A Guide to Casal and Holiday Camps in Barcelona
School will soon be out for summer, and while three months of long, carefree days may be an exciting time for the children, for working parents, it isn’t always that simple. The Spanish school break between June and September can be hard to plan if you’re a single parent or if both you and your partner work full-time.
There is a huge variety of holiday camps and Casals in Barcelona available this year, not only during the summer months, but also over the Christmas and Easter holidays. And from sports camps to creative design studios, there is sure to be something for every child. We have put together a short guide on the available options for entertaining your children during these holidays.
Casals & Holiday Camps in Barcelona
Casals & Summer Camps in Barcelona
Many local parents turn to Casals d’Estiu Barcelona (day camps) for the summer months. The Casals run on a weekly basis, so you can sign your children up for as long as you want. The day-to-day activities very much depend on the Casal, but there are typically lots of arts or music activities, workshops, and excursions, while some will have more of a specific focus. Casals are also run in local civic centres.
Another option to consider is that most schools run camps during the summer months. Both Casals and holidays camps in Barcelona will likely provide food during the day (but this is something to clarify with the organiser), and there is usually the option to send your child for a half-day too. The price for the school summer camps is around 100 euros/week if your child is planning to go all day long. So, if you prefer your children to be in a familiar environment, the school summer camp can be a more convenient option than some of the privately organised camps.
Alternatively, there are some summer camps that are hosted by private organisations and are more activity- and sports-focused. These types of camps might also offer residential packages for your child, but at a higher cost.
Casals During Other Holidays
Easter and Semana Santa Holiday Camps
While most Casals in Barcelona take place during the summer months, there are also activities taking place during other school and public holidays, where parents might need to work. Barcelona City Council presents a variety of holiday camp options for Easter and the Semana Santa, aimed at children between 3 and 14 years of age. Most of these camps only span one to two days over the holiday period, and give children the chance to enjoy fun activities over their free Easter days.Â
Christmas Holiday Camps
Likewise, there are also several Casals and holiday camps offered during the Christmas holidays, and these are known as ‘Casals de Nadal’. Mainly led by civic centers throughout the city, these camps give children the opportunity to socialize, learn, and express themselves creatively in a play-driven setting.Â
Where to Find Casals in Barcelona
There are thousands of activities taking place over the holidays, and especially every summer in Barcelona, that your child could be a part of. While some summer camps may already be fully booked, almost every institution in the city is hosting activities and/or workshops for children, from museums to sports clubs and schools to civic centres.
One thing to note is that the registrations for summer camps start months in advance, and the popular Casals and camps get full very quickly. Almost all Casals in Barcelona are held in June, July, and the first week of September, but there are barely any that take place in August. During August, it seems that the entire city goes on vacation.Â
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What To Expect at a Casal
The wide range of Casals and camps that Barcelona has to offer throughout the holidays means that you and your child have many different options to choose from, based on interests, learning objectives, or the types of activities that are being supplied. The focus and purpose of these camps can vary widely based on what kind of Casal it is, so make sure to research and discuss these many options with your child.Â
Language-Based Casals in Barcelona
Summer camps structured around language learning are an excellent opportunity for children of all ages to practise speaking whilst having fun, discovering new hobbies and passions, and meeting new friends. Many of these Casals in Barcelona are English-speaking, and children are immersed in the language by engaging with native speakers and participating in fun activities aimed at making them feel more comfortable and fluent in expressing themselves in English.
