2 weeks in Spain for family with 3 children (11, 11, 8)

Unfortunately, we cannot write a guidebook for you, and you have given us no idea about what you want to see or do, what your family's interests are, what places your might have in mind, or anything else that could help us make suggestions. How about involving your family in getting a general idea of where you want to go? Then we can help you narrow it down and offer more specific information.

Thank you for replying Nancy.
As I indicated, we keep changing our minds. One area I should have added is that while my kids are not interested in day-long museum trips, spending a day at a castle here or there s different. A few years ago while in London, we visited a castle with planned activities that helped engage the children and we all found that fun. Perhaps staying in a castle or similar with a pool is helpful and from there can engage in sightseeing. Interests might be Segovia, Zaragoza up north but also interested in a Andalusian horse show, or flamenco lessons which are more known in the south. I'm just not sure what section to start with, but know coming out of Barcelona. Also, we really have 10 days, not 2 weeks as stated above.

I'd consider spending a few days in Barcelona to give you a chance to relax (and not feel like you have to pack up everyone's bag for the next destination). Barcelona has lots of stuff kids would like. Gaudi's architecture seems to really appeal to kids (Parc Guell, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, etc.). Barcelona does have its own castle - Montjuic - with an incredible view of all of Barcelona. And if kids get tired of sightseeing you can always take them to Tibidabo, a nearby amusement park, or to the beach (although the beaches will be quite crowded in July).

Thank you Carmen,
We have also decided (and may start out in) Ronda. There is an incredible parador/guest house in the country that has plenty of horses, a pool, etc, and some destinations around there as well that seem interesting. I am thinking 4 nights there. That leaves me with 3 nights more, perhaps between Ronda and Barcelona.

Possibly Zaragoza.

Ronda is a great choice, but are you planning on driving from there to barcelona? That car ride would be long, hot and boring. Recommend you consider taking the AVE from seville (or malaga) to barcelona (via madrid). A great kid experience and can be cheaply purchased with advanced ticketing. Hope your kids realize what great parents they have to invest in them with international travel!

One of the problems I'm running into with a family of 5, is housing. With the children's ages still young, looking for country houses in a great, safe, area or a wonderful parador. In Ronda (Malaga) there is CasadeCampo that looks like it would quite well take care of all of us. I'm thinking about the heat during that time. In late July, how high is the average? This place has a pool. From there, I want to head north. I'm thinking Segovia is nice and central but should I plan further west, then Segovia, and then finally in Barcelona? Would we need a car for the entire trip or can we train it easily from place to place. If by car, how long of a drive do you think from Ronda to Segovia? I'm thinking 3 nights in Ronda, 4 nights somewhere after that, and 3 nights in Barcelona. I can adjust my locations (and nights) based on better train schedules too. Thank you for helping to narrow this down.

You can use www.viamichelin.com to see driving distances and times between cities.

Thanks everybody.
Does anybody have hotel recommendations for Barcelona? I need a place, perhaps an apartment, that can sleep 5, close to the metro and also with a feeling of safety (and not a red-light district).