Spain with young kids? Want to plan fun trip where kids can use their Spanish

[Anonymous]

I'd love to plan a trip where we take our little kids (4 and 6) to Spain. They've been learning Spanish and I think it would be really fun to open their eyes through an international trip. I searched the archives, and while there were lots of recommendations for Madrid and Barcelona, a few posts mentioned that those are places where you're likely to hear more Castilian Spanish. I know very little about the language so don't really understand if Castilian is drastically different. Has anyone ever taken their little kids to Spain for a trip like this, and if so, do you have any suggestions/recommendations??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd love to plan a trip where we take our little kids (4 and 6) to Spain. They've been learning Spanish and I think it would be really fun to open their eyes through an international trip. I searched the archives, and while there were lots of recommendations for Madrid and Barcelona, a few posts mentioned that those are places where you're likely to hear more Castilian Spanish. I know very little about the language so don't really understand if Castilian is drastically different. Has anyone ever taken their little kids to Spain for a trip like this, and if so, do you have any suggestions/recommendations??

I hope your kids are learning Castillian Spanish !!! You mean Catalan in Barcelona - don't worry they speak spanish there, too, and the city is one of the world's gems.

We took the kids to Spain and had a great time!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Are they learning Spain Spanish or Latin American Spanish? Ask them what word they use for "car" for example, as it's different in each variant.

There are 20+ Spanish speaking countries all within a few hours' flight south of here.

[Anonymous]

It's cheaper to fly to Mexico and its a similar time zone (no jet lag).

Spain is much harder.

[Anonymous]

I studied abroad in Madrid and it was amazing! At 4 and 6, though, I would also suggest a country in Latin America instead, due to shorter flights, no jet lag, etc. save Spain for when they are older and will remember the amazing works of art as well as the fun parks

[Anonymous]

I would go somewhere in Latin America, like Miami.

[Anonymous]

If they are learning Spanish from their Latin American nanny then they will have a lot of trouble understanding Spanish in Spain if they are just there for a vacation. Spain is awesome but the accent is just too different and takes a few weeks to get used to.

As other PPs have noted, best to take them somewhere in Latin America-they adore children there and your kids will get lots of attention, especially if you can get them to use their Spanish.

[Anonymous]

Also, if you go to a tourist area where everyone speaks English, they may not "let" your children practice. I lived in Germany. Everytime I opened my mouth to speak German the people would respond in English.

[Anonymous]

I lived in Spain for about ten years.

Castilian Spanish, aka castellano, *is* the Spanish spoken in Spain. Spaniards use it to distinguish it from e.g. Catalan, Gallego, Valenciano - the languages (and in some cases dialects) of what we call "Spanish."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castilian_Spanish

I think Spain is a great choice for your kids. If I were going for the language exposure/practice, I would avoid Barcelona/Catalonia because Catalan is spoken there and some in that area are even hostile to the Spanish language. I would instead likely fly into Madrid, spend a few days there, and then travel to Castilla/Leon areas, e.g. Burgos, Leon, Zamora, where people are less likely to speak English, and less hurried/more interested in engaging with your kids. As a culture, Spaniards love children and treat them very very well. Virtually nothing (especially in smaller cities/towns) is viewed as adults-only and it is commonplace to see kids out with their families at midnight and beyond, playing while their parents enjoy a drink.

The whole Castilla/Leon area is dotted with castles, forts, and cathedrals which I am sure your kids will find interesting. You can stay in a parador or two which they will LOVE:

http://www.paradores-spain.com/

Depending on how much time you have, you could go north to Galicia/Asturias/Cantabria, which are gorgeous and interesting regions. There are some lovely little medieval towns (Comillas, Santillana del Mar) which your kids would thoroughly enjoy and which, again, would be unlikely to be populated by people eager to speak English.

Have a wonderful time!

[Anonymous]

Be like Beyoncé and go to Cuba!

[Anonymous]

We are living in Argentina right now and I'd recommend coming down here! It's warm and beautiful right now (spring), no jet lag, and DH, DS, and I are loving it.

[Anonymous]

how about puerto rico?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:how about puerto rico?

1. Not a foreign country
2. Most people speak English (certainly in the tourism industry)
3. The Spanish spoken there is rapid-fire and can be hard to understand

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's cheaper to fly to Mexico and its a similar time zone (no jet lag).

Spain is much harder.

Who in their right mind would take their kids to Mexico right now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's cheaper to fly to Mexico and its a similar time zone (no jet lag).

Spain is much harder.

Who in their right mind would take their kids to Mexico right now?

I'm the original poster, and this is exactly the reason I thought Spain rather than Mexico. That said, I hadn't really given Latin American much consideration, perhaps unfairly lumping it with my safety concerns w/r/t Mexico, and it looks like there are some options to seriously consider.