By following these tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia with kids, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Whether it’s the awe-inspiring architecture, the engaging stories, or the educational opportunities, the Sagrada Familia offers something for everyone. Plan ahead, stay engaged, and enjoy this iconic landmark with your loved ones.
Advice for visiting La Sagrada Familia with kids
La Sagrada Familia, one of the most visited monuments in Spain and a symbol of Barcelona, has recently become a very family-friendly monument. Here, I share eight essential tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia with kids to ensure you enjoy the visit to the fullest.
Tip 1 Basic preparation
Don’t expect a smooth, predictable behavior. Small sagradas (families) can have some problems during the visit. Little kids usually feel restless in this kind of visiting environments.
Sunscreen, water, snacks, and good children’s shoes. Many times parents forget that the visit may be long, with many navigations for the monument. Children get tired easily if it’s hot or if they’re hungry. Let the child discover what they will see to let their curiosity grow. The best thing about La Sagrada Familia is that there are so many things to see that the child will have at least one of her favorite things. Don’t feel anxious, even when there are so many people inside, and there are many in front of the same little detail we want to see – let’s resist our temptation to hurry them; we’ll all enjoy a lot more with a relaxed visit, and so will other visitors.
Tip 2 Souvenirs and Keepsakes for Kids
You can choose to buy a fridge magnet, a keyring or any other souvenir that will help you choose for your child.
Tip 3 Additional Activities in the Area
If you were to choose to walk through this tree-lined avenue – which invites you to walk and relax – you might consider two different visits: La Pedrera and the Casa de les Punxes. Both will take you a little longer, so plan this visit for a day when you have more time and your children’s energy is at its peak. Casa Milà or La Pedrera, another building of Gaudí, is also known for the originality of its floor plan and the lavish decoration of its façade. The visit is interesting, and the rooftop is crowned by a whole parade of warriors that will amuse your children. Just a few streets from Casa Milà, you’ll find Casa de les Punxes, one of the examples of modernist architecture en route in Barcelona, considered one of the most referenced buildings in Catalan homages. The wide range of activities located very close to the Sagrada Família makes it a good choice to spend a few days in the city if you’re coming from out of town.
If you can go for an extra walk after your visit to the Sagrada Família, you will be able to take your children to see other buildings designed by Gaudí in the surroundings. For example, you can choose to visit the Casa Vicens, the first house commissioned to Antoni Gaudí, or the Güell Pavilions, two buildings created by the architect in 1884. Also, at just a 15-minute walk from the Sagrada Família you’ll find the Torre de Bellesguard, an amazing building built between 1900 and 1909. Our children enjoyed the visit to the rooftop and walking through the woods surrounding the building.
Tip 4 Reservation at a place to eat
There are different plans and things to do near the Sagrada Familia such as visiting the Casa de les Punxes or other nearby monuments. You can also go for tapas or eat somewhere close to the Sagrada Familia to recharge your batteries. There are several family-friendly options.
Tip 5 Check out the special activities they organise for children
I would finally like to check out the possible activities and workshops that are programmed, some of which are especially designed for children.
Allowing children to explore and discover things at their own pace through hands-on activities is a very rich and unforgettable experience. A guide will make children first feel, then think, and finally understand the amazing world of structures, volumes, light distribution, and many other knowledge fields. Not to forget that the visit to the building will not only provide a multitude of learning opportunities, but it is also a facade open to the street, the big market competition at the beginning of the 20th century.
Creativity plays a very important role when it comes to organizing activities with children. The guide provides a wide range of activities to choose from, each one integrated in the building’s history and expresses a very clear educational purpose.
Tip 6 Purchase Tickets in Advance
One of the most crucial tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia with kids is to buy your tickets ahead of time. The interior access is limited, and tickets often sell out if you try to purchase them on the day of your visit.
Tip 7 Visit Early in the Morning
If you’re wondering how to visit the Sagrada Familia with the family while avoiding the crowd and heat, plan to visit early. The doors open at 9:00 AM, is the best time to visit the Sagrada Familia, and arriving early has multiple benefits. You will avoid the intense heat that can be overwhelming, especially in summer, and dodge the long lines that start forming mid-morning. While it might be tempting to sleep in during vacations, an early start can make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable for your little ones.
Tip 8 Plan Your Transportation
Understanding how to visit the Sagrada Familia with the family involves planning your transportation. The monument is accessible via two metro lines: the blue line (L5) and the purple line (L2), both stopping at the “Sagrada Familia” station. If public transportation is not convenient for you, consider taking a taxi, which is relatively affordable in Barcelona. This option ensures that your kids don’t arrive tired or stressed from navigating the metro transfers.
Tip 9 Capture Memories at Plaça de Gaudí
Before entering the Sagrada Familia, head to Plaça de Gaudí for the best photo opportunities. This beautiful garden with a lake offers a stunning reflection of the basilica, making it the perfect spot for selfies or family photos. While you’re enjoying the scenery, be cautious of pickpockets who often take advantage of distracted tourists. Encouraging your children to find specific elements like the green cypress tree on the façade or the pelican sculpture can make the experience more engaging and educational.
Tip 10 Explore the Nativity Façade
One of the highlights for kids is the Nativity Façade, the first sight you’ll encounter after passing the security check and climbing a few steps. This magnificent façade is filled with intricate details depicting the early life of Jesus, including the Nativity, the Three Wise Men, and various angels. Challenge your kids to spot the wise men and recall their names or find the two large turtles supporting the main columns—one a sea turtle and the other a land turtle. Additionally, the bronze doors feature numerous insects, frogs, and butterflies. Children will love participating in a scavenger hunt to find these elements.
Tip 11 Discover the Magical Interior
Upon entering, the Sagrada Familia’s interior is a breathtaking sight. The vibrant colors from the stained glass windows, the impressive height, and the unique architecture create a magical atmosphere. Ask your kids to look for the tree-like columns that rise majestically like giant sequoias. Taking a few moments to sit and soak in the ambiance can be a calming and awe-inspiring experience for both adults and children. The interior is far from a typical Gothic church, offering a unique and surprising visual experience.
Tip 12 Engage in Fun Learning
Learning can be fun when you know how to visit the Sagrada Familia with the family. When you move to the Passion Façade, which depicts the suffering of Jesus in his final days, you’ll find a magical square on the bronze doors filled with numbers. Encourage your kids to solve the puzzle: the sum of the numbers in any direction is always 33, representing the age of Christ at his crucifixion. The Sagrada Familia is rich in symbols, and presenting them in an engaging way can captivate your children’s interest and enhance their enjoyment.
Tip 13 Prepare for the Visit
Preparation is key to enjoying your visit to the Sagrada Familia. While guidebooks offer essential information on the history, symbols, and anecdotes of the basilica, the Sagrada Familia also provides audioguides. However, these can be somewhat challenging for younger children who might get distracted. Alternatively, consider booking a private guided tour tailored for families. As a seasoned guide, I adapt my tours to be kid-friendly, ensuring that both adults and children have an enriching experience.
Tip 14 Restrictions and additional services
Photography Restrictions: Note that using tripods for photography is prohibited without prior accreditation from the Sagrada Familia’s press department.
Lack of Lockers: There are no locker facilities at the site, so plan accordingly to carry only essentials.
