Parque Dalmau, Calella de Mar
Recommended by Katharin Jansen
Dalmau park, work of Jeroni Martorell, was created in 1928. It occupies over 18 hectares and is a magnificent natural garden area with a mediterranean forest of pine and cork trees. There is also a children’s play area.
Comments:
"Two playing grounds + 1 playing ground with super shoot (in the upper zone of the parc). very green and shadowy park with many little ways, situated at NII, between the hospital and Fabrica Llobet" (KJ, Jan 12)
Parque Misericordia, Canet de Mar
Recommended by Katharin Jansen
Park dating back to 1896 with botanical gardens and wide open spaces
Comments:
"Modernist parc, with restaurant from Domenech y Muntañer inside and church (nice inside) with Madonna Misericordia, patron from Maresme. Parque is not ideal for kids in that you need to keep an eye on them but they like it a lot to play there (eucalyptus trees, sand, stonebanks etc.). Meanwhile you can have a drink on the terrasse of the restaurant. Normally enough parking places in front of the church" (KJ Jan 2012)
Aventura Park, Mataró
Recommended by Rebecca Lovell
Aventura Park is a soft park with branches located all over Spain, including a park in Martaro, Terrassa, Diagonal Mar, Barcelona, Granollers and Sabadell. All of the parks are open in the evenings and at weekends and have two main play areas; one for children between the ages of 2 and 4 and another for children from 5 to 10 years of age.
Collformic 63, Urb. Can Borrell
La Roca del Vallés (Barcelona) 08430
Tel. 93.842.44.70 aventurapark@aventurapark.com www.aventurapark.com
Comments:
"Like most soft parks, Aventura Park boasts a huge area for children to run around, a bouncy castle, ball pools, slides and soft, safe climbing frames, as well as a drinks and snacks area. Aventura Park also host children’s parties and always has monitors circulating for security. It only costs a few euros and is a great place for kids to burn off energy on a rainy day" (RL, July 08)
Ballet Lessons - Mado Dance School (Vilassar de Mar)
Recommended by Sol Torralba-Escobedo
Mado is dance school, specialising in Ballet in Vilassar de Mar
Rosari 8, 08340 Vilassar de Mar 937595175 a8057151@centres.xtc.es
Comments:
"Madó is generally regarded as a disciplined and strict ballet teacher. The truth is that some great dancers who started dancing in her school now have succesful international careers in ballet companies" (ST, Dec 08)
Biking
Recommended by Yvette Oliveau
Maresme is fantastic for biking along the beach with kids.
Comments:
"You can go from Premia de Mar to Sant Adria de Besos easily and uninterrupted. All flat and road is well conditioned for easy biking. Unfortunately, couldn’t recommend to go completely along the Maresme coast as there are patches which are interrupted and force you to bike along the N2." (YO)
Caldes d'Estrac
Recommended by Yvette Oliveau
Caldes d’Estrac along the Paseo de los Ingleses come highly recommended as family friendly areas with small bars where you can stop for lunch/drinks.
Comments:
"In my opinion, for beach-going, the best local beaches are at Caldes d’Estrac along the Paseo de los Ingleses. This was the area where most embassies had their residences in the past. There is no train that runs along the beach….just a fantastic boardwalk and lots of chiringuitos. It’s very different from the kind of activity you’d find at Calella which is way too touristy." (YO, Nov 08)
"For those looking for peace and rest for children I would recommend to spend a day in Caldes d’Estrac (Caldetes). You can get by train from Barcelona and the train station is walking distance from the beach. Caldetes is very small but there is a long beach to stroll and a new park for child. If you have no car you can eat at “El Taller” restaurant. The cost per person is 35€ average so nothing sophisticated but good catalan cooking" (Sara Salas Dec 2010)
Can Montcau Farm, La Roca del Vallés
This farm is often visited by nursery and schoolchildren on organized trips but if you get up to 17 people then you can also organize a private tour of the farm where children get to touch and feed the animals, and generally get to know about life on the farm.
Coll de Parpers s/n
Apartat de Correus num 14
08430 La Roca de Vallés
Tel 93 8424234
canmontcau@canmontcau.com
www.canmontcau.com
Comments:
"Although it is' aint easy getting a large number of people together(over 17 was required to do the trip)
But we were 19 in the end so that worked out ok.It was worth the time organising and think that more outings should be done.We even got together for lunch which was nice too!I highly recommend the farm trip to Can Moncau for those who havent visited" (Marta, Sep 10)
Club Nautico de Vilassar de Mar
Recommended by Sol Torralba-Escobedo
In summer Club Nautico de Vilassar de Mar offers many activities for children aside from sailing such as swimming lessons, football and dance lessons.
