The 10 best things to do in Salou with kids

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If you’re planning a trip to Salou with the kids, here some of the best things you’ll want to see and do, for the perfect family holiday itinerary, with some money saving tips. The Costa Dorada coastline in Spain is an excellent base for a family holiday – you can blend child-friendly resorts and attractions with a visit to places like Barcelona for a bit of history and culture. Thankfully, there are actually lots of things you can see and do in Salou inexpensively – perfect for families travelling on a budget. So here are the 10 best things to see and do in Salou with the kids – and make sure you keep reading as I’ve added in some other useful information for your holiday too. (Including which airport you’ll need, where to stay with kids and how to get from Salou to Barcelona.)

1. Explore Salou’s beaches

Start your holiday with some quality beach time! Llevant Beach is perfect for families, offering soft golden sand, calm waters and plenty of space for the kids to play. Don’t forget to pack a picnic – the beach promenade is dotted with shaded spots to relax. For a quieter vibe, Capellans Beach is a hidden gem just a short walk away. Bring your own beach toys and snacks to avoid pricey rentals and beachside cafes, and it won’t cost you a penny.

2. Have fun at Bosc Aventura

Let the kids burn off some energy at Bosc Aventura, an outdoor adventure park in the heart of Salou. With aerial circuits and zip lines, paintballing, archery and mini-golf, it’s the perfect mix of fun and physical activity. They have activity levels suitable for the whole family – with an easy aerial adventure for children as young as 3 years old, a medium level for children aged 7 and up, and a harder course for adults and children over 10. So whether you’re trying to entertain teens, toddlers or kids in between – the Bosc Aventura mini adventure park is a great addition to a family holiday in Salou.

3. Get an adrenaline rush at PortAventura World

A fun family day out at PortAventura World has got to be one of the best things to do in Salou with kids – it’s a must for any holiday on the Costa Dorada. PortAventura World is a massive theme park that’s perfect for kids of all ages – from Sesame Street-themed rides for little ones to adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters for older kids, it’s a guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Make sure you pack refillable water bottles and snacks to save on park prices, and use the Tiqets website to hunt out deals for your tickets and skip the entrance queues.

4. Visit the dancing fountains

In the evening, head to Salou’s famous Dancing Fountains at the Jaume I promenade. The kids will love the colourful light displays and synchronised music – so it’s the perfect place for an evening stroll and a magical way to wind down after dinner. Watching the fountains is yet another free activity, and they run frequently over the summer months – taking break over the winter. Use the link above to find more information for your visit.

5. Take a day trip to Barcelona

One of the reasons that we stayed in Salou was its proximity to Barcelona – it’s a great location if you’re looking to add a day in the city to your holiday itinerary. The train journey from Salou to Barcelona takes about 90 minutes and, when we travelled, it cost around €60 for the four of us for a return trip (€15pp) so it’s affordable too. It’s a simple journey and you can get your tickets from the machine at the train station. Once you’re in Barcelona you’ll want to admire the Sagrada Familia, take a trip on the Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car, relax at Parc de la Ciutadella and watch the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc – to name just a few of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids! For more information, check out my article: The 10 best things to do in Barcelona on a budget with kids.

6. Stroll along the coastal path

Take an easy family walk along the Camí de Ronda, a coastal path offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. Kids will love exploring hidden coves and spotting crabs and fish in the clear rock pools along the way. It’s a gorgeous walk, but if you’re visiting over the peak summer months it’s best to walk the Camí de Ronda early in the morning or have a wander in the evening to avoid the midday heat. It’s one of the best spots to visit in Salou – and it’s another activity that you can do with the kids without spending a penny. If you’re having some pricier days out to places like PortAventura or Barcelona, then balancing these out with free activities is the best way to make your holiday affordable.

7. Take a day trip to Tarragona

From Salou train station, you can also get a train for just a few euros per person to the town of Tarragona which is just a short trip away. (Or catch a bus – it’s not far at all.) We spent an afternoon in Tarragona during our holiday in Salou and took the kids to have a look at the Roman Amphitheatre. You can also have a wander through the old town’s narrow streets, hit the shopping mall and grab an ice-cream – it’s a great place to pass the time on an overcast day, or for a late afternoon wander to avoid the midday sun.

8. Watch the sunset at Pilons

Wrap up a busy day with a peaceful evening at Pilons – the iconic sculpture at the end of Salou’s promenade. It’s one of the best spots to enjoy the sunset and watching the sun dip into the sea is the perfect way to unwind. Bring your camera for some postcard-worthy family snaps, and take a relaxing stroll along the promenade.

9. Cool off at Caribe Aquatic Park

If your kids are as addicted to waterslides as my two, then you’ll definitely want to add a family day out at Caribe Aquatic Park to your list of things to do with the kids whilst you’re on holiday in Salou. Use the Tiqets website to hunt out deals for your tickets, and if you also want to visit PortAventura World and Ferrari Land then make sure you check out their combination tickets. At the time of writing, Tiqets are offering combination tickets from around £50 which include skip-the-line entrance tickets (with 2 or 3 day ticket options) to all three attractions – so if you want to do all three it’s a great way to save money.

