Painting classes for children, Barcelona
Recommended by Camila Tomas
A painting experience where everybody can participate. Those with little artistic skills and those whit a lot.
Time: Wednesday from 17.00 - 18.30
Where: Calle Riereta 18 bajos 1A - www.thespace.es
Cost: 80 euro a month incl. canvas , paint, brushes etc.
Language: Taught in english, so the child will in the same time be doing an english course - Two for one!!
Age: From 4 to 10 years old (max 10 children on a course)
More info: +34 607 396 753
or am@annettemerrild.com
Comments:
"This christmas I took my children, Björk (7) and Blue (4), for a painting course in Gallery Malda and they loved it. The danish artist Annette Merrild who lives here in Barcelona taught them in Spanish and English and each child in the class was being helped on their level. My children had so much fun and they tried how it was being a "real" artist for a moment. They ended up whit each their cute little canvas which we gave to the grandparent in Denmark and here in Barcelona. They where so proud! They liked it so much that we decided to take part of Annette Merrild weekly program which she will start in february in her own studio. I can only recommend this to anyone who have children who have interest in drawing or painting" (CT, Jan 2013)
Smiles & Fun, Barcelona
Recommended by Nat
The aim of Smiles&Fun Association is to bring together English-speaking children of various ages to enjoy and participate in different kinds of activities while practicing English. The method is based on Storytelling, music, dance, theatre, cooking, games and hands-on learning for children three to twelve years old. The idea of this association came about from the difficulties that parents experienced during the school holidays trying to find a similar service for their own children, and realizing that no such association existed in English. The possibility of finding alternatives in even Spanish or Catalan was even more difficult during the summer holidays. Not all parents are able to go on holidays in August. Some of us have to leave our children with their grandparents, other family members or nannies. For foreign families who have no such family network, help is not readily available. Hence, they decided to set up this association to allow the English-Speaking children to have an extracurricular activities where they could use English the entire time, freeing up the parents a few hours in the evening. No more headaches and no more exhausted grandparents, just children having a fun. The association organizes regular social and cultural activities that allow members to make new friends and encourage them to use English in their daily lives. Children of all nationalities and backgrounds are welcomed to join in the activities
info@smilesandfunbcn.com
Tala (Coordinadora) 691367913
www.smilesandfunbcn.com
Comments:
"I find this pages for a kids activies en Barcelona and find it amazing for the activities and the price quality" (Nat, dec 2012)
American Society
Recommended by Melissa Cokely
The American Society serves as a meeting point for the English speaking community in Barcelona and throughout the year they have many family friendly activities.
Apartado de Correos 12062 (Tara Shain) 600586675/933684689 www.amersoc.com
Comments:
The American Society organizes numerous events for families and you don´t have to be American to become a member. They go big on American events, such as Halloween and Santa Claus.
Arquikids
Arquikids offer dynamic workshops in Architechure Education for children in both English and Spanish.
info@arquikids.com www.arquikids.com
Comments: "Pienso que es muy bonito y importante vuestra labor con los niños. los tenemos que educar a opinar sobre el mundo que los rodea. como dice Francesco Tonucci en su libro "la ciudad de los niños" hay que devolver la ciudad a los niños y la devolveremos a los hombre. Allegra siempre se pone súper feliz cuando le digo que hay taller de arquitectura. ella lo haría cada semana...al contrario yo pienso que es fantástico poder disfrutar de un extrascolar que no sea semanal. los cursos semanales les quitan mucho tiempo al juego libre en las plazas ( y los quitan de las plazas donde tendrían que estar!), nos obligan a los padres a soportar muchos costes fijos mensuales y agendas muy cerradas con poco margen para la improvisación. Vuestra programación es perfecta. No siendo una obligación semanal, el taller queda como un regalo, algo especial, un día de fiesta donde experimentar y crearLa creación, el sentido estético, las artes plásticas en general son -entre otras- la gran signatura pendiente de nuestro sistema educativo. Es un placer ver que otros, con su trabajo, ponen su grano de arena" (AZ, June 09)
Art Class - Taller Obert
Recommended by Carrie Frais
Art & drawing classes for children aged 5 and up in Raval.
