Barcelona has expanded to 18 free water play areas, with nine new spaces this summer. Spread across nine districts, they operate from 10 am to 8 pm until September.
The successive heatwaves marking the summer of 2026 have led the Barcelona City Council to double the offer of free water play areas. This year, the city has 18 spaces distributed across nine districts, all operational from June to September, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm without interruption.
The new points join the nine already existing, consolidating a network of climate refuges designed especially for the little ones. According to municipal sources, the aim is to provide a free and accessible alternative to combat high temperatures, complementing municipal swimming pools and natural bathing areas.
The facilities are aimed at children from five years old, who must always wear footwear. The entry of pets is not allowed. To promote water conservation, the play features operate via a button that activates a complete cycle; until this cycle is finished, another cannot be started.
Locations of the 18 water play areas
The spaces are distributed across almost all districts of the city. In Ciutat Vella, the squares of Carme Simó and Caramelles feature these play areas. In Eixample, Avinguda de Mistral is the chosen spot. In Les Corts, the Jardins de Sant Joan de Déu (next to Illa Diagonal) hosts one area.
In Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Parc de Joan Reventós offers this service. In Sants-Montjuïc, there are two spaces: Plaça de Joan Pelegrí and Jardins de Justa Freire. In Horta-Guinardó, Jardins del Baix Guinardó and Parc de les R... (the original text is cut off, but it is understood that there are more locations; the complete list is omitted due to lack of data).
The City Council reminds that these areas are free to use and do not require prior reservation. It is recommended to go with sun protection and to avoid the central hours of the day. The initiative is part of the city's climate change adaptation plan, which aims to create more shaded and cooling spaces for the public.
For the residents of Barcelona, these areas provide relief from extreme temperatures, especially in neighborhoods with fewer green spaces. The expectation is that the service will remain active until mid-September, although the hours may be adjusted based on demand and weather conditions.
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