Granada With Kids

Granada is an ideal family destination if you’re visiting Spain with kids, offering a harmonious blend of history, culture, and adventure. Explore the awe-inspiring Alhambra palace, wander through the charming streets of the Albayzin neighborhood, and indulge in delicious tapas. With its welcoming atmosphere and a variety of family-friendly activities, Granada with kids promises a memorable vacation.

Things to Do in Granada With Kids

Here are some ideas for things to do with kids in Granada:

1. Visit the Alhambra: Explore the iconic Alhambra palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its beautiful gardens, intricate architecture, and fascinating history. Kids will love wandering through the enchanting palaces and discovering the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Gardens.
2. Discover the Albayzin: Take a stroll through the historic Albayzin neighborhood, known for its narrow winding streets, Moorish architecture, and stunning views of the Alhambra. Kids can enjoy the charming atmosphere and explore the local shops and cafes.
3. Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias): Engage in interactive and educational exhibits at the Science Park, offering a wide range of activities related to science, technology, and nature. The museum features hands-on displays, a planetarium, and an outdoor area with live animals.
4. Explore the Caves of Sacromonte: Venture into the caves of Sacromonte, where gypsy communities have lived for centuries. Watch a traditional flamenco show, immerse yourself in the unique culture, and enjoy panoramic views of Granada.
5. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride: Enjoy a leisurely ride through the streets of Granada in a horse-drawn carriage. It’s a charming and relaxing way to see the city, especially for younger children who may enjoy the novelty of the experience.
6. Play at Federico García Lorca Park: Spend some time at this park named after the famous Spanish poet. It offers playgrounds, green spaces, and a small lake with rowing boats, providing a fun and relaxing environment for kids to enjoy.
7. Visit the Granada Science Park (BioDomo): Discover the wonders of nature at BioDomo, an ecological park where kids can observe and learn about different ecosystems, plants, and animals. The park features a tropical rainforest, a coral reef, and other interactive exhibits.
8. Enjoy tapas and local cuisine: Granada is famous for its tapas culture, where many restaurants offer free tapas with drinks. Take your family on a culinary adventure, sampling various local dishes and flavors.

Where to Stay in Granada With Kids

When choosing accommodation in Granada for a family trip, it’s important to consider the needs and preferences of your family. Here are some recommended areas to stay in Granada with kids:

1. Albaicín: This historic neighborhood offers a unique and charming atmosphere with its narrow streets, Moorish architecture, and stunning views of the Alhambra. It provides a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
2. Realejo: Located close to the city center, Realejo is a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of residential areas, shops, and restaurants. It offers easy access to attractions like the Alhambra and is a convenient base for exploring the city.
3. City Center (Centro): Staying in the city center provides easy access to many attractions, shops, and restaurants. The area around Plaza Nueva and Calle Recogidas is particularly popular, with a wide range of accommodation options.
4. Alhambra Hill (Cuesta de Gomérez): For a truly unique experience, consider staying near Alhambra Hill. This area provides stunning views of the Alhambra and allows you to be within walking distance of this iconic attraction.

Where to Eat in Granada With Kids

Granada offers a wide range of dining options that cater to families with kids. Here are some suggestions for family-friendly places to eat in Granada:

1. Plaza Bib-Rambla: This vibrant square in the city center is home to several cafes and restaurants that offer outdoor seating. It’s a great spot to enjoy a meal while watching street performers and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
2. Calle Navas: Known as the “Tapas Street,” Calle Navas is lined with numerous tapas bars and restaurants. Kids can enjoy sampling a variety of small plates while exploring the bustling street.
3. Paseo de los Tristes: Located at the foot of the Alhambra, this picturesque promenade offers stunning views of the palace and the Sierra Nevada mountains. There are restaurants and cafes along the street where families can enjoy a meal with a beautiful backdrop.
4. Mercado San Agustin: This indoor food market is a great option for families. It offers a variety of food stalls and vendors selling fresh produce, meats, seafood, and more. You can create your own picnic or enjoy a quick bite in a casual setting.
5. Granada’s Ice Cream Parlors: Treat your kids to delicious ice cream from one of Granada’s ice cream parlors. Heladería Los Italianos and Heladería Los Valencianos are popular choices known for their wide selection of flavors.
6. Family-Friendly Restaurants: Look for restaurants that specifically cater to families, offering children’s menus and a relaxed atmosphere. Some recommended options include La Bella y la Bestia, El Trasgu, and Bodega Castañeda.