Calle Ferlandina 49, 934416474
Barcelino Medieval Tours, Barcelona
Recommended by Kathy
Barcelino offers fun and interactive kids tours in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, with guides in medieval dress who will show the group the everyday life of children in ages past. Walking through the medieval part of town, you will learn how people lived in those times, what food they ate, what games they played, when and how young people came of age, etc
In groups no larger than 10 children, the goal is to have fun while seeing interesting sights and learning something new.
+34 661 26 36 24
www.barcelino.es
Comments:
"The children were very interested in the pictures you took with you. And they are still thinking about how many geese there are in the cathedral. For me it was good that the children were entertained on their level and there was every time a little detail that is interesting for an adult. For the children it is very nice to ask them riddles" (Kathy, July 2012)
Barcelona Speedboat
Recommended by Carrie Frais
A unique way of seeing the skyline of Barcelona from the sea and experience the speed, fun and adventure of a ride on X-Max.
Takes up to 40 passengers.
Portal de la Pau, Moll de Drassanes
Port of Barcelona, Spain
Tel: +34 93 441 05 37
Charter Office.
Tel: +34 93 221 8283
www.barcelonaspeedboat.com
Comments:
"Brilliant fun. Both my 3 and 5 year old absolutely loved the experience. As well as speeding along Barcelona's coastline up to the Forum, it goes up close to the ferries, super yachts and cruise liners in the Port. You need to call beforehand to check the times of departure. Kiosk is right at the bottom of the Ramblas so it's a good day out" (CF, Sep 2012)
Base Nautica
Recommended by Lara Pennington
The Base Nautica next to the Mar Bella beach organizes fantastic children´s parties from ages 6 upwards. There is a choice of beach games, Kayak or just a “merienda” (for the kids and also for the parents ). Price depends on options and extras.
Base Nàutica Municipal, Avda.Litoral s/n, Playa Mar Bella, 932210432 info@basenautica.org www.basenautica.org. Ask for Cristina or Tina
Bright Sparks, Barcelona
Recommended by Julie Beluga
English classes for native English or fluent speakers held on Saturdays & weekdays for children aged 8 til 12 years and also 5 to 7 years. At the end of each term there is a presentation of all the children´s work for the parents.
100 Rambla Catalunya (corner of Provenca). Nearest metro stations are Diagonal (blue and green line) or Provenca (train). .
Contact Libby or Pippa at brightsparksbcn@hotmail.com Tel 679796281
Comments:
"Bright Sparks holds inspirational English classes for children. Children are engrossed in poetry, storywriting, art, photography, dance or drama depending on which course is being held. The classes are for native or fluent English speakers. My daughter has seen created and produced a magazine for children in English. It is a joy to see her rush to these classes with enthusiasm" (JB, March 2010)
Children's cookery classes, Barcelona
Recommended by Collage Barcelona
Classes for kids held at their home by chef Jennifer Lee. The lesson depends on the age of the student. However regardless of age Jennifer's mission is to engage all senses of each student by the means of food. Students will learn to become more aware of textures, tastes and flavors using a variety of seasonal items and learning the nutritional value of different food.
A typical lesson would have a featured item, for example flour.Then the product is identified- what is flour? where does flour come from? what is made using flour? You will then prepare the dish, pancakes. The students then do an oral exercise where they learn to describe the textures and flavors.
writetojlee@gmail.com
Tel 685 478 966
http://yojeno.tumblr.com/
Comments:
"My goal is for kids to become more aware of the food they eat and for them to learn to describe and express themselves by the means of cooking and eating" (Jennifer Lee, Jan 2011)
"On top of whipping up delicious baked goods and being gentle, respectful and FUN with kids, Jennifer is responsible, punctual, thorough, bubbly and has a great laugh! After more than 8 years in Barcelona I didn't think I actually missed carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting or a decent brownie... Jennifer proved me completely wrong!
