Kids Welcome! Information for Families
- Two Registration Forms:
- Kid’s Childcare Registration Form CHI26 – Required if you plan to use the childcare service for children 2 years to 17 years.
- Kid’s Attending Conference Registration Form CHI26 – Required for all children ages 0 to 17 yearsattending the conference, not childcare services. This form provides your child with a child pass, which allows free access to the conference area.
CHI welcomes children to support parents in juggling their work and family obligations as best we can. Please note that childcare spots are limited (see below for more details).
Here you can find all the information for attending CHI with your children or if you need any child caregiving services. If you have questions that we did not answer, please reach out to the Family Chairs.
Table of Contents
- Kids Welcome! Information for Families
- Attending CHI with Children
- FAQ
- 1. What is the cost of childcare?
- 2. Are meals & snacks included in this fee?
- 3. What time does childcare close? If I am late picking up my child, is there a fee?
- 4. What should I pack for the day for my child?
- 5: Is there a place to nurse babies at CHI 2026? Can I nurse anywhere in the venue?
- 6. Is there a refrigerator to store milk/breast milk?
- 7. May I pack my own snacks/lunch for my child?
- 8. My child has food allergies, where can I note those?
- 9. What is the age range for childcare services?
- 10. What if my child needs a nap?
- 11. What activities will be provided for the children?
- 12. Children can enter the venue without registration. How does this work?
- 13. Can I bring my child’s favorite toy?
- 14. May I check on my child during breaks?
- 15. Do I need to provide ID (such as a passport) when picking up or dropping off my child?
- 16. What are the guidelines for using childcare?
- 17. What should I do if I need to cancel my childcare reservation?
- 18. What financial support options are available?
- 19. When does the childcare registration open, and what is the process?
Attending CHI with Children
We have two participation options for children this year: (1) attending the conference area with you (a registered attendee), (2) using the childcare service.
Chilcare
We are happy to announce that we will be offering high-quality, affordable childcare during the conference days (Monday – Friday). Childcare will be available for children aged 2 years to 17 years, starting at 8:30 AM and continuing until 6:00 PM. The cost is $40 per child per full day OR $20 per child per half day. This service will be offered by Noah’s Ark International Day Care, the exclusive childcare provider for CHI 2026 at the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), has experience in supporting childcare at international conferences in Spain. Certified as a licensed childcare facility, its team consists of highly trained and experienced staff.
At CHI2026, they will offer fun activities, a multitude of games, and toys for toddlers and older children alike, but also a space to relax and calm down.
However, we are seeing unprecedented demand, and capacity is limited. So we must give priority to those who have no other way of caring for their children (i.e., no spouse or caregiver) during the time that they will be presenting or need to be fully present. Childcare Registration may close earlier due to capacity limits, so we encourage you to indicate your interest during the CHI registration process as soon as possible.
We will try to support attendees who have childcare needs on a first-come-first-serve basis. Children not using childcare can accompany their parents as needed, free of charge (see the next section for details).
Child registration next steps for those who need CHILDCARE because they have no other option:
Please indicate interest during the CHI attendee registration process via the childcare question. The childcare registration form will be shared with interested parties on a first-come-first serve basis starting the week of February 23. Again, although we would love to provide childcare for everyone, we cannot (at this time) guarantee childcare for those who do have other options, such as a spouse, caregiver, etc.
The childcare room is located on the 2nd floor of the conference venue, in room 212.
Conference venue access for Children
Children who need to accompany or meet their parents in the conference area must be registered in advance. Please ensure that all children ages 0 to 17 years entering the conference area are registered. Unregistered children will not be permitted to enter the conference area. Please contact the Family Chairs at family@chi2026.acm.org for the registration link to register your child for CHI.
Bringing your own Caregiver
CCIB Barcelona, the conference venue, is open to the general public; however, access to the CHI2026 conference area (individual rooms and the hall where sessions are held) is limited to registered participants only, with staff checking badges at the entrance to each room.
Any interactions between non-registered caregivers and conference attendees—such as child drop-off and pick-up—can be handled in public areas such as hallways or entrances of individual conference rooms.
For safety reasons, the identity of any individual entering the childcare room will be verified. Children may be dropped off or picked up either by the registered parent or by an individual designated as an authorised pickup person during the childcare registration process. Anyone dropping off or picking up a child will be required to present a CHI2026 conference badge or a valid photo ID.
