All About Spain With Kids: Important Information To Know

Three kids sit on the beach in Barcelona, Spain, with the water in the distance.
Photo Courtesy: Chelsey Knealing

If you want to know all about Spain with kids, there’s some important information you should read first. From the local currency to health information, the official language, and even babysitting services, it’s important to do proper research on your vacation destination before booking your trip. Finding all the information in one place can be tricky, though, which is why we’ve compiled a list of things to know before visiting Spain, including important information for you to reference. Plus, stay tuned until the end since we also include things to do in Spain with kids and the best hotels in Spain for families. Keep reading about Spain for families!

At a Glance

A dad holds the hands of his young infant daughter while she gleeful takes a few steps in a plaza in Seville.
Photo Courtesy: Dalya Gershtein

Before you visit Spain with kids, you should learn the basics. Keep reading for local currency, visa information, and more information all about Spain with kids. 

Local Currency & Time

Wondering all about Spain’s local currency and how families can get the best currency exchange rates? The currency in Spain is the Euro. Most credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted as well. Spain operates 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time, in GMT +2. Click here to see Spain’s current time. Please note, the Canary Islands are one-hour behind mainland Spain.

Official Language & Visa Information

The official language in Spain is Spanish or Castilian Spanish, which is spoken by all citizens. However, certain Autonomous Communities have their own official language in addition to Spanish. Catalan is spoken in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, and Basque in the Basque Country and part of Navarre. Check this website for some helpful words and phrases!

If you’re planning an extended trip to Spain or have a non-U.S. passport, you may also need to research obtaining a VISA before your visit. To learn all about the VISA policy in Spain for families, click here.

Power/Standard Voltage

In Spain, there are two associated plug types: types C and F. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins. Plug type F is the plug that has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Spain operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Local Weather

Knowing about the Spanish climate will be helpful before you depart. Spain’s climate is oceanic, with relatively mild and rainy winters and cool and quite sunny summers. There can be occasional heatwaves in summer, and the wind blows frequently throughout the year. Snowfall occurs largely in the interior mountainous areas. Check the current forecast on Accuweather. If you need more help planning your Spain vacation with kids, feel free to check out Spain’s official tourism website for more information.

Health Information

Two kids turn around in their chairs to look at the crowded beach of Costa del Sol.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Having the right information about health and safety is an important part of visiting Spain with kids. If your children have allergies, might need medical attention, etc., be sure to keep this important information in mind. Firstly, it is worth noting that Spain has many restaurants with special menus for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions, including Celiac, gluten-sensitive, lactose intolerant, etc.

Vaccinations, Health Tips, & Hospitals

Visiting Spain with young ones? Remember to check if your child has all the correct shots and vaccines. For a complete list of the recommended vaccines and more health information on all about Spain with kids, including COVID-19 warnings and regulations, visit the official CDC website. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should also check out hospitals near your vacation destination just in case. 

COVID-19 Guidelines & Vaccination Information

If you’re planning a trip to Spain soon, you’re probably wondering about Spain’s COVID-19 guidelines. As of April 15, Spain has no travel restrictions or requirements at this time. Please check the Consulate website to keep up-to-date on Spain’s stay-at-home orders. We suggest making sure you’re fully vaccinated before traveling to Spain with kids. For vaccination information, click here. You can also visit this website for additional useful information about local COVID-19 regulations.

Emergency Services

Two kids sit on a dock looking out onto a clear blue ocean in Mallorca.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy during your trip to Spain with kids, as this is very important information when learning all about Spain with kids. 

Police, Fire Department, Ambulance

For emergency services in Spain, dial 112. 

Safety Issues

If you’re visiting with your kids and want to know all about your destination, you’re probably wondering: Is Spain safe for families? The answer is yes! The crime threat in Spain is generally considered to be on the lower side, and it is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in Europe. Spain is overall very safe to travel to. Even though it’s sometimes dangerous, and the number of homeless people on the street may make you feel uneasy, the criminal activities that occur only apply to dangerous parts of the city, which are rarely frequented by tourists.

You can review the current U.S. Department’s Spain Travel Advisory here.

Spain for Kids

A mom and her young son touch a large stone wall in Barcelona.

Visiting Spain with kids brings its own set of challenges. Keep reading for comprehensive information on babysitting services, baby gear rentals, etc.

Babysitting Services & Baby Gear Rentals

Looking for a romantic evening alone in Spain? Luckily, you’ll find plenty of babysitting services throughout the city in your search to learn all about Spain with kids. If you’re traveling to Barcelona, we suggest BCN Babysitter or Nannies Spain for childcare. In Madrid, we suggest Miss Babysitter or Care For Kids. If you’ve left your baby gear at home, don’t worry! There are plenty of places to find baby gear in Spain. Take a look at Backpack Baby, Strollaround, and Wallyboo if you’re vacationing in Barcelona or My Little Rider and Bebe Away in Madrid.

Transportation

A mom holds her young son while exploring Barcelona, Spain, with La Sagrada Familia in the distance.
Photo Courtesy: Kaye Enriquez

Transportation is another thing to consider when vacationing in Spain with kids. Whether you need information about car seats or all about local airlines in Spain for families, you’ve come to the right place.

Car Seat Laws

If you plan to ride in a car during your Spain vacation with kids, keep reading for important car seat information and all about Spain with kids. According to the Spanish law about passenger safety, everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt at all times. Children also have to be in the correct safety seat for their age and height. In Spain, children need to be over 135cms tall and over 12 years before they can travel without a car seat. You can find great graphics from the Spanish Department of Traffic here.