Jennifer has also taught classes at Collage for the past year and I couldn't be happier with her dedication and work with the kids. I have only received positive feedback about her, and her wide-range of experience matched with her positive, high energy makes for a perfect combination " (Collage Barcelona, Jan 2011)
Cooking with Children
Recommended by Jemma Trobe
This course, in Sant Cugat, is for mothers and children where you prepare easy, fun recipes and YOU do NOT have to clean up the mess!!
936745160 domsgastronom1@yahoo.es www.domsgastronom.com
Comments:
The recipes are easy but they are not the typical biscuits or cookies, they are recipes where children learn to experiment with different foods and tastes. You then take home all you have prepared. Max 6 children and 6 adults. Price 40 euros per adult and child. Includes recipes, chef hat and ingredients.
Creative Arts - Little Faces
A creative arts program for children ages 4 to 12, providing an English speaking space for kids to explore their creativity through various fine art mediums.
Calle Sant Salvador 96, baixos, Gracia 93284652 info@collagebarcelona.com www.collagebarcelona.com
Comments:
Children are divided into small groups where they have the personalized attention of native English speaking teachers. The program offers a space to speak and interact with other native children and teachers, thus practicing their native language in a secondary English speaking environment. Native and non-native English speaking groups are seperated.
Creative Arts and Workshops - Bla3
Recommended by Laetitia Casta
Bla3 offer a range of creative courses for children and adults.
www.bla3.com
Comments:
Bla3 is a very friendly place in Gracia for fun activities (for children and adults). They work in Spanish, English, French.
Cycling - Barcelona Bicing
Recommended by Ben Miller
Bicing offer incredibly cheap bike hire all around Barcelona city. You can pick up a bike almost anywhere! You order your Bicing card via their website www.bicing.com and you will receive your Bicing card in the post plus all the necessary information about using the service. You can get a Bicing bike at any Bicing ‘station’. Likewise you can leave it at any of the alloted stations. The maximum time you can use the bikes is two hours so best for short trips around town.
Hours. Mon-Fr Open all day except from midnight to 5am (although you can return bikes then). Weekends – open 24 hous.
Price: annual fee 24 euros. Weekly fee 1 euro. Then 0,30 for every 30 mins 902315531 www.bicing.com
Comments:
For parents this is a cheap and environmentally friendly way to commute as most of the drop off points are near metros and carparks.
Dance and Tap Lessons - Memory
Recommended by Tara Cemlyn-Jones
Memory offer twice weekly dance and tap lessons for children from the age of 3.
Calle València 293 Baixos 932075240
English & Play at Movement, Barcelona
Recommended by Carrie Van Hise
A different, fun way for children to learn English: singing songs, dancing, and playing games. If your child is a bundle of energy and likes to dance, play and sing, this is the class for him or her! We turn learning English into a game. Practising a language while creating and having fun allows children to assimilate vocabulary and grammar naturally while distancing the activity from schoolwork. Modeled on programs from both the US and the UK, the idea is to expose children to English via as many of their senses as possible. Classes are taught entirely in English.
Hours:
Mondays, 6 pm to 7pm(children 3 to 4 years)
Thursdays, 6 pm to 7.15 pm (children 4 to 5 years)
Thursdays 6.45 to 8 pm (children 5 to 7 years)
Sant Salvador, 35 (corner Verdi) 93 218 9065 / 645 496 060 info@movementbcn.org
http://movementbcn.org/en
Comments:
"We looked for a place where our son, who is bilingual English/Spanish, could reinforce his English while having fun. We found Movement and we are very happy there. Every class is an adventure for my kids and when the day of the week comes to go to Movement he gets so, so excited that he can hardly wait. Classes are taught in English and there are always two teachers" (CVH, May 2011)
Football - Europa
Recommended by Tara Cemlyn-Jones
Fourth division football club which is very good at accepting little ones.
