Barcelona has more than 800 children’s play areas in parks, gardens and squares, according to El Periódico Barcelona. The city council says its Barcelona Ciutat Jugable, or Playable City, programme is meant to keep play spaces safe in parks, streets and on beaches, while supporting children’s development.
One of the best-known sites is in the renovated Plaça de les Glòries. It has long, wide slides that adults can also use. The surrounding green space has been described by one Google Maps user as a “true oasis”, while another called the slides at Parc del Fòrum a “children’s paradise”.
Other popular play areas are spread across Barcelona’s districts. La Platgeta del Poblenou, in Sant Martí, is noted for its shade. In Sant Andreu, Parc de la Pegaso has a large octopus structure, a trampoline and a balance beam. In Nou Barris, Parc Central has a whale structure in its children’s area, and in Eixample, the Jardins de la Indústria feature a swallow-shaped structure with two slides as wings.
Several newer or more creative spaces have also drawn attention. In Sants-Montjuïc, the Can Batlló play area is a colourful 1,000-square-metre space. In Montjuïc, the Jardins de Joan Brossa include musical cushions that let children create melodies, along with structures designed to foster creativity.
Elsewhere, the Parc de la Colònia Castells in Les Corts is described as suitable for both younger and older children. In Gràcia, the Parc de la Creueta del Coll has a lake that opens as a swimming pool in summer. In Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Parc del Castell de l’Oreneta offers sand, leaves, a small train and other unusual features for a playground.
The city council continues to develop and maintain these spaces as part of its wider commitment to safe, stimulating places for children to play across Barcelona.
