, the afternoon workshop is a separate activity, from 15:00 to 16:15.

• Location: Navas, Bages district, Central Catalonia
• Price: Adults EUR 15.90, children aged 2 to 14 EUR 13.90, infants aged 1 to 2 EUR 6.95 (under 1 free). 15% discount for eligible cardholders (teachers, disability, large or single-parent families and pensioners)
• Recommended age: All ages (under 1 free)
• Booking: granjanatura.com/en/book/

2. Montseny Natural Park, Family hiking

The Montseny, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers hiking routes adapted for families with children. From easy strolls through beech forests to longer walks with spectacular views, it is an excellent choice for families looking for nature activities near Barcelona throughout the year.

• Distance from Barcelona: 50 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Best season: Spring and autumn

3. Llobregat Delta, Birdwatching

Just 20 minutes from Barcelona, the Llobregat Delta Natural Park is a perfect spot for introducing children to birdwatching. With pushchair-accessible trails and rest areas, it is an ideal excursion for families with young children who want to enjoy nature without straying far from the city.

• Distance from Barcelona: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Very easy
• Highlight: Pushchair-accessible trails

4. Montserrat, Adventure and nature

The mountain of Montserrat offers far more than its famous monastery. The rack railway and cable car make the journey itself an adventure. The trails around the mountain are perfect for children from age 5, and the dramatic rock formations create a sense of adventure that captivates the youngest visitors.

• Distance from Barcelona: 45 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Highlight: Rack railway and cable car

5. Sau Reservoir, Nature and history

The Sau reservoir, with its famous emerging bell tower (the spire of a submerged Romanesque church that becomes visible when water levels drop), fascinates children and adults alike. The area offers picnic zones, easy walks along the water’s edge and the chance to spot raptors soaring above the cliffs. A perfect excursion to combine with a trip to the Bages region.

• Distance from Barcelona: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlight: Emerging bell tower, birds of prey

Which excursion fits the children’s age

Age is the single biggest factor when choosing an excursion. This table sums up our recommendation by age band:

Age	Recommended excursion	Why
2-4 years	Granja Natura, Llobregat Delta	Short trails, flat terrain, direct contact with animals and birds
5-7 years	Montseny (easy routes), Granja Natura	Can walk 1-2 km, follow guided explanations
8-10 years	Montserrat (trails), Sau Reservoir	Physical stamina, interest in history and geology
11-14 years	Montseny hiking, Sau kayak	Autonomy, physical challenge, appreciate adventure

At Granja Natura we welcome families with children of all ages and adapt the guided visit to the group’s age. A 3-year-old and a 12-year-old don’t need the same tour, and our guides know how to handle it.

Tips for a perfect excursion with children

To make the most of family outings, we recommend:

• Comfortable clothing suitable for the season
• Sun protection and plenty of water
• A small picnic for a rest stop
• No rush, children need time to explore
• At educational farms, book in advance (especially on weekends)
• Bring a camera or phone, you will want to capture the moment!

Start your next adventure

If you are looking for an activity that combines fun, education and contact with nature, Granja Natura is your ideal choice. With guided visits at weekends and on public holidays, school programmes during the week and the option to hold unique birthday parties, we have something for every family. Book your visit today and discover nature up close!