Transportation Services

There are over 40 airports dotted across mainland Spain and the islands, many of which have regularly scheduled external flights, as well as internal flights. The largest airports are those of Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El Prat, which have the most frequent flights in and out of the country. RENFE is Spain’s national train network, which operates regular services across the country with high-speed, regular, and suburban train lines. Train lines are modernized, efficient, and reliable. Taking the bus is one of the cheapest ways to get around Spain. However, for long distances, it’s not always the most comfortable. It’s also one of the easiest ways to access off-the-beaten-track destinations and rural areas where there are no train lines.

For more information on transportation in Spain, click here.

Other Things to Know Before Visiting Spain with Kids

Two kids sit smiling on the steps within Alcazar Palace.
Photo Courtesy: Sarah Gemba

Searching for more tips all about Spain with kids? Between tipping customs, important holidays, and other safety issues, there are still a few things left you should know. Keep reading to learn all about Spain with kids!

Tipping Customs

Knowing all about tipping in Spain can save families a lot of confusion. In Spain, like many popular travel destinations, tips and gratuities are discretionary and dependent on the service quality you’ve received. Tipping throughout Spain is somewhat uncommon, depending on the industry. Similar to the USA, expect to tip when visiting salons, spas, and other service industries. Normally, the rule of 10%-15% of the total bill is applicable. Additionally, hotel staff (like porters and house cleaners) and tour guides greatly appreciate tips. Consider 1 to 5 euros for hotel staff (more if you require a lot of support), and about 5 euros for great tour guides.

However, at restaurants, tipping is very rare (even for table service). If you are ordering from a bar or counter, tips are not expected or warranted. For table service, tipping is also not expected. If you had exceptional service and want to provide a “bonus” to your server, you may do so, of course. In this case, one or two Euros is just fine. Restaurant staff and servers in Spain make a living wage, making tipping somewhat unnecessary compared to the United States. Additionally, in many places, service is already included, so a bill should say “SERVICIO INCLUÍDO”.

Important Holidays

If you’re still searching for specific dates to visit Spain, you may want to determine whether your vacation will fall on a public holiday. This can greatly diminish the number of attractions or points of interest you see, so it’s important information to know about visiting Spain. Check the Spain National Holidays for more information here. 

Things to Do in Spain with Kids

A family of four stands in a historic street within the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.
Photo Courtesy: Alyce Marie

Once you’ve read our Spain important information and all about Spain with kids, look up what to do. From Madrid to Seville, Barcelona, or Mallorca, this beautiful country offers something for everyone. Families who want to soak up Spanish culture and history will love the chic cosmopolitan city of Madrid, home to the Reina Sofia Museum, El Prado, and plenty of famous attractions such as Plaza Mayor. Madrid also offers the very fun Parque Warner Madrid!

Meanwhile, travelers who want a more traditional Spanish experience may prefer the county’s southern region, Andalucia. Cities such as Seville, Malaga, Granada, and Cadiz offer glimpses at thousand-year-old Moorish architecture, traditional Flamenco dancing, and delicious tapas.

Families who want a mix of history and beach relaxation can visit Barcelona. Families will love spending the day at PortAventura Park, which is near Barcelona. Or, head off to mainland Spain to Mallorca to see some of the best beaches in Europe! You can learn more about the beaches of Spain here. Plus, there is a wide variety of outdoor adventures across the country!

Companies such as Viator or GetYourGuide offer various tours in Barcelona, Madrid, and all over Spain with a flexible cancellation policy and a book now, pay later option. These companies offer peace of mind for families if they have to cancel for any specific reason.

For more things to do in Spain with kids, check out our list of the Best Things To Do In Barcelona With Kids!

Where to Stay in Spain with Kids

A mom holds the hand of her young son while they walk through a stone hallway in Barcelona.

Looking for the best places to stay in Spain with kids? Once you’ve learned all about Spain with kids, it’s time to decide on a place to stay. Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville are the most popular destinations in Spain to visit due to their attraction for all ages, so these are also popular destinations to stay in.

If you decide to stay in Barcelona, Madrid, or Seville with kids, check out websites like Hotels.com, Travelocity, Expedia, and more to help save on your trip. Or, you can book directly with your favorite chains, from Marriott to Hilton, etc. If you’re planning to stay at another Spain destination with your family, then we suggest renting a home using PlumGuide or Vrbo There are also various local agencies to help with your rental search.

Find more places to stay in Barcelona on this list of the Best Family Hotels In Barcelona By Neighborhood

Book your next stay in Spain using Hotels.com now! 

Get a discount on your next Spain family vacation by using Expedia today! 

Happy Travels!

People walk along the waves of the water off-shore from Mallorca.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

We hope you liked this article All About Spain With Kids: Important Information To Know! Between how to get around the country, seat belt laws, and more important information, we’ve compiled everything your family needs to know about visiting this beautiful destination. Enjoy Spain with your kids!

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles.

Families Love Travel is not liable for any injuries and/or damages to persons or property occurring as a result of your vacations influenced by the suggestions on this website. We are not responsible for any information on this website, such as recommendations for babysitting services, car rentals, or accommodations. All content provided is for informational and review purposes only. The information we provide is to make it easier for families to travel together and nothing more. Try the suggestions at your own risk.

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The Families Love Travel Team has a zest for life and an even bigger passion for globetrotting! Comprised of real-life travel professionals, we work hard behind the scenes to provide dynamic solutions for adventuring with children. Our enthusiastic team understands the challenges that often accompany traveling with kids and is committed to making Families Love Travel an inclusive space to convey these experiences.