Seville with kids: how to plan a successful trip

Kids move on fast. One year it’s Spiderman, the next it’s flamenco. Seville might not have theme parks, but it makes up for it with rhythm, color, and character – ideal for kids who’ve outgrown cartoon mascots. From clacking castanets to sweet scoops of dulce de leche ice cream, this is a city that sticks in young minds. A flamenco show, a horse-drawn carriage ride, the sheer joy of saying “tengo calor” in the right accent – Seville with kids is less about ticking off sights and more about moments they’ll remember. It’s fun, affordable, and far more exciting than another screen.

Exploring Seville with kids

Seville is one of the best places to visit in Spain if you're traveling with children – compact, walkable, and full of color, music, and energy. It’s not trying to entertain kids with gimmicks. Instead, it hooks them with real experiences: horse-drawn carriages trotting through cobbled lanes, giant wooden mushrooms to climb (more on that later), and live flamenco echoing from open windows.

If you're planning a wider Spain itinerary, Seville fits neatly between Madrid and the Costa del Sol. Trains are fast, the airport’s easy, and the city works well as a base for day trips – Córdoba is under an hour away.

Here’s a quick breakdown of Spain travel tips that’ll make Seville smoother with kids:

• Avoid peak summer if you can. The best time to visit Spain with kids, especially in the south, is March to May or late September to October. You’ll miss the worst of the heat and the crowds.
• Stay central. Barrio Santa Cruz or El Arenal puts you close to the action with minimal walking.
• Go slow. Late lunches, shady parks, and evening strolls keep energy levels up – and tantrums down.

Seville might not have beaches, but it’s got atmosphere, kid-friendly food, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

Best things to do with kids

Forget queuing for rides or paying €12 for a slushie in a plastic cup shaped like a dinosaur. Seville offers something better – real experiences, grounded in the city’s culture, history, and creativity. If you're hunting for things to do in Spain that don’t feel like a chore for grown-ups, Seville with kids is a standout. It’s a city that proves Spain with kids doesn’t have to mean beach resorts or big-ticket attractions. Here’s what to hit with kids in tow.

Plaza de España

Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, this enormous semi-circular plaza is a hit with kids. There are bridges to run across, horse-drawn carriages to spot, and plenty of shady corners for downtime. From around noon, flamenco dancers and musicians perform under the arches – a real highlight. Movie buffs will also enjoy the fact that it featured in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. The plaza sits inside Parque de María Luisa, so it’s easy to combine the two.

Seville Cathedral

You don’t need to be religious – or even that interested in architecture – to be blown away by Seville Cathedral. It’s the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and the interior feels more like a castle than a church. The colored light from the stained glass windows and the sheer scale of the space leave a lasting impression. It’s also wonderfully cool inside, a big bonus on hot days. Climb the Giralda Tower for city views – the ramped path instead of stairs makes it easier with kids in tow.

Royal Alcázar of Seville

This sprawling royal palace is full of rooms to wander and gardens to explore. It’s a patchwork of Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, with peacocks strutting across the lawns and tiled archways straight out of a storybook. Kids can roam without the pressure of a formal museum setup. Entry is free for under-16s, but it’s best to book in advance – and go early, before the tour groups arrive. If you’ve seen Game of Thrones, the palace gardens may look familiar – they were used as the set for Dorne.

Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)

Nicknamed “Las Setas” – the mushrooms – this giant wooden structure rises from Plaza de la Encarnación like a surreal playground. Kids can run beneath it or take the lift to the top walkway for panoramic views of the city. It’s one of Seville’s most striking modern landmarks and a great break from all the historic sites. There’s a small archaeological museum in the basement, too, but most kids are more interested in the shadows and scale above. Come at sunset for the best light and cooler temperatures.

Seville Aquarium

When the heat or crowds get too much, the Seville Aquarium offers cool, calm relief. It follows the route of Ferdinand Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe, with tanks showing the marine life he might’ve seen below deck. It’s well laid out, clean, and has a strong ecological message that kids engage with. Highlights include the jellyfish tanks, the sharks, and the tropical forest section. It’s not huge, but you can easily spend 1-2 hours here, just enough time to reset before heading back out.

