The Costa Dorada with children can be enjoyed well beyond the summer months. At the end of September, as the summer season begins to wind down, the destination offers a particularly interesting combination of leisure, nature, heritage and family-friendly excursions.
Some activities are especially appealing at this time of year. PortAventura World starts its Halloween season in September, while places such as the Sèquia Major in Vila-seca continue to offer guided activities during part of the month. It is also possible to discover Montblanc through family-friendly tours designed for children or visit Tarragona to explore the legacy of ancient Tarraco.
If you are planning a family getaway and want to make your journeys easier from the very beginning, you can already book your transfer to the Costa Dorada with ShuttletoSun. The affordable and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services allow you to travel to the Costa Dorada from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Girona Airport, Reus Airport and the Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Enjoying PortAventura with the arrival of Halloween
One of the most interesting plans when travelling with children to the Costa Dorada at the end of September is PortAventura World, especially because the park takes on a different atmosphere with the arrival of Halloween.
The 2026 Halloween season begins on 19 September and runs until 15 November. During this period, PortAventura Park features themed decorations, shows, characters and different Halloween-related activities. The programme is designed for different audiences, from families with children to visitors looking for more intense horror experiences.
For a family visit, it is useful to distinguish between the different options. The park continues to offer activities suitable for all audiences, such as Trick or Treat, Day of the Dead and the Halloween Parade, while some attractions and haunted experiences are specifically aimed at those looking for more intense horror. Families with young children can therefore focus on the atmosphere, shows and rides that are already part of a regular visit to the park.
The arrival of Halloween therefore makes a visit to PortAventura different from what you would experience during the summer months, without having to rely on water-based activities.
Discovering nature at the Sèquia Major in Vila-seca
If you are looking for a quieter plan, the Sèquia Major in Vila-seca offers a nature-focused alternative. This protected natural area located around La Pineda offers free guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays during August and September.
The scheduled route covers approximately 2 kilometres, lasts around two hours and is available in Catalan and Spanish. This season’s tours are also scheduled to run until 27 September, making them particularly suitable for a getaway during the final part of the month.
It is an interesting option for families who want to spend a few hours away from the busier tourist areas and discover a natural environment along the Vila-seca coastline. As it is a guided tour, it also provides an opportunity to learn more about the landscape and its characteristics through informative explanations.
As the activity follows a specific schedule, it is advisable to check availability before planning your journey.
Don’t forget to book your transfer to the Costa Dorada with ShuttletoSun. The shared transfer services and private transfer services allow you to travel to the Costa Dorada from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Girona Airport, Reus Airport and the Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Discovering Roman Tarragona in an entertaining way
nother of the best options for things to do with children on the Costa Dorada is to visit Tarragona and discover the heritage of ancient Tarraco.
The archaeological site of Tarragona allows visitors to explore different areas connected to the Roman city, including the amphitheatre, circus, praetorium and city walls. The archaeological ensemble of Tarraco has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
A visit can be particularly engaging for children when it is presented as a story they can discover: what a Roman city was like, where public spectacles were held or how urban life was organised. Tarragona Tourism has also organised activities specifically aimed at children on different occasions, such as Tarragona romana per a la canalla, which uses the model of Tarraco, the circus and the amphitheatre together with educational materials.
Before travelling, it is advisable to check the specific schedule of children’s activities, as these programmes may take place on particular dates.
A visit to Parc Samà in Cambrils
Another option for combining nature and family entertainment is Parc Samà, in Cambrils. The park holds the Family Tourism Seal and is designed as a space for families to enjoy, combining nature, history and architecture.
Its gardens offer a different type of experience from the activities typically associated with summer. In addition, its opening calendar includes different schedules during September, although the park itself recommends checking its programme in advance, as occasional closures may occur due to private events.
Therefore, if you choose Parc Samà for a family day out at the end of September, the most practical option is to check the opening hours for the specific day before travelling.
A family getaway beyond the summer
The Costa Dorada at the end of September offers the opportunity to discover a different side of the destination, with activities that go beyond those typically associated with summer. PortAventura introduces its Halloween atmosphere, while the Sèquia Major continues to offer guided tours during part of the month.
These options are complemented by Tarragona and its Roman heritage and Parc Samà in Cambrils, creating a varied range of activities for organising a family getaway without relying exclusively on the beach.
Don’t forget to book your transfer to the Costa Dorada with ShuttletoSun. The shared transfer services and private transfer services allow you to travel to the Costa Dorada from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Girona Airport, Reus Airport and the Camp de Tarragona AVE train station. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the Costa Dorada and all the activities it has to offer.
