Planning a weekend getaway when there are young children in the family can seem like a logistical challenge of epic proportions. Between packing endless suitcases, searching for destinations that are 100% safe, and crossing your fingers for good weather, parents often feel like they need a vacation from their own vacation. However, planning a countryside getaway with kids in Girona doesn’t have to be synonymous with anxiety or organizational stress; in fact, when done right, it can be the most rewarding family bonding experience of the entire year.
The key to success lies in choosing the right “base camp.” Not just any accommodation will do. In this comprehensive guide, we explain exactly what you need to consider—from pre-trip logistics to on-site plans—so that both adults and children can enjoy themselves to the fullest. You’ll discover why the unspoiled setting of Vidrà, strategically located on the border of the Ripollès region, is the best-kept secret for families seeking a true respite in nature.
The psychology of family travel: Why Choose the Pre-pyrenees
We live in an age of hyperconnectivity. Today’s children spend an average of 4 to 6 hours a day in front of screens, and we parents aren’t far behind. The main goal of a countryside getaway with kids in Girona should be to break that cycle.
The Catalan Pre-Pyrenees offer a gentle yet effective form of therapy. When you arrive in a setting surrounded by centuries-old beech forests and green pastures, your nervous system finds balance. Child psychologists agree that “unstructured play” in nature fosters imagination, improves motor skills, and reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) in the whole family.
Choosing Osona and its surrounding area isn’t just about choosing a tourist destination; it’s about investing in your family’s mental health.
Benefits of choosing a family-run rural apartment over a traditional hotel
When traveling with children—especially infants or children under 5—the rigid schedules of traditional hotels are often the first source of conflict. Buffet breakfasts that end too early, small rooms with no space to play on the floor, and the constant (and exhausting) worry about keeping quiet so as not to disturb the guests in the next room.
Choosing a family-friendly rural apartment completely eliminates all these logistical constraints. At Espai Vidrà, we understand that children need space to live and parents need complete flexibility.
- Complete freedom in the kitchen: Having your own fully equipped kitchen lets you handle late-night feedings, impromptu snacks, and meals tailored to the pickiest eaters in the house without having to worry about restaurant hours.
- Natural rhythms and restful sleep: Waking up without an alarm, opening the apartment door, and having your first contact of the day be with the morning dew in the garden. Nature, combined with the true darkness of a mountain night and the silence, regulates children’s biological rhythms, promoting longer naps and nights of deep, restful sleep.
- Separate spaces: In an apartment, once the children have gone to bed, parents can continue to enjoy the evening in the living room or on the porch, reading a book or having a glass of wine, without having to whisper in the dark in the same room.
Traveling with Friends: The challenge of finding a vacation rental for large groups with children
Very often, the idea of a countryside getaway with kids in Girona takes on a broader scope: we decide to organize a group trip with an aunt and uncle, the grandparents, or several couples who have children of similar ages. In this scenario, renting an entire property is by far the most economical and fun option, but it also requires being extremely selective about the accommodations to avoid any friction among the group.
If you’re leading the search for a vacation rental for large groups, here are the non-negotiable factors you should check like a true pro before clicking the “Book Now” button:
Safe, enclosed outdoor areas (Supervised release)
Children explore—it’s in their very nature. Parents can only truly relax if they know the environment is safe. When evaluating a property, make sure it has spacious, landscaped areas free of architectural hazards (such as steep, unfenced slopes) and that it’s located away from busy roads.
At Espai Vidrà, the farmhouse offers a “supervised freedom” environment where children can run around, play hide-and-seek, or build forts out of branches while the adults chat leisurely on the porch, keeping an eye on them.
Convenient logistics, restrooms, and spacious interiors
A weekend with 12 to 15 people can be chaotic if the facilities aren’t up to the task. Our farmhouse offers spacious rooms where you can host an afternoon of board games or a movie night in front of the fireplace (equipped with a child safety guard).
In addition, having enough full bathrooms and versatile rooms helps avoid those dreaded bottlenecks and morning arguments over shower time.
Acoustically separated zones
In a rural guesthouse for large groups, it is essential that the sleeping area (bedrooms) be well separated from the common area (dining room and living room). This way, the children can go to bed at 9:00 p.m. while the adults continue their after-dinner conversation until the early hours of the morning without worrying about waking them up.
