15 Best Things to Do in on Costa Brava With Kids

You’ll find endless family adventures on Costa Brava, from exploring Tossa de Mar’s medieval walls and towers to splashing in the calm, shallow waters of Calella de Palafrugell’s protected coves. Take your kids through Platja d’Aro’s treetop adventure park with over 120 activities, discover hidden caves by kayak, and spot flamingos at Els Aiguamolls wetlands. Don’t miss hot air balloon rides over ancient villages or snorkeling in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters—each experience offers something special for every age and adventure level.

Explore the Medieval Walls and Hidden Coves of Tossa De Mar

Since Tossa de Mar stands as the only fully preserved fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast, you’ll find yourself stepping directly into 800 years of history with your kids. The Vila Vella’s intact walls and seven defensive towers create an adventure playground where children can safely explore narrow cobbled streets and climb stone stairways to the lighthouse area.

You’ll discover panoramic Mediterranean views perfect for family photos while learning about pirates and medieval defenses. The gradual ascent features rest stops ideal for small legs, and the stone houses built against the perimeter walls fascinate young explorers. Kids will be captivated by the intricate stonework and arched doorways that showcase the town’s well-preserved medieval architecture.

Don’t miss the Joanàs Tower overlooking the main beach, where kids can imagine watching for approaching ships while you enjoy the strategic harbor views.

Splash Around at Water World in Lloret De Mar

Water World in Lloret de Mar delivers Spain’s original water park experience across 140,000 square meters of hillside adventure that’s perfectly designed for families with children of all ages.

You’ll find dedicated zones for kids under 10, including Kiddie Island’s safe slides and Kids Water World‘s pirate ship adventures. Families can tackle the 260-meter Water Mountain aquatic roller coaster or brave the group-friendly Rafting River’s dark sections.

Thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss the 77-meter Kamikazes reaching 60 km/h or the new Tornado King with 360-degree turns. The park recently celebrated its milestone achievement as Spain’s first water park, originally established in 1985.

You’ll appreciate the practical amenities: free shuttles from hotels, €5 parking, and permission to bring your own food.

Tickets cost €37 for adults, €21 for children under 1.20m, with Fast Pass options available.

Enjoy Family Fun at Aquadiver Water Park

When you’re looking for another spectacular water adventure on Costa Brava, Aquadiver Water Park in Platja d’Aro delivers 23 thrilling attractions that have been entertaining families since 1987.

You’ll find heart-pounding slides like the nearly vertical Kamikaze and the atmospheric Black Hole with light effects, plus a wave pool generating one-meter waves.

The park caters to all ages with dedicated kids’ zones and varying height restrictions from 90cm to 140cm per slide. The recent addition of a world-class KIDZ Zone brings industry-leading attractions specifically designed for younger visitors.

You’ll appreciate the safety features including qualified lifeguards, daily water testing, and first-aid facilities.

Plan more than three hours for your visit during the 2025 season (June 1-September 15).

Bring swimming gear, sun cream, and non-slip flip-flops.

Free parking and picnic areas make it budget-friendly for families.

Relax on the Peaceful Beaches of Calella De Palafrugell

After all that water park excitement, you’ll discover a completely different kind of aquatic paradise at Calella de Palafrugell’s collection of pristine coves and beaches.

The shallow, calm waters at Cala de Sant Roc and Canadell Beach are perfect for little swimmers, while rocky outcrops at Port Bo create natural playgrounds for kids.

You’ll appreciate the sheltered bays that ensure smooth, clear water that’s rarely wavy, making family swimming stress-free.

The beaches feature safe swimming zones marked with buoys, and several offer lifeguards for added security.

Medium-grain sand provides comfortable footing for young feet, while crystal-clear waters in coves like El Golfet offer excellent snorkeling opportunities. For families seeking a more secluded experience, Cala Estreta features transparent waters surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.

Convenient facilities include promenade restaurants, showers, and easy access via coastal paths, making these beaches ideal for relaxing family days.

Experience Adventure at Platja D’aro Adventure Park

Treetop thrills await your family at Platja d’Aro Adventure Park, where more than 120 acrobatic activities are suspended among the trees across eight aerial trekking courses. You’ll navigate zip lines, bridges, Tarzan jumps, and tunnels while instructors guarantee your safety with proper equipment and training.

Little ones aged 3-7 can explore Dumbo Balance Park’s climbing walls and trampolines, while kids 8+ tackle Mamut Balance Park’s skill challenges.

The park features Spain’s largest zip line circuit spanning over 1,500 meters, plus tree climbing up 15-meter heights with safety harnesses. Adventure seekers can also enjoy paintball battles using air guns in a safe, adrenaline-pumping environment perfect for family celebrations.

Pricing decreases as you complete more circuits, making progressive adventures budget-friendly. With monitors supervising throughout and age-appropriate options for everyone, this Costa Brava adventure delivers safe excitement in stunning natural surroundings.

