Children in shared spaces

It is for anyone thinking about moving to Spain, planning a move or already settling in, and especially for parents. You will know what is accepted, what annoys neighbours and how to handle social expectations around your children.

Start with "Where children can play near home without neighbour complaints". It sets out the unspoken rules for play in plazas, patios, portals and buildings, and the other pages build on it. Then read "Taking children to Spanish bars, restaurants and public places" for what behaviour is expected and how late children are normally out. After that, "Strangers' comments on your children and how to respond" helps you deal with unasked-for advice calmly. "Children's birthday parties and invitations in Spain" covers invitations, gifts and hosting among local families.

Key rules

• Party gift: A typical gift for a classmate's party costs about 10 to 20 euros.
• Quiet hours: There is no single national quiet-hours rule, but night usually starts at 22:00 or 23:00 and runs until 07:00 or 08:00, so check your town's rules.
• Party invitations: Children's party invitations usually go out 1 to 3 weeks before the party, and a reply is expected a few days ahead.
• Plaza signs: A "prohibido jugar a la pelota" sign decides whether ball games are allowed in a plaza.
• Portals: Treat portals and stairwells as access only, with no ball games, bikes or scooters left there.
• Late evenings: Families with children out at 22:00 to 23:00 or later are normal, especially in summer and in the south.

Children in shared spaces: the whole process, step by step

• Ask your building's president or administrador what the community rules say about play in the portal, stairwells and patio: before your children start playing in shared areas

• Check your town's noise rules and look for signs in nearby squares: in your first weeks in a new home

• Keep play away from night hours, which usually start at 22:00 or 23:00 and run until 07:00 or 08:00: every day, and check your town's rules for exact hours

• Send birthday invitations, and read the party article for gifts and hosting: 1 to 3 weeks before the party

• If a neighbour complains or the community proposes a ban, ask for the decision in writing and take advice from a local lawyer or administrador: as soon as it happens; owners who voted against or missed the meeting have three months to challenge an agreement

Children in shared spaces: questions that cross several articles

Can my building ban children from playing in the shared areas?

No, a community cannot simply ban children from playing in common areas, but it can set reasonable limits such as no ball games in the portal or at night. A blanket ban can be challenged in court. Read "Where children can play near home without neighbour complaints" for what is usually tolerated.

Are ball games allowed in public squares?

Often not, because many towns restrict ball games in squares near terraces or monuments, or where a sign forbids them. Fines for minor breaches can run to several hundred euros but are rarely used on children playing normally. Read "Where children can play near home without neighbour complaints" and follow the signs.

Can children go to bars and restaurants late in the evening?

Yes, children can go to ordinary bars and restaurants with their family at most hours in most places, but nightclubs and music pubs are usually closed to minors. Rules vary by region.

Does the noise from a children's party fall under quiet-hours rules?

Yes, party noise counts like any other noise, so keep it clear of the night hours your town sets. For a home party, tell neighbours beforehand. Read "Children's birthday parties and invitations in Spain" for hosting, and "Where children can play near home without neighbour complaints" for quiet hours.