Secretari Coloma, 140 · 08024 932102551 (Sardenya) · 932113599 (Àliga) www.ceeuropa.com
Freeman Piano School, Barcelona
Recommended by Magda Garcia
Canadian Mike Freeman offers piano, saxophone, flute and guitar lessons as well as voice coaching to both kids and parents in Barcelona.
Plaza Tetuan
Barcelona 08010 Spain
662 922 307 mike_t_freeman@hotmail.com
www.freemanmusicschool.com
Comments:
"Mike Freeman is an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher who is serious about sharing his love of music with his students. Thanks to Mike, I have two very motivated young boys who look forward to having their classes every week!" (MG, Feb 2011)
Gausch Teatre
Recommended by Carrie Frais
Classic children´s fairy tales and stories in Catalan
Calle Aragó, 140, 934513462 www.guaschteatre.com
Gel Skating Club
Recommended by Ruth Bishop
This skating rink offers daily sessions, lessons and rentals.
Monday to Tuesday, 10:30am-1:30pm. Wednesday through Friday, 10:30am-1:30pm and 5pm-9pm. Weekends: 10:30am-2pm and 4:30pm-9pm.
Price: Without skates, EUR 13.70. With skates, EUR 9.50
Roger de Flor, 168 08013 93.245.28.00 www.skatingclub.ca.
Geology Museum (Parc Ciutadella)
Recommended by Tara Cemlyn-Jones
Located close to the entrance of the Parc Ciutadella , this museum has rotating exhibitions and fun toys in the shop.
Calle Wellington with Pujades, 933196895 Metro Arc de Trionfo/Barceloneta
Horseriding - Can Senyoret
Recommended by Tara Cemlyn-Jones
Can Senyoret offer horseriding lessons for children from the age of three.
Can Puig, 7, El Papiol. 936730066
Comments:
Classes for little ones are a mix of ring and mountain routes with several ponies for the very young. Mums and dads can also learn – no previous experience needed
Ice Skating
Recommended by Julie Stephenson
Year-round ice-skating in Eixamplewhich the little-ones will love
Calle Roger de Flor, 168, 932452800 gel@skatingbcn.com
IMAX 3-D
Recommended by Victoria Ging
Giant screen cinema at its best and the perfect place to finish a post-Sunday lunch stroll on the Rambla and along the waterfront.
Open daily with showings throughout the day. Price: EUR 10
Moll d’Espanya 93.225.11.11
Keiko' s Dream, Barcelona
Recommended by Mireia Domingez Canalda
Keiko´s Dream is a creative and innovative school for extracurricular activities for children from 2 years old and up, young people and families, where all activities are carried out in English and are conducted by native speakers specialised in each area. Convinced of children´s potential, they have created a set of activities which help children to learn English in a natural way and make learning a game.
The programme of activities includes arts and crafts, music, photography, English play, people and places, computing, theater, music hall, cooking and Lego.
Keiko’s dream | info@keikosdream.net
C/ Bac de Roda 36 - 08016 Barcelona | telf. +34.93.60.123.60
www.keikosdream.net
Comments:
"We are parents who are very interested in our seven year old daughter having a good grounding in English. We decided that learning English at school alone was insufficient so we hired a private English teacher for home which was great. Suddenly, as if by magic we discovered Keiko's dream, a new different and innovative English after school. We did have some doubts about making a change though as our daughter was used to having private individual lessons at home and after three years we were concerned about disrupting her English education. We are delighted to say that Keiko's dream succeeded in making this transition smooth. Mireia tried out a session one day, and she told us that she liked the school and wanted to enroll. She attends two days a week, and she also takes part in workshops and activities on Saturday as well. She is really happy, she is always eager to go to English classes at Keiko´s dream, she says that she knows all the teachers, who are all native speakers, charming and she gets on well with them. The school has a relaxed atmosphere and a very creative methodology. We like the methods used to teach our daughter, we find them excellent, and we believe that with the help of Keiko´s dream she is on the good track to learn English. The management is very friendly, which also gives us confidence in our child´s education. We recommend Keiko´s dream to any parents who want a creative, innovative and efficient English after school for their child" (MDC, Nov 2010)
Kids' Modern Dance at Movement, Barcelona
Recommended by Nathalie Joustra
Modern, Creative, Classic, Hip-Hop... Mixed Dance Techniques
(children 8- 14 years. Classes in Catalan and Spanish)
Boys and girls explore a variety of dynamic dance techniques in this exciting class. Taught in a non-competitive, relaxed atmosphere, children develop their motor skills, body awareness, coordination, and muscle tone through choreographies and improvisation while discovering the fun of rhythmic movements of each style of dance.
