Miro and More on Montjuic Mountain, Barcelona, Spain
This half-day trip has a little bit of something for everyone. A ride on a funicular and gondola is fun for babies (who we've noticed love looking down on the passing scenery) and toddlers. Parents and all age kids will find something to enjoy in the Miro museum. If you come in the evening, you can also take in the Magic Foutains before heading back to the hotel.
Consider bringing a picnic lunch as there aren't many food options once you're on the mountain.
Montjuic
Address Parc de Montjuïc, Barcelona, Notes Take the metro to Para-lel stop and then follow the signs to the funicular (inside the station). Exiting the funicular, follow the signs to the gondola station next door and take it to the top.
Monjuic mountain is best described as a weekend playspace for Barcelona families. In addition to the activities described in this itinerary, there is the Olympic Park, a swimming pool, a hair raising gondola ride to the beach, and fantastic playgrounds. There's also a model Spanish Village (best skipped) called Poble Espanyol.
If you have a toddler, riding the funicular up the hill will be half the fun (our son still talks about the funicular one month after returning home).
Fundacio Joan Miro (Miro Museum)
Address Parc de Montjuïc, Barcelona, Tel (34) 934.439.470 Call, Map Location on map is approximate. Entrance is close to the funicular station, Hours change seasonally, Cost Adults 7.5€, Metro Paral·lel, then take the funicular from the Metro station up to Montjuc
From the funicular, it is a short, well signed walk to the museum.
Challenge your kids to tell you what each of the whimsical paintings and sculptures is about or send them in search of the painting with the most stars. After your visit, you can grab a quick bite in the museum cafe or enjoy a picnic in the park next to the museum.Telefèric de Montjuïc (Gondola)
Address Carretera Montjuïc 66, 08038 Barcelona, Spain, Cost Adult 1 way 5.50€; round trip 7.50€; Payment by credit card requires that you know your PIN
Head back to to the Funicular station and take the Montjuic Gondola up to the Castle. The gondola was recently renovated, reopening in 2007. There is an opportunity for a view stop on the way. The ride is beautiful, but beware that you'll pass over some very fun looking playgrounds on the way and you may need to visit them on the way down!
Castle of Montjuic
Address Carretera Montjuïc 66, 08038 Barcelona, Spain, Tel 933 298 613 Call, Hours military museum hours change seasonally, call ahead for latest schedule
Once you've reached the top of the gondola ride, walk up to the 18th Century castle and take in the views, pausing for a cool drink from the snack bar before heading back downhill. The military museum itself is passable (and has no English signs), and we recommend a visit only if you or your kids are deeply interested in military and weapons history
Magic Fountains of Montjuc (La Font Màgica)
Address la Font Màgica, Barcelona, Spain, Metro Placa Espanya, then walk towards the National Palace, Winter (October to April) Fridays and Saturdays from 19:00 to 21:00, Summer (May to September) Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 20:00 to midnight, Cost Free
If you're still in Montjuic in the evening, take the kids to see the Magic Fountains in action before putting them to bed for the night.
The magic fountains, built in 1929, were the first lighted fountain show where the water changes shape in time with lights and music, and they are still wonderful to watch.
