Located on the southeastern coast of Spain, Valencia is a fantastic port city that sits where the Turia River dumps into the Mediterranean Sea. The city is best known for its beaches, wetlands, and the City of Arts and Sciences, an incredible complex filled with interesting things to do.
While you are on vacation, it can be sometimes tricky to find ways to keep your kids entertained but still enjoy things that will grab your interest, too. Valencia has several unique attractions that are aimed at kids but are also terrific for adults. We’ve listed a few of the best here.
Are the kids carrying heavy backpacks? Give them a break and use a Valencia luggage storage service to stow heavy bags while about and about exploring. From walking trails and beaches to interactive science museums and aquariums, there is something for everyone!
Turia Gardens
Be sure to visit one of Spain’s biggest urban parks, Turia Gardens, which is over five miles of beautiful green space inside the sprawling city. One activity your kids will love is biking through Turia Gardens. Get some exercise by trying out several of the paths that wind throughout the park.
You and your kids can stop along the way to check out the different attractions such as Gulliver Park, Palau de la Musica, City of Arts and Sciences, and several historic bridges including Serranos, San Jose, and Trinidad.
When you stop at the City of Arts and Sciences, you can rent a water walking ball or canoe and have some fun on the ponds that surround the complex. Your kids will love climbing in the water walking ball and heading out on the water.
Prince Felipe Science Museum
Located at the City of Arts and Sciences, the Prince Felipe Science Museum is a very popular place for locals and tourists. This modern museum is filled with hands-on and interactive exhibits designed to promote learning more about science.
New technologies are constantly emerging and the Prince Felipe Science Museum is dedicated to including recent advances in science and technology. It is the place to go to discover a love for science and encourage learning.
City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences is a complex of multiple buildings where you can spend the entire day and still not see everything. Your kids will adore everything about the City of Arts and Sciences and you will love that they are learning about culture, art, and science.
The complex includes several buildings including:
- Museum
- Cinema
- Aquarium
- Opera house
- Concert hall
It is considered an architectural landmark and has been named one of the 12 Treasures of Spain. The City of Arts and Sciences is one of the most visited attractions in Valencia because it is such a kid friendly place where you can spend an entire day with your family.
The buildings in the complex were created by architect Santiago Calatrava and have a futuristic feel to them, sort of like stepping onto the set of a science fiction movie. The science museum is a big draw for kids as is the aquarium filled with thousands of sea creatures.
Oceanografic
When you bring your kids to the City of Arts and Sciences, they will be drawn to Oceanografic, the biggest aquarium in Europe and the second biggest aquarium in the world! Visit the underwater world filled with whales, sharks, coral, and other fascinating sea creatures.
Penguins waddle throughout the aquarium as they go to and from their exhibit. With touch pools, you can stick your hand in and feel different creatures such as stingrays and starfish. When the kids get hungry, dine at the restaurant and be surrounded by sea life on all sides. It’s a terrific experience for all.
Bioparc Zoo
With kids in tow, you do not want to miss the chance to visit the Bioparc Zoo, a modern zoo with no cages that can be seen. Instead, there are invisible fences and natural habitats to promote the best environment for the animals that call the zoo home.
Get an up-close encounter with elephants, giraffes, lions, and lemurs, just to name a few of the species there. Spend some time in the rainforest, on the savannah, or in the desert while you learn more about some of the endangered species from around the world.
Viveros Gardens
Also known as the Jardines del Real, Royal Gardens, or Jardines de Viveros, the Viveros Gardens are amazing botanical gardens filled with native and exotic plants and flowers, fountains, and statues.
Your kids will love playing on the playground with the reindeer-shaped train that will take them on an adventure. While you are at the gardens, stop by the Museum of Natural Sciences with its life-sized dinosaur skeletons. Both you and the kids will be in awe!
Chocolate Tours
When in Valencia, even if you do not have the kids with you, a chocolate tour or two should be on the agenda. There are several fantastic chocolateries in the city that offer delicious treats. If you cannot find a tour to join, head out and visit the chocolate shops on your own.
Sit and enjoy churros con chocolate, served with a hot cup of delicious thick chocolate. Some of the best chocolate shops can be found in the Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza de la Reina, and Plaza de Santa Catalina.
El Saler Beach
Take the kids for a short drive to El Saler Beach. It’s also reachable by bus if you don’t have transportation of your own. Spend a day at the shore, where the family will have a fun time building sandcastles and splashing in the surf. Found on the coast of La Albufera Natural Reserve, miles of privacy await.
If you’d rather be closer to town, Malvarrosa Beach is an urban beach, is easy to navigate with kids, and has lifeguards on duty. Rent a hammock or sit under an umbrella in the shade.
See as much of Valencia as you can!
Valencia is a gorgeous city filled with so many fun and interesting things to see and do. It is also a great place to visit with your family with plenty of kid friendly attractions that will have your kids asking to see and learn more.
The best attraction for kids is the City of Arts and Science, but you can also explore more of Valencia outside this futuristic complex. So bring the family to Valencia and make some memories!