10. Take on the inflatable waterpark

I think it might be a recent addition to the Salou coastline, as we didn’t spot it when we visited, but your kids will love the inflatable waterpark on the sea at Playa Levante beach. It’s suitable for children from 8 years old upwards, so it’s the perfect activity for older children and teenagers. (And adults too – it looks great fun!) My kids adore things like this – so it’s the perfect excuse to go back to Salou!

Where are the best family-friendly places to stay in Salou with kids?

We stayed at Hotel Villa Romana in Salou – booking a package holiday through TUI which was great value for money. (Check out my Ohtels Villa Romana Hotel Review for more info.) We visited slightly out of season, in May, and combined a TUI £100 off deal with a free child place to get a half-board 7 night stay for around £250pp, including flights and transfers. (It was such a great deal!) The hotel was fantastic for the children – the lovely animation team put on loads of water activities and entertainment and it was really family-friendly.

There are also some great Eurocamp resorts in the Salou / Tarragona area, which are fantastic for family-friendly swimming pools, kids’ clubs and activities – and having self-catering facilities in the holiday homes can be a great way to save money on food during your trip. As the kids get older sleeping in one hotel room can also be a bit tricky, so having a whole holiday home can be a great way to spread out a bit too! And, there are some other fabulous hotels with waterslides and kids’ clubs as well. For the 10 best family-friendly accommodation options, check out my article: Where are the best places to stay in Salou with kids? And, to get you started, here are my top 5 picks for fabulous resort and hotel options in and around the Salou area:

1. Eurocamp: Sanguli Resort, Salou

Sanguli holiday park is a huge hit with families, offering a stunning pool complex with waterslides, a jungle-themed children’s pool and plenty of sports facilities. There’s also a mini-club, playgrounds and evening entertainment – making it a great holiday spot for kids of all ages. Sanguli is located right near the bustling resort of Salou with beautiful sandy beaches and a variety of restaurants and shops. The nearest airport to Camping Sanguli is Reus, only 12km away, so it’s a brilliant option for an easy car-free Eurocamp holiday. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Sanguli on the Eurocamp website.

2. Jet2holidays: Ohtels Belvedere Hotel, Salou

Ohtels Belvedere is located in a central location close to all the fantastic amenities of the popular town of Salou and the golden sandy beaches along the Costa Dorada. Another Ohtels resort, Hotel Belvedere is a great option for a stay in Salou with kids – with waterslides and a deal which includes tickets to nearby PortAventura World theme park (check this deal out on Jet2holidays). Ohtels Belvedere has an outdoor pool and an excellent entertainment programme for the kids. The nearest airport to Ohtels Belvedere is Reus, just 12km away. Click here to check out Ohtels Belvedere on the Jet2holidays website. Alternatively, this hotel is also available as a package deal with easyJet holidays – so click here to compare prices.

3. Eurocamp: Playa Montroig, Tarragona

Playa Montroig Camping Resort is a beautiful Eurocamp park that offers plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. There’s a fantastic pool complex with waterslides, as well as direct access to a sandy beach, so you can spend your days swimming, sunbathing or exploring the coastline. Check out my Playa Montroig Review for all the details. This park is ideal for active families with tennis courts, mini-golf and cycling paths, plus a full entertainment programme to keep the kids busy. The nearest airport to Camping Playa Montroig is Reus, just 25km away. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Playa Montroig on the Eurocamp website.

4. Jet2holidays: Alannia Hotel, Salou

Another great family-friendly holiday option in Salou is the Alannia Hotel. The pool area is perfect for the kids, with play zones for even the youngest of visitors too. Location wise, it’s just 500m to the golden sandy beach, and 750m to the main Salou resort – so if you want to avoid car hire or pricey transfers there’s loads of things to keep you busy on your doorstep, including PortAventura World theme park. The nearest airport to Alannia Hotel is Reus, just 12km away. Click here to check out Alannia Hotel on the Jet2holidays website. Alternatively, this hotel is also available as a package deal with easyJet holidays – so click here to compare prices.

5. Eurocamp: Cambrils Park, Tarragona

Cambrils Park Village is well-known for its stunning tropical swimming pools and excellent facilities, making it one of the best resorts in the area. Kids will love the splash zone, waterslides and sports activities, while parents can relax in the beautifully landscaped gardens. The park is close to Cambrils, a charming seaside town with great beaches and a lovely harbour, perfect for combining theme park thrills at PortAventura with beachside relaxation. The nearest airport to Cambrils Park is Reus, only 12km away, so it’s another brilliant option for a car-free Eurocamp holiday. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Cambrils Park on the Eurocamp website.

Which is the closest airport to Salou?

The closest airport to Salou is Reus – which is only around 20 minutes away, so it’s an excellent area to visit if you’re looking for a car-free holiday in Spain – it’s such a short transfer from the airport. Whilst in Salou, we mostly got around on foot, but the buses and trains were also regular and affordable so it’s an easy place to explore if you want to avoid the additional stress and costs which come with car hire. Salou is a brilliant base for a family holiday on the Costa Dorada in Spain – there are loads of things to see and do with kids so it’s impossible to get bored!