Your Guide to the Best Things to Do in Granada with Kids. This is Granada in Spain. But we do have a whole blog dedicated to things to do in Granada with kids in Nicaragua!

Hola familias! If you’re searching for unforgettable things to do in Granada with kids, you’re in for a treat. Granada, nestled in the heart of Andalucia, Spain, is bursting with family-friendly attractions, stunning scenery, and delicious food.

We spent a whole month exploring this magical city with our two children (aged 7 and 10), and I can honestly say it’s the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and fun for all ages. Let me take you through our favourite family experiences, packed with practical tips, opening times, costs, and how best to get around.

A visit to Granada can be combined with trips or holidays from other parts of Andalucia. It’s only 90 minutes from Malaga and Nerja and 2 hours from Almeria.

The Alhambra: Granada’s Crown Jewel

No visit to Granada is complete without seeing the Alhambra. This majestic palace and fortress complex wowed our kids with its intricate carvings, sprawling gardens, and secret passages. We’ve done a whole separate blog on the Alhambra and visiting it with kids its that good! Read that here.

Top tip: Tickets sell out fast, especially in peak season, so book well in advance.

For detailed planning advice, family hacks, and avoiding queues, check out my standalone blog post on the Alhambra with kids.

• Opening Times: Daily, 08:30–20:00 (April to October), 08:30–18:00 (November to March)
• Costs: Adult €19.09, children under 12 free (2025 prices)
• Directions: It’s a 20-minute uphill walk from Plaza Nueva, or take the C30 or C32 minibuses from the city centre. Parking is also an option if you are arriving with a car – and it’s less than 10 euros for the whole day.

Mirador San Nicolás: Postcard Views

For the best panoramic view of the Alhambra backed by the Sierra Nevada mountains, Mirador San Nicolás is a must-visit. There’s space to run and play as well as cafes for a drink and sit down.

• Best Time: Late afternoon to sunset
• Directions: Located in the Albaicín; from the city centre, it’s a 20-minute walk uphill or take bus C31 or C32.

From San Nicolas it’s a good place to mooch around the old town and narrow streets, exploring alleys and ginnels and even the caves around a 20 minute walk away. Simply walking around the city is one of the best things to do with kids in Granada – see what they can spot.

Granada Cathedral: History with a Twist

Even our children, who have seen their fair share of churches and temples, found Granada Cathedral fascinating. It is huge! The soaring ceilings, colourful stained glass, and all the gold and tapestries made it a hit. You enter in one side, and exit through the opposite wall and out to an area full of amazing restaurants, ice cream places and bars. These things come in very handy for bribery if the cathedral isn’t quite doing it for them.

• Opening Times: Mon–Sat 10:00–18:30, Sun 15:00–18:00
• Entry Fees: Adults €5, children under 12 free
• Location: Plaza de las Pasiegas, city centre

Bohemia Jazz Café: Quirky Family Pitstop

This is a dream place for anyone with a sweet tooth. We absolutely loved the Bohemia Jazz Café, a unique spot filled with vintage décor and friendly staff. Their homemade cakes (the chocolate tarta is a must) and milkshakes are ideal for kids, while adults can enjoy jazz tunes and a good coffee or cocktail. The venue itself is full of old ornaments and gadgets such as typewriters, cameras, encyclopaedias which meant it felt like a history lesson as well.

• Opening Hours: Daily, 16:00–02:00
• Location: Plaza de los Lobos, 3 – just a short stroll from the Cathedral

Science Museum (Parque de las Ciencias): Interactive Fun

The Science Museum is an absolute highlight for families. Our kids were enthralled by hands-on exhibits, the planetarium, butterfly house, and even a tower climb for views over Granada. The butterfly house is small but worthy of a visit and there was also a falcon show put on – in Spanish.

The exhibitions are hands on and we spent an hour in the space area, and another 30 minutes in a section dedicated to sealife and animals. In the grounds there is a play area with games (chess, tic-tac-toe) and lovely garden paths for them to run around. It was intense summer heat when we visited so we did dive indoors more than we usually would have done. There’s enough here to spend a whole day!

• Opening Times: Tues–Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 10:00–15:00, closed Mondays
• Costs: Adults €7, children (3–18) €6, under 3s free
• Directions: Avenida de la Ciencia, 15 – take bus SN1 from the city centre or drive (ample  and affordable underground parking)

Nevada Shopping Centre: Cinema and Isla Tortuga

For a rainy day or when the grown-ups need a rest, or when aircon is required, head to Nevada mall. Isla Tortuga is a safe and lively play centre with soft play zones, climbing frames, trampolines and slides. You pay per ‘attraction’ and it’s around £6 each. We visited a couple of times during our month here. Just check the opening hours before leaving.

The cinema is also here and there are several English language films available (look for ‘VOSE’ -original version with Spanish subtitles). We caught the latest release here of ‘How to train your Dragon’ and found it spotless and comfy. The popcorn was even affordable vs the UK.

• Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 17:00–21:00, Sat–Sun 12:00–21:00
• Showtimes: Vary daily – check Cinesur website for up-to-date listings
• Entry Fee: €5–€8 per child (adults free with paying child)
• Cinema Ticket Prices: Around €7 adults, €6 children
• Location: Camino de Ronda, 97

Hoya de la Mora: Snowy Escapades

Fancy a snowball fight or sledging even in spring? Hoya de la Mora, just 30 minutes from Granada in the Sierra Nevada, offers snow play, mountain walks, and brilliant views. Even in July we drove as far as we could and then went on a mission to find the few remaining patches of snow. It’s also a good place to escape the heat if in peak summer. In winter you have the ski resort of the Sierra Nevada open as well.

At Hoya de la Mora there is a car park right at the top, a Virgen Maria statue and various cafes – not all are open in the summer but you can get a drink and some tapas whilst enjoying the views.

• Best Time: December to April for snow; summer for hiking and wildflowers
• Directions: Drive up the A-395 towards Sierra Nevada; car park at the top
• The road is very windy – take your time and sickness pills if needed.

Los Cahorros: Adventure Trails for All

Our favourite family hike was at Los Cahorros in Monachil, where suspension bridges, riverside walks, and caves create a mini adventure park. Kids aged 6+ should manage most of the main trail, though sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure are a must. The landscape is simply beautiful as well – just remember water and snacks are a must!

• Opening Times: Open year-round
• Access: Bus 183 from Granada to Monachil, then follow signs. Free entry. It’s also an easy drive up towards the Sierra Nevada, and there is parking available.
• Safety Tips: Some sections are narrow and may get slippery – keep an eye on little ones

Via Verde de Sierra Nevada: Family Hiking and Biking

The Via Verde is a converted railway line perfect for cycling or walking with kids. The route is mostly flat, enjoying tunnels, bridges, and picnic spots. The scenery is breathtaking – don’t forget your camera! After around 30-40 minutes you will arrive at a restaurant on the river for a drink and food, and the kids can play in the water too.

• Start Point: La Zubia or Dílar, both a short drive from Granada
• Route Info: Well signposted; choose your distance
• Family Tip: Bring the kids swimming things if there in the summer for a cool off in the river!

Skate Parks: Urban Fun for Kids

If your children are into skateboarding, rollerblading, or scooters, Granada has several excellent skate parks. Ours loved Parque Tico Medina (with its smooth ramps and friendly locals) and the large facility at Parque Almunia. But just put skate park into Google maps and you will find one near you.

• Opening Hours: Generally 08:00–22:00, free entry
• Facilities: Ramps, rails, and play areas for younger kids

Hoya de Pedraza Botanical Garden: Nature and Learning

For a peaceful escape, the Hoya de Pedraza Botanical Garden in the Sierra Nevada is perfect. There are easy trails, interactive signs, and plenty of spots to explore Mediterranean plants and wildlife. Our children loved the bug hunt and spotting lizards basking in the sun.

• Opening Times: Tues–Sun 10:00–18:00 (April–October), 10:00–16:00 (November–March), closed Mondays
• Entry Fees: Adults €3, children €1
• Directions: Located in Sierra Nevada National Park, about 15km from Granada – best reached by car

Sun and Sand at Almuñécar Beach

If your family fancies a day by the sea, Almuñécar Beach is an excellent choice. Situated about an hour’s drive from Granada, it offers a long stretch of pebbly coastline perfect for building towers, swimming, and relaxing under the Mediterranean sun. The promenade is lined with lively cafés and ice cream shops, making it easy to take a break and enjoy a treat. The shallow waters near the shore are ideal for children.

Don’t forget to bring snorkelling gear—there’s plenty of marine life to spot close to the rocks and this is some of the cleanest and clearest water I have ever seen in the Med!

Fun at Aqua Tropic Water Park, Almuñécar

For a splash-filled adventure, Aqua Tropic Water Park in Almuñécar is sure to delight kids and grown-ups alike. The park boasts a variety of attractions: thrilling slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and dedicated play areas for younger children.

Facilities include shaded picnic spots, snack bars, and plenty of sun loungers for those who prefer to relax. It’s open from late May to early September, with hours typically from 11:00 to 19:00. A perfect way to beat the heat and create unforgettable family memories! Our kids were 6 and 10 at the time and it was genuinely the perfect age for them. They had so much fun and the queues weren’t bad at all (we visited on a Monday in July).

Conclusion: Granada Awaits Your Family Adventure

From ancient palaces to snowy peaks, and bustling cafés to tranquil gardens, Granada is packed with things to do for families seeking both fun and learning. It felt like a great balance between city break and outdoor adventure. Even after a whole month there I know we will be back.

If you’re looking for memorable things to do in Granada with kids, this city won’t disappoint – it’s a destination we can’t wait to return to.