Parque de María Luisa

Seville’s most famous park is a shady, leafy escape from the sun. Bring snacks, take a picnic, and let the kids burn off some energy climbing trees or running along shaded paths. There are small playgrounds tucked inside, and it’s easy to hire bikes or pedal buggies if your crew is feeling adventurous. The Plaza de España sits inside the park, so the two are easy to combine in one relaxed visit. It’s also close to museums and the river – a good base for a half-day of family wandering.

Open-top bus tour

Yes, it’s touristy. But kids love it – and let’s be honest, you’ll be grateful for the sit-down. Seville’s hop-on-hop-off buses loop around the city’s biggest sights and give great views from the top deck. The commentary isn’t always thrilling, but the ride is fun. It’s also practical: you can use it as transport between sights and avoid constant walking. Look out for ticket deals – Sevirama offers a second day free, which is handy if you’re staying a while and want to break things up.

Casa de la Ciencia

This science museum isn’t huge, but it’s interactive and air-conditioned – two major wins when traveling with kids. Exhibits cover local wildlife, the human body, and the solar system, and there’s a planetarium with short shows (check the schedule for English-language sessions). It's aimed at kids aged 5-12 and makes a nice, quiet break from the buzz of the city. Located near Parque de María Luisa, it’s easy to add to your day if you’re already in the area.

Isla Mágica

If your kids are craving a theme park fix, Isla Mágica delivers. It’s pirate-themed, with rollercoasters, log flumes, and a separate water park called Agua Mágica – a lifesaver during Seville’s scorching summers. Expect crowds, queues and slightly overpriced snacks, but for a full-on day of family fun, it ticks the boxes. It’s not far from the city center, on the site of the old Expo ’92. Get there early and pack swim gear if you plan to cool off in the water zone.

Friendly family Seville itineraries

Balancing cultural sights, outdoor fun, relaxed parks, and easy food stops, these Seville itineraries are designed with families in mind. Whether you’ve got two or three days in the city, you’ll find enough variety to keep kids interested, without running everyone into the ground.

2 days in Seville

Short on time but still want a taste of Seville’s culture, food, and fun? This two-day itinerary covers key highlights without rushing – think grand palaces, shady parks, flamenco dancers, and a few surprises that kids will remember long after the trip ends. It’s ideal for families visiting as part of a longer Spain itinerary, or for a quick weekend getaway with just enough downtime built in.

Day 1: Royal palaces and flamenco in the plaza

Start your trip at the Royal Alcázar, a palace complex with sprawling gardens, tiled courtyards, and the occasional peacock. Book ahead and arrive early to avoid queues – under-16s go free.

Afterwards, walk next door to Seville Cathedral. It’s vast, cool, and surprisingly kid-friendly. Climb the Giralda Tower via ramps instead of stairs for panoramic city views.

Stop for lunch nearby – try Bodega Santa Cruz for quick, casual tapas.

In the afternoon, explore Parque de María Luisa and let the kids roam. End the day at Plaza de España, where flamenco dancers often perform from midday.

Day 2: Mushrooms, sea creatures, and a bus ride

Start your morning at Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) – the giant wooden “mushrooms” in the old town. Ride the lift to the top for views and photos.

Next, head to the Seville Aquarium, where the exhibits follow Magellan’s global voyage and include sharks and jellyfish.

Grab lunch at Mercado Lonja del Barranco, a food market by the river with kid-friendly options.

In the afternoon, hop on an open-top tour bus. It’s a fun way to see the city while giving little legs a rest. Hop off at the Torre del Oro for a riverside walk, or stay on for the full loop.

3 days in Seville

With three days, you’ve got time to slow the pace and dig a little deeper. This itinerary blends Seville’s headline attractions with laid-back parks, quirky museums, and enough ice cream stops to keep kids happy. It’s an ideal way to explore Seville with kids, giving you space to enjoy the city without cramming too much into each day.

Day 1: Palaces, towers, and a carriage ride

Begin at the Royal Alcázar, then move on to Seville Cathedral and the Giralda Tower next door.

