Barcelona Mum

Sa Riera

The stunning bay of Sa Riera has one of the area’s bigger and most child friendly beaches. The large expanse of soft sand offers plenty of space to play and for those who prefer to have fun in the water, pedalos are available for hire. For families with younger children, there is a smaller, more protected beach on the right hand side of the bay, ideal for paddling, rock pooling, snorkelling and swimming. There are a couple of good restaurants on the beach front and a snack bar selling salads, bocadillos, croissants, cold drinks and ice cream. All have outside seating.
To get there follow signs to Begur and from there it is a 2 minute drive. There is a fair amount of parking space but you will have to pay. Buses also go regularly from Palafrugell.

Comments: 
There is a beautiful 20 minute walk from the bay to Pals beach

Recommended by Tom Maidment

Llafranc

Llafranc is just south of Tamariu (you can follow the coastal path and walk from one to the other) and a slightly larger bay with a small marina on the north side. There is a good selection of restaurants and, like Tamariu, the bay is well protected from the elements so a safe place to swim for children of all ages. If attempting the coastal walk to Tamariu (which should only take 10-15 minutes), then take a detour down onto the rocky headland between the two bays where you will find some great rock pools. To get there follow signs to Palafrugell and from there it is a 5 minute drive.

Comments:
Llafranc boasts a long promenade which is good for buggies

Recommended by Tom Maidment

Tamariu

Tamariu is a beautiful small sandy bay offering a good choice of restaurants and cafés. The beach is relatively protected so the water never gets too rough - even when the Tramontana wind picks up. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a paella whilst watching your children play on the beach amongst the local fishermen’s boats. The Royal restaurant offers a good children’s menu.
Tamariu is about a 10-minute drive from Begur and 6-7 minutes from Palafrugell

Recommended by Neil Rigby

Calella de Palafrugell

Just a few minutes drive from the town of Palafrugell, the bay of Calella de Palafrugell is one of the most beautiful and popular of the Cap de Begur. The small sandy beach is perfect for children and the small rocky outcrops that protrude from the beach are great for rockpooling and snorkelling. The town is also good for gift shopping. 
To get there follow signs to Palafrugell and from there it is a 3 minute drive

Comments: 
This is another bay very close by (Canadell) where parents can sit and enjoy a lazy lunch (Tragamar restaurant) whilst watching over their children playing safely on the beach below. It’s also worth a visit at Christmas time where, on January 6th, the Reyes arrive ashore laden with sweets in fishing boats illuminated by lanterns.

Recommended by Carrie Frais

Playa de Pals

Playa de Pals is a popular holiday spot for families and offers a good selection of camp sites, child friendly restaurants and supermarkets. The beach itself is a vast stretch of sand extending a few kilometres up the coast to the larger coastal town of L’Estartit. The beach is great for kite flying, running and windsurfing. The beach is fairly exposed to the elements so the sea can get rough if the wind is blowing. In this case, it’s probably best to try one of the more protected beaches such as Tamariu, Llafranc or Calella de Palafrugell.

How to get there: Follow signs to the town of Pals and from there the beach is a 7 minute drive

Recommended by Tom Maidment

San Pere de Pescador

This is an absolutely fantastic beach for kids, nearly 7 kilometres long and  about a kilometre and a half from the well known town of the town by the same name - very wild and great for kiteflying, windsurfing, sailing etc. There are showers, and can you can hire sailing-boats and catamarans.
 For information in English on how to get there plus a comprehensive list of activities, nature trails and local history & culture go to http://en.santpere.cat/ 

Recommended by Yasmina Old

Watersports - L'Estartit

Estació Nàutica L'Estartit has something for everyone. You can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, dinghy and cruiser sailing, water skiing, sea kayaking or even golf or quad excursions.
Estació Nàutica L’Estartit Illes Medes, De la Platja, 10-12 17257 L’Estartit (+34) 972750699
 

Recommended by The Catalan Tourist Board

Watersports - L'Escala

Club Nàutic l'Escala offers a whole host of watersports including sailing, fishing and speedboating. There are also sailing courses as well as kayak and snorkelling trips.
Club Nàutic L’Escala, Port la Clota, s/n 17130 L’Escala (+34) 972770016 club@nauticescala.com www.nauticescala.com

Recommended by The Catalan Tourist Board

Waterworld - LLoret de Mar

Among the many attractions at Water World is Europe´s longest slide and the ever popular Water mountain. There is also bungee jumping, Kiddie Island and a wave pool.
Ctra. de Vidreres, Km.1,2. Apartat de Correus 350, 17310 - Lloret de Mar  (+34) 972368613 waterworld@waterworld.es, www.waterworld.es

Comments: 
Water World also has a day nursery and a picnic area 

Recommended by The Catalan Tourist Board

Marineland

Marineland is situated between the Costa del Maresme and the Costa Brava. The venue is effectively two parks in one and is an excellent place for all the family to spend the day, with its fantastic aquatic displays, marine zoo and attractions. Times - Low season: from 10 am to 6.30 pm; Water Park: from 11.30am to 6pm. High season (24 June to 3 September): from 10am to 7pm; Water Park: from 11am to 6.30pm. Prices -Adults: 20 euros; children (aged 4 to 12): 13,50 euros; pensioners (aged over 60): 15 euros. Free admission for children under 4.
Ctra. Malgrat a Palafolls, s/n 08389 Palafoll (+34) 937654802 www.marineland.es/marineland/cataluna/

Comments: 
Changing rooms, lockers, children’s area, baby-changing facilities, self-service restaurants, pizzeria, ice-creams, shops, souvenirs, supervisors, disabled access points and grassed area. Sun lounger hire. Free parking.

