Barcelona through a child's eyes

(Source: Internet)

Travelling with children is a great opportunity to discover the city through different eyes and, above all, learn about things you wouldn't normally consider doing when travelling with friends, your partner, husband, wife or even on your own. Here are four ways of having fun with your kids while you discover Barcelona through its sea, sand, woods, animals and puppet theatres. At the end of the day, when you sign up for one of these ideas, nobody will know who are the parents and who are the kids.

We'll begin at one of the most popular kids' attractions: the Bosc Urbà del Fòrum. Zip wires, nets, creepers, bungee jumping and tree trunks on platforms up to 6 metres in height, and more than 50 attractions very close to the beach, where you'll also be able to stop.

The perfect plan for thrill-seekers who want to enjoy themselves with the family and see Barcelona from the coastline.

Still inside the grounds of the Forum, you'll be able to dress up as naval cadets and discover the city from the sea on Las Golondrinas, the iconic open-topped, twin-decked wooden pleasure boats. They are a great way to relax for a while as you enjoy views of Barcelona from the Mediterranean.

Another perfect option for nature and animal lovers is a visit to Cal Castillo. This petting zoo is located in the heart of the Parc de Collserola, in the "Sol i Aire" district of Sant Cugat del Vallès (just a short car or taxi ride from the city centre). You'll also be able to enjoy amazing views of the city from the winding Arrabassada road which connects Barcelona to Sant Cugat del Vallès.

Emus, Catalan donkeys, Tibetan goats, dwarf horses, fallow deer, Vietnamese pigs, turkeys, rabbits and some 125 animals live in the zoo in total freedom. The great thing is that you'll not only be able to see them, but you'll also be able to touch and play with them. Your kids are bound to be amazed when the owner gets on his tractor and tows them on the trailer over more than 1 hectare of land full of animals roaming wild.

The zoo is open on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 10am to 1pm. Admission is free but the owners are grateful for any donations towards the upkeep of the zoo and for animal feed.

It doesn't matter if you've chosen to spend the morning on the sea or on land, having an adventure or in the countryside. In the afternoon, you can sit down and relax after the hectic morning and clap loudly at a puppet theatre. La Puntual is situated in the Ribera district and stages puppet shows for families throughout the year. There are sessions mid-morning and in the afternoon. And in the square opposite, there's a park packed with kids running around and playing on the equipment. So, if your kids still have the energy you can tire them out on the slides and swings.

Barcelona Bosc Urbà. Parc del Fòrum, s/n. How to get there: Maremesme/Fòrum (L4).

Las Golondrinas. Portal de la Pau s/n. How to get there: Drassanes (L3).

Zoològic Cal Castillo. Urbanización "Sol i Aire" - Parc de Collserola. How to get there: Sant Cugat del Vallés (FGC).

La Puntual. Allada Vermell, 15. How to get there: Jaume I (L4).