Contact Information:
c/Canonge Almera 32 Platja 08340 Vilassar de Mar 937592741 info@cnvilassar.com www.cnvilassar.com
Donkey Rides - Maresme
Recommended by The Catalan Tourist Board
Fun donkey rides for adults and children in Maremse, or if you prefer to walk, the donkey can just take the bags! You’ll also be able to watch recreations of people at work in the fields, harvesting, transporting water and wood as these tasks used to be done in the old days. The routes are accompanied by a guide and are all within the Montnegre i el Corredor Natural Park. Any of the activities can include a typical country meal. Guided excursions, instructors, bar and shop selling souvenirs also available. Prices: one hour on a donkey lunch: 31 euros. Please enquire about other rates. Prior booking required.
Rucs del Corredor Donkey Rides, Vïnat Rimbles, s/n Apartado Correos, 23 08818 Canyamars, Maresme. 610899926 rucsdelcorredor@hotmail.com www.rucsdelcorredor.com
Comments:
Discounts for children. Closed from 23 December to 1 February
El Bosc Vertical
Recommended by Yvette Oliveau
El Bosc Vertical is an outdoor, adventure park set in the woods. There are over 80 different activites for kids including rope bridges, tunnels and climbing frames.
661591988 info@boscvertical.com www.boscvertical.com
Hiking in the Serralada Litoral
Recommended by Yvette Oliveau
There are different hiking iteneraries suitable for young children and accessible from Cabrils, Vilassar de Dalt and Premia de Dalt. See link for different iteneraries
www.diba.es/parcsn/parcs/plana.asp
Comments:
"My kids love to scramble on the rocks and picnic up there. Favourite (obviously) are the ones to Burriac Castle and Creu de Montcabrer." (YO, Nov 08)
Illa Fantasia
Recommended by Barcelona Bounce
A very popular water park in the Maresme district of Barcelona, Illa Fantasia offers numerous activities for the kids. There are 22 water attractions, three big pools, a large picnic area, leisure, a dry children’s area and a series of small pools and toboggans. Services: Picnic area, “El Cheff” restaurant and disco. Times: The park is open from 27 May to 11 September from 10am to 7pm. The restaurant is open all year round Prices: adults: 15,50 euros; children: 12 euros.
Finca Más Brassó, s/n 08339 Vilassar de Dalt, Maresme. 937514553
Comments:
special rates for booking online
Jalpi Adventure Park, Arenys de Munt
Recommended by Britta Kaehler
Adventure park in Maresme for kids aged 3 upwards. Six different circuits with 90 different activities. Cater for children`s parties and groups: Times vary in winter and summer. See website for details.
Jalpiaventura - Castell de Jalpí info@jalpiaventura.com
T.637 854 404 www.jalpiaventura.com
Marineland, Palafolls
Recommended by Kari Ann Sitko
This is Catalunya's only dolphinarium and marine zoo. It includes a dolphin show, a sea lion show, an exotic bird show as well as many more activities for children of all ages. Check website for times and (summer) opening hours
Ctra. Malgrat a Palafolls
s/n 08389 PALAFOLLS
TEL. 93 765 48 02
www.marineland.es
Comments:
"We recently visited Marineland in Palamos, Catalyuna and found it to be very enjoyable for smaller children. It’s only a 30 minute drive north from Barcelona, so reasonable enough even for my 3, ages 3.5, 5 and 7.
Discounted tickets were easy enough to purchase on-line or alternatively, you can print the discount vouchers. They were honoured at the kiosk without question.
Once we arrived, I was quite pleased to find that even though built on the side of a hill, all the paths were paved making it much easier for our push chair. There were 3 scheduled shows – tropical birds, sea lions and dolphins. We really enjoyed the shows and the underwater viewing areas. They also have swans, flamingos and penguins.
Afterwards, we spent the rest of our day at the waterpark. This is also included in the price of entry – not a bad deal! It was absolutely fantastic for smaller children with 3 different areas for under 10’s. Mine didn’t want to leave! If you aren’t a fan of slides , they even have a separate, very large pool for splashing about. Lots of grassy areas, loungers for hire and a variety of places to eat.
It was very easy to make the transition from Marineland to the waterpark, we did a lot of back and forth as the Marineland shows are scheduled twice daily. Photos with the dolphins, sea lions and tropical birds were also a hit! Not a difficult undertaking as it was done without speaking Spanish and alone with 3 children. All in all, a very enjoyable day. Your kids won’t be able to thank you enough!" (KAS, Sep 10)
Marine Hospital
Recommended by The Catalan Tourist Board
A marine hospital where you can see a dolphine intenstive care unit, stretchers and ambulances for transporting animals, as well as animals recovering from illness and injury. You can also view a presentation on the reasons why endangered species are in decline in the Mediterranean, learn about conservation projects and animal rescue work. Price: General admission: 6 euros per person; children aged 5 to 12: 4 euros; children under 5: free
CRAM-Fundació per a la Conservació i Recuperació d’Animals Marins, Camí Ral, 239
08330 Premià de Mar. 937524581
Comments:
Guided tours are organised all year round: on weekdays, mornings and afternoons; weekends, mornings only. Prior booking required.
