The first time you walk through Valencia with kids, you’ll notice the city’s easygoing vibe and how much there is for families to explore.
The town is dotted with tree-lined parks, playgrounds abound, and local restaurants extend a warm welcome to children.
Valencia with kids is both relaxing and full of adventure, offering families a blend of science museums, beaches, and green spaces.
In this article, you’ll find practical tips for navigating the city and discover top family-friendly spots like the Oceanografic and Bioparc.
Get ideas for outdoor activities from bike rides in the Túria Gardens to picnics at the beach.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, Valencia with kids offers new adventures each day.
Morning Fun: Science, Giants & Sea Creatures
Start your morning in Valencia with kids by exploring impressive architecture, interactive science displays, and stunning underwater worlds.
These activities captivate children and adults with hands-on experiences and unique sights you won’t find anywhere else in Spain.
City of Arts and Sciences Complex
The City of Arts and Sciences is one of the most recognisable spots in Valencia.
The buildings are futuristic, with sweeping white arches and glass, making every corner perfect for photos. This iconic space draws families with its blend of learning and play.
Inside the Principe Felipe Science Museum, your kids can launch rockets, walk through the human brain, and experiment with sound and light. Every exhibit invites you to touch, interact, and ask questions.
Kids love giant dinosaur skeletons and playful hands-on tech that makes science feel like a game.
Helpful tips:
- Arrive right when it opens for fewer crowds.
- Bring snacks—cafés can become busy, especially mid-morning.
- Check for current workshops in advance. Some are only in Spanish, while others offer English sessions.
The Umbracle Gardens next door are lush, open, and stroller-friendly. They offer a calm spot for a break or snack under palm trees.
📍 Location: Av. del Professor López Piñero
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Exterior is free; museum combo from €8–32
🕒 Best Time to Visit: 10:00 AM (before crowds)
Oceanogràfic – Europe’s Largest Aquarium
Oceanogràfic, located within the City of Arts and Sciences, is the largest aquarium in Europe and an absolute must on any Valencia itinerary with kids.
The striking exterior looks like a giant water lily, but the real magic happens inside. You’ll see enormous tanks with sharks gliding overhead as you walk through glass tunnels.
Highlights include dolphins performing in the dolphinarium, mesmerising jellyfish displays, and an Arctic zone with belugas and penguins.
The “touch pools” are a favourite—my kids once spent 20 minutes gently stroking rays with wide-eyed wonder.
Top reasons to visit Oceanogràfic:
- Themed zones (Mediterranean, Wetlands, Oceans, Arctic, Red Sea, Islands)
- Daily feeding demonstrations and educational talks
- Family-friendly restaurants like Restaurante Submarino with its panoramic underwater views
Aquarium staff know the best times for shows and how to navigate the sprawling complex, and they’re happy to help.
Plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, and let your curiosity lead the way.
📍 Location: Part of the City of Arts complex
🎟️ Entrance Fee: €38 (adults), €28 (kids 4–12), free under 4
🕒 Best Time to Visit: 11:30 AM
Midday: Parks, Picnics & Market Bites
Break up your day in Valencia with kids by heading outdoors and enjoying fresh local flavors.
Flat spaces and shaded paths are easy to find, and there’s a bit of adventure for all ages, whether you want to run, snack, or just rest while the kids play safely nearby.
Turia Gardens Picnic & Playground Stop
The Turia Gardens is a long, winding green park that stretches for several miles through the city. Once a riverbed, it’s now filled with wide walking paths, bike lanes, and plenty of playgrounds.
Take a short stroll beneath the orange trees and you’ll see families running, kids playing soccer, and locals cycling along the trails.
Pack a picnic or grab snacks from a nearby shop.
Find a shady bench near Gulliver Park, a giant playground shaped like the character from “Gulliver’s Travels.”