Usually, these types of Casals are centered around generating a sense of play and excitement about language and socializing for children, and weekly visits to local swimming pools are a common feature of not only these Casals, but generally of most summer camps in Barcelona.Â
In addition to English-speaking holiday camps, there are also Casals offered in many other languages, such as German, French, or Dutch. Oftentimes, language schools that offer classes to children in the evenings or on the weekends also organise these summer camps, which give kids the chance to practice their native languages and get in touch with their culture.Â
Art, Music, Dance, and Acting Casals
Many schools or civic centers also offer more creatively centered holiday camps, where children can dedicate themselves to their creative pursuits. Whether this is musical theatre, dance, painting, or developing musical skills, there are many options for children to explore the arts in a fun and engaging setting.Â
Sport-Specific Casals
If you have more financial options, you can consider signing your children up for a sports camp. Depending on the camp you choose, it may run only during the day or overnight. While these types of summer camps are typically the more costly choice, there are also options offered through Barcelona City Council that allow parents to apply for subsidies and financial support.Â
Financial Support
Considering that holiday camps can put parents under a lot of additional financial pressure, it is important to pay attention to one substantial feature when choosing a Casal in Barcelona for your child. Parents have the option to apply for financial aid in paying for holiday camps, but it is important to note that this only applies to specific Casals in Barcelona. Below, we have outlined the differences and defining features of the two options parents have.Â
Casals With Subsidies
Every year, subsidies are offered to parents applying to Casals affiliated with Barcelona City Council. These are part of the official ‘Vacances d’Estiu’ programme, and subsidies are based on parents’ income, ranging from 90%, to 60%, and 30%.Â
The main requirements for these holiday camps are that you are registered in Barcelona, that you must apply for the Casals through the City Council website, and that you can only apply for one subsidised activity per child.Â
The aim of these Ajuntament-run Casals is to make holiday activities affordable for all families, and to create accessible ways for children to enjoy their free time during the summer holidays while making friends and learning something new.
Casals Without Subsidies
There are, however, also many holiday camps and Casals in Barcelona that do not offer subsidies and are not affiliated with City Council. These camps are usually organised by private institutions, such as sports clubs, private companies, and language or international schools, and are more expensive in many cases.Â
These Casals present children with an exciting and oftentimes specialised variety of activities and learning opportunities, and are usually open to anyone. When applying for holiday camps without subsidies, it is important to note that you must apply through the organisation’s website directly.Â
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FAQ Casals in Barcelona
When do I need to register by?
Registrations can open from as early as April and spaces can sell out instantly. However, some camps and Casals still take registrations and keep spaces free right up until the week before the start of the programme. Our advice is to keep a close eye on the websites of the camps and Casals that take your fancy, or email the organisation directly for regular updates.Â
This year, the official registration for most Casals opens on Monday, April 13th.
How can I sign up?
Check the website of the specific camp you are interested in to find out it’s specific registration period. The Barcelona City Council also compiles a list of all available Casals, indicating when and how to register. This will usually redirect you straight to the organiser’s website.
For guidance, refer to Barcelona City Council’s list of Casals.Â
How much can the price vary?
The price will vary depending on two things:
- The type of camp/Casal you send your child to;
- How long you want them to attend.
There may also be the option to pay hourly if you aren’t planning on sending your child for the full day/week. While most of the camps and Casals in Barcelona charge a fee, there are still some activities that your child can participate in for free this summer.
Is there a government grant to help cover the cost?
Childcare can be expensive, so the local city council offers subsidies or grants to selected individuals to help cover the cost. Barcelona is probably one of the most expensive cities in Spain to do summer activities, which is why the city council provides over 360,000 subsidies for children aged 1-17 years old.
For more information on Barcelona City Council’s subsidies, click here.
Can I send my child to casals full time or only a few days a week?
Casals are for the day, although you can send your child as many times per week as you like. While summer camps usually last for at least a week at a time, you must pay for the camp in its entirety. Some camps even offer residential packages if you wish for your child to have a more in-depth experience at the camps.
Can I sign my child up for multiple activities?
Yes, you can sign your child up for as many activities as you like. However, if applying for subsidies, you can receive only one per child to help cover the cost of a singular activity.Â
How old does my child need to be to attend?
This will vary depending on the type of camp/activities – while some will take children from the age of 1, you also want to consider if the activities that are being offered are age-appropriate for your child.
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