Nursing Room
Nursing is welcome anywhere in the convention center. While individual attitudes may vary, breastfeeding in public is widely practiced in Spain and forms part of everyday life for many families. Lactation is a recognized right, and Spanish law protects against discrimination related to maternity; for example, Article 18 of the Equality Law 3/2007 (Ley Orgánica 3/2007 de Igualdad Efectiva) prohibits discrimination on the grounds of maternity. Hence, conference attendees should feel confident that they are acting within their rights when breastfeeding. In Spain, it is also typical for women to breastfeed without covering with a blanket, though families should of course feel free to do whatever makes them most comfortable. For those who prefer a quieter or more private option, a nursing area will be available in the CHI2026 childcare room (Room 211) for those who have registered for the conference or childcare service.
Barcelona with Kids: Resources for Families
Here is a list of family-friendly spots in Barcelona selected by Family Chairs. Please check the links below for updated cost and open hours.
CosmoCaixa: The CosmoCaixa Science Museum is one of the most fascinating museums in Barcelona, dedicated to promoting science through interactive experiences, innovative exhibitions, and educational activities. Perfect for families, children, and science enthusiasts, CosmoCaixa is a space where learning and fun go hand in hand.
Tibidabo Amusement Park: Tibidabo Attractions Park is the oldest Luna Park in Spain and the second oldest in Europe. It is suitable for all ages, with attractions ranging from entertainment for children to extreme thrills for adults. Where: Pl. del Tibidabo, 3, 4 (Check in Google Maps). Open hours: Sat 11:00 – 21:00; Sun 11:00 – 20:00. Cost: Regular admission: 39.00€; Junior entrance (90-120 cm): 15.50 €
L’acquarium Barcelona: Located in the heart of the Port Vell of Barcelona, the Aquarium is one of the most spectacular places to learn about the marine fauna of the Mediterranean, with more than 11,000 animals of about 450 different species.
Museu de la Xocolata: The museum offers its visitors a wide range of activities and workshops to explore the culture and secrets of chocolate. From children’s and family workshops to tastings and pairings and even birthday parties for tiny tots. All of this in the convent of Sant Agustí: a unique place, steeped in history. Where: C/ Comerç 36, Ciutat Vella (See in GoogleMaps). Open hours: Mon – Sat 10:00 – 17:00. Sun 10:00 – 14:30. Cost: General admission: 7€; Children under 6 free.
Parc del laberint d’Horta: The park was constructed as a historical garden at the end of the 18th century, and it is the oldest park still in use in Barcelona. The park in its neoclassical style, owes its name to the maze in the park. The park and particularly the maze are great for visiting with children.
Networking Opportunities for Families
There is an online Slack Channel for parents at CHI. If you would like to join, please contact the family chairs at family@chi2026.acm.org for an invitation.
FAQ
1. What is the cost of childcare?
The childcare fee is $40 per child per full day OR $20 per child per half-day.
The half-day time slots are as follows:
- 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM ($20 / half-day)
- 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM ($20 / half-day)
- 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM ($40 / full-day)
Regardless of whether your child stays for just 1 hour or the full 4/8 hours within the time slot, the full half-day/full-day fee of $20/$40 will apply.
2. Are meals & snacks included in this fee?
Meals are not provided, so parents are required to prepare and provide them. Light snacks will be available. If your child will be in childcare at 12:00, please provide lunch. We will serve the food you bring, but homemade meals are not allowed due to the risk of foodborne illness. Instead, we ask that you provide store-bought food. Additionally, we kindly request you to pick up your children during lunchtime whenever possible.
3. What time does childcare close? If I am late picking up my child, is there a fee?
Childcare ends at 6:00 PM (CET). Please ensure that you pick up your child on time, as there is no option to extend childcare past this time. If you are late picking up your child, an additional fee (equivalent to the half-day rate) may apply.
4. What should I pack for the day for my child?
Please bring the following items as needed:
- Store-bought lunch (if your child will be in care at 12:00)
- Formula milk, fresh breast milk, baby bottles, and hot water
- Diapers and wet wipes
- A change of clothes
- A towel for hand-drying
- A blanket or bath towel for naps (for those who need it only)
- Several plastic bags for soiled clothing
Please note that we cannot accept frozen breast milk, items that require cooking, or homemade food items.
5: Is there a place to nurse babies at CHI 2026? Can I nurse anywhere in the venue?
Yes. Nursing is welcome anywhere in the convention centre. While individual attitudes may vary, breastfeeding in public is widely practised in Spain and forms part of everyday life for many families. Lactation is a recognised right, and Spanish law protects against discrimination related to maternity; for example, Article 18 of the Equality Law 3/2007 (Ley Orgánica 3/2007 de Igualdad Efectiva) prohibits discrimination on the grounds of maternity. Hence, conference attendees should feel confident that they are acting within their rights when breastfeeding. In Spain, it is also typical for women to breastfeed without covering with a blanket, though families should of course feel free to do whatever makes them most comfortable. For those who prefer a quieter or more private option, a section of the childcare room will be partitioned to create a nursing area.