Hours:
Mondays, 7-12 years, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Wednesdays,6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Sant Salvador, 35 (corner Verdi) 93 218 9065 / 645 496 060 info@movementbcn.org
http://movementbcn.org/en
Comments:
"My 9 year old daughter loves this class! She took ballet class before this and did not like the pressure and competition. At Movement she feels confident about trying new things and does not get frustrated. The dance technique class is very creative, the children create their own dances. My daughter, who is shy, is gaining self-confidence" (NJ, May 2011)
Kids & Cat(alonia), Barcelona
Recommended by Shona
Kids & Cat offer discovery tours for families away from the masses of tourists, sightseeing at your own pace, adjusted to every age.
The team know cafés, where kids can play, routes perfect for rolling along on kick scooters, non smoking areas within restaurants and places for skating. They can find their own way with maps and use the chance to play at being a detective discovering the city!
Each tour is designed individually and specifically for each family!
They will also inform you about local festivals which include fire spitting dragons, giants and devils.
Tel 673488898
email at: kontakt@kids-cat.com free
www.kids-cat.com
Comments:
"I recently took some friends on a tour with our kids www.kids-cat.com and It was fab. They have activities for the kids built into each tour so that they were totally captivated for the whole tour, we did the columbus one and they had spices for the kida to touch smell and printed info to look at the plant of each spice with a questionaire type thing about their uses The kids loved it and so did my visitors kids. I'd really recomend it for when a squadron of visitors are over cluttering up your flat and the attractions of the park are running thin!" (Shona, march 2011)
La Capsa de Colors, Barcelona
Recommended by Isabella
Interactive and creative space in Barcelona for kids.
Espai de Creativitat i Lleure, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
Phone 936 76 33 90
Email info@lacapsadecolors.com
http://www.lacapsadecolors.com
Comments:
"Catalina had a very good time.The space is light and spacious and child centred" (Isabella, mother to Catalina, 5)
La Puntual Teatre
Recommended by Carrie Frais
Puppet & musical shows for young children in el Born. The owner Eugenio is English and you can have birthday puppet shows in English with food and music after the performance in the square outside the theatre. They also do workshops.
Calle Allada Vermell 15, 639305353, contact@lapuntual.info, www.lapuntual.info
Comments:
"Barcelona`s smallest theatre dedicated to puppet shows. My 3 and 5 year old were absolutely transfixed by the show and got to meet the puppets and puppeteers afterwar¡ds. Located in the heart of el Borne so is great for a pre-lunch or pre-dinner activity" (CF, Sep 2012)
La Sala Teatre
Recommended by Carrie Frais
Children´s shows and workshops in Sabadell for ages 0-14 years in Catalan
Ronda de la Roureda, 24, Sabadell. 937232833, lasalateatre@lasalateatre.cat www.lasalateatre.cat
Ludosfera, Gracia, Barcelona
Recommended by Vanessa Minguez
Ludoteca for kids aged 0 to 12 years. Open 9am until 7pm and also open Saturday mornings. Space available for party hire. They also can arrange babysitting and collecting your children from school.
Riera de sant miquel, 49
08006 barcelona
tel. y fax:
93 368 15 06
info@ludosfera.com
www.Ludosfera.com
Comments:
"We have been using Ludosfera for our son who is almost 3 years old, they are quite a nice kinder garden in Gràcia and they have the possibility to look after your kids per hour/s. Very nice environment and nice, ecologic food" (VM, June 2011)
Mescladis Cooking fo Kids
Recommended by Lisa Richardson
This South American café hidden away in Barcelona´s San Pere district not only offers delicious home made cuisine but also has regular cooking classes for children, which take place in the back of the shop.