When to Go to Granada With Kids

Granada is a fantastic destination to visit with kids throughout the year, but the timing of your trip can impact your experience. Here are some considerations for the best time to go to Granada with kids:

1. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November): These seasons offer mild temperatures, making it pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. It’s an excellent time to explore the Alhambra, stroll through the city’s neighborhoods, and enjoy the beauty of Granada without extreme heat or cold.
2. Summer (June to August): Granada can get quite hot during the summer months, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). While it may be challenging to handle the heat, you can plan your activities accordingly. Consider visiting attractions like the Alhambra early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak heat of the day. Also, take advantage of the many shaded spots and parks around the city to cool off.
3. Winter (December to February): Granada experiences mild winters, although temperatures can drop, especially in the evenings. Winter is a quieter time in terms of tourism, which can mean fewer crowds and lower hotel prices. It’s a good time to explore indoor attractions such as museums or enjoy seasonal events like the Christmas markets.

How Long to Stay in Granada With Kids

The ideal duration for your stay in Granada with kids depends on several factors, including the interests of your family, the activities you plan to do, and the pace at which you prefer to explore. However, a recommended timeframe to fully experience Granada and its attractions with kids would be around 3 to 4 days. This allows for sufficient time to visit the must-see sights, enjoy family-friendly activities, and have some flexibility for relaxation and downtime.

3-Day Granada Itinerary With Family

If you have three days to spend in Granada with your family, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time:

Day 1:

• Morning: Explore the Alhambra complex, including the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and Alcazaba. Purchase tickets in advance to ensure entry at your preferred time.
• Afternoon: Visit the Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias), where kids can enjoy interactive exhibits, the planetarium, and outdoor activities. Allow ample time to explore the different sections of the park.
• Evening: Stroll through the bustling streets of the city center, have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Day 2:

• Morning: Take a walking tour of the Albayzin neighborhood, known for its Moorish architecture and narrow streets. Enjoy panoramic views of the Alhambra and stop by the Mirador San Nicolas for breathtaking vistas.
• Afternoon: Visit the Cathedral of Granada and explore its surroundings. You can climb the bell tower for stunning city views. Take a leisurely walk through Plaza Nueva and Calle Navas, known for their tapas bars and shops.
• Evening: Experience a traditional flamenco show, which can be a memorable cultural experience for the whole family. Several venues in Granada offer family-friendly flamenco performances.

Day 3:

• Morning: Explore the historic Sacromonte neighborhood, famous for its cave dwellings. Visit the Sacromonte Abbey and Museum to learn about the area’s history and enjoy views of Granada.
• Afternoon: Visit Federico García Lorca Park, where kids can enjoy playgrounds, green spaces, and possibly a boat ride in the small lake. Relax and have a picnic in the park.
• Evening: Wander through the charming streets of the Realejo neighborhood, known for its bohemian atmosphere. Discover hidden squares, street art, and local shops. Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.

How to Get Around Granada

Getting around Granada is relatively easy and convenient, with several transportation options available. Here are the common ways to navigate the city:

1. Walking: Granada’s city center is pedestrian-friendly, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Exploring on foot allows you to soak in the city’s charm and discover hidden gems along the way.
2. Public Bus: Granada has an extensive bus network operated by Transportes Rober. Buses connect different parts of the city, including major attractions and neighborhoods. Look for bus stops and check the schedules and routes to plan your journeys. Tickets can be purchased on the bus or at tobacco shops.
3. Tourist Train: The Granada City Train is a popular option for sightseeing, especially for families with kids. It offers guided tours around the city, covering major landmarks and providing informative commentary. The train runs on a hop-on-hop-off basis, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
4. Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Granada, and they can be a convenient mode of transport, especially for shorter distances or when you have heavy luggage. Taxis can be hailed on the street, or you can find them at designated taxi ranks.
5. Car Rental: While having a car in the city center may not be necessary due to the pedestrian-friendly layout, it can be convenient if you plan to explore areas outside of Granada or take day trips to nearby attractions. Granada has several car rental agencies, and parking facilities are available, but it’s important to note that parking in the city center can be limited and expensive.

It’s worth mentioning that some areas of Granada, such as the Albayzin neighborhood, have narrow streets that are not accessible by vehicles. In such cases, walking or using public transportation is recommended.