Logistics planning: What to pack for a Country getaway with kids in Girona
The key to a successful mountain hike is planning ahead. The weather in the Pre-Pyrenees can be unpredictable. To make sure you don’t end up lugging around unnecessary “just-in-case” items—but also don’t forget the essentials—here’s the ultimate checklist from local hosts:
The spring and summer suitcase
During the day, the sun is warm, but the nights are always cool.
- Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots (morning dew will get your feet wet), water shoes or river shoes (essential for playing in the streams), and comfortable slippers for wearing around the lodge.
- Clothing: Dress in layers (the “onion” method). Wear breathable T-shirts, a lightweight fleece, and always a waterproof windbreaker. Don’t forget your swimsuit and a hat with UV protection.
- First-aid kit and extras: Mosquito repellent (essential in areas near water), high-SPF sunscreen, band-aids for scrapes, and an ergonomic baby carrier if you’re traveling with infants (strollers are useless on most forest trails).
The gall and Winter suitcase
The most magical time of year, but one that calls for the best gear to combat the cold.
- Footwear: Boots with good traction (mud and dry leaves can be slippery) and thermal socks (preferably made of merino wool).
- Clothing: Thermal underwear, moisture-wicking hiking pants, a warm coat, gloves, a scarf, and a hat. Warm pajamas to enjoy your stay at the family-run rural apartment.
- Extras: Headlamps (it gets dark early, and kids love exploring in the twilight), insulated water bottles for carrying broth or hot chocolate on hikes.
Food and Shopping: Creating Children’s Menus with a Local Flavor
One of the great advantages of staying in a family-run rural apartment or renting an entire farmhouse is that you’re in control of your meals. But a trip to the mountains doesn’t mean eating nothing but canned food and pasta every day. Osona is a region famous for its spectacular locally sourced cuisine.
- Shop locally in Vidrà and the surrounding area: We recommend planning your meals before you arrive, but buying fresh ingredients here. At local butcher shops, you’ll find authentic llonganissa and fuet, as well as beef from cattle raised on the very pastures you’ll see out the window. Outdoor barbecues are the perfect way to spend Saturday afternoon at a rural guesthouse for large groups.
- Snacks for the road: Swap store-bought pastries for nuts, local farm-fresh cheeses (kids love seeing the sheep and then tasting the cheese), and seasonal fruit that you can buy at markets in nearby towns.
Top 7 activities for kids in Osona and Ripollès (For all ages)
The success of a getaway is also measured by the adventures that take place outside the accommodation. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of activities for kids in Osona to burn off that boundless energy.
As your hosts, we assure you that you don’t need to be an expert mountaineer to enjoy these areas. Here are our top recommendations, categorized by difficulty:
1. Exploring streams and pools (Level: Toddlers and young children)
Very close to Vidrà, there are small tributaries and shallow streams. In the spring and summer, putting on some rain boots and spending time looking for tadpoles, watching dragonflies, or racing leaf boats is one of the simplest activities for kids in Osona—and it will keep them entertained for hours.
2. Magical hiking trails (El Salt del Molí)
Trails like the Salt del Molí have a very gentle incline and wind through fairytale forests that look like something out of *The Lord of the Rings*. It’s the perfect opportunity to make up stories about elves (the “Goges” of Catalan legends) as you stroll under the shade of the oak trees until you reach the impressive waterfall.
3. Visits to educational farms
Learning where food comes from is fascinating at certain ages. There are farms very close to your accommodation where the little ones can interact with sheep, feed the chickens, pet ponies, and watch firsthand how traditional local cheeses are made.
4. The enchanted sculpture forest
Just a few miles away by car, you’ll find trails where local artists have carved faces and animal figures into the trunks of fallen trees. Turning the hike into a “treasure hunt” to see who can find the most figures is a surefire way to get kids to walk without complaining about being tired.
5. Cycling on greenways (For older children)
If you’re a family of cyclists, the restored old railway lines (Greenways) in the Ripollès and Osona regions offer miles of flat trails—paved or on compacted dirt—that are perfect for cycling in complete safety, passing through dark tunnels that always elicit excited shouts from the youngest riders.
