2-Day Family-Friendly Girona (Spring) — Practical & Caring Guide
A relaxed 2-day Girona plan for families with young children: stroller-friendly green spaces, interactive museums, short walks in the old town, easy meals and regular breaks. Designed for spring (May) with gentle pacing, nap/snack buffers and specific tips for parents.
Highlights
- Parc de la Devesa — big shady playground and picnic lawns
- Museu del Cinema — hands-on displays kids love
- Call Jueu (Jewish Quarter) — gentle, educational stroll
- Catedral de Santa Maria & Pont de les Peixateries Velles — iconic views and photos
- Rocambolesc — famed ice cream treat
- Passeig de la Muralla — short wall walk with panoramic views
Itinerary
Day 1
Easy first day: park play, an interactive museum, market lunch, old town strolls, and a sweet treat. Plenty of time to rest between stops.
Morning play & picnic at Parc de la Devesa
Start gently in Girona's largest urban park — big lawns, playground equipment, shaded trees and paved paths that are stroller-friendly. Great for a morning run-around and a picnic if you brought snacks.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller hack: use the main paved paths (near Avinguda de la Generalitat) to avoid tree roots — they’re wide and smooth.
- Facilities: there are public restrooms near the main entrances; bring a small picnic blanket (grass is soft) and a sun hat — spring mornings can be cool to sunny.
- Age note: ideal for toddlers up to 8 years — plenty of open space for younger kids to run and a shaded playground for preschoolers.
Interactive visit to Museu del Cinema (Tomàs Mallol collection)
Hands-on exhibitions about the history of moving images — models, optical toys and short demonstrations that fascinate children and adults alike.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids welcome: exhibits include tactile displays; best for ages 4+, but babies will enjoy the colorful objects too.
- Stroller note: small museum aisles — foldable strollers work best; there are benches for quick rests and an accessible restroom nearby.
- Quiet times: arrive at opening (or just after) to avoid school groups; ask staff for the short demo times so children catch the live displays.
Lunch at Mercat del Lleó (market stalls & family-friendly options)
A central market where families can choose fresh tapas, sandwiches or simple cooked meals — easy to adapt for picky eaters and food allergies.
Tips from local experts:
- Allergy-aware: several vendors are flexible — ask for allergen info (stall staff often speak basic English).
- High-chair & seating tip: bring a small child harness if you have a lightweight stroller — market tables are communal and benches vary.
- Pace: take your time and let kids pick a small treat; there are nearby benches for a restful first half of the afternoon.
Stroll through the Jewish Quarter (Call Jueu) — gentle discovery
Wander the narrow, historic streets of Girona's Call — low-traffic, educational and short enough for little legs. Look out for plaques, small squares and calm corners.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller caution: many streets are cobbled and slightly uneven; a stroller with good wheels is helpful or carry a baby in a carrier for short sections.
- Learning moment: bring a simple story or map to engage kids — children love hunting for the narrow stairways and small doors.
- Restroom & snack break: pause at a small café on C/ de la Força or a bench in a tiny square to keep energy steady.
Catedral de Santa Maria de Girona & riverside photo stop at Pont de les Peixateries Velles
Short visit to the cathedral exterior and plaza (climb optional) and riverside for the colorful Onyar houses and the Peixateries Velles bridge photo spot.
Tips from local experts:
- Climb alternative: the cathedral steps are impressive but steep — if kids are tired, skip the climb and enjoy the riverside photo spots which are stroller-friendly.
- Facilities: public restrooms are available in nearby squares; plan a 5–10 minute snack/rest after photos to avoid meltdowns.
- Timing: late afternoon light in May is great for photos; bring a small stroller blanket to sit on the cathedral steps if you stay a while.
Ice cream treat at Rocambolesc
A playful, family-loved gelateria with creative flavors — a guaranteed hit and an easy pick-me-up before evening plans.
Tips from local experts:
- Kid tip: choose one shared small cup to try two flavors — portions can be generous for young children.
- Seating & stroller note: the shop is compact; stand-up outside seating is limited so use a stroller as a seat base or take gelato for a riverside stroll.
- Dietary note: ask for sorbet options if anyone has dairy allergy — staff usually know which flavors are dairy-free.
Early family dinner (special experience — El Celler de Can Roca viewing or alternate family terrace)
Option A: If you have a booked table, a visit to El Celler de Can Roca is a special cultural experience (note: strict booking). Option B: choose a nearby terrace in Plaça de la Independència for a relaxed, kid-friendly meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Booking: El Celler de Can Roca requires advance reservation and is best for older children; if not booked, pick a terrace in Plaça de la Independència for an easy, flexible dinner.
