Summer Camp List: Barcelona, Spain Edition
8 vetted summer camps for you to explore.
Welcome to the very first edition of The European Summer Camp List, your tactical guide to living and working in Europe without pressing pause on real life. This series was born from your countless DMs asking for the “insider track” on my summer camp research.
Not ready for a full summer abroad? Consider this series your weekly dose of encouragement to travel with your kids… because yes, it IS doable! And MANY of these camps allow for single week enrollment, so consider Barcelona for your next family summer vacay and get time for just yourselves too.
Over the last few years, I’ve met over 60 families who do this every summer, and we’re constantly dropping tips in our private WhatsApp groups about everything from vetting international schools to the most family-friendly islands in Greece.
I’m kicking things off with a city that has my heart: Barcelona, Spain. I’ve gathered 8 vetted summer camps for you to explore.
I studied abroad here and returned four times for work in my 20s. So I HAD to dig up a photo of Jason and I in Barcelona together circa 2011. 💀
Logistics: Getting There & Staying There
Ease of Getting There:
Major Airport: You’ll land at Barcelona-El Prat (BCN).
Flights: Direct flights are common from major U.S. hubs like New York (JFK/EWR), Boston (BOS), and San Francisco (SFO).
The Commute: The airport is very close to the city center. A rideshare/taxi takes about 20–25 minutes (€30–€35) - do this with your fam since the Aerobus or train takes roughly 30–35 minutes and is €5–€10/per person.
Getting Around
Stroller/Scooter friendliness: Most neighborhoods are very stroller friendly, but scooters are dependent on neighborhood. The Eixample and Barceloneta have big wide sidewalks for scooters, but historic areas have cobblestone and/or narrow streets.
The Metro: While Barcelona is highly walkable and stroller-friendly, several main subway stations lack elevators so be prepared to fold up your stroller/carry your little one frequently.
Cost of Living for the Month:
Average 2-Bedroom Rental: Expect to spend between $3,500 and $6,500 per month for a 2-bedroom family-friendly Airbnb in central neighborhoods during July.
Outsource the Stocking: Don’t waste your first 48 hours in a supermarket. Use Glovo for express grocery delivery. They deliver everything from diapers to local market items quickly.
The “American Reality” Check:
Air Conditioning: Central AC is rare. Look for “Climatización” in your listing.
The “Siesta” & Sunday Routine: Many local shops close between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and all day Sunday which can be quite annoying, though major markets and public parks like Parc de la Ciutadella stay open.
The Weather in July
Barcelona in July is predictably sunny and warm, but the Mediterranean humidity is the real factor to plan for.
The Temperature: Daily highs average around 83°F to 84°F, while evenings stay mild at 70°F to 73°F. *Note: this is what the internet says, but I’d expect temps to be in the 90s in July.
The Humidity: July is moderately humid (averaging 67%), which can make midday feel a bit heavier.
The “Beach/Pool Score”: Cloud cover is at its lowest of the year (only 16%), making it prime time for water activities.
The Barcelona Food Scene
What to Eat:
Casual Tapas: Perfect for kids who like to “sample.” Don’t miss Patatas Bravas, Pan con Tomate, and Croquetas.
Mid-Day “Menu del Día”: A 3-course fixed-price lunch (€12–€18) is the best value in the city.
Bocadillos: You can find a variety of sandwiches at many cafes for a quick lunch. Be sure to go to Bo de B for the best sandwich of your life then eat it on the beach (arrive early and with cash, there will be a line).
Paella: Meat, seafood, or veggie, stroll up to one of dozens of restaurants in Barceloneta for this authentic experience.
Typical Eating Schedule:
Lunch: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The “Merienda”: This 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. snack is non-negotiable for kids—think chocolate and churros or a small bocadillo to tide them over until late dinner.
Dinner: Locals don’t sit down until 9:00 p.m. or later. For an “early” dinner with kids, look for tapas bars that open around 7:30 p.m.
Things to Do With Kids
Tibidabo Amusement Park: A retro, mountaintop park with some of the best views of the city.
CosmoCaixa (Science Museum): An interactive museum with a “Flooded Forest” that kids absolutely love.
Park Güell: Gaudí’s colorful mosaics are a hit with children; go early to beat the crowds and heat. *Be prepared for crowds
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour: Look for tours designed for families that include stops at candy shops and giant-statue museums.
Nova Icària: This beach features calm waters, soft sand, and is significantly quieter than the bustling Barceloneta. There is a great playground right on the sand, and it’s steps away from the Port Olímpic entertainment area.
Castelldefels: A 15-minute train ride south, this 5km stretch of golden sand is a local favorite for its shallow waters and excellent beach clubs.
Some notes about Barcelona beaches:
Every major beach is equipped with lifeguards, accessible ramps for strollers, showers, and clean restrooms.
A wide, paved walkway stretches from Barceloneta all the way to Nova Icària, making it perfect for a morning scooter session before camp drop-off.
At the Centre de la Platja (near Hospital del Mar), you can find a beach lending service that provides toys and equipment for kids.
Things to Do Without Kids
Sunset at Bunkers del Carmel: Pack a bottle of Spanish Cava and head here for a 360-degree sunset view of the city.
Private Penedès Wine Tour: Take a short train ride out to the vineyards for cava tastings.
Rooftop Concerts at Casa Batlló: Experience Gaudí’s architecture at night with live music and cocktails.
Gothic Quarter After Dark: Wander the narrow streets for hidden candlelit wine bars that only truly come alive after 10 p.m.
La Xampanyeria: A very lively, standing-room only bar serving up cheap (but tasty) cava and bites.
Bridging the Evening Gap
If you are working U.S. hours, the biggest hurdle you’ll face in Spain isn’t the language, it’s the late-night dining and childcare gap. While local camps typically end between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., the city doesn’t truly sit down for dinner until 9:00 p.m. If you plan to eat out many evenings as a family, you’ll need a system to bridge the gap.
Vetted Local Support
Don’t rely on finding a sitter once you land. I recommend booking through a reputable agency before you leave to ensure you have multilingual, background-checked care ready for your late-night Zoom calls or kid-free dinners:
Peekaboo Barcelona: A favorite for international families. They offer vetted babysitters who can come directly to your Airbnb. They also have an afternoon Ludoteca (play center) if you just need a few hours of work time.
Tiny Heroes: They specialize in short-term holiday assistance, are multilingual, and are a great option if your child has unique care requirements.
MissBabysitter: A reliable agency that provides legally contracted sitters across Spain, perfect for one-off evenings or continued support throughout your stay.
Operationalizing the Evening Routine
In Spain, kids have a ritual snack (merienda) around 5:00 p.m. Use this time to hit the shaded playgrounds in neighborhoods like Poblenou or Gràcia, which stay active while smaller shops close for siesta.
When researching camps, always check for extended care options. Many offer “After School Clubs” or late-stay programs that can extend your work block until 5:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
The Barcelona Summer Camp List
I’ve researched and vetted 8 camps for you including dates, hours, pricing, activities and more!
For the month of January I’m running a 40% off Founding Membership to access my premium posts like this one. Join now for just $5/m or $50/y.