Street Atlas [134 C5] | Google Map
The main attraction here is the large underwater tunnel allowing close-up views of sharks, octopus or sunfish. In the aquarium’s interactive area, children may touch, listen to and discover the Mediterranean underwater world. July and Aug daily 9.30am–11pm, Sept–June Mon–Fri 9.30am–9pm, Sat and Sun 9.30am–9.30pm | admission 17.50 euros, children 12.50 euros | Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell | www.aquariumbcn.com | Metro: Barceloneta (L4) 
Street Atlas [122 C5] | Google Map
A fairy-tale forest, populated by gnomes, fairies and other fabled creatures, in an enchanted café, next door to Barcelona’s Wax Museum. Mon–Fri 10–1pm, Sat and Sun 10am–2pm | Passatge de la Banca, 5 | www.museocerabcn.com | Metro: Drassanes (L3)
Street Atlas [125 F3] | Google Map
In an interactive special department of the Science Museum, the youngest (3–9 years) discover phenomena such as weather, light and lasers, playing all the while. In the Toca Toca! area, children can feel their way around plants and animals in their habitats. Tue–Sun 10am–8pm | admission 3 euros, children under 16 free | Teodor Roviralte, 55 | www.fundacio.lacaixa.es | FGC to Avinguda Tibidabo, then Tramvía Blau or on foot
 | EL REI DE LA MÀGIA |
Street Atlas [123 E4] | Google Map
From witchcraft to Harry Potter: this shop has been selling everything magicians require for over a hundred years. Part of the setup is a small museum around magic arts. Guided tours include a performance with magic tricks (Sat 6pm, Sun 12 noon). Shop: Carrer Princesa, 11 | Mon–Fri 11am–2pm and 5–8pm, Sat 11am–2pm, museum: Street Atlas [134 C4] Jonqueres, 15 | Sat 6–8pm and Sun 12 noon–2pm | admission 5 euros, with performance 12 euros | www.elreydelamagia.com | Metro: Jaume I (L4)
Street Atlas [133 E4] | Google Map
Enchanting park complex on Montjuïc with adventure playground, lawns for relaxing on, as well as space for playing football. Children learn to compose melodies in a playful way, jumping around on sound cushions or pedals. Daily 10am – dusk | free admission | Metro: Espanya (L1, L3), then on foot or bus no. 55
Street Atlas [135 D3] | Google Map
Chocolate tastings and all the history and myths surrounding cocoa. Wed–Sat and Mon 10am–7pm, Sun 10am–3pm | admission 4.30 euros | Comerç, 36 | www.pastisseria.com | Metro: Jaume I (L4)
Street Atlas [133 D4] | Google Map
Pit yourself against athletics legend Carl Lewis: thanks to simulators and modern high-tech, knowledge is never dull in the interactive sports museum on Montjuïc. Oct–March Tue–Sat 10am–6pm, April–Sept 10am–8pm, all year round Sun 10am–2.30pm | admission 4.05 euros, children under 14 free | Avinguda de l’Estadi, 60 (next to Olympic stadium) | www.museuolimpicbcn.cat | Metro: Espanya (L1, L3), then on foot or bus no. 55)
The zoo with large enclosures, dolphin shows and pony-riding lies in the Parc de la Ciutadella, where you can hire bike rickshaws or take a boat on to the lake. Nov–Feb daily 10am–5pm, March–May and Oct daily 10am–6pm, June–Sept daily 10am–7pm | admission 16 euros, children (3–12 years) 9.60 euros | Parc de la Ciutadella | www.zoobarcelona.com | Metro: Marina or Arc de Triomf (L1)
The fun park with panoramic views across Barcelona offers carousels, a Ferris wheel, rollercoaster and high-tech attractions. In the Museu dels Autòmates museums of dolls and automatons, one of the world’s finest, children big and small can set mechanical toys in motion by pressing a button. March–Dec, varying opening times | combined ticket admission 7–25 euros | www.tibidabo.es | FGC: Tibidabo, then Tramvía Blau and funicular