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While being stationed in Germany, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to travel all over Europe with our kids for family holidays. But let’s be honest—every trip comes with its share of hiccups, meltdowns, and “well, that could’ve gone smoother” moments.
And even though our Spain family vacation was one of my favorite European adventures, it was no exception.
Royal Palace Alcazaba, Malaga
We spent two weeks exploring Spain with our kids, and while it was absolutely amazing, there were plenty of ‘oopsie’ moments along the way—things we could have planned better, packed smarter, or handled differently.
From navigating siesta hours and adjusting to late-night dinners, to figuring out how to balance sightseeing with downtime, traveling Spain as a family has a whole different rhythm than your pre-kid adventures.
Even our trip to Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, came with its own unique challenge.
Here’s the good news: we learned a lot and had the best time!
These are the Spain travel tips that helped us, stretched us, and made the trip unforgettable, for all the right reasons.
Truly, if you are asking yourself the burning question,” What to know before going to Spain with kids?“-these are the things I wish I had known!
Honestly, when you go to Spain, it will help determine where you should go. There is no single perfect time.
If you’re planning a bucket-list family vacation in August, know that much of inland and Southern Spain gets really hot.
That’s a great time to head for the coast—think seaside resorts in Mallorca, Tenerife, or Costa del Sol. These spots are built for summer: beaches, pools, and plenty of ways to keep cool.
Visiting Spain as a family in the spring or fall? That’s the sweet spot.
Cities like Seville, Valencia, andCordoba are gorgeous this time of year—not too hot, not too crowded—and still full of energy and color. Spring is also perfect for wildflowers, orange blossoms, and local festivals (just be mindful of Semana Santa if you want to avoid big crowds).
Mezquita Cathedral, Spain
Winter in Spain can be surprisingly lovely, especially in places like Madrid or Barcelona, where it stays relatively mild and festive.
Although I haven’t done it, I think you could even ski in the Sierra Nevada mountains, if your family loves winter outdoor adventures.
Don’t skip the small towns!
Yes, including La Sagrada Familia on your Barcelona itinerary is a bucket list item. But visiting a coastal city like Alicanteor Malaga can be just as magical.
At the end of the day, these smaller cities felt like the perfect place to spend the holidays in Spain with kids.
Playground on the beach in Alicante
2. The Best Way to Get Around Spain With Kids
Honestly, getting around Spain is super doable—even with kids in tow.
The easiest (and most relaxing) way to travel between cities is by train. Spain’s rail system is legit. On our most recent two-week family trip, we got from city to city exclusively by high-speed trains—and it was a dream.
First Class train station lounge
Why we love traveling by trains with kids: They can move around, stretch their legs, look out the window, nap, snack (yes, there’s a café car), or zone out with their coloring book. It’s way less stressful than airport chaos, and honestly, it felt kind of luxurious. Major kid wins.
Spain Family Travel Tip: We splurged on first-class tickets- and they are well worth it! There are even first-class lounges in some of the train stations.
When you’re in the cities, public transportation is just as family-friendly. We’ve had zero issues using the metro, buses, or even grabbing a taxi or Uber when needed.
Just be prepared for the occasional set of stairs in older metro stations—bring a lightweight stroller if you’re traveling to Spain with babies.
If you want to keep things simple and sneak in some sightseeing, consider booking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville. It’s a fun, low-effort way to cover a lot of ground without burning out your crew.
We’ve also rented cars in Mallorca and Tenerife, where public transportation isn’t as convenient. A few things to know:
Roads can be super narrow, especially in older towns.
Most rentals are manual, so request an automatic rental car in advance if that’s what you need.
Parking in busy areas can be tricky, so be sure to double-check your hotel or Airbnb arrangements.
You could probably book a ride share through Uber, but I don’t have any experience with this.
3. Jet Lag Tips for Spain Travel
If you’re flying in from the U.S., don’t underestimate the combo of a long-haul flight and a major time change. If you land in Spain early in the morning (which is common), that first day is probably going to feel… rough. Never underestimate these long travel days.
Build in some buffer time to rest, wander slowly, and just exist—instead of trying to jump straight into a jam-packed Spain itinerary. Trust me, your future self (and your overtired kids) will thank you.
If you have a layover with an overnight stay, take advantage of this and get a full night’s rest.
Family Travel Tip: For parents, it’s a good idea to try to stay awake the entire day and go to bed early. Even with an early night, it will still feel like a full day. And let the kids nap.
After a full night’s sleep for you and your small children, you’ll be able to tackle the next day. Start your day with a café con leche!
Let’s be real: the Spanish schedule is late. And while it sounds dreamy in theory—long dinners, warm evenings, tapas at 9 PM—it can be downright brutal with young kids.
Personally, I found it really challenging. My kids flat-out refuse naps, and by 7:30 PM, they’re turning into pumpkins.
