When you visit Spain with your family, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants with outdoor play areas for children. Whether it’s in the sun or the shade, these open spaces offer fun for the little ones and peace of mind for their parents. If you’re in Madrid, there are many options, one of the best being El Jardín de la Máquina, in the upmarket residential part of La Moraleja. It has an extensive garden where children can play while you enjoy delicious dishes in an elegant atmosphere. The menu features everything from traditional Spanish rice dishes to creative tapas and salads. Another good option is La Excéntrica, a Castilianstyle restaurant in the city centre, near Plaza Mayor. The place is decorated with childrens paintings, and there’s a play area where children can have fun while you enjoy the excellent menu. You’ll love the honeydrizzled fried eggplant, the roast suckling pig, the homemade meatballs, and the delicious ‘gachas’ (flour soup). And if you have a sweet tooth, the homemade desserts will leave you speechless. If you’re visiting Barcelona, you’ll find a wide range of restaurants with play areas for children. El Jardí de lAbadessa, in the Pedralbes neighbourhood, is one of the best. It has a large garden with a playground, making it the perfect place to relax and let the kids play. The menu features Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist, and the paella is simply unforgettable. Another excellent option is El Principal de L’Eixample, located in a beautiful 19thcentury building in the heart of the city. It offers a playroom for children, as well as a menu full of traditional Catalan dishes. The ‘calçots’ (grilled green onions) and the ‘canelons’ (cannelloni) are musttries, and the desserts are equally delightful.
If you find yourself in the south of Spain, in the vibrant city of Seville, you’ll be delighted by the options available for family dining. One of the top choices is El Cortijo, a charming restaurant that combines rustic Andalusian decor with a modern twist. It features a spacious garden where children can play to their hearts’ content while parents enjoy the culinary delights of the region. The menu offers a wide variety of traditional dishes, including the famous ‘salmorejo’ (a thick, creamy tomato soup), succulent Iberian ham, and mouthwatering ‘flamenquines’ (breaded and fried pork rolls). The outdoor play area is equipped with swings and slides, making it an ideal spot for families. Another gem in Seville is La Casa de Manolo León, a familyfriendly restaurant located in a historic building in the city’s centre. The courtyard is a picturesque setting where children can play under the shade of orange trees while parents savour the exquisite Andalusian cuisine. The menu features dishes like ‘berenjenas a la miel’ (fried eggplant with honey), ‘chocos’ (cuttlefish), and tender lamb cooked to perfection. The desserts are equally impressive, with the ‘tocino de cielo’ (egg yolk flan) being a particular favourite. Heading to the north of Spain, in the beautiful Basque Country, you’ll find Restaurante Akelarre, a culinary haven perched on a hilltop overlooking the Bay of Biscay. While it may be known for its Michelinstarred cuisine, it also caters to families with children. The restaurant has a large garden where kids can run around and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. The menu features innovative dishes that blend traditional Basque flavours with modern techniques. For a more casual experience, head to La Ribera, a familyfriendly restaurant located in Bilbao’s historic old town. It has a play area for children and a menu filled with traditional Basque dishes like ‘bacalao al pilpil’ (cod in garlic sauce) and ‘chuletón’ (a massive steak). The relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make it a favourite among locals and tourists alike. In Valencia, home of the famous paella, you’ll find Restaurante La Pepica, a beachfront institution that has been serving up delicious rice dishes since 1898. It’s a familyfriendly spot with a play area for kids and a prime location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The paella is the star of the menu, but you’ll also find other Valencian favourites like ‘fideuà’ (a noodle dish similar to paella) and ‘all i pebre’ (eel stew). For a more relaxed atmosphere, try El Trinquet, a charming restaurant located in a renovated pelota court. The play area for children is situated in the former court, providing a unique experience for families. The menu focuses on traditional Valencian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. The ‘arroz a banda’ (rice cooked in fish broth) and the ‘esgarraet’ (a salad of roasted peppers and salted cod) are standout dishes. Whether you’re exploring the culinary delights of Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, the Basque Country, or Valencia, you’ll find an abundance of familyfriendly restaurants with outdoor play areas for children. These establishments not only offer delicious food but also provide a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where families can enjoy their meal while the little ones have fun. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to create lasting memories with your family in Spain.
