Valencia, Spain, is a beautiful city in the south-east of the country. It resides where the Turia River and the Mediterranean Coast meet. The city has everything for everyone, old and young. Valencia has a rich history which is brought to life in the form of museums and historical wonders. It is packed with entertainment and has glorious beaches. Perfect for family holidays.
You’ll never be able to see all of this magnificent city in one visit, but with these ideas, you’ll soon be planning where to go and what to see.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the following ideas for things to do with the children in Valencia to get you started. For more information, the VisitValencia website is the place to go.
Museo De Las Cièncias Príncipe Felipe
Museo De Las Cièncias Príncipe Felipe translates to the Prince Felipe Museum of Science. It is dedicated to bringing science to life through experiences and caters well for kids. In fact, it has one floor dedicated to keeping children amused, and an hour’s soft play session is included in the admission price.
The highlight for youngsters is watching incubated chicks hatching. For older children, the dedication to DNA sequencing is quite amazing. This is a must-see attraction in Valencia.
Oceanogràphic
Oceanogràphic together with Museo De Las Cièncias Príncipe Felipe forms part of Valencia’s Science Park. The focus of Oceanogràphic is the study of the planet’s oceans and the creatures that live in it. Once you walk into this amazingly shaped building, you will see over 45,000 of species of seagoing life. There is also a small dolphin show.
It is worth getting combined tickets to see all the attractions in Valencia’s Science Park.
Turia Gardens
Turia Park has an interesting history and is an excellent place for kids to visit. Originally, the River Turia ran through Valencia. In the 1950s the river flooded, severely damaging the city. The authorities rerouted the river around the city. The space that was left became Turia Gardens.
Walking through the park is amazing. The architecture is impressive, and there are plenty of kids play areas to keep younger children amused. You’ll see local Valencians going about their daily life, and you might even glimpse tightrope walkers practising for big events.
If you want to explore the entire park, you can rent a Diverbike. These bikes are big enough to seat the whole family, some carrying up to eight people. Providing you’ve got the legs you can pedal around the park in style!
Start at Alameda Station and take time to explore. You won’t regret it.
Parc Municipal La Granja
Another great park to visit is the Parc Municipal La Granja. It is famous for having a miniature train that once a week you can ride on. The track does not form a circle but instead runs the length of the park. There is more than one ticket booth, and it features a turntable. Great for kids that love trains.
Bioparc Valencia & Parque De Cabecera
Bioparc Valencia is an amazing place to travel to. It is a small zoo that features some amazing animals and the beautiful recreations of animal habitats that are simply exquisite. Pictures from Bioparc Valencia populate many Instagram feeds.
You can’t bring food into the zoo, so any picnics will have to be left at the entrance. When you’re done, head for nearby Parque De Cabecera.
Here you can have your picnic, but more importantly, you can rent a swan pedal boat and spend some time on the water. Parque De Cabecera forms part of Turia Park and stretches for nine kilometres and features sporting areas before more tourist places can be found. Nonetheless, a quiet stroll or spending time here is recommended, even if you do get the odd reminder that you’re on holiday with children.
Playa De La Malvarrosa
No visit to Valencia is complete without a visit to Playa De La Malvarrosa beach. Here you’ll find beautiful soft sand, clear blue waters, and plenty of places for the kids to let off steam. When they have had enough of paddling and digging in the sand, the nearby playgrounds provide further opportunities for fun.
Topless sunbathing is allowed on the beach, and you can rent parasols and sun lounges for well-deserved quieter moments.
Take the Kids on a Themed History Tour
Discovering Valencia’s rich history is no better accomplished than booking your kids on a themed tour. Here, they’ll learn about the legend of El Puig, being able to dress up as knights and princesses and take part in activities. The tour is an excellent way for kids to learn while enjoying themselves.
When travelling with kids, it is a good idea to book and plan ahead, especially in Valencia. As such, check out these travel tips for kids as they will help you have a more enjoyable time.
Valencia is an amazing city one you’ll return to again and again.
How to get there?
One of the many (many) things to love about Europe is how connected it all is. No matter where you need to go, there is always some way to get you there. If you want to make Valencia an essential stop on your European family road trip, you can get there easily by car. Besides this, flying into Manises Airport, which is just 8km from the city, is always convenient if you’re in a hurry.
Suppose you’re looking for a slice of luxury, though. With the Orient Express making stops in Paris or Florence, you can take a (relatively) short flight to finish off your European journey and sink your toes into the sands on the Valencian coast.
1 Comment
Thanks, researching for next year as it is a cruise stop.