Discover Marine Life Through Kayak Excursions

From high-flying adventure to underwater exploration, Costa Brava’s crystal-clear Mediterranean waters offer your family an unforgettable marine discovery experience through guided kayak excursions.

You’ll paddle through sheltered bays like S’Agaró and Tamariu, where Posidonia seagrass meadows create perfect nurseries for colorful fish including bream, wrasse, and sea bass.

Most operators design 2-3 hour tours specifically for families, using stable double kayaks with children aged 6-8 and up. Your guide will provide all equipment—kayaks, snorkel gear, and wetsuits—while teaching about Mediterranean ecosystems during snorkel stops.

You’ll spot sea urchins, starfish, and octopus around rocky coves, plus seabirds nesting on dramatic cliffs. These adventures take you to hidden caves and secluded coves that are only accessible by kayak, providing an exclusive exploration experience away from crowded beaches.

Book morning tours for ideal conditions, as calm waters maximize underwater visibility and comfort for young explorers discovering this underwater wonderland.

Hike the Scenic Camins De Ronda Coastal Paths

While Costa Brava’s beaches captivate most families, the historic Camins de Ronda coastal paths offer your children an entirely different adventure—one where dramatic clifftop views, hidden coves, and centuries-old smugglers’ routes create unforgettable hiking memories.

Choose family-friendly sections like Calella de Palafrugell–Llafranc–Tamariu or S’Agaró–Sant Feliu de Guíxols, typically 5–11 km with frequent beach access points. These well-marked trails combine pine forest shade with stunning Mediterranean viewpoints, perfect for kids who enjoy exploring.

Plan carefully—narrow paths and cliff edges require sturdy footwear and close supervision. The routes pass popular family beaches like Sant Pol and Sa Conca, allowing swim breaks. Originally these paths were patrolled by Carabineros, Spain’s former frontier guards who worked to combat smuggling along the coastline.

Spring and autumn offer ideal hiking conditions with milder temperatures and fewer crowds for your family adventure.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Costa Brava

Beyond ground-level adventures, hot air balloon rides over Costa Brava transform your family vacation into an unforgettable aerial journey above medieval villages, golden coastlines, and the vast Empordà plain. You’ll soar 500-1,200 meters high, spotting landmarks like Medes Islands, Cap de Creus, and the Ter River during your 60-90 minute flight.

Most operators launch from accessible fields near Colomers and Verges, requiring early 6:30-7:00 a.m. meetings for ideal weather conditions. The complete 3-hour experience includes balloon inflation, safety briefings, flight, and celebratory cava for adults plus juice for kids. The peaceful journey concludes with personalized photo reports and GPS-recorded tracks that serve as lasting mementos of your aerial adventure.

Safety requirements include closed shoes (no sandals), and the activity isn’t suitable during pregnancy or for those with serious medical conditions. Shared family packages accommodate 2 adults plus children under 12, with prices starting around €180-€240 per person.

Visit the Stunning Marimurtra Botanical Gardens in Blanes

Perched on dramatic clifftops overlooking the Mediterranean, Marimurtra Botanical Gardens in Blanes offers your family an extraordinary journey through 4,000 plant species from five continents within its historic 10-acre paradise. Founded in 1920, this 90-year-old scientific garden features stunning collections from cacti gardens to musical bamboo forests, with breathtaking panoramic sea views from the iconic Linnaeus Pavilion.

Your kids will love exploring the diverse habitats – from Australian corners to jungle pergolas – while following the self-guided arrow route. The gardens showcase sustainable practices through organic gardening and natural resource use, creating an educational experience where children can observe the interconnected relationships between plants, insects, and birds. Plan 1-3 hours for your visit, bringing water and comfortable shoes for the steep slopes and steps.

At €7-8 per adult (children under 4 free), it’s open daily 9 AM-7 PM, combining education with spectacular coastal scenery.

Explore the Tropical Paradise of Pinya Rosa Gardens

Just 2 kilometers from Blanes town center, Pinya Rosa Gardens welcomes your family into a breathtaking 50-hectare tropical paradise where over 7,000 plant species from around the world create Europe’s most diverse cactus and succulent collection.

You’ll discover impressive varieties including towering palm trees, golden barrel cacti, and exotic aloes while enjoying panoramic Mediterranean views from the hilltop location.

Plan your visit for morning hours since there’s limited shade throughout the gardens. Bring water and hats for sun protection.

At just 5€ entrance fee, you’ll find excellent value with free parking available. The gardens also offer unique paid photography sessions with colorful parrots or exotic snakes for memorable family portraits.

Your kids can collect exotic leaves for herbarium projects while exploring the diverse plant collections.

Combine your garden adventure with nearby Santa Cristina beach for a perfect family day.