Montseny
Recommended by Yasmina Old
Montseny is the mountain range north of Barcelona and makes a great day trip or weekend away. It contains the highest mountains in the area south of the Pyrenees and dominates the valley south of Girona. The area is renowned for chestnut picking and mushroom hunting, which kids will love.
Ctra. de Sant Celoni al Turó de l'Home, km 10,8 08470 Fogars de Montclús 938475102 p.montseny@diba.cat www.diba.cat/parcsn/parcs/index.asp?Parc=3
Comments:
The national park was made a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1978
Municipal Sports Centre - Piscina Municipal de Vilassar de Mar
Recommended by Sol Torralba-Escobedo
Piscina Municipal de Vilassar de Mar has a gym, and many types of aerobics, yoga and swimming lessons for all ages.
Calle La Muralla, 110 08340 Vilassar de Mar 937506987
Paintballing - Maresme
Recommended by The Catalan Tourist Board
Paintballing in natural woodland covering ten thousand metres squared in the Parque Natural de Montnegre. Price 22 euros, which includes all the equipment.
Paint Ball Duaka Adventures, Moragas i Barret, 38, 08397 Pineda de Mar, Maresme. 617024145 info@duaka.com www.duaka.com
Comments:
Duaka offer a range of activities including quad biking and human table football
Party Time - Bouncy Castles for Hire
Recommended by Rebecca Laidlaw
Barcelona Bounce, owned by Amanda Duval, offer a variety of bouncy castles for hire for birthdays and special occasions
606308711 enquiries@barcelonabounce.com www.barcelonabounce.com
Comments:
Great fun at birthday parties. A selection of bouncy castles, including large slides and castles. Negates the need for Mum and Dad to run around entertaining 15 little ones! Children will entertain themselves for hours on these novelty bouncy castles and tire themselves out in the process. Barcelona Bounce deliver, set up and remove the bouncy castles all in one day. They do charge delivery if over 25km from them (Vilasar de Dalt, Maresme)
Piri - Centro Excursionista de Vilassar de Mar
Recommended by Sol Torralba-Escobedo
The Centro Excursionista de Vilassar de Mar organize various excursions throughout the year, which are open to all the public. At christmas time they hold special dinners and christmas songs in the mountatins. At the centre they offer climbing courses for older kids
Carrer del Carme 28 Vilassar de Mar 937594037 info@cevilassardemar.cat www.cevilassardemar.cat
Rucs dels Corredors
Recommended by Yvette Oliveau
Donkey Rides for all ages – makes a great alternative for kiddie parties
Rucs del Corredors 08319 Canyamars, Maresme 61089 9926 rucsdelcorredor@hotmail.com www.rucsdelcorredor.com
Comments:
Outings are through the El Montnegre i El Corredor Natural Park. If you prefer, you can do the route on foot instead. The association owns one of the few reserves in Spain that rescues and preserves this species of animal, which has gradually been dying out due to the decline in the numbers of people living on the land.
Sailing - Club Nautic El Balis
Recommended by Yvette Oliveau
Club Nautic El Balis offers a variety of water based courses for children such as sailing, swimming and kayaking. Sailing courses are divided into ages groups and start at the age of 4. It is possible to do courses at the weekends as well as more intensive summer courses.
Ctra N-11 KM651 Sant Andreu de Llavaneres 937929135 cesportiva@cnelbalis.com www.cnelbalis.com
San Pol de Mar beach, Maresme
Recommended by Carrie Frais
This is a fabulous beach for families and is easy accessible either by train or car. Still retains the qualities and charm of the fishing village & cove it once was, and is still popular with well-to-do families from Barcelona.
Situated between Canet de Mar & Calella. Train stops metres from the beach. Parking tricky at peak times.
Comments:
"I love this beach. It is the first beach on the Maresme that has the 'cove' quality that so many beaches of the Costa Brava, a little further north, have. Stay for the whole day and take a picnic or lunch and one of the fabulous restaurants on the beach or in the village" (CF, July 10)
Tennis Club - La Genera
Recommended by Sol Torralba-Escobedo
The tennis club La Genera offers tennis lessons for all ages. It also has a swimming pool and a gym
Ronda Catalunya 42 Cabrera de Mar 93 750 67 93
Vilassar de Mar beach
Recommended by Carrie Frais
Child-friendly beach in Maresme
Come out of Vilassar de Mar station and turn right - just past the Port there is a little cove next to a Chiringuito.
Nearest parking in Vilassar de Mar town - about 10-15 mins walk
Comments:
" The great thing about this beach is that it is shallow so you can watch the kids from the waters edge. It's also close to a fabulous little chiringuito 'el petit moll' which only serves seafood" (CF, July 2011)
