31 May Costa Brava with Kids: 12 of the Best Things to Do for Families
Updated May 2026
Tucked into the northeastern corner of the Iberian Peninsula, the Costa Brava stretches from north of Barcelona all the way to the French border. As its name suggests – Costa Brava translates as ‘Wild’ or ‘Rugged Coast’ – it’s a patchwork of rocky cliffs dotted with sandy bays and hidden coves. The region’s beaches are one of the top attractions for families planning a holiday in Spain. But there’s so much more to discover when you plan a trip to the Costa Brava with kids.
12 of the Best Things to Do in Costa Brava with Kids
At Just Explore, we specialise in tailoring Costa Brava for families itineraries, hand-picking activities to match your interests and ages. While most families come for the beaches, there’s so much more to enjoy in Costa Brava with kids. From botanic gardens and cultural outings to thrilling via ferrata routes and lively water parks, here’s our pick of 12 of the best things to do in Costa Brava with kids.
1. Dive into Dalí: Figueres, Portlligat and Púbol
Dalí’s surreal world is a brilliant way to introduce kids to art and imagination. As a native of the Costa Brava who was inspired by its varied landscapes, exploring Dalí’s world is one of the standout things to do in Costa Brava with kids.
Designed by the artist himself, the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres is a flamboyant red building topped with a glass dome and giant eggs, while inside dream-like paintings, sculptures and optical illusions are a feast for the senses.
In Portlligat, Dalí transformed a simple fishermen’s hut into a quirky seafront house and studio, where he created some of his most iconic works. The Gala Dalí Castle-Museum in Púbol was a dilapidated castle he restored as a secret retreat for his muse and wife, Gala. Children will love spotting eccentric details, surrealist touches and hidden corners that feel straight out of a storybook.
2. Explore Marimurtra Botanical Garden in Blanes
Spread over a hillside in the seaside town of Blanes, Marimurtra Botanical Garden is a magical place to introduce kids to the diversity of the plant world. The gardens are an adventure for children, with scenic pathways winding through greenery and over 3,000 plant species to discover, many of which are rare or endangered.
There are themed routes for kids to learn about endangered plants, or let them follow their own path, exploring stairways and spectacular viewpoints, finding secret gardens and hidden ponds. It’s a great spot for a picnic, while its location in Blanes means you can enjoy a little beach time after all that adventure.
3. Ride the Roses Express through Cap de Creus
All aboard the Roses Express! This cheerful little road train chugs through the Cap de Creus Natural Park, offering panoramic views over the Bay of Roses. Choose between several routes, heading to viewpoints such as Puig Rom, Badia, Puig Alt or Jóncols, depending on how long you have and what you want to see.
Each route includes stories about the bay – recognised by UNESCO as one of the world’s most beautiful – and points out places of historic and cultural interest. It can be a bit bumpy and breezy, but that’s part of the fun! It’s a relaxed, car-free way to admire the Mediterranean landscapes of the Costa Brava with kids.
4. E-bike ‘Burricleta’ Tour Around Empordà’s Medieval Villages
Exploring the inland countryside of Baix Empordà, a rural county near Girona, by e-bike is a fun way to see a different side of the Costa Brava for families. Rent a ‘burricleta’, a rural electric bike with panniers, and glide between medieval villages, such as Pals, Peratallada and Begur, passing stone farmhouses, vineyards and fields.
This activity is generally best for older kids, with e-bike guidance suggesting a minimum age of 14 or a minimum height to hire a bike. Families with younger children can sometimes request smaller bikes or child seats so everyone can enjoy the ride.
5. Nordic Walking in Lloret de Mar
If you’re keen to stay active on your family holiday, Nordic walking in Lloret de Mar is a great option. Using lightweight poles to power your stride, follow a coastal trail that snakes around the headland, with plenty of photo stops to admire sea views and rocky coves.
A short briefing beforehand shows you how to use the poles correctly, giving your upper body a satisfying workout and keeping you steady on uneven ground. It’s a great way to balance exploration with fresh air and movement, and is best suited to families who enjoy hiking and have children old enough to handle a longer walk with rugged terrain.
