With so much to do in Valencia, it is easy to get lost in the Spanish city without knowing what are the best things you could do with the kids. In this guide, I will help you out on finding top activities for kids and great outdoor excursions or walks you would enjoy with the family in Valencia.
First, let’s dive into in the history of the city and its location. Valencia is the 3rd city in Spain in terms of population with close to 800,000 inhabitants. The destination is ideally set on the warm Mediterranean coastline of Spain facing the Balearics islands with Ibiza being the closest island from the continent.
Valencia is the ideal destination for families looking to escape the cold especially during Easter or October. People love going to the beach in Valencia due to the warm waters of the Med sea. I always remember my parents taking us to Valencia El Saler beach where I have spent hours swimming in the sea rather than baking by the hotel pool.
The city of Valencia is famously known for the Falles festival that takes place in March with lots of festivities such as fireworks, pyrotechnic show and lots of people dressing up in traditional costumes.
At the end of the article, I have included a map of all the kids friendly activities in Valencia listed in this guide.
So without further do, let’s look at all the things you can do in Valencia with the kids during your holiday in Spain. Vamos!
1. Science Museum Príncipe Felipe
Let’s start by mentioning this contemporary structure, which reveals exceptional architecture skills: la Ciudad de las Artes y la Ciencas. This venue is a modern complex designed by Santiago Calatrava, which is home to different museums such as the science museum opened in 2000.
From the outside, you can see the original shape of a skeleton whale building that host 4 floors of interactive exhibits around science. Your kids will particularly enjoy the 1st floor where they can spot their favourite Marvel superheroes or experience the Space Academy.
📍Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias, Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, 46013 Valencia, Spain
2. Oceanogràfic Valencia – Aquarium
Located in the same complex of Ciudad de las Artes y la Ciencas, the Oceanagràfic is an open-air park dedicated to the marine life. With over 45,000 animals and 500 species, this incredible aquarium is the largest in Europe.
Your family will find fascinating facts about sea life illustrated by a massive collection of fishes or sea mammals like sharks or stingrays.
In terms of visit duration, you can easily spend up to 4 hours in this massive indoor attraction. There are different shows with dolphins happening during the day and also a 4D Cinema not to be missed.
There is a particular section where children can learn about the life of sharks, how do they live and why humans shouldn’t feel threatened by them.
Besides the hefty price of the entrance fee, the Oceanogràfic Valencia should definitely be on your top 5 things to do in Valencia with the kids. Just plan accordingly to give enough time to visit it.
📍C/ d’Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1B, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain
3. Watch a 3D Film at Hemisfèric
While you are in the area of the City of Arts and Science, you can spot another magical sphere that makes the Hemisferic 3D Cinema. Inside, you can watch different movies with the IMAX treatment such as Secrets of the Universe, Oceans or Flying Monsters 3D. All these movies last less than 1 hour so perfect to break your Valencia day visit with a relaxing experience.
📍Av. del Professor López Piñero, 3, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain
4. A Day at the Beach in Valencia with Kids
With such a prime position in the Mediterranean sea, Valencia is lucky to have great long sandy beaches suitable for families to enjoy.
If you happen to stay central in Valencia, you can head in the morning at the Playa de Las Arenas where you can hire sun loungers and parasol and chill out for the day with the kids.
Another beach worth checking out is Playa de la Malvarrosa situated a bit further North. This long pink sandy beach is very popular with families and has great facilities like toilets, changing rooms and plenty of restaurants to enjoy lunch or dinner. If you are a fan of watersports, you will be spoiled with a whole range of activities to do there.
Finally, if you are ready to go outside the city and head South, you can find one of the most natural and pretty beach in Valencia: Playa El Saler. This is the beach where I spent a lot of time with my sister when I was a kid. The other good reason to enjoy this beach is because it is quieter than others. It will feel like you are on your own almost. Just beware that there is a section allocated to nudists.
5. Central Market – Mercado Central de Valencia
If you stay in a self-catering apartment in Valencia, you might need to replenish your fridge to prepare dinner with local produce. Central Market has everything your need to take advantage of delicious food available in the region.
A visit to this food market is also part of the culture of Valencia. So your children will certainly be surprised to see such a variety freshly caught fishes and seafood.
The place feels very lively and is better visited in the morning before it shuts down at 2pm. The site itself is huge and you could easily get lost in the different alleys.
Also, the fruits and vegetables food stalls make perfect opportunities to take the best colourful photos to feed your Insta. Same goes with all the Iberico Ham shoulders or feet hanging.
So take the time and plan 1 hour or 2 to visit this Art Nouveau building and bring back home some souvenirs too!
📍Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain
6. Rent a Bike with a Guide to Explore Valencia with Children
Exploring Valencia can be done at your own pace. So why not booking a guided bike tour and see every corner of the city with great stories narrated by an English-speaking guide.
Of course this tour is only suitable for families with children who can manage riding a bike without any support. You have the choice to reserve a 2-hour or a 3-hour tour where you will stop by famous building Valencia icons such as the Cathedral, Gulliver playground and of course the City of Arts and Science.
