A Toddler-Friendly Weekend in Barcelona

You'll likely arrive bright and early if taking an overnight flight to Spain. Head to your hotel to check in, freshen up and grab a bite to eat.

Since jet lag can be tough to deal with even for adults, you'll spend the day outside in the sun to help with the time change and where meltdowns are less stressful to deal with!

Take the train or a cab to Park Guell, where you'll spend the day wandering the park and exploring the work of Antoni Gaudi. Make sure to book tickets in advance as they often sell out.

After you're done at the park, stop at one of the local cafes for a bite before heading back to your hotel so everyone can rest before dinner. For your first night, I suggest an easy dinner at your hotel. This way, you don't have to venture far and can default to room service if needed.

After grabbing breakfast at your hotel, today you head out to see the famous La Sagrada Familia. I suggest making the leisurely stroll there on foot, wandering through the Eixample neighborhood. There are number of local coffee roasters located right off of Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes to help fuel the adults for the day.

When you arrive at the church stop at one of the playgrounds located in the parks on either side so your kid(s) can run around and get out some energy before heading into the church.

After taking in the gorgeous architecture of the church, head back towards Passeig de Gracia stopping for lunch at one of the many cafes or stop in for some empanades (we loved Criollo). Wander the streets or jump into some shops before heading back to your hotel to rest.

Before dinner, pull up your map and find your closest parc enfantil, perfect for getting out some post-nap/pre-dinner energy. Another option is to stop at Placa de Catalunya where you'll find local musicians playing in the plaza and kids running around after the pigeons.

Tonight for dinner, if you're feeling fancy, head to Restaurant L'Olive for some classic Catalonian cuisine. I recommend getting a reservation when they first open at 8 pm, so you can get settled before the dinner crowd. Don't be intimidated by the white table cloths; the staff was very welcoming to us and our toddler and had a high chair ready for us.

If you're looking for something more casual, head to El Nacional which contains 4 restaurants in one large open space ranging from tapas to seafood.

Your third day in Barcelona is all about food and exploring. After getting breakfast at your hotel, head out on foot to explore the Gothic quarter. Spend your morning walking along La Rambla and exploring the shop filled alleys.

For lunch head to Bar Canete when they open for some authentic tapas and wine. Order some croquettes for your little one to enjoy as you explore the many options on the menu. The lively atmosphere kept our little one entertained as waiters whisked by holding tiny plates and we all left happy and full.

After lunch continue exploring and walking off lunch before heading back to the hotel to rest.

For dinner you'll head back to Gothic quarter to Arcano Restaurant for catalonian tapas and Mediterranean cuisine.

Before you head to the restaurant stop to watch the performers at the Cathedral or stop at one of our favorite playgrounds in the city at Placa de Sant Miquel.

After be sure to stop at one of the gelato shops to enjoy on your walk back to your hotel.