Travel is fantastic for kids. It expands their horizons, and opens them up to new experiences and viewpoints. It can also be stressful.

The worry about keeping them entertained, adapting to a very different daily timetable, and finding things for them to try are just some of the challenges parents face on holiday. You may be wondering – what are the best activities for kids in Seville?

Never fear! Let us take some of the weight off your shoulders with our top picks of things to do and places to go in Seville with children under 10. 

Cultural activities

Your visit to Seville wouldn’t be complete without stopping off at these essential sites, but they are also surprisingly kid friendly.

Cathedral

The world’s largest gothic cathedral should be on the itinerary for any visitor to the city. It is a physical demonstration of the history of the city from the days of the Islamic rule to the modern day. 

For more information and some fascinating facts about this UNESCO World Heritage Site, check out our post, which is packed with Seville Cathedral facts. For kids, this is a wide open space, with lots of corners to explore. In addition, they can climb up to the top of the Giralda. 

Insider’s tip: Unlike most cathedrals and tall buildings, the Giralda is not a seemingly endless climb up dozens of steps. Refreshingly, it’s a ramp with plenty of viewing points as you climb to the top.

Real Alcázar de Sevilla

While you’re in the area, why not hop across the Plaza de Triunfo to the Real Alcázar de Sevilla? This was originally the palace of the Islamic rulers of Seville, and later became the royal palace of the Christian monarchs. In fact, it is still the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family when they visit the city. 

Kids will love exploring the rooms of the palace, and it is a great place to see all the elements of Seville’s cultural history. A bonus to visiting this World Heritage Site for those with little ones is the extensive gardens. This is a great place for kids to burn off a little energy discovering all the little immaculately kept gardens. 

The café is a great pit stop when exploring the palace and it has the added bonus that kids under 13 get in for free.

Italica

For history buffs, and those with children who like to explore outdoors, this site cannot be beaten. 

Italica is the original Roman settlement in the area before the population moved to where Seville is today and is an active archaeological site. It covers a hilltop overlooking the city and offers plenty to interest curious minds, including an amphitheater, mosaics, and the remains of houses that you can walk around. 

It is a little outside the city in the town of Santiponce, but can be reached by bus from Plaza de Armas bus station. Italica is free for EU citizens, and only a few euros for those from other countries, so definitely worth venturing slightly out of the city. 

Las Setas

Officially called the Metropol Parasol de Sevilla, but more commonly known as the Setas or the Mushrooms in English due to its shape, it is the largest free standing wooden structure in the world.

Designed after the trees in a nearby plaza, Las Setas provides an essential source of shade in the summer months and doubles as a 360º viewing platform for a true panoramic view of the city. Walk around the elevated walkway to experience the city from a completely different perspective. 

It has recently undergone a redesign and now features a night light show called Aurora and an immersive experience called Feeling Sevilla which adds to the experience. In the basement of the Setas, there is the antiquarium, another historic site for curious minds to explore. This is the largest archeological site within the city itself and features sites in situ from the Roman to the Islamic period. 

Plaza de España 

Another essential site, no visit to Seville would be complete without a trip to the Plaza de España. Not only is it a stunning place to get your family photo, but it is a great outdoor space to spend time as a family. 

Soak up Sevillano culture with the student flamenco dancers busking around the plaza, demonstrating one of the cornerstones of the culture here. While you’re here, why not rent one of the row boats on the moat in front of the main building for some bonding time in this breathtaking location. 

Since you are in the plaza, take a walk around the beautiful Maria Luisa Park. Tired of walking? Rent a cycle bus for a unique way to explore the park. 

A family-friendly food tour

We think one of the best things to do in Seville with kids is to introduce them to the local flavors. Our Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville Food Tour is an engaging, family-friendly activity for curious travelers who want to do just that!

Kids will love getting to explore the city’s narrow streets and hidden squares as they interact with local vendors. Along the way, we’ll sample plenty of kid-approved Spanish foods. Churros dipped in hot chocolate, anyone?