Have lunch in the atmospheric Barrio Santa Cruz – its narrow lanes and tiled patios are ideal for a wander and a snack.

In the afternoon, treat the kids to a horse-drawn carriage ride around the old city. It’s touristy, yes – but a real crowd-pleaser.

End your day at Plaza de España, where you’ll often catch live flamenco under the arches.

Day 2: Skywalks, science, and shaded parks

Kick off the morning with a trip to Metropol Parasol. Kids love the elevator ride and the walkway at the top.

Next, head to Casa de la Ciencia, a small interactive science museum near the park. If the timing works, catch a planetarium show.

For lunch, try Piko or Véndome – both offer kid-friendly menus and a relaxed vibe.

In the afternoon, rent a pedal buggy or bring a picnic to Parque de María Luisa. It’s a shady escape where kids can climb trees or just crash out for a bit.

Day 3: Underwater adventures and theme park thrills

Start your final day at the Seville Aquarium, a manageable half-day activity that’s air-conditioned and engaging.

After lunch by the river (either picnic or market snacks), make your way to Isla Mágica, a pirate-themed amusement park with rollercoasters, a water park, and enough variety to wear them out.

Prefer something low-key? Skip the park and opt for a boat ride along the Guadalquivir River instead – slower, quieter, and still a novelty for most kids.

Wrap up with churros at Bar El Comercio or a scoop of dulce de leche ice cream from Bolas before calling it a day.

Where to stay in Sevilla with kids

Finding the right base can make or break a family trip. Luckily, Seville with kids is a breeze when it comes to accommodation. The city is compact, walkable, and packed with options that suit families – from self-catering apartments to small hotels with just enough space to spread out.

The best places to stay in Seville put you within walking distance of major sights, parks, and places to eat without relying too much on public transport. Look for places with air-conditioning (non-negotiable in summer), quiet courtyards, and breakfast included – always a win when you're trying to get out the door with kids.

Here are the top areas to consider:

Santa Cruz – for walking to everything

This central, historic neighborhood is ideal for first-time visitors. You’ll be steps from the Royal Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, and the shaded alleys of Barrio Santa Cruz. It’s touristy, yes, but staying here means less walking, fewer transport headaches, and plenty of tapas bars and ice cream shops on your doorstep.

• Why it works: Central, safe, walkable.
• Watch out for: Narrow streets and limited parking – skip if you're driving.

El Arenal – close to the river and major sights

Just west of Santa Cruz, El Arenal puts you near the river, Torre del Oro, and the Plaza de Toros. It’s slightly quieter than Santa Cruz but still central. Great for families who want to be close to the action without being right in the thick of it.

• Why it works: Easy access to sights and the riverside walk.
• Watch out for: Some hotels can be pricier, especially near the bullring.

Alameda – a laid-back local vibe

A short walk north of the center, Alameda de Hércules is where Seville gets a little cooler and more relaxed. There are playgrounds in the square, cafés that open early, and plenty of local families. It’s a solid choice if you prefer more space and a slower pace.

• Why it works: Kid-friendly cafés, apartment rentals, relaxed atmosphere.
• Watch out for: A bit of a walk to the main sights (15-20 mins).

Triana – local life across the river

Just across the Puente de Isabel II, Triana feels like a different city. It’s known for ceramics, flamenco, and a more residential, local vibe. You’ll find riverside restaurants, markets, and larger apartments – perfect for families who want a quieter base with easy access to the center.

• Why it works: More space, less touristy, great food markets.
• Watch out for: You'll cross the bridge often to reach the main sights.

Family-friendly hotel and apartment tips

• Hotel Amadeus (Santa Cruz) – Family rooms, rooftop terrace, and music-themed charm.
• Petit Palace Vargas (Arenal) – Good value, bunk beds for kids, and bike rentals.
• Suites Murillo Alcázar (Santa Cruz) – Spacious suites just steps from the palace.
• Lukanda Arenal – Apartment-style stay with kitchens and modern design.
• One Shot Palacio Conde de Torrejón – Stylish hotel in Alameda with a small pool.