7. Turia Gardens
Need a place to relax and maybe enjoy a picnic with the kids during your visit in Valencia? Head to Turia Gardens with plenty of child friendly activities and amazing green spaces. The park was basically built in a former riverbed and is fairly big and stretch over 9km of walking paths. Hence why you can spot 18 different bridges to cross like Pont de les Flors or Pont d’Aragó.
8. Gulliver Park
Located in a section of the Turia Gardens, Gulliver Park is probably one of the most original playground structure in Europe. Children can climb different sections and find lots of slides too. Also this park is totally free, so you can expect lots of families all year round.
In the summer, make sure to bring sun protection cream to avoid your kids getting sunburnt. Also I wouldn’t leave young children unattended. Some parts of the playground are not suitable for toddlers, so choose the areas where your little ones can have fun with you.
If there was an Oscars ceremony for the best playgrounds, I believe Gulliver Park would be a serious contender to win a prize!
📍Jardín del Turia, s/n, 46023 Valencia, Spain
9. Las Fallas Festival
Valencia might be famous for its rice Paella dish but also for the unique Fallas festival taking place in mid March every year. Locals create and design papier maché structures and characters called Ninots for months before exhibiting them during Las Fallas festival. At the end of the festival, all these creations get burnt on the last day.
The city of Valencia welcomes lots of visitors during this time so they can appreciate 5 consecutive days of street parties, pyrotechnics shows and local music bands.
Also, lots of locals wear traditional costumes during these days. Some of them could be quite expensive to buy hence why generations keep them in a safe place to they can be worn with future generations.
10. Museu Faller de Valencia
If you don’t plan to visit Valencia with the kids during March Fallas festival, not too worry you still have the opportunity to see the best remains of these statues at the Museu Faller.
Every year, some of these structures and creations are saved by this venue. The museum is also a good opportunity to understand the culture and the origins of Las Fallas.
Overall, Museu Faller is a great little museum where you can spend less than a hour for a small entrance fee.
📍Plaça de Montolivet, 4, 46006 València, Valencia, Spain
11. Attend a Flamenco Show
FREE for Children under 4
Set in a small theatre called Palosanto Flamenco in El Cabanyal area district of Valencia, this flamenco show is something to experience once in your lifetime. Your family would probably get goosebumps by listening wonderful singers and watch carefully every move of flamenco dancers.
The duration of the show is manageable for young children as it lasts roughly over 1 hour. Just make sure you arrive a bit early to get the best seats to enjoy the performance. Be ready to be moved by this top quality spectacle happening in the evening.
📍Carrer de Francesc Baldomar, 82, 46011 València, Valencia, Spain
12. Bioparc Valencia
A holiday in Valencia with the kids couldn’t be complete without a visit to Bioparc Valencia. This is one of the most natural and beautiful zoos in Europe with an astonishing collection of African animals such as giraffes or gorillas.
The concept idea of Bioparc Valencia was to build replica habitats for animals without the unnecessary cages or railings that you can see in other zoos.
Recent reviews from families visiting the park praise how well maintained the place is and also how big it is. You can expect to spend 3 to 4 hours in this attraction in Valencia with the kids.
You can stop by the Samburu restaurant to have your lunch break with the kids. They serve adult and kids menu everyday from 12.30 until 4pm. You can even outside in the open-air terrace watching animals.
📍Av. Pío Baroja, 3, 46015 València, Valencia, Spain
13. Valencia Cathedral
Visiting religious sites with kids might be a bit risky if you aim for a quiet time once you are inside. However the Valencia Cathedral is so iconic of the Spanish city, that it would be a shame not to spend some time exploring the inside.
The Roman Catholic building was constructed over a former mosque in the 13 th century and has lots of holy paintings dated from the 15 th century.
You can even climb to the top of the tower, which is 70 meters high. I wouldn’t go with young children though as it might be a bit too steep for them.
Last but not least, the Valencia Cathedral claims to preserve and exhibit the famous Holy Chalice where Jesus would have served wine at the Last Supper with his Apostles. Funny enough, the cup looks fairly simple and unpretentious. Remember the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?
📍Pl. de l’Almoina, s/n, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain
14. Jardín Botánico
The Botanic Garden is located in the heart of Valencia and exhibits over 4,000 species of plants and trees. Your family will wander around this urban green space with palm trees, cactus and so much more.
If you want to escape the busy noise of crowded streets of Valencia, you can find peace and quiet at the green houses built in the garden too. Children will enjoy finding cats spread around the area. This Jardín Botánico is basically their home and seem to enjoy it as much as the visitors.
📍C/ de Quart, 80, 46008 València, Valencia, Spain
15. Valencia History Museum
Last on our list of the best things to do in Valencia with kids is the Valencia History Museum. As its name suggests, this indoor attraction is a great introduction to understand the rich origins of the Spanish city from Roman until Modern times.
You and your children can learn a lot about Valencia by watching little films in English that depicts key historic events.
📍C/ València, 42, 46920 Mislata, Valencia, Spain
Map of Things to Do in Valencia with Kids
(feel free to zoom in and out of the map)
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CONCLUSION
You have come to the end of my article on Valencia and all the great activities and outdoor things you can do with your kids.
Bear in mind that Valencia is also a great destination for a summer vacation especially with great hotels nearby such as Parador El Saler.
I hope you will enjoy your holiday with the family in Valencia! Bon Voyage!
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