6. Via Ferrata in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
For adventurous families with teens – the minimum age for this activity is 13 – the via ferrata in Sant Feliu de Guíxols is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the Costa Brava with kids. This protected climbing route clings to the cliffs above the sea, with metal rungs and cables guiding you along while waves crash below.
The route is divided into easy and medium sections, so you can choose the best level for your family. Although it’s free to access, you need proper equipment and expertise, so we always arrange a qualified local guide to provide gear and keep everyone safe.
7. Snorkelling in the Medes Islands
Just off the coast of L’Estartit, the Medes Islands are one of the most beautiful marine reserves in the western Mediterranean. Protected for over 30 years, this small archipelago shelters an incredible variety of underwater flora and fauna that you can discover on guided snorkelling tours.
Slip into clear waters and find yourself surrounded by shoals of colourful fish, including zebra seabream, scorpionfish and the occasional dusky grouper, alongside protected species like red coral, starfish and sea urchins. All equipment and instruction are provided locally, making this a magical Costa Brava for families experience.
8. Go Birdwatching by Kayak in Aiguamolls Natural Park
If your kids love wildlife, ‘ornitokayak’ is a fantastic way to explore the wetlands of Aiguamolls Natural Park. This guided experience combines kayaking with birdwatching, as you paddle along calm channels and lagoons. Your trained bird guide helps you spot some of the park’s characteristic species, from herons and egrets to ducks, waders and birds of prey, as well as explaining the dunes, reed beds and coastal habitats around you.
It’s one of the best things to do in Costa Brava with kids who enjoy nature and feel comfortable in a kayak, with a minimum age of 4 for this activity.
9. Cool Off at Costa Brava’s Water Parks
There’s no better way to enjoy the summer heat than at one of Costa Brava’s water parks. With wave pools, lazy rivers and slides for every age, they’re one of the classic Costa Brava things to do with kids, and an easy full day’s fun. Lifeguards, shaded areas and family facilities keep everything comfortable for parents, while children race between attractions, burning off energy.
Three of our favourites are Aquadiver in Platja d’Aro, Aquabrava in Roses, and Water World in Lloret de Mar, each offering plenty of thrills alongside gentler pools for younger swimmers.
10. Explore Tossa de Mar’s Castle and Town Beach
Tossa de Mar is a firm family favourite on the Costa Brava, combining a golden, crescent-shaped beach with a storybook medieval town. Spend the morning paddling and sandcastle-building on the sand, then wander up through Vila Vella, the walled old town crowned by towers and stone ramparts.
Kids love climbing the cobbled lanes, peeking through arrow slits and pretending to be knights defending the town, while learning the history of the only surviving medieval walled town on the Catalan coast. There are plenty of cafes and ice cream stops along the way and rewarding panoramic views from the top, making this one of the best things to do in Costa Brava with kids on a sunny day.
11. Take a Family Cooking Class in Girona
If you enjoy cooking or want your kids to learn new skills, a family cooking class in Girona is a brilliant addition to your Costa Brava holiday. Join a local chef to discover regional ingredients and learn how to prepare authentic Catalan tapas together. Children can get hands-on mixing, chopping and tasting, while adults sample local wines and kids enjoy fresh juices. It’s a fun, relaxed way to experience everyday Catalan life and bring a few favourite recipes home with you.
12. All About Fish in Palamós
Palamós is a traditional fishing port with a proud maritime heritage, an excellent fishing museum and a lively fish auction. The museum showcases local fish species and the industry today, but the highlight is when fishing boats return to harbour. The catch of the day is rushed straight to the auction floor, which visitors can watch through large viewing windows.
Kids are captivated by the variety of deep-sea creatures and the famous bright red Palamós prawns, as locals bid for the freshest fish. With a guide explaining how the auction works, families can guess which lots fetch the highest prices, then round off the experience with a fishy dinner in town.
Discover Costa Brava for Families with Just Explore
To find out more about the best things to do in Costa Brava with kids or to start planning your Costa Brava for families itinerary, contact Just Explore today. This stunning coastline of northern Spain is perfect for a family holiday, and these ideas are just a small selection of the activities you could be enjoying on your next trip. We’ll craft a tailor-made family itinerary in Spain to match your interests, pace and budget, leaving you free to relax and focus on making unforgettable memories together.