Planning a family getaway isn’t always easy. You want the kids to have fun and burn off energy, but you also want to enjoy the destination yourself without falling into monotony.
If you’re wondering what to do in Tarragona with kids to make your trip a complete success, you’re in the right place. Here you’ll find a family-friendly guide with plans in Tarragona for children that combine culture, nature and pure fun, designed to help you make the most of every minute on the Costa Daurada.
Tarragona with kids in 1 minute: the best plans
We know family logistics don’t always leave time to read endless guides. So if you’re looking for things to do in Tarragona with kids and want to get straight to the point, here are our must-do ideas for a short weekend:
Travel back in time: Visit the Roman Amphitheatre and Circus. It’s history, yes, but very visual and outdoors—perfect for kids to use their imagination and feel like Romans for a day.
Nature and relaxation: An easy walk around the Pont del Diable or a relaxing afternoon on the area’s fine-sand beaches.
Pure adrenaline: Spend a day (or two) enjoying thrills at one of Europe’s best resorts: PortAventura World.
What to see and do in Tarragona city with kids
The city centre is very easy to explore on foot, even with a stroller. One of the first must-see stops is the iconic Balcony of the Mediterranean. The sea views are spectacular, and kids love watching the boats in the distance.
For young explorers, Roman Tarraco feels like a movie set. No need for a history lesson—just take them to the Amphitheatre and tell them gladiators fought there almost 2,000 years ago. At the Roman Circus, they can run through the same stone galleries where horse-drawn chariots once raced.
The city also offers green spaces and family-friendly venues, including places suitable if you happen to be celebrating a birthday in Tarragona.
What to see and do near Tarragona with kids
If you have your own car or use public transport, it’s well worth expanding your radius. The province hides real treasures that perfectly complement a visit to the capital.
Very close by, you can plan trips to charming villages near Tarragona. Highlights include Altafulla, with its seaside neighbourhood of white houses on the sand, or the spectacular village of Siurana, perched on a cliff and famous for its legend of a Moorish queen—often fascinating for older kids.
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, any summer plan in Tarragona should include water. Beyond the beach, the province offers water parks, coastal kayaking trips and boat excursions—activities that keep kids active and cool during the hottest hours.
Coves and beaches for kids
The Costa Daurada gets its name from the golden colour of its sand in the sun, but it also stands out for its calm, shallow waters—ideal for families.
Among the best coves in Tarragona for kids is Cala Jovera, located at the foot of Tamarit Castle, offering a picture-perfect medieval setting. Another excellent option is Playa Larga, which, although not a small cove, has a protected pine forest area ideal for picnics in the shade after swimming.