Free Access for Families During City’s Major Festival

From Wednesday 24 to Saturday 27 September 2026, the Tibidabo Amusement Park will offer free entry to all visitors under 16 years of age, provided they are accompanied by an adult with a full-price ticket. The initiative is part of Barcelona’s Mercè 2026 celebrations and aims to make one of the city’s most iconic attractions more accessible to local families.

The offer covers access to all rides, the Funicular Cuca de Llum and the TibiBus shuttle service, significantly reducing the usual costs of a trip to the mountain-top park. This is particularly beneficial for residents in northern districts such as Sarrià, Sant Gervasi and Gràcia, for whom the park is a traditional day-out destination.

125th Anniversary and City Celebrations Align

The promotion coincides with the park’s 125th anniversary, marking it as the oldest operating amusement park in Spain. The dual celebration, of the city’s main festival and Tibidabo’s milestone, has prompted expanded family-friendly programming.

While the amusement park requires tickets for entry, the Área Panorámica del Tibidabo will remain freely accessible throughout the festival. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Barcelona, the Mediterranean Sea and the Collserola mountain range.

"This is a chance for families to celebrate Mercè from above, with unforgettable views, rides and moments," said a Tibidabo spokesperson.

How to Claim Free Entry

Free tickets for under-16s are available in limited quantities and can only be collected in person at three locations: the Tibidabo park ticket office, the BSM Sant Genís-Vall d’Hebron car park, and the Tibidabo Store. There is no online reservation system, so early arrival is advised to secure a spot.

  • Tibidabo park ticket office
  • BSM Sant Genís-Vall d’Hebron car park
  • Tibidabo Store

Interactive Social Media Contest

Visitors who take a photo with the giant ‘Barcelona’ letters at the park and post it on Instagram with the hashtag #TibiMerce before 27 September will enter a draw to win a year of unlimited access to the Área Panorámica and the Funicular Cuca de Llum.

Dining and Cultural Add-Ons

The Masia Tibidabo restaurant, led by chef Rafa Zafra, will offer a family-friendly menu during the festival. Located on the main square of the Tibidabo complex, the restaurant provides panoramic views and is recommended for those wishing to extend their visit. Reservations are strongly advised due to expected high demand.

Zoo Barcelona Joins with Free Entry for Young Children

Similarly, Zoo Barcelona will offer free admission to children up to 12 years old from 24 to 27 September when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets must be collected in person at the zoo’s ticket office, with no online reservations available.

Young visitors can explore Cuida’ls, an immersive exhibit focused on species conservation and biodiversity. As a special Mercè activity, the zoo is hosting a drawing contest on the theme of future biodiversity. Entries will form a collective mural over the four days, and participants will be entered into a prize draw for a zoo merchandise pack.

Wider Mercè Festival Programme

The inclusion of Tibidabo and Zoo Barcelona reflects a broader family-oriented strand in Mercè 2026, which also features over 22,000 people expected to take part in mass sporting events across the city. An additional 100 free activities are scheduled for 3 and 4 October at Montjuïc, extending the festive atmosphere into early autumn.

Families are encouraged to plan ahead, arrive early and secure tickets promptly, as both sites anticipate high demand during the festival period.

Reported by barcelonanoticia.com.