Exploring Granada with kids: 12 family-friendly activities

Hidden in the beautiful Andalusia region of Spain, Granada is a picturesque city perfect for exploring as a family. Snow-capped peaks, jaw-dropping historical sites, and delicious food will all entice parents, but there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep kiddos happy, too.

Whether you’re itching to go canyoning with your teenagers or get your little ones excited about history at Alhambra’s Moorish palace and fortress, these are the best things to do with kids in Granada.

The best things to do with kids in Granada at a glance

The best thing to do with young kids in Granada: One of the best things to do with little ones in Granada is pay a visit to the Science Museum, where they can learn about astronomy, the human body, and experience other interesting exhibits.

The best activity for teens in Granada: There are plenty of fun, family-friendly activities for teens in Granada, from taking a tour of the Los Carmenes Stadium to watching a flamenco performance. For adventurous teenagers, canyoning is also a fun and exciting activity!

The best free family-friendly experiences in Granada: Free family-friendly activities are a bit hard to come by in Granada, but the best is taking a stroll through the Albaicin neighborhood. This vibrant corner of the city provides endless entertainment, whether you’re popping into shops or searching for delicious tapas.

1. See the palaces and fortresses of the Alhambra

Almost everyone who visits Granada comes for one thing — a chance to see the Alhambra. This opulent palace and fortress, perched above the city on a hill, is one of the world’s best examples of Moorish architecture. Explore the intricately carved ceilings and exquisitely tiled Nasrid Palace and stroll through the lush Generalife Gardens. Make sure to book your tickets to this ancient wonder well in advance!

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

Address

C. Real de la Alhambra, s/n, Centro, 18009 Granada.

Opening hours

Open 8:30 AM–8:00 PM daily.

2. Attend a traditional flamenco show

Witnessing a flamenco show is an intoxicating experience, no matter your age. Take the family to this classic traditional dancing, singing, and music display for an unforgettable night out in Granada. You’ll be treated to a delicious dinner while also experiencing the performance, a beautiful art form dating back to the 15th century. While a flamenco show will probably be most appreciated by older children and teens, even toddlers can appreciate the melodic music and colorful dresses.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

3. Hike in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Head to the Sierra Nevada National Park for a family day of hiking in the mountains outside Granada. You can see the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range from the center of town, and this is where you’ll be exploring. Spend the day traipsing through pine forests, walking along burbling rivers, and tiptoeing across the longest swinging bridge in Spain with your family. Bring a picnic to ensure little bellies stay happy and full for outdoor adventures.

Who is it recommended for?

It is suitable for all ages but recommended for children who are comfortable walking or being carried for at least a few hours.

Soccer-loving families can’t miss visiting the Los Carmenes Stadium, tucked on the outskirts of Granada. Follow an expert guide who will lead you through the historic Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes, seeing the player’s entrance, Director’s Box, changing rooms, and more while also having the opportunity to walk the Tunnel of the Senses and do a 360° immersive experience. You’ll also have the chance to visit the official club store for souvenirs. This makes for a great rainy-day activity in Granada.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages. Admission is free for children under 5.

Address

C. Pintor Manuel Maldonado, s/n, Zaidín, 18007 Granada.

5. Visit the palatial Granada Cathedral

Spark your little one’s interest in history and architecture at the beautiful Granada Cathedral. Built in the 14th century on top of the ruins of an Islamic Mosque, this imposing cathedral is a testament to the city’s unique mix of heritage. Young and old children can appreciate the soaring nave and gilded Royal Chapel. A famous ice cream shop is also nearby as a fun added treat!

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

Address

Pl. de las Pasiegas, s/n, Centro, 18001 Granada.

Opening hours

Open 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Mon-Sat;

Open 3:00 PM–6:30 PM Sun.

6. Sample traditional Granada cuisine on a tapas tour

Granada is renowned for its mouthwatering tapas, particularly because this is one of the last cities in Spain where they still come free when ordering a drink. Eat your way through the heart of downtown, nibbling delicious bites that are kid-friendly too like patatas bravas — potatoes with aioli — and croquettes — fried balls of bechamel and jamón. Enjoying tapas is a family-friendly activity no matter what city you’re visiting in Spain, and you’ll see families with both babies and teenagers enjoying their tapas in the streets and at the bar in Granada.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

7. Take an e-bike tour of the Sacromonte neighborhood

Sacromonte is a beautiful and historic neighborhood on the eastern edge of Granada, known for its Roma and Jewish heritage. This section of town is extremely hilly and best explored by e-bike, making it difficult to experience with toddlers in tow. Older children and teenagers will have a blast, zooming up and down the streets and learning more about the local cave homes and fascinating culture. Bikes, in general, are a great way to get around Granada!

Who is it recommended for?

Children must generally be at least 4’9”.

8. Go canyoning in the Rio Verde

Adventurous children and teenagers, in particular, will love canyoning in Granada’s Rio Verde Canyon. Plunge into mountain streams, rappel off canyon walls, and swim in turquoise water as you explore the canyon with an expert guide. This is easily the most thrilling thing to do with kids in Granada! Parents can rest easy knowing that safety equipment like helmets and floatation devices are provided.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for children 12 and older. Keep in mind that some children might be frightened by heights and swimming.

9. Search for treasures in the Alcaiceria Market

A holdover from the days of the Moors, the Alcaiceria Market is a labyrinthine section of the city full of vendors and whimsical shops. Take the family on an adventure, searching for treasures to take home. You’ll find everything from chintzy mugs and t-shirts to handmade artisan crafts.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

Address

C. Alcaiceria, 1, 3, Centro, 18001 Granada.

Opening hours

Open 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.

10. Visit the Science Park

Granada’s Parque de las Ciencias is an interactive museum, one of the best museums in Granada, that focuses on inspiring children to love STEM subjects. Kids will love exploring the BioDome, seeing planets and galaxies at the Planetarium, and exploring the Astronomy Garden.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

Address

Av. de la Ciencia, s/n, Ronda, 18006 Granada.

Opening hours

Open 10:00 AM–7:00 PM Tues-Sat,

Open 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Sun.

11. Take a day trip to the Nerja Caves

Wow your kiddos with a day trip to the Nerja Caves! About an hour’s drive from Granada, this magnificent cave system stretches miles into the earth and has breathtaking caverns to explore. You and your little ones will have the chance to see stalactites, stalagmites, and even Neanderthal cave paintings up close before resurfacing and strolling through the Nerja Cave Museum. Children under two get in for free, and there are interactive games for little ones to keep them excited.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

12. Have a beach day in Malaga

Malaga is known for having some of the best weather in the world. What better way to take advantage of being so close to the Mediterranean than spending a day on this city’s sunny shores? Take the family on a day trip to the nearby coastal city of Malaga, just 1.5 hours from Granada, for turquoise sea and sundrenched beaches. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba, another Moorish masterpiece.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

FAQ

What are the best museums for kids in Granada?

The best museum for children in Granada is the Science Museum.

What are some fun outdoor activities for kids in Granada?

Kids will love going for a hike in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the outskirts of Granada.

What are some things to do with older children and teens in Granada?

Older children and teens can get excited about taking an e-bike tour of the Sacromonte neighborhood in Granada.

Are there any free kid-friendly activities in Granada?

There aren’t many free kid-friendly activities in Granada, but strolling through the Albaicin neighborhood makes for a fun, free afternoon in this ancient city.

What day trips from Granada are suitable for families with kids?

Families with children will love spending a day on the coast in Malaga or exploring the nearby Nerja Caves.