Catedral de Tarragona y tejados

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.

Playa Larga de Tarragona

Hiking routes

Are you an active family? Hiking routes in Tarragona with kids don’t have to be difficult or boring. One of the all-time favourites is the walk to the Pont del Diable, an eco-historical park where you can cross a real Roman aqueduct on foot.

Acueducto romano Pont del Diable

Farms to visit with kids in Tarragona

If you’re looking for closer contact with nature and animals, there are several farms near Tarragona ideal for children. These activities are very educational, allowing city kids to learn where food comes from and how animals are cared for. A great example is El Corral de Neri in El Catllar, where children can feed goats, pet rabbits or enjoy a cart ride.

Niñas dando de comer a ovejas

Playgrounds and top play areas

Sometimes happiness is as simple as a good slide. If you’re looking for playgrounds in Tarragona, Parc de la Ciutat and Parc del Francolí are the main green lungs of the area. They feature modern play structures, zip lines, skate areas and large grassy spaces for snacks.

And if your kids are true thrill-seekers, PortAventura World is a guaranteed hit. You can also head to nearby Salou, whose seafront promenade offers many play areas and, in season, an impressive ornamental fountain show of lights and water.

 

Campsites in Tarragona ideal for kids

Tarragona province is famous across Europe for the quality of its campsites. If you’re wondering where to stay with kids in Tarragona, a family-friendly campsite can be the ultimate adventure.

Many are true holiday resorts with water slides, entertainment teams and themed bungalows. If you prefer more classic comfort and urban services, you can also choose hotels with kids’ activities, usually featuring mini-clubs and adapted pools.

 

PortAventura World: the star plan for a family getaway in Tarragona

We can’t talk about Tarragona with kids without mentioning the destination that puts this area on the global leisure map. PortAventura World isn’t just an amusement park—it’s six themed worlds and three full parks designed to thrill.

For families wanting the full experience, staying at one of its themed hotels is a unique immersive option—from sleeping in the Wild West to feeling like you’re in a Mediterranean fishing village.

Inside the park, the SésamoAventura area is paradise for younger children. They can meet favourite characters like Elmo, Bert and Ernie, ride child-friendly roller coasters and enjoy colourful musical shows. And the fun doesn’t stop there: the entire resort is full of child-friendly attractions across areas such as China, Mexico and Polynesia.

Without a doubt, it’s one of the best places to visit with kids in Tarragona if you want unforgettable memories.

Zona SésamoAventura en PortAventura

 

 

Frequently asked questions about Tarragona with kids

Focus on the old town: see the Cathedral from outside, walk down Carrer Major and finish at the Roman Circus.

More than you might think! Strolling along Rambla Nova to the Balcony of the Mediterranean, enjoying the beaches or visiting Parc del Francolí are completely free family plans.

If the weather turns rainy, you can visit the renovated Port Museum or go to the cinema in one of the city’s shopping centres.

Tarragona is enjoyable all year round. In summer, beaches and water parks are the stars, while spring is magical thanks to the Tarraco Viva festival with Roman reenactments.