Plaça Sant Pere, 5 Barcelona, 08003 10oam to 10.30pm Metro L1 Arc de Triomf 932955012 http://mescladis.org
Montjuic for kids, Barcelona
Recommended by Lisa Schadewaldt
Why not take the cable car from the Torre Sant Sebastia in Barceloneta to Montjuic one day? The kids will love the ride and the views of the city and sea. When you get to Montjuic there is loads to do including parks & museums.
On exiting Barceloneta metro station you will see the Port ahead of you on the right. Head down Passeig de Joan Borbó with the Port on your right. As you approach you will see the large tower of the cable car ahead of you. It is on the street that you are on, just keep walking!
Comments:
"The Jardines Joan Brossa on Monjuic is great for kids... you can take the teleferic up to the castillo and then walk down, with a few stops at different children play grounds, one with a really long and fun slide.. I love it.. and further down are great sand and water games,
musical cushions...." (LS, March 2011)
Movement, Gracia
Recommended by Judy Herbert
Movement based in Gracia, is a creative movement-based program for children in English and Catalan. They use movement and dance as a teaching tool to help children develop. Classes also feature music, art, and puppetry. Babies and toddlers attend with a parent Movement Calle Sant Salvador, 35, (Gracia) 93 218 9065 / 645 496 060, (Helena Garrabou) info@movementbcn.org www.movementbcn.org
Comments: "I cannot recommend highly enough the dance classes that Helena teaches in Gracia.
We found a leaflet in our local library and Tommy ( just 5 ) goes to a class for 4-6 year olds every Monday. There are classes in Catalan and English. Tom goes to the Catalan clas and Helena translates for him when he doesn't understand.
It is a wonderful moment for him to relax and dance and play. It fills a creative gap that is not filled at school. The class is always structured, with a theme and a rhythm to it. There are 6-8 children in the class. I am always impressed with the choices of music that Helena makes, that are thought-out and prepared before-hand. As a dancer by profession, and a mum, I am delighted to have found the Collage studio and Helena's classes. Tommy told me once he wanted to live there!" (JH, Dec 07)
Museu Egipci workshops
Recommended by Margaret West
Archaelogical workshops for children as well as one-off workshops at Easter and Christmas promoting awareness of the cultures of ancient Egypt
Calle València, 284. 934880188 www.fundclos.com
Original Version Cinemas - Barcelona
Kids always love going to the movies and Barcelona tends to get all the latest films fairly soon after they have been released.
The following cinemas show films in original version (V.O) :
Boliche
Av. Diagonal 508-10, Sarrià Metro: Diagonal 932181788
Casablanca-Kaplan
Passeig de Gràcia, 115, Gràcia Metro: Diagonal 932184345
Filmo Teca de Catalunya
Avda. de Sarria 33, Eixample Metro: Hospital Clinic 934107590 http://cultura.gencat.es/filmo/
Méliès
Villarroel, 102, Eixample 934510051
Renoir Floridablanca
Floridablanca, 135, Eiixample Metro: Sant Antoni or Universitat 934263337 www.cinesrenoir.com/index.php
Renoir-Les Corts
Calle Eugeni d'Ors 12 Metro: Les Corts. 934905510 www.cinesrenoir.com/index.php
Verdi
Calle Verdi 32, Gracia. 932387990 Metro: Fontana
Yelmo Icaria
Calle Salvador Espriú, 61, Ctro.Cial. El Centre de la Vila, Port Olimpic. Metro: Ciutadella
932217585 and 932217256 www.yelmocineplex.com/icaria_yelmo_cineplex.html You can buy tickets online or by calling 902220922
Papabubble sweet shop
Recommended by Carrie Frais
Ok so it may not be evey parents choice to take their kids to a sweet shop but the great thing about this one is that you can watch whilst the sweets and lollies are being made. The colours and smells are mesmerizing and kids get to taste them still gooey and warm. You can order personalized candy too.
