GillsinEurope

Has anyone been to the Barcelona aquarium? How is it? I thought I read somewhere that it was awesome, but I can't find where I saw that and I want to make sure it's a good activity for our two kids (ages 3 and 1) before spending one of our precious Barcelona days and our money on it. I just want to do something fun for them one day since I doubt they'll have too much fun going to all the places my husband and I want to go. If the aquarium isn't all that great, then what would you suggest two small kids would like for a fun kid morning? Thanks!

Cowboy1968

Until you get some first hand advice, you may find this site interesting to browse:
http://www.kidsinbarcelona.com/

GillsinEurope

Thanks I'll check it out. Maybe it will have other suggestions on where to take the kids.

not_enuf_vaca

We pretty much hit every aquarium we see - big or small. The Barcelona Aquarium was a really nice one and the kids will love it!

not_enuf_vaca

They are kind of young but I think they might like Park Güell as well? - at least you can get some cute pictures of them by the lizard!

GillsinEurope

Yeah I figured a park day would be good too and I'd like to see Park Guell also. What about Parc de la Ciutadella? That one looked like it had rowboats and actual play structures to play on. Does Parc Guell have slides and things to climb on also?

Cowboy1968

Ciutadella is downtown, on flat terrain, and easier to navigate with stroller than Güell which sits on a hill.
Plus you got the Zoo in Ciutadella park.
If you wish to see Park Güell you should use the 24 bus to its eastern entrance , and not take the HOHO bus or make the long uphill walk from next metro station Lesseps.

BKP

We went to the aquarium in December with our 6 1/2 year old. It was good, but not spectacular. But after being dragged around Barcelona it was a very kid friendly activity. They take your photo next to a fake dolphin as you walk in. We usually avoid those touristy photos -- but ours turned out really well so we did buy it! They are printed out and waiting for you towards the end.

We also visited Ciutadella Park. There are a few different playgrounds, all too young and small for our son but should be perfect for your little ones. We did rent a row boat and paddled around the pond. We all enjoyed that.

One more thing, sort of tucked away, on the modern side of Sagrada Familia, is another little park with a few swings and other equipment. Nice place to stop and let the kids run. I won't point out the Mcdonalds across the street!

Gordon_R

We're big aquarium fans too and have visited the one in Barcelona a couple of times. It's definitely one of the best we've seen (right up there with the one at Monterey California, which is our favourite). Kids of all ages will love it.

BKP

Gordon_R -- have you been to the aquarium in Boston? That's our favorite! If you're ever in El Gouna, Egypt, though, you can skip that one!

hanabilly

When we were at the aquarium there was school-group of preschoolers. They appeared to be having a great time! They were getting special attention - I think from an aquarium employee who had them seated at each exhibition and appeared to be explaining things with puppets, etc. They remained quiet and attentive, with bouts of ohhhhhs at certain points of the talk. I think it is well geared for kids and they will be fascinated, as long as you move at their pace according to their attention.

Gordon_R

BKP - yes we've been to the one in Boston, it was very good too (especially the penguins!).

BKP

Penguins! Have you seen the Penguin Parade at the Edinburgh Zoo? Apparently one day the penguin feeder left the cage door open and a few penguins followed her out. Now every afternoon, they open the door and several penguins follow a trainer for a little lap around the zoo!

GillsinEurope

Well it sounds like it may be a great activity for our daughters so I'm thinking I'll stick it on our itinerary and see if we can get to it one of our days there. Do any of you know if one day during the week is better than going on another? Any insider tips would be great. BKP - I'll check out the park by the Sagrada Familia also. Thanks! We live in CA so I've been to Monterey aquarium before (as a kid), but my children have not yet been to it.

colduphere

Perhaps we were having a bad day but we (five of us, youngest child 11) thought the Barcelona aquarium was one of the least interesting aquariums we have been to. Though the surounding area is great. I suspect very young kids would still enjoy the visit.