No matter how much we wanted to embrace those long, magical Spanish nights… it just wasn’t in the cards for us. And the days still felt long.
Torres de Serranos, Valencia
This is especially important when it comes to dinner plans. What worked best for our family was prioritizing an early dinner for the kids (let’s be honest, it was often chicken nuggets), getting them to bed, and then ordering takeout for ourselves.
Some of our favorite meals were eaten quietly on a balcony while the kids slept. Win-win.
Now, if your kids are solid nappers or can rally late into the evening, more power to you. We saw tons of families out strolling through plazas at 9 PM, as if it were no big deal.
If you can ease into that rhythm and get on the Spanish schedule, it definitely opens up some sweet nighttime vibes.
But if not? Don’t stress it. Do what works for your family. Spain will still be magical—whether you’re exploring it by moonlight or turning in by 8 PM.
6. Plan For The Siesta
Siestas are very real in Spain… and I’ll be honest—I was not prepared for major attractions and shops to actually shut down in the middle of the day.
The Aquarium, in Valencia
So here’s your friendly heads-up: pay attention to posted hours, especially in smaller towns. Many stores and even some restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon.
It’s part of the culture—and once you know it’s coming, it’s easy to work around.
7. Prioritize the Parks and Playgrounds
This is probably my biggest piece of advice when visiting Spain as a family: make time for fun that’s just for them. This is one of the best things you can do for a family trip to Spain.
Park with playgrounds, Malaga
Yes, Spain is full of incredible history, art, and architecture—but if you want your family’s Spain itinerary to actually work, you also have to prioritize their needs.
That means playground stops, interactive museums, aquariums, and open spaces where they can just be kids.
Trust me- it’s taken us a while to figure out the right balance- and it still changes!
We’ve had to skip plenty of bucket-list museums and adult-friendly attractions—but honestly? Some of my favorite memories happened in the quiet moments: playing in the beautiful gardens of a royal palace, searching for dragons near old castles, or sipping sangria while the kids played on the neighborhood playgrounds.
It’s all about balance. The best family trips aren’t the ones where you see everything— they’re the ones where everyone had fun.
8. Don’t Over-Plan the Spain with Kids Itinerary (Be flexible)
When you’re planning a trip to Spain with kids itinerary, it’s all about striking that delicate balance—booking the key attractions and tours ahead of time, while still leaving room to breathe.
Sure, you could pack your days with nonstop sightseeing and try to check every box… but that’s just not the reality of traveling with kids. Once you let go of that “see it all” mindset, the trip becomes so much more enjoyable.
Because here’s the truth: toddlers don’t care that you have a guided tour at 2 PM. They’re on their own schedule, and their mood will absolutely shape the day. You can’t plan around that—you just have to leave space for it.
So don’t overbook. Build in breaks. Leave some afternoons open. You and your partner will need recovery time, and your kids will definitely need space for fun, play, or a good old-fashioned meltdown.
El Mundo de Los Ninos, amusement park, Alicante
Remember, traveling can be challenging for younger children, so be patient with them. These are long days. Throwing them out of their normal daytime, and sleeping in a new place is challenging, even for older kids.
9. Be Particular with Accommodations
You know your family best, so choose accommodations that actually work for your travel style. Whether that’s hotels, Airbnbs, or something in between, don’t settle for what looks cute online if it won’t meet your real-life needs.
For us, because our kids go to bed early, a separate bedroom is a must. We’ve learned (the hard way) that if we all cram into one room, the evening basically ends at 7:30 PM. Having a door to close means we can still enjoy a quiet dinner, read, or just breathe before turning in.
An ideal living room situation for us, Tenerife
We also try to prioritize a washing machine (huge bonus when you’re packing light) and maybe even a small kitchen. It doesn’t have to be fancy- just a little spacious.
Even when we’re booking Airbnbs, I’ll often check Booking.com too—to get a feel for the area, pricing, and options. It’s all about doing a little extra homework up front so you’re not stuck in a setup that doesn’t serve your family once you arrive.
10. Indulge in the Gelato and Churros
Remember, this adventure of traveling in Spain with kids is a vacation! Indulge!
My kids live on ice cream when we are traveling.
11. Where to Stay in Spain With Kids
This really comes down to personal preference—and how your family functions best.
Our Airbnb, was located right on the Calle de Las Setas, Alicante
If you’re able to get on the Spanish schedule and enjoy late nights out, staying near the city center can be a great option. You’ll be close to the action, restaurants, and plazas, which makes evening strolls and spontaneous ice cream runs super easy.
For us, though, we usually opt for quieter neighborhoods, especially with young children who crash early. We always try to find a place that’s just a short walk to a metro stop—convenient, but not right in the middle of the noise.
