Seville, Spain is one of the most fun cities to explore in the Spanish region of Andalusia. There are sever great things to do in Seville, Spain with kids. Scenic parks and historic buildings extend for blocks. A walkable historic center boasts squares perfect for people-watching while enjoying a sweet treat.
Wandering the streets of the Barrio de Santa Cruz while looking into the shop windows at the fancy flamenco dresses can easily take hours. Here our some of favorite things for families to do when they visit.
Our trip to Seville, Spain was just one part of our Andalusia Road Trip. Explore our Spain Road Trip tips and itinerary.
Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain with Kids
Visit the Cathedral de Sevilla
Our visit to Seville, Spain was not quite typical due to the Easter holidays. The Cathedral and most churches were closed to tourists for Semana Santa in Seville.
We managed a quick walkthrough of the impressive Cathedral de Sevilla, but we could not go up in the Giralda Tower or tour the building. Spending some time appreciating Seville’s Cathedral, from the inside or outside, is certainly a must-do when visiting the city of Seville so if you want a more comprehensive tour, visit outside the holy holidays.
The tomb of Christopher Columbus is also housed in the Cathedral de Sevilla. Though Columbus died in 1506, the tomb wasn’t installed in the cathedral until 1899. His tomb is held by four figures representing the four kingdoms of Spain which reigned during Columbus’ life- Aragon, Castille, Leon, and Navara.
Purchase skip the line tickets for the Seville Cathedral ahead of time to save time and money.
Plaza de España
There are lots of parks, fountains, and tot-sized playgrounds for families to enjoy when in Seville with kids. Families of all ages can enjoy strolling through the Plaza de España. The city of Seville built the Plaza de España in 1929 to host the World Fair.
Plaza de España, was a set location from the Star Wars movie franchise, and today they let families rent a boat and row through the canals. You can also take horse-drawn carriage rides around the plaza.
Parque de María Luisa
Next to the Plaza de España you will find the Parque de María Luisa. This special spot has lots of fountains, gardens, and plenty of shade which is a welcome reprieve from the Spanish summer heat. It was built along the Guadalquivir River as part of the Worlds Fair complex as well. You won’t want to miss the Fountain of Lions and the water lily pool.
Real Alcázar
Real Alcázar is one to the top things to do in Seville with kids no matter what the season. At first glance, the buildings and gardens look quite similar to the Alhambra in Granada.
While the early Moorish influence is certainly apparent at the Real Alcázar, Seville was conquered by the Christian Castilians in 13th century, and the Real Alcázar was turned into a royal residence at that time.
Once again my children requested an audio tour so we listened to the complex history of these impressive buildings as we walked through. Eventually, we made it outside to the beautiful gardens. The kids loved running through the hedge maze towards the back!
Experience Flamenco Dancing in Seville
Seeing Flamenco dancing while visiting Spain is a definite “must do” experience. The dancers are incredibly talented and they know how to entertain while demonstrating their unique art form.
Flamenco is an improvised art, and no two performances are exactly the same. You will want to purchase your Flamenco tickets well in advance. I suggest a performance that includes dinner or drinks.
Sample Spanish Churros con Chocolate
One highlight of my family’s vacation to Spain was tasting real churros con chocolate. These pastry-like churros are dipped in a decadent chocolate sauce that is sure to wow any chocolate lovers out there.
While churros are considered a breakfast treat, restaurants know that tourists are eager to try them any time of day so there are several spots serving them all day long.
Bar El Pilar is where locals go to snack on churros, and Bar Comercio is another great spot to get them (as well as other tapas) all day long.
Get Out on the Guadalquivir River
The Guadalquivir River goes through the heart of the city, and spending time on this historic waterway is one of our favorite things to do in Seville. There are seveal different ways to enjoy the river.
The most popular option is taking a narrated river cruise. These cruises take you past the city’s most famed monuments and under historic bridges. I suggest the tours that also serve tapas because they will keep the kids even more occupied while on the tour.
If you prefer a more active experience, try one of the kayak tours. Tours are generally two hours in length and double kayaks are great options for families. You will get snacks as well as plenty of great information while working off those churros con chocolate!
Experience the Triana Market
Every great European city also has a great market, and Seville is no exception. Wandering the food stalls of Triana Market and sampling tapas and other local delicacies along the way is a definite “must do” while visiting Seville.
If your kids are old enough, I recommend taking the Triana Market tour that also includes a cooking class. What better way to experience the culture of a destination than through its food! The cooking class is located inside the market and does sell out, so book early!
Experience Life Underwater at the Aquarium of Seville
If you are wondering what is under the water of the Guadalquivir River then head to the Aquarium of Seville which has an exhibit dedicated to the aquatic life of the river as well as exhibits Atlantic, Amazonian, Pacific and Indo-Pacific sea life. The aquarium was modeled around Ferdinand Magellan’s voyage around the world in 1519.
In all there are over 7,000 fish representing 400 species in 35 different aquariums. There is also a cool glass tunnel that you walk through with sealife swimming all around you.
Semana Santa in Seville
Easter week is a very special time to visit Spain with kids. It is also very busy because all schools are on holiday. Seville, Spain and the nearby city of Málaga are known worldwide for the spectacular Semana Santa processions, like the one pictured above.
Knowing that we would be traveling to Spain during Semana Santa I reserved a hotel room in Seville months in advance. We were in Seville with kids for the night of Palm Sunday, Domingo de Ramos, and the Saturday preceding it.
On Domingo de Ramos the La Paz brotherhood marches through the Parque de María Luisa. It takes at least 30 minutes for the entire procession of children and adults to pass. The experience is unforgettable and a feast for the senses; pictures simply cannot capture the atmosphere.
In addition to the gilded floats (called pasos), there are marching bands with horns blasting music that makes every one stop in awe. The scent of incense permeates the air. Children hand out candies in the shape of the special robes and hoods worn by the people marching in the procession.
The La Paz procession through the park is a celebration for families; kids love the candies. Even after 20 minutes, I couldn’t pull my kids away!
The other processions in town are often much more solemn. Around sunset we wandered into the city center by the cathedral to see if we could spot more processions. It was simply a matter of listening for the music and watching the crowds as they gathered.
We saw about five different pasos moving around town, including one as it entered a tiny alleyway. As it turned the music played by its band crescendoed and we couldn’t help but stop to look.
Hotels in Seville for the Family
While visiting Seville with kids for the first day of Semana Santa, we stayed at Melia Sevilla. It is located near the Plaza de España about a 20-minute walk from the Catedral de Sevilla. The Melia Sevilla and the surrounding neighborhood is a very convenient place for families to stay because it is easy to reach by car.
We were able to park our car in the garage below our hotel and leave it there during our entire stay. During Semana Santa in Seville, it was nice to be able to escape the crowds in the center of the city by the cathedral. It was also easy to find restaurants near the hotel that were not too busy.
There are several more boutiques hotels in Seville that are great options for families. Check out the guide for more great places to stay.
Our trip to Seville with kids was just one part of our Andalusia Road Trip. Explore our Spain Road Trip tips and itinerary.
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