6. Is there a refrigerator to store milk/breast milk?
A refrigerator will be provided in the childcare room for food storage and breastmilk. However, to maximise the space in the fridge for nursing mothers, we ask that you provide store-bought items that can be stored at room temperature whenever possible. A microwave will not be available.
7. May I pack my own snacks/lunch for my child?
Yes, you may. We do not provide meals, so please either pick up your child during lunchtime or bring lunch. We kindly request that you pick up your child during lunch whenever possible. Additionally, you may bring snacks or drinks, and we will provide snacks and water to your child. You will be asked to complete a form to declare any food or drink you are bringing. Note: Please only bring store-bought food items, as homemade items are not allowed.
8. My child has food allergies, where can I note those?
If your child has food allergies, please declare them in the remarks section when applying for childcare. If allergies are not declared, we may have to refuse childcare services. Additionally, when you drop off your child on the day of the event, the staff will confirm the allergies with you face-to-face. Your child will have a name sticker, which will be highlighted in red to indicate the allergy, so that everyone is aware. Parents are also asked to check that their child’s name is correctly written on all drinks and food they bring.
9. What is the age range for childcare services?
The childcare service is available for children aged 2 to 17.
10. What if my child needs a nap?
Nap mats will be laid out within the childcare room, and your child will nap in that area. All necessary bedding is provided, so there is no need to bring your own blankets or bedding.
11. What activities will be provided for the children?
More information coming soon.
12. Children can enter the venue without registration. How does this work?
Anyone can enter the CCIB without registration. Attending CHI – sessions, breaks, keynote, exhibit hall, receptions, etc. – requires registration.
13. Can I bring my child’s favorite toy?
The childcare provider will supply a variety of toys and materials appropriate for the children in their care. For this reason, we generally recommend not bringing toys from home, as they may be lost or damaged, and individual toys may not be suitable for children of other ages in a shared childcare setting.
However, if the toy is very important for your child’s well-being, e.g. a comfort or attachment toy, feel free to bring it. Please note that, in general, we cannot be responsible for any damage to or loss of personal items brought from home.
14. May I check on my child during breaks?
Due to the group childcare setting, parents are not permitted to enter the childcare area in order to maintain a focused environment for the children and ensure consideration for others. We appreciate your understanding.
Note: Please note that nursing is an exception, and parents may enter the designated partitioned area to nurse their child. Lunch time is also an exception, as we encourage you to pick up your child during lunch whenever possible.
15. Do I need to provide ID (such as a passport) when picking up or dropping off my child?
Yes, ID is required. When dropping off or picking up your child, we will check the ID of the accompanying adult at the entrance to the childcare Room. Please be prepared to present either your CHI2026 conference badge or a photo ID, such as a passport.
16. What are the guidelines for using childcare?
- Please ensure that your child has used the restroom before arriving.
- If your child has a fever (37.5°C or higher), an infectious disease, or if the childcare staff determines that your child is unsuitable for group care, we may refuse to accept your child.
- In case of emergency, we will contact you via your mobile phone. Please be sure to provide an emergency contact number on the “childcare Application Form” and respond promptly if contacted.
- If your child has allergies or requires special considerations during care, please inform us at the time of application. Failure to do so may result in our inability to accept your child.
- Childcare staff are unable to administer any medications.
- We kindly ask that you strictly adhere to the scheduled drop-off and pick-up times.
- Please label all of your child’s belongings. The conference or the childcare company cannot be held responsible for any unlabeled items.
- To maintain a calm environment for the children and to support infection control measures, we kindly ask parents to refrain from entering the room except for drop-off, lunchtime pick-up, nursing your child, or pick-up at the end of care. Additionally, please limit reception to one parent per family.
17. What should I do if I need to cancel my childcare reservation?
To change or cancel your childcare reservation, please contact the designated representatives at Family Chairs. Please note that CVENT charges a 9% fee for cancellations, so be careful when applying. After March 20, 100% fee will be charged.
Email: family@chi2026.acm.org
18. What financial support options are available?
Apply for the Gary Marsden Travel Award if you need financial support beyond what is provided by CHI. GMTA covers for example additional childcare at home or travel companion tickets for caregivers of infants. See here for details: https://sigchi.submittable.com/
19. When does the childcare registration open, and what is the process?
All Registration Forms for kids will open on February 23, 2026 AOE and applications will begin at the same time. Please apply through the form in the Registration section. After registration, the Family Chair will send acceptance emails sequentially. Your reservation will be confirmed once payment is completed by the deadline. If payment is not completed by the specified deadline, unpaid applications will be canceled. Please note that CVENT charges a 9% fee for cancellations, so be careful when applying.
Maria Luce Lupetti, Pedro Paredes, Elena Márquez Segura, CHI 2026 Family Chairs