C/Ample 28 08002, Barcelona
T 932688625
www.papabubble.com
Petit Liceu
Recommended by Tom Maidment
The Petit Liceu program offers a number of children´s shows from ages 3 to 14 years with classical music, fairy tales, actors and puppets.
La Rambla 51-59, 934859998 informacio@liceubarcelona.com www.liceubarcelona.com
Comments:
Opera House tours are also available
Piano lessons, Barcelona & surrounds
Recommended by Saskia Piercy
With over 15 years experience. Libby Barnes sclasses to people of all levels, from beginner to advanced, and all ages, both children to adults. Pupils have the opportunity to perform in concerts twice a year, prepare for Associated Board exams or simply to play for pleasure and have some fun. They can learn a variety of styles including classical, jazz, blues or rock.
Libby also runs Summer Rock Camps for children who would like to play in a band, in June and July
Tel 603329065, email barnes.libby@hotmail.com
Comments:
"If I am asked to write about anyone with amazing talent, the word Libby springs to mind! She has been my piano teacher for almost four years and I have learnt a lot. I am now playing (or trying) to play Mozart and I have learnt that it is beautiful.The sense of accomplishment when you finish a piece and are able to play it well is the best reward of all. Except for maybe one hundred thousand euros, that would be about equal. Hehehehe Libby is a great teacher because she is firm but fair, which is what you need to be if you are any type of teacher. What´s nice is the fact that her classes are in the comfort of her own home which makes you relaxed and comfortable" (SP, Sep 2010)
"I absolutely love the fact that Saskia is enjoying her piano lessons so much. It not only gives her a great perspective on beautiful music but it also teaches her a sense of discipline - a little practise every day makes her progress and enjoy this progress.
Libby is incredibly knowledgeable, patient and able to adapt her teaching style to each of her students. Some like a challenge, others may need slightly gentler coaching or a firmer hand. It is clear that she is passionate about music, whatever the style, and enjoys sharing this passion with her students. And most importanly, she makes it fun.
Libby also knows how to set her students a challenge, without putting too much pressure on them. Her quaterly piano concerts at home are a joy to be part of as they are absolutly about celebrating the progress of each student.
I gave up the piano at the age of 20 when I was a student at University but I can't wait to pick it up again!" (Natalie Kramers sep 2010)
"Libby Barnes began teaching our daughter Isabella when she was only 5 and half years old, she was immediately captivated and a genuine love of music began to develop. Within the first two years Isabella was playing songs confidently at level grade 1 and developed a passion for performance from the confidence gained playing at Libby's wonderful Xmas and Easter concerts. Libby manages to get the balance of discipline and fun just right and her attention to detail means that her students learn the difference between playing songs and playing music. Isabella has since gone on to pass her Grade 2 ABRSM exam, an achievement which would have been much harder to reach without Libby's excellent teaching" (Nikki Roberts, Oct 2010)
Runner Bean Tours for kids, Barcelona
Recommended by Taprobane Girl
Runner Bean tours organize special tours of Barcelona aimed specifically at children so ideal if you are visiting or living in the city with kids. They get to visit the workshops where giants are made, learn about the Romans who founded Barcelona, experience the magical buzz of the famous Boquería food market, enter the trendiest candy shop and even dance the Sardana, the traditional Catalan dance. Packed with stories, games, songs and dancing.
