Family things to do in Sleights England

When a family is in the middle of a trip, it's a bit like a parliamentary assembly. There are different opinions, points of view and, above all, interests. Sometimes it can be hard to reach a consensus and for everyone to agree on what to do on a particular day… this even goes for the cat and the dog. The secret is to make the kids feel as if they are the important ones. Here are some ideas to reconcile your family politics and, above all, to learn and have fun as you've never done before.

Cultural trail through the Gothic Quarter
Kids are particularly fascinated by the Middle Ages… probably because of their castles, princesses, knights and fortified city walls. Barcelino offers different, original tours of the Gothic Quarter. The guides are dressed in period costume and describe how the people lived, what they ate and the games children played in medieval times. You'll hunt for unicorns and urban legends from the time. Carpe diem, my fellow knights.

A sweet-toothed morning
Çukor isn't just a boutique selling hand-made sweets and confectionery. It also runs workshops where you can learn its secrets. On Sunday, it opens its workshop so that families and kids can learn to make lollipops, sugar sculptures, personalised chocolate bars and their own creations. A highly creative experience and, who knows, you may even get back home and set up your own family businesses.

The best theatres
Kids are the best actors in the world… every parent knows this. So why not take advantage of their potential and have some fun? Porta4 has a theatre school and highly entertaining show Xup- Xup which is perfect for kids aged 0 to 4. There's no need to worry about the language barrier; the show is in mime. If you're looking for a children's theatre company that stages shows in different languages, you mustn't miss the wonderful BrucBrothers. They mix together music, theatre and imagination… loads of imagination.

Abracadabra, the day disappears
Magic tricks immediately take us back to the innocence and wonder of a child. Things appear and disappear with a simple sleight of hand at one of the city's legendary, historic venues. It's called the Rey de la Magia, and is a must-see attraction. You'll be able to visit its theatres, see thousands of different and highly interesting magic objects and, best of all, learn how to do tricks behind its magic curtain. It's the best way to astound your family when you get back home.

Hands-on cookery
The flavour of Mediterranean cuisine is one of the memories of Barcelona everybody takes back home with them. Learning to recreate the recipes and dishes you liked best is a great idea. And if your kids lend a hand while you're cooking, better still. The cookery school at the Boqueria runs family cookery workshops where learning about Catalan gastronomic culture is child's play.