Barcelona, Valencia, & Madrid w/ Teen Boys & Grandparents-Fun things to do with teens & restaurants

I don't know your origin-airport preference, but you're likeliest to find a non-stop flight back to the US from Madrid. You might also find one from Barcelona. You'll definitely need a connection to or from Valencia. If you're in a small US or Canadian market, you may need a connection anyway, and it will all be about avoiding two connections (if possible).

Super-fast train service is available between Barcelona and Madrid (about 2 hr. 30 min., and very frequent) and between Madrid and Valencia (from about 1 hr. 40 min.). The trip from Barcelona to Valencia takes at least 2 hr. 47 min. So there's not really a lot of difference in travel time on the ground. Unless you're trying to hit a special event somewhere, I'd start with what works best for the transatlantic flights. I don't know of a reason to favor one direction over the other, but one of our other posters may.

I really can't help much with activities for kids, but there's the Egyptian Temple of Debod in Madrid that might be of interest. In addition, the City of Science and Industry in Valencia must have at least one museum that would appeal. I know there have been earlier posts with a lot of child-friendly recommendations for Barcelona.

Teen friendly day trips/activities for Barcelona:
Tibidabo Amusement Park
Dali Museum
Montserrat Hiking
FC Barcelona Match
Vall de Núria
Roman Ruins of Tarraco
PortAventura World Park
Beach day at Sitges

Teen friendly day trips/activities for Valencia:
Peñíscola Castle
City of Arts & Sciences
Roman Ruins of Saguntum
Albufera Natural Park Kayaking/Paella tours

Teen friendly day trips/activities for Madrid:
Roman Ruins of Segobriga
Ciudad Encantada geological site (Enchanted City)
Alcazar of Segovia
Futbol Match (Real or Atlético de Madrid)

Hope this helps!

I think Carlos is referring to the Dali Museum in Figueres.

I love Madrid but I think the highlights of Madrid are its outstanding art museums, and you do mention that your teens aren't interested in museums. I think they would like the Temple of Debod and the San Miguel Market and perhaps the Royal Palace. Also, Retiro Park is great for wandering around and having drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). There is a pond where you can rent boats. And perhaps rent bikes, too.

I think Barcelona might be of more interest to teens with its quirky Gaudi sites, especially Parc Guell, La Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo and Casa Mila, with its weird and bizarre rooftop. Just wandering around Barcelona is fun. And I think teens would like wandering around Las Ramblas. Many people call Las Ramblas too touristy, but it would appeal to teens with its living statues, etc. And there is the beach, too. And Bokeria Market. And the Tibidabo Amusement Park.

Be sure your kids are especially careful to protect their cellphones in Barcelona. It has some of the world's very most expert pickpockets, a lot of whom hang out on Las Ramblas (but not only on Las Ramblas).

Maybe the cable cars in Barcelona? Or with a day trip from Madrid, it looks like there is still a zipline in Toledo.

Just being in some of the squares or plazas at night, especially on the weekends, there may be dancing or music. The human towers in Barcelona were impressive to see (but I've forgotten the proper name).

The towers are castells.

Very important to know WHEN EXACTLY are you going to be in Barcelona... and if yet undecided make sure it's between Aug 15th and Aug 21st during Festes de Gràcia, one of the highlights of August.

Instead of just shooting random suggestions, if you could post on which dates you're going to be in Barcelona -and the age of the teens and any particular "like"- I am sure I can come up with a few (viable and more to-the-point) memorable suggestions.