Bird Watch at Els Aiguamolls De L’empordà Natural Park

While tropical gardens offer one type of natural wonder, Els Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park presents your family with Catalonia’s second-largest wetland ecosystem. Over 329 bird species create an incredible wildlife spectacle across 4,800 hectares of marshes, lagoons, and coastal habitats.

Start your adventure at El Cortalet information centre, where you’ll find clearly marked 2-kilometer walking trails perfect for children. Rent binoculars for €2.50 to help kids spot flamingos, purple herons, and glossy ibis from comfortable bird hides. The converted rice silo observation tower offers panoramic views that’ll captivate young explorers.

Visit during spring or autumn migration periods for peak bird activity. Early mornings provide cooler temperatures and more active wildlife. The flat, stroller-friendly paths ensure easy access for families with younger children. Beyond the wetlands, families can explore diverse habitats including coastal sands, freshwater lakes, and even cork oak forests that add variety to your nature walk.

Adventure Through Cap De Creus National Park

Beyond the wetlands of Els Aiguamolls, Cap de Creus National Park offers your family Spain’s most dramatic coastal wilderness, where lunar-like landscapes meet the Mediterranean at the mainland’s easternmost point. You’ll discover hidden coves like Cala Rostella and Cala Joncols, perfect for swimming and snorkeling adventures where kids can spot groupers and colorful fish in crystal-clear waters.

The hiking trail from Cadaqués to the historic 1853 lighthouse rewards families with breathtaking panoramic views. However, you should plan visits during spring or autumn mornings for comfortable temperatures. The park welcomes visitors year-round, 24 hours with no entry fee, making it an accessible adventure for families exploring at their own pace.

Book catamaran tours from Roses for safe exploration of sea caves and remote beaches. The powerful Tramontana winds create dramatic scenery but can be intense, so bring windproof jackets and secure hats for everyone’s comfort.

Take a Day Trip to Medieval Villages

Costa Brava’s medieval villages transport families back centuries through perfectly preserved stone streets and ancient castle ruins that spark children’s imaginations. Start with Pals’ hilltop Gothic quarter, where narrow cobbled streets and golden sandstone houses create an enchanting “time-travel” atmosphere. The watchtowers and panoramic viewpoints offer stunning vistas while central square shops provide perfect snack breaks.

Peratallada’s exceptionally preserved fortified layout radiates from its centuries-old castle, featuring traffic-free cobbled alleys ideal for safe exploration with younger kids.

Begur’s castle ruins reward climbers with 360° coastal views and combine beautifully with nearby beach visits. These historical sites showcase over 2,000 years of regional heritage that creates meaningful learning opportunities for curious young minds.

Consider joining small-group day tours from Girona that visit multiple villages, providing air-conditioned transport, flexible pacing, and child-friendly commentary while covering coastal and inland highlights.

Enjoy Beach Activities at Platja D’aro Main Beach

When your family needs a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, Platja Gran delivers as Costa Brava’s most extensive beach destination for children of all ages. This golden sand beach features calm waters with gradual slopes, making it ideal for young swimmers.

Lifeguards monitor buoyed swimming areas during high season, while first-aid stations provide quick response to minor incidents.

You’ll find everything needed for comfortable family days: sunbed rentals, beachfront cafés, and clean facilities including showers and changing areas.

Kids can try beginner-friendly kayaking and paddle surfing with proper instruction and child-sized life jackets.

The traffic-free promenade offers cycling paths and multiple playgrounds for non-beach activities. For quieter family moments, nearby Cala del Pi provides excellent snorkeling opportunities in more secluded surroundings.

Easy parking and wheelchair-accessible ramps ensure stress-free arrival with strollers and equipment.

Visit the Toy Museum and Local Cultural Sites

While most destinations offer typical tourist attractions, Costa Brava houses two extraordinary toy museums that’ll captivate children and spark nostalgic memories for parents. The Toy Museum of Catalonia in Figueres ranks as the world’s third most important toy museum, displaying 7,000 items across three floors in a historic 1767 manor. You’ll discover toys from all continents, including Salvador Dalí’s teddy bear and items that fascinated poet Federico García Lorca.

Sant Feliu de Guíxols offers another gem with 3,500 collector pieces dating to the 19th century. The museum features a dramatic entrance with a giant dragon’s head that was originally from Montjuc hill in Barcelona. Both museums feature interactive elements like working model railways and dollhouses.

Note that Figueres includes a horror room with vampire dolls—better suited for older children. Admission costs €7 for adults, with reduced rates available.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Costa Brava offers endless family adventures, from splashing in water parks to exploring medieval walls. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated during beach days. Keep young children close near cliff areas in Cap de Creus, and check water conditions before swimming. Whether you’re building sandcastles or hiking through national parks, you’ll create lasting memories. Plan your days around your kids’ energy levels for the most enjoyable experience.