Barcelona will open nine new water play areas this summer, doubling the number across the city to 18. The move is part of the city’s Heat Plan and Climate Plan, and is aimed at helping residents cope with high temperatures.
The new sites will be at Plaça Carme Simó, Avinguda Mistral, Plaça de Joan Pelegrí, Jardins de Justa Freire, Parc de Joan Reventós, Plaça Harry Walker, Jardins dels Baix Guinardó, Parc d’Antoni Santiburcio, and Plaça de Lolita Torrentó. Barcelona City Council says they will operate from June to September, from 10am to 8pm, without midday breaks.
These new areas join existing water play spaces in Canyelles, Parc de les Rieres d’Horta, Bon Pastor, Canòdrom de Meridiana, Plaça del Maresme, the former Casa de l’Aigua, Parc de les Glòries, Jardins de Sant Joan de Déu at Illa Diagonal, and Plaça Caramelles. The council says previous use of these spaces has been well received.
Looking ahead to 2027, five more water play areas are planned. Two are set for Sant Martí, near Gran Via at Carrer d’Espronceda and Plaça d’Espronceda. Ciutat Vella is due to get two more, at Plaça del Poeta Boscà in Barceloneta and Plaça dels Fotògrafs Català in Sant Pere. A fifth is planned for Carrer Palamós in Nou Barris.
The city says the spaces are designed to use water responsibly, with push-button activation that stops a new cycle from starting until the previous one ends. They are recommended for children aged five and over, who must wear shoes. Pets are not allowed, and bathing in ornamental fountains is forbidden because they are not designed for that use.
The water play areas form part of Barcelona’s Climate Shelter Network and its Public Space Play Plan. The city also says it has 1,754 drinking fountains, which can be found using the free apps Fonts BCN and Barcelona a la Butxaca. For more local coverage, see our news page.