- Kids' options: request simple plates (pasta, grilled items) and high chairs — terraces on the square are used to families and often flexible with substitutions.
- Timing: aim for an early dinner around 19:30 in May when light is still pleasant and children are less likely to be overtired.
Day 2
A calmer second day with a relaxed breakfast, a focused museum visit, a short segment of the city walls for views, and gentle riverside time before an early family dinner.
Slow family breakfast at Plaça de la Independència
A lively square with terraces — easy seating, flexible menus and good people-watching. A relaxed start before museum time.
Tips from local experts:
- High-chair & allergies: many cafés here have high chairs and can adapt simple breakfasts for allergies — mention dietary needs when ordering.
- Pacing: pick a shaded terrace spot for stroller access and a calm area to let little ones finish breakfast at their own pace.
- Age note: great for all ages — bring a small toy or sticker book to keep toddlers entertained while adults plan the day.
Museu d'Història dels Jueus — child-friendly cultural visit
Short, accessible exhibits about Girona’s Jewish history with quiet rooms and clear signage — suitable for an educational half-hour to hour.
Tips from local experts:
- Interactive focus: older children (6+) enjoy the storytelling elements; for younger kids bring a simple scavenger list (find a small window, a stone step, etc.).
- Accessibility: narrow streets nearby are cobbled — fold stroller for short stretches and use the museum's entrances which are step-free.
- Rest stops: there are benches in the nearby squares to regroup and do a quick snack or restroom break after the visit.
Short walk on Passeig de la Muralla (city walls) — choose a family-friendly section
Enjoy elevated views over Girona. Choose the easier, shorter sections (south-west part) to avoid long stairs — big payoff with minimal effort.
Tips from local experts:
- Route choice: take only the flatter, shorter stretch near the cathedral to keep it stroller-friendly and avoid long stair climbs.
- Timing & weather: May afternoons are pleasant; bring a light windbreaker and a refillable water bottle for kids.
- Photo & break: there are a few ledges perfect for a quick snack and photo without blocking pathways — use these as natural rest stops for little legs.
Relaxed lunch (second option at Mercat del Lleó or nearby family terrace)
Return to the market or pick a terrace near the cathedral for a flexible lunch that suits picky eaters and provides quick service.
Tips from local experts:
- Flexibility: if children are tired, choose takeaway from a market stall and eat on a nearby bench — quicker and less stressful.
- Facilities: both market and terraces have easy access to toilets; pick a spot close to shade for spring midday comfort.
- Pacing: keep this meal simple — aim for 45–60 minutes to allow for an afternoon nap or quiet time after eating.
Easy riverside walk & photo stops along the Onyar
Gentle, stroller-friendly riverside paths and bridges with colorful houses — a calm afternoon activity with multiple short stop options.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller route: use the riverside promenades (low steps avoided) — perfect for an after-lunch walk or a short nap in the stroller.
- Shaded rests: choose benches under trees or near cafés so you can pause for water or a small snack if needed.
- Age engagement: ask kids to count colored houses or spot specific bridges (Eiffel-style bridge is a fun highlight) to keep them engaged.
Optional light cultural stop: Casa Masó (short visit) or quiet play time
If energy remains, a short visit to Casa Masó (Rafael Masó's house) offers calm rooms and interesting architecture; otherwise return to a park/playground for unstructured play.
Tips from local experts:
- Choice by energy: choose Casa Masó for a quiet indoor stop if kids are rested (best for ages 6+); otherwise head to a nearby small playground for free play.
- Accessibility: Casa Masó has a compact layout — carry a baby if stairs are busy and check opening hours in advance for shorter family visits.
- Timing: keep this visit under an hour to prevent overtiredness — treat it as a gentle capstone to the cultural portion of the day.
Early family dinner at Plaça de la Independència (relaxed terraces)
Finish with an early, low-stress dinner at one of the square's terraces — lots of family-friendly options and space to push strollers close by.
Tips from local experts:
- Early seating: arriving around 19:00-19:30 gets you a better spot and avoids later crowds — helpful with tired children.
- Kid-first: choose dishes that travel well (pasta, grilled chicken, simple fish) and ask staff to shorten wait times if kids are restless.
- Comfort: request a corner table near the pavement so strollers can be parked and you can step outside quickly if needed.