6. Tree-top adventure parks
For those looking for a real adrenaline rush during their family getaway in Girona, you’ll find adventure parks less than 45 minutes away featuring zip lines, Tibetan bridges, and nets suspended among the trees. They offer courses suitable for children as young as 3 years old, with maximum safety ensured by continuous safety lines.
7. Nighttime stargazing
Far from the light pollution of Barcelona or Girona, the night sky in Vidrà is a sight to behold. Download a free app like Sky Map on your phone, head out to the garden with some blankets after dinner, and teach the kids how to spot the Big Dipper or look for shooting stars.
Plan B: What to Do If It Rains During Your Country Getaway with Kids in Girona
Every parent’s biggest fear when planning a weekend in the mountains is checking the weather app on Thursday and seeing the lightning bolt icon. However, rain in the Pre-Pyrenees has its own charm, and a rainy weekend doesn’t have to be a total washout.
At Espai Vidrà, we always recommend that families have a “Plan B” up their sleeve:
- Family cooking contests: If you’ve rented a family-friendly vacation rental, rain is the perfect excuse to host a cookie-making workshop, make homemade pizza, or bake a cake. Kids love getting their hands dirty with flour.
- Interactive museums in the area: The Osona region offers fantastic indoor cultural attractions. The Copper Museum and the old textile mills along the River Ter offer highly engaging and interactive guided tours that keep children captivated.
- Home theater and board games: Forget about feeling guilty for turning on the TV. A rainy afternoon, with a crackling fire in the fireplace of a vacation home for large groups, a cup of hot chocolate, and a good children’s movie marathon—it’s an unbeatable homey memory.
- Jumping in puddles: Sometimes, the best solution is not to run away from the weather. If the rain isn’t pouring down, bundle the kids up in their raincoats and rain boots, and let them jump in the puddles. When you get back, a hot shower and dry clothes will be waiting for you at your lodging.
Espai Vidrà: The facilities at your next family getaway
We know that the time you spend with your family is your most precious and limited resource. After weeks of stress at work, school, and extracurricular activities, you deserve for your family getaway in Girona to be perfect from start to finish.
That’s why we’ve renovated and adapted our facilities to make them the perfect destination for your family. We’re not a run-of-the-mill hotel; we’re a resort designed with your overall well-being in mind.
Whether you decide to book our family-friendly cottage to enjoy complete privacy with your children, or you get together with friends to reserve our spectacular cottage for large groups for an unforgettable reunion, we guarantee a peaceful setting. Here, children are truly welcome to explore, and parents can once again feel relaxed and well taken care of.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Traveling with children to Vidrà
Do you have cribs and high chairs available at the accommodation?
Yes, we fully understand how much valuable space these bulky items take up in the trunk of your car.
We provide travel cribs (with comfortable mattresses) and high chairs upon request, at no additional cost, both in our apartment and in the country house.
Just let us know in the notes section of the form when you make your reservation.
What happens if there’s a medical emergency at night?
Although Vidrà is a place of pure nature and tranquility, we are not cut off from civilization.
Emergency medical services (the local health center or the nearest regional hospital) are accessible within a reasonable driving distance via a paved and well-marked road.
Additionally, as local hosts who live in the area, we are always available to assist you, call emergency services, or guide you through any unexpected health issues.
Is the natural setting suitable for strollers?
The immediate surroundings of the farmhouse and some of the nearby paths are flat and accessible.
However, to fully enjoy the authentic children’s activities in Osona and explore the most beautiful forest trails (such as the Salt del Molí trail), we strongly advise against bringing strollers.
We recommend bringing ergonomic baby carriers, which will allow you to access the most spectacular spots without limitations or physical frustration.
Do you allow pets in the family apartments?
We know that dogs are considered part of the family in many households.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Our standard check-in and check-out times are designed to allow for thorough cleaning, but we understand the challenges of family schedules.
Check-in is usually from 4:00 PM and check-out at 11:00 AM.
However, if there are no prior or subsequent reservations on the same day, we offer Late Check-Out so you can enjoy every last minute of your getaway without rushing.
Are there any supermarkets or stores nearby where I can buy diapers or baby food?
In Vidrà and the surrounding villages, there are small grocery stores and corner shops where you can buy basic and essential items.
However, for more specific purchases (certain brands of formula, specific diapers, or bulk purchases), we recommend stopping at the large supermarkets in Vic or Ripoll before heading out on the final stretch of road to the farmhouse