Recommended by The Catalan Tourist Board

Aqua Brava

Europe's biggest wave pool. Among the attractions are the White Hole Toboggan, the Kamikaze, the Black Hole as well as group slides such as the Pentaglisse, the Colorado, the Rio Bravo and the Amazonas. Younger members of the family can enjoy  the Kid’s Lagoon and Tropic Island. Open daily from 10am to 7pm, from 1st June to 17th September. Prices by height: over 120 cm, 19 euros; under 120 cm and the over 65s,11 euros. Discounts for large families, card holders and disabled. Special prices for groups, schools and sports clubs.
Aqua Brava Ctra. Cadaqués, 17480 Roses. info@aquabrava.com www.aquabrava.com

Comments: 
Free bus service from Roses, Santa Margarida and Empuriabrava. Free parking.

Recommended by The Catalan Tourist Board

Gnomo Park

Gnomo Park is a great day out for families. There are loads of activities for children, such as bowling, mazes, quad biking, interactive games, trampoling, adventure play grounds and a `'gnome' farm! There is also an area especially adapted for babies
Gnomo Park Crtra. Lloret a Blanes, 17310 Lloret de Mar  www.gnomo-park.com

Recommended by Neil Rigby

Glass-bottomed boats - Isles Medes

The Isles Medes are made up of 7 little rocky islets and are one of the Costa Brava´s must-see attractions. The nature reserve is one of the most important of the Mediterranean. The 'Nautilus' boats, catamaran and trimaran all have transparent bottoms enabling you to view some spectacular sights including a wide variety of fish, algae, sponges, crustaceans, octopuses and crabs. Perfect for children. Prices: from 13,50 euros adult, 7,50 euros child and 1 euro for babies and toddlers.
Subaquàtic Visión, Passeig Marítim, 23, 17258 L’Estartit (+34) 972751489 nautilus@nautilus.es www.nautilus.es

Comments: 
there are a variety of trips to choose from including Cadaqués and Cap de Creus

Recommended by The Catalan Tourist Board

Cap de Creus National Park

The Cap de Creus peninsula is the last spur of the Pyrenees and the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. The coast is rugged and clipped with impressive cliffs and hidden coves. The scenery is breathtaking and it is a great area for walking and swimming. There´s also an excellent restaurant for children.
Information Centre: Palau de l'Abat, Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes 17489 El Port de la Selva  (+34) 972193191 http://mediambient.gencat.net/cat/el_medi/parcs_de_catalunya/cap_de_creus

Recommended by Yasmina Old

Tren Turístic

One of the best ways to see the bays of Roses and Cadaqués as well as some breathtaking views of the Alt Empordà is via the Tren Turístic. Trains go regulary and prices are good value starting from 7 euros for adults and 5 euros for children. Lengths & prices of the trips vary depending on where you want to go.
Tren Turístic Cultural, Roses Expres, Pescadors 19,17480 Roses. (+34) 972256625 www.trenrosesexpres.com

Comments: 
Commentary on board is in English (and other languages)

Recommended by Yasmina Old

Animal Park - Sobrestany

Here you get to see the rare Catalan Donkey which among 35 different species living together in around 40 hectares of Mediterranean vegetation. You can also see the likes of kangaroos, yaks from Tibet, ostrichs, emus, sea cows, Indian and sheep from the Empordà. Kids will love it!  Opening hours: Winter and Autumn: Monday to Saturday: 10am - 1pm 3-6pm Sundays and holidays: 10am - 6pm. Spring and Summer
every day: 9am to 9pm.
Ctra. de L`Escala a Bellcaire, Km. 3,5, Camí de Sobrestany a 1,5 Km Torroella de Montgrí (Torroella de Montgrí), (+34) 972788494
parcanimal@retemail.es http://personal2.iddeo.es/parcanimal/

Recommended by Neil Rigby

Paintballing - Tossa de Mar

Five fields of woods and artificial obstacles of paintballing based in Tossa de Mar. They also organise national and international paintball competitions. Open from 9 am to 7 pm.
Paintball Can Garriga, Ctra. Llagostera km 11,5 (Mas Can Garriga)
17320 Tossa de Mar, Selva ( 34) 609100522 cangarriga@cangarriga.com www.cangarriga.com

Comments: Tthere offer a number of other activities available, both water and land-based sport

Recommended by The Catalan Tourist Board

Quads & Mopeds

Thanks to the steep, rugged paths and tracks in Tossa and the surrounding area, this is the perfect place for quad and moped rides. 'Quads & Mopeds' take you on guided tours to discover some of the inaccessible spots where you can enjoy the thrill of driving over different terrains. Older children will love this one.
Calle Joan Bragulat Martinez, Tossa de Mar, 17320 Girona (+34) 972341310 www.quadsmopeds.com

Comments: 
professional guides on each route. Hire of quads, bicycles and 50 and 125 cc motorcycles. 

Recommended by The Catalan Tourist Board

Horseriding - Girona

Equinatur is a riding centre in Serinyà, 3 km from the beautful Lake Banyoles. As well as offering riding classes, the centre also organises horse expeditions, suited to all types of rider.
Horse Riding Equinatur Girona, Camí de Martins, s/n, 17852 Serinyà. (+34) 972593176

Recommended by The Catalan Tourist Board

Horseriding - Begur

Hipica Begur' provides fun horseriding trips for beginners and advanced for all ages.
Located on the road between Regencos and Begur. (+34) 619236073

Comments: 
There are also night rides available

Recommended by Tom Maidment