Valencia offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and fun for families visiting Spain with kids. From its stunning architecture to its beautiful beaches and family-friendly attractions, Valencia promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. Here’s a guide on visiting Valencia with kids, including top things to do, best places to visit, family-friendly accommodations, and more.
Why Visit Valencia With Kids
Valencia boasts numerous attractions and activities specifically designed to entertain and educate children. Here are some compelling reasons why Valencia should be on your family travel list:
- Sunshine and beaches: Valencia boasts kilometers of sandy beaches, perfect for building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, and soaking up the Spanish sun.
- Cultural immersion: Introduce your children to a different culture through delicious local cuisine, historical landmarks, and vibrant traditions.
- Outdoor adventures: Explore the vast Turia Gardens, cycle along dedicated lanes, or embark on boat tours in the Albufera Natural Park.
- Engaging museums: Spark curiosity with interactive exhibits at the City of Arts and Sciences, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum.
- Family-friendly atmosphere: Valencia welcomes families with open arms, offering numerous child-friendly restaurants, playgrounds, and entertainment options.
Things to Do in Valencia With Kids
Explore Valencia’s family-friendly attractions and activities that will delight kids and adults alike:
- Visit the Oceanogràfic: Europe’s largest aquarium offers a fascinating underwater journey with over 500 marine species.
- Discover Bioparc Valencia: This innovative zoo features naturalistic habitats where animals roam freely, providing an immersive wildlife experience.
- Enjoy a day at the beach: Valencia’s pristine beaches, such as Playa de la Malvarrosa, are perfect for sandcastle building and water activities.
- Tour the city on bikes: Rent bikes and explore Valencia’s bike-friendly streets, parks, and gardens, offering a fun and active way to see the city.
- Attend a puppet show at Teatro Flumen: Treat your kids to a magical puppet show at this historic theater, featuring entertaining performances for all ages.
- Get lost in Turia Gardens: Rent bikes, enjoy a picnic under the shade, or splash in the Gulliver giant playground.
- Go on a dolphin-watching adventure: Embark on a boat tour from the Albufera Natural Park and spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Have a blast at the Gulliver Park: Climb and explore this giant replica of Gulliver, offering slides, tunnels, and climbing opportunities for children of all ages.
Best Places to Visit in Valencia
Discover Valencia’s top family-friendly destinations that offer unforgettable experiences:
- The City of Arts and Sciences: This iconic complex features futuristic architecture and interactive museums, including the Science Museum and Hemisfèric.
- Valencia Cathedral: Marvel at the stunning architecture of this historic cathedral and climb the Miguelete tower for panoramic views of the city.
- Turia Gardens: Explore this beautiful urban park built on the former riverbed, offering playgrounds, bike paths, and green spaces for picnics and relaxation.
- Central Market (Mercado Central): Wander through this bustling market filled with colorful stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies.
- Torres de Serranos: Climb the medieval towers for breathtaking views of Valencia’s old town and surrounding areas.
Where to Stay in Valencia
Choosing the right accommodation is essential for a memorable family vacation. Here are some recommended areas to stay in Valencia:
- Old Town (Ciutat Vella): Stay in the heart of Valencia’s historic center, surrounded by charming streets, historic landmarks, and bustling plazas.
- Eixample: This centrally located district offers a wide range of family-friendly hotels, restaurants, and shops, with easy access to attractions and public transportation.
- Valencia Beachfront: For a beach holiday, consider staying near the coastline, where you’ll find hotels offering stunning sea views and convenient beach access.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Valencia
Choose from a selection of hotels that cater to families with children, providing comfort, convenience, and amenities for a stress-free stay:
- Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort: This luxurious beachfront resort features spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and direct access to Playa de las Arenas.
- SH Valencia Palace: Located near the Turia Gardens, this elegant hotel offers family rooms, a rooftop pool, and easy access to the City of Arts and Sciences.
- Hotel Primus Valencia: With its modern design and family-friendly facilities, including a kids’ club and playground, this hotel is ideal for families seeking comfort and convenience.
Best Time to Visit Valencia
Plan your family trip to Valencia during the optimal time to ensure pleasant weather and enjoyable experiences:
- Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather, with fewer crowds and lower prices compared to peak season. Enjoy the Fallas festival in March.
- Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures. Expect larger crowds and higher prices.
- Autumn (September-November): Mild temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city without the summer heat.
- Winter (December-February): Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and festive Christmas markets. Some attractions may have limited hours.
How Long to Stay in Valencia
To make the most of your family vacation in Valencia, consider staying for:
- 3-4 days: Ideal for a short city break, allowing you to visit the main attractions and enjoy some beach time.
- 5-7 days: Provides more flexibility to explore beyond the city, visit nearby towns, and delve deeper into local experiences.
- 1 week +: Perfect for families who want to relax, participate in various activities, and fully immerse themselves in Valencian culture.
Valencia Family Itinerary
Follow this suggested itinerary for a memorable family adventure in Valencia:
Day 1:
- Morning: Explore the City of Arts and Sciences, visiting the Hemisfèric and Oceanographic aquarium.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in Turia Gardens and let the kids play in Gulliver Park.
- Evening: Relax with a delicious paella dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit the Central Market, marvel at the fresh produce and local delicacies, and sample some tapas.
- Afternoon: Take a walking tour of the historical city center, exploring the Valencia Cathedral and Torres de Serranos.
- Evening: Enjoy a flamenco show and experience the vibrant culture of Valencia.
Day 3:
- Morning: Spend the day at Malvarrosa Beach, building sandcastles, swimming in the sea, and soaking up the sun.
- Afternoon: Take a boat tour in the Albufera Natural Park, spot dolphins, and learn about the unique ecosystem.
- Evening: Have a fun-filled evening at Parque Gulliver, with slides, tunnels, and climbing opportunities for all ages.
Day 4 (Optional):
- Take a day trip to Xàtiva, a charming medieval town, or explore the nearby beaches of El Saler and Pinedo.
- Visit the Bioparc Valencia, a unique zoo designed to recreate natural habitats, and observe animals from different continents.
- Spend the afternoon at the Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe, engaging in interactive exhibits and learning about various scientific principles.
Day 5 (Optional):
- Relax on the beach, enjoy a leisurely bike ride through Turia Gardens, or do some souvenir shopping in the Ruzafa district.
- Visit the Valencia Museum of Fine Arts, showcasing art from the 14th to the 20th centuries, or the L’Iber Museum of Valencian Archaeology.
- Take a funicular ride up the hillside to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Getting Around Valencia
Navigate Valencia with ease using the city’s efficient transportation options:
- Valenciana de Transporte Metropolitano (EMT): Public bus network offering extensive coverage.
- Metrovalencia: Tram system connecting the city center with major suburbs and beaches.
- Valencia Bikes: Public bike rental system with stations throughout the city.
- Taxis: readily available and convenient for short trips.
- Walking: Valencia is a walkable city, especially the historic center, making it enjoyable to explore on foot.
Embark on an unforgettable family adventure in Valencia, where culture, history, and fun await at every turn. From exploring iconic landmarks to relaxing on sun-drenched beaches, Valencia offers endless opportunities for family bonding and creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