Neighborhood playground, Alicante
And if there’s a playground nearby? That’s a major bonus. Nothing like sipping your morning coffee and eating pastries while the kids burn off energy before the day’s adventures begin
12. Always Carry the Essentials in your Diaper Bag
If you’re traveling to Spain with a baby or toddler, do yourself a favor—never leave without the essentials.
The last thing you want is to be stuck with a blowout diaper and no wipes. Or to run out of baby food mid-day and end up panic-hunting through unfamiliar stores (been there… in London… baby food pouches? Practically non-existent! It was unbelievable!!).
Mom tip: Repack your bag every single morning. Make sure you’ve got diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and whatever your go-to snacks are. And speaking of snacks, bring more than you think you’ll need. They’ve saved us from more meltdowns than I can count.
Let me tell you what’s not fun: dragging multiple suitcases through train stations, up subway stairs, across cobblestone streets… all while wrangling kids. It’s a workout and a test of patience. Trust me—you’ll be so glad you packed light.
Now, I know this gets trickier if you’re traveling with a baby or toddler (they come with a lot of stuff). But this is where you have to get creative.
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Prioritize the things they need most, and fit your stuff in around theirs. You really don’t need five outfits for yourself. (Ask me how I know.)
Mom tip: Skip packing bulkier items like diapers and wipes—you can easily buy those once you’re in Spain. Save that suitcase space for the things you can’t replace
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
14. What to Pack for Spain with Kids (Travel Essentials)
Strollers
If you’re traveling to Spain with babies or toddlers, you’ll need to consider how you plan to get around. The big question…Is Spain stroller-friendly? Yes with some exceptions.
If you plan to use a stroller, I recommend a compact yet sturdy model. It needs to withstand the cobblestoned streets, and you’ll need the option to fold it up for use on buses and other public transportation.
It’s essential to note that many of Spain’s main attractions do not accommodate strollers.
Most of the Airbnbs we stayed in had persianas (those magical outdoor shutters) that made the rooms totally dark—something we really appreciated during Spain’s long daylight hours.
That said, when we stayed in Tenerife, we needed a little extra help. We brought a blackout cover for the Pack ‘n Play, and it made such a difference. It fits over a standard-sized travel crib and even works over the crib provided by our resort.
If you’re planning to rent a car or use taxis during your holiday in Spain with kids, you’ll need to plan ahead when it comes to car seats.
During our two-week trip to Spain, we primarily used public transportation, which made things a lot simpler. But when we visited Tenerife, renting a car made more sense, so we reserved a car seat through the rental company. It worked well, but just know it takes a little extra coordination.
Now that my son is older, we’re able to travel with a compact, travel-approved harness and booster seat, which makes things much easier on the go.
If your kids are still in the bulky car seat stage, I’d recommend either booking one with your rental car or researching travel-friendly options ahead of time.
Tip: In our experience, the taxi drivers were very friendly.
Plaza de Espana, Seville
Travel Crib
Our Graco Pack’ n Play has been a world-class traveler—I mean it. It’s been on planes, trains, ferries, and through more European Airbnbs than I can count.
That said, it is bulky. And carrying it along with kids, luggage, and snacks? Not exactly a light lift.
If you’re planning your Spain itinerary, my first tip is this: prioritize accommodations that provide a crib or Pack ‘n Play. Most family-friendly rentals in Spain offer them if you ask in advance (sometimes for a small fee—but honestly, it’s so worth it not to lug your own).
On our first big trip (a two-week adventure through Italy), we brought our own and used it in almost every apartment. It worked—but now that we’ve done this a few times, I try to book places that already have one available.
It’s just one less thing to carry, and every ounce counts when you’re schlepping bags across cobblestones.
Final Thoughts on Spending your holidays in Spain with kids
Spending your holidays in Spain with kids is one of the best family destinations, offering a mix of adventure, cultural experiences, visits to renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and fun.
Traveling to Spain with toddlers and babies isn’t always smooth—and it definitely won’t be perfect—but it is 100% worth it.
With a little planning, a lot of flexibility, and a willingness to roll with the chaos, it can be one of those trips your family talks about for years. Some days will feel like magic, others might end in meltdowns—but that’s just part of the adventure.
The most important thing? Do what works best for your family. Say yes to more playground breaks, slow mornings, good food, and maybe even a few late-night gelato runs. And harmonize the sightseeing with the fun. Create your own Spain travel guide for families!
Spain is a truly family-friendly country and a dream vacation destination. I hope this Spain travel advice helps you feel more prepared for your first trip—and a little more confident—as you plan your own unforgettable trip.
Sarah Christine is a Nurse Practitioner, military spouse, and mommy of two little kids. She loves sharing her challenges and adventures of this military life to inspire others! Currently living in Germany, her family has had the incredible blessing of traveling while in Europe. She hopes that you enjoy all of her travel adventures and tips!
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