Barcelona families will have more opportunities to keep their children engaged after school this academic year, as the City Council has expanded its ‘tardes educatives’ initiative. The scheme, designed to open cultural, artistic, scientific and technological experiences to young people, now offers a record 1,823 after-school activities—48 more than last year. You can find a list of them here (in Spanish).
A further 30 organisations have joined the programme, bringing the total number of participating entities to 192. The expanded network ensures activities are spread across all neighbourhoods, with options ranging from theatre, painting and dance to robotics, science workshops and even circus training.
The Council has also renewed its financial support, pledging €600,000 in subsidies to help families cover costs. The grants, available from 16 September to 9 October, will vary according to household income, ranging from 90 per cent for families earning under €7,000 per member to 30 per cent for those up to €10,000. Additional support is available for single-parent households and families with children who have recognised disabilities.
While families must initially pay fees before grant decisions are issued in November, the scheme is intended to ensure no child is excluded. The programme is open to youngsters aged 6 to 17, with an extension to 19 years for those with intellectual disabilities.
Barcelona City Council said the aim was to universalise access to after-school enrichment, giving children ‘a chance to discover talents, build friendships and grow in confidence beyond the classroom’.
With its broadened reach and financial backing, the ‘tardes educatives’ project is set to become a cornerstone of family life in Barcelona, offering thousands of children new ways to learn and connect after the school bell rings.
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