Children can also enjoy unique experiences, such as purchasing sweet treats using a secret password. They will also marvel at traditional practices like the art of ham slicing, which will stick with them long after your trip has ended.

Best outdoor options

Following on from Maria Luisa park, Seville has some spectacular outdoor areas. Here are a few of our favorites.

The river & Nao Victoria

The Guadalquivir provides some great opportunities for family fun. On the Seville side of the river, there is a safe walkway, passing through several stages, starting from Muelle de Nueva York, all the way to Parque San Jeronimo around 6 km, just over 3.7 miles along the river. 

One of the highlights by the river is the Nao Victoria, a replica of the first ship to circumnavigate the world. Your intrepid voyager will enjoy setting foot on such an important part of history. Further down near the Triana bridge, there is a fantastic green park called Jardines de Chapina, a brilliant little oasis to take a break from the heat of the streets.

Experience the river from a different perspective with a boat tour. This is a great way to get to know the city from a different vantage point. 

Want something a little more adventurous?

• For older kids, paddle surfing with SupGuadalquivir is a great option, kids aged 8 and up can paddle with an adult. 

Nao Vigia and Isla Magica

Speaking of experiencing the city from a different perspective, Nao Vigia definitely offers this. Not for the faint hearted, this tethered balloon offers unparalleled views of the city. Head up to 150 meters (almost 500 ft) into the air to experience a bird’s eye view. 

Next to this incredible attraction, you will find Seville’s theme park, Isla Magica. Open from spring to the autumn, Isla Magica offers excitement for thrill seekers and those seeking calmer rides, there is something for all the family. 

As temperatures rise, you may want to visit the attached water park to cool off. With areas designed for young children and water with a wide variety of slides, every one can find something for them. 

Museums and indoor activities

Seville is not short of museums and places to visit when you need to escape the summer heat or the spring showers.

Here are our top picks for museums and indoor activities to enjoy with children under 10.

Aquarium

Not far from the Muelle de Nueva York and Maria Luisa park, the aquarium is a great afternoon out, just ask my little boy. With a strong emphasis on conservation and environmental protection evident throughout, it is an informative and fascinating visit for all ages. 

The recommended visit lasts around 90 minutes, but that can easily be extended with curious minds. Check out their website for special events.

Museo de Ilusiones 

Want something that will mess with your mind? Look no further than the Museo de ilusiones, or the Museum of optical illusions in English. 

A very different museum from the majority in Seville concerning the city’s illustrious past, this fully interactive and immersive museum in the city center is a must visit for all the family. Kids will love exploring the rooms and discovering all the illusions. With plenty of photo opps, this may just become the highlight of their trip. 

Caixaforum

Just across the river from Plaza de Armas, you will find the Caixaforum. This exhibition center features an ever changing series of temporary exhibitions, immersive VR experiences, workshops, and other activities so there is always something new to discover. 

Past exhibitions include the history of comic book design, the design of Pixar characters, the future of video games, and ancient Egypt, amongst many others. Check out their website to find out what is on during your stay in Seville to make the most of your visit.

Science Museum 

La casa de ciencia (Av. de María Luisa, s/n, Casco Antiguo), near the Plaza de España and the aquarium is the perfect place for your young scientist to discover the wonders of the universe. With plenty of permanent collections as well as fascinating temporary exhibitions, there’s something to keep every mind entertained. 

For those intrigued by space, why not pay a visit to the attached planetarium. Check out their Instagram to get the latest information on their workshops, planetarium schedule and their exhibitions.  

Pabellón de Navegación

On the waterfront, this maritime museum features a whole host of interactive exhibits to engage and amaze kids. 

A favorite amongst visitors is Los trabajos y oficios en el mar in room 3. This amazing installation is a virtual sailing academy. Kids and big kids alike will experience life aboard a ship on the high seas, taking part in the activities necessary to keep the ship afloat. 

If this weren’t enough, the Pabellón de Navegación also offers family activities such as arts and crafts and scavenger hunts. Consult their website before your visit to see what they are offering during your stay.