(+34) 636 108 776
info@runnerbeantours.com
www.runnerbeantours.com
Comments:
"I was in Barcelona for a day pre cruise with two boys aged 11 and 12. Notoriously difficult age to get them interested in anything!!!!!!!! However, Anne Marie from Runner Bean Tours did an exceptional job of keeping them entertained and even taught them something of the history of magnificient Barcelona and its people. Her tour was brilliantly planned, with a mixture of culture, history and fun things for the kids to do, so that they were never bored even over 3 hours, which is a long time to keep the interest of boys of that age. She had activities planned throughout the tour and mixed it in nicely with the commentary, so the boys were kept constantly interested. Her sense of humour, knowledge of Barcelona, enthusiasm for the job, and affinity with children was a pleasure to be around.Congratulations Runner Bean Tours on an excellent tour and an invaluable guide. I only wish there were more tours like this catering specifically for children in the other cities I dragged the two boys round. It would have made my life a lot easier. lol" (Taprobane Girl from Trip Advisor Aug 2011)
Sailing - Reial Club Maritim
Reial Club Maritim offers sailing and rowing courses for children all year round as well as seasonal summer camps.
Moll d'Espanya 932217394 www.maritimbarcelona.org
Sant Sebastià Beach, Barcelona
Recommended by Carrie Frais
Located in the Nova Bocana on the Paseo Maritimo in Barcelona. This beach is new and ideal for kids because of its shallow waters, soft sand and it also tends to less crowded than other Barcelona beaches. It is also close to a range of family-friendly restaurants located beneath the W hotel.
La Nova Bocana, Paseo Maritimo, Barcelona. Parking in the W hotel
Comments:
"This is an ideal beach for kids as the waters remain shallow for several metres. The water and sand are clean and the ambience relaxed - there is also loads of space for bikes, scooters and mini mopeds along the Paseo" (CF, July 2011)
Sunday School - St Georges Church
Recommended by Margaret West
St Georges Church have services for Families and Children and Sunday School. It is Anglican but protestants welcome
Calle Horaci 38, 934178867
Comments:
They have an all age service, usually on a fortnightly basis, where the service includes the participation of children. On every other Sunday, there is Sunday school, catering for every level of a children development from the ages of 2 years (with parents) to 13+ years. The groups are: 0 - 2's, 3-4's, 5-7's, 8-10's, and 11-13's with caring teachers and assistants
Suzuki Music Lessons, Barcelona
Recommended by Jean Carter
Jake & Montse are running Suzuki music lessons for English speaking kids from 3 years old at their home in Les Corts (nearest tube Plaça del Centre). Instruments currently offered are guitar and cello. If you would like
more information about the Suzuki Method go to http://www.montserratcolome.com/suzuki-info.html and if you’re interested or want more information please send an email
to jakeandmontse@gmail.com.
Comments:
“...She has a deep interest in teaching and learning and through her dedication has inspired many children and adults to raise their own expectations and develop new practice...Her very pleasant personality, tenacity and ability to engage students ensured the success of the programme... Her own standards of playing are transferred into the expectations of those who she teaches. I would recommend Montserrat as a performer, teacher and inspirer... She is very well regarded by all who have had the privilege to work with her...”
(Jean Carter, Music and Arts Manager for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, Sep 2011)
The Drama Factory
Recommended by Julie Stephenson
Drama classes in English for Children from 6 years old to 11 years old. Dance movement, theatre games, improvisation, and a play at the end of each term with open showing for family and friends. Helps self esteem and creative development. Every Thursday.
Carrer Mare de deu de Desemparats. 5 2a. Gracia.Contact Sophie Heydel 933 014301 info@thedramafactory.com www.thedramafactory.com
Theatre School - Eolià
Recommended by Tara Cemlyn-Jones
Eolià is a theatre school for children from the age of 3 to 18 year olds.
Calle Casp 82 93192397 eolia@eolia.es, www.eolia.es
Comments:
There are two terms – the first term Oct – Feb is expression and the second term introduces learning from texts. 150 euros to enroll and then 10 euros per class. It also does very good summer courses in June and July
Workshops - Alas
Recommended by Margaret West
Alas offer a variety of creative workshops (in Catalan) for adults and kids in Poble Nou
Calle Pallars 250, bajos izquierda. 932664916 info@alasbcn.com www.alasbcn.com
Workshops - Miniclick Asociacion
Recommended by Katrien Klaus
A variety of fun and educational workshops for children such as multimedia, photography and music
679847056 kropero@hotmail.com www.miniclick.biz
