Spring nature activities for families in Catalonia: 12 plans

Spring in Catalonia is the perfect season to get the family outdoors and reconnect with nature. Between March and June, the landscape transforms: fields burst into bloom, migratory birds return and mild temperatures (15-22 °C) invite hours of outdoor time without the extremes of summer or winter.

At Granja Natura (Navàs, Barcelona), we organise educational activities for families in the heart of the Bages region. We know what works with children and which plans make the most of this season. Here are 12 nature activities for families to enjoy this spring in Catalonia.

1. Visit an educational farm

Educational farms are one of the standout spring activities for families with children of all ages. They allow kids to touch, feed and observe animals up close in a safe, supervised environment.

At Granja Natura, children interact with over 30 species: goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, turtles, ponies and Mediterranean woodland animals. The family guided visit lasts 2 hours (11:00 to 13:00, weekends and holidays) and includes interacting with the animals, an explanation of each species and access to the picnic area with free barbecue service. In the afternoon, the Afternoon Workshop (15:00 to 16:15, €12 per person, recommended from age 5) offers a complementary activity with a birds-of-prey flight.

Spring is one of the best times to visit a farm: with the warmer weather, the animals are more active outdoors and it is an ideal moment to observe them up close as a family.

2. Family hiking trails

Catalonia has over 9,000 km of signposted trails suitable for families. In spring, low and mid-mountain routes offer pleasant temperatures and landscapes in full bloom. In the Bages, the riverside trail in Navàs is ideal to combine with a visit to Granja Natura.

If you are looking for specific routes near the city, there is a detailed selection in our guide to the best excursions with children near Barcelona.

3. Migratory bird watching

Spring is the peak of bird migration in Catalonia. Between March and May, thousands of birds cross the territory heading north to Europe, and many stop at Catalan wetlands.

Top birdwatching spots:

• Ebro Delta: flamingos, grey herons, ducks
• Aiguamolls de l’Empordà: storks, herons, raptors
• Llobregat Delta: near Barcelona, with family-accessible hides

Bringing binoculars and a bird guide turns a walk into an educational activity that captivates children and adults alike.

4. Vegetable garden workshops for kids

Spring is planting season. Taking part in a garden workshop teaches children where food comes from, how natural cycles work and the value of patience.

Activities include:

• Planting tomatoes, lettuce, beans and aromatic herbs
• Building an insect hotel from recycled materials
• Identifying pollinating insects in the garden
• Collecting herbs to make herbal teas

5. Family geocaching

Geocaching is a free activity combining nature, technology and adventure. It works like a GPS treasure hunt: families search for hidden containers in natural spaces across Catalonia.

In the Bages region, there are over 200 registered geocaches, many on child-friendly routes. Simply download the free Geocaching app and follow the coordinates.

6. Picnic in a natural park

A simple, free plan that children love. Catalonia has 18 natural parks with designated picnic areas, natural springs and play spaces.

Spring tips:

• Choose a shady spot (April and May days can already be warm)
• Bring a large blanket, fresh fruit and sandwiches
• Play observation games: count insect species, identify trees, listen to forest sounds

7. Nature photography

Give children a camera (or an old phone) and a walk becomes a photography expedition. Spring provides the best subjects: butterflies, wildflowers, dragonflies, morning dew and dramatic skies.

Organise a family contest: who photographs the most insect species? Who finds the smallest flower? This activity builds observation skills, patience and respect for the environment.

8. Stargazing night

Spring nights are warmer than winter ones yet still dark enough for stargazing. Catalonia has 3 certified Starlight reserves (Montsec, Aigüestortes and Ports de Tortosa) with excellent visibility.

For families with young children, simply lay out a blanket in the garden or an open field and identify the main constellations using an astronomy app.

9. Cycling routes

Catalonia’s greenways (vies verdes) are cycling paths built on old railway routes: flat, safe and suitable for children. In spring, the scenery along these routes is spectacular.

• Llobregat Greenway: 14 km between Olesa and Monistrol, with views of Montserrat
• Carrilet Greenway (Girona): 54 km between Olot and Girona, with adaptable sections
• Canal d’Urgell route: flat and easy, ideal for children from age 5

10. Visit a farmers’ market

Spring is the season of strawberries, asparagus, peas and cherries. Visiting a farmers’ market with children is an educational activity that connects food with the land.

In the Bages, there are weekly proximity markets in Manresa, Navàs and other towns in the region every Saturday. Buying directly from the producer teaches children the value of local, seasonal food.

11. Building forest shelters

An activity that needs no special materials: children collect branches, leaves and stones to build a shelter or den in the forest. It develops creativity, teamwork and problem-solving.

Ground rules: do not cut living branches, do not move stones from rivers and leave the shelter for other families to enjoy.

12. Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku)

Forest bathing is a Japanese practice of walking slowly through the forest while engaging all the senses. Scientific studies show it reduces cortisol levels, boosts immunity and increases wellbeing.

To practise with children: walk without hurrying, touch tree bark, smell wildflowers, listen to birdsong and sit in silence for 5 minutes. Children from age 6 respond very well to this activity when it is framed as a “senses game”.

Spring is the season for families and nature

Catalonia offers an enormous range of nature activities for families with children of all ages. Spring is the perfect time to break from routine, disconnect from screens and create memories that last a lifetime.

If you are looking for a complete experience, with animals, nature, education and fun in one place, Granja Natura (Navàs, Barcelona) welcomes you on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, with the centre open from 10:45 to 16:30. With over 30 animal species, guided visits and workshops in a natural setting around 1 hour from Barcelona. Advance booking on the website is required.

Book your spring visit →