The main structure is a maze of slides, nets, ladders, and ramps—the kind of spot where most kids don’t want to leave. Water fountains are scattered throughout for easy refills. Parents can relax on the grass or join the action.
Turia Gardens is safe and well-kept and the perfect spot to recharge.
📍 Location: Spanning the city along the old riverbed
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Noon to 2:00 PM
Quick Tips Table:
| Playgrounds | Shaded Areas | Restrooms | Snack Stalls |
| Multiple spots | Many trees | Available | Nearby kiosks |
Mercado Central de Valencia
Mercado Central de Valencia is an active food market in the heart of the city. The building itself feels like a slice of history, with colorful glass domes and busy stalls. Step inside to sample fresh fruit, just-baked empanadas, and sweet horchata.
Stalls offer cheese, Iberian ham, olives, and warm breads—simple foods even picky kids will eat. You can find specialty treats like fartons or Spanish chocolate, and vendors are happy to hand out samples or tell you about local products.
If you want a full lunch, stop by Central Bar, a popular spot inside the market that serves seasonal dishes and sandwiches made from market-fresh ingredients.
Pros & Cons Box:
Pros: Wide food variety, lively atmosphere, plenty of quick snack options
Cons: It gets busy at lunch, not much room for strollers
📍 Location: Plaza Ciudad de Brujas
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Before 3:00 PM (closed afternoons/Sundays)
Afternoon: Giant Playgrounds & Local Ice Cream
Kid-friendly outdoor spaces and unique local treats give you easy ways to enjoy Valencia with kids.
The city offers one of Spain’s most memorable playgrounds and an iconic local ice cream café, providing a relaxing and fun afternoon for everyone.
Gulliver Park
Gulliver Park is a must for families exploring Valencia with kids. The playground is shaped like the giant from “Gulliver’s Travels,” and children can climb, slide, and crawl over the massive figure lying on the ground.
My visit here was met with instant excitement; kids dashed straight for the twisting slides. You’ll find cargo nets, ramps, and huge slides of all shapes and lengths.
Benches and shady spots line the area, so adults can relax while keeping an eye on the action.
The playground is in Turia Park, near Calle Peris y Valero, and it’s free to enter. There are bathrooms nearby, plus a small kiosk for drinks or snacks. Weekends are busiest, so plan a weekday if you want fewer crowds.
Check hours before you go, as the playground sometimes closes during midday heat in summer.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Large and imaginative play area | Can get crowded |
| Free entry | Slippery in hot weather |
| Smooth ground for strollers | Not ideal in the rain |
📍 Location: Inside Turia Gardens
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
🕒 Best Time to Visit: 4:00 PM (shade returns)
Horchatería Daniel (Alboraya)
After the playground, treat your family to a classic Valencian snack at Horchatería Daniel in Alboraya.
This café is one of the best-known places to try fresh horchata, a sweet, cold drink made from tiger nuts. Horchatería Daniel serves it with fartons, which are long, soft pastries that kids love to dip.
Relax on the terrace while your kids enjoy their snack. The setting is casual, with speedy service and plenty of outdoor tables.
This spot is easy to reach by Metro or car, and there’s free street parking nearby. You may even see locals stopping by on their way home from work or school.
If anyone in your group prefers something colder, there is also a good selection of homemade ice cream. For families visiting Valencia with kids, the welcoming staff and lively crowd make Horchatería Daniel worth the short trip out of the city center.
Quick info box: Horchatería Daniel
- Address: Avenida de la Horchata, 41, Alboraya
- Must-try: Horchata & fartons
- Open: Daily, 8am–9pm
- Best time: Mid-afternoon for freshest pastries
- Child-friendly: High chairs and open space outside
📍 Location: Alboraya or Mercado de Colón
💰 Budget: €3–6
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Afternoon treat
Evening: Beach Play & Family Tapas
Valencia transforms at sunset, offering a gentle mix of seaside fun and casual local dining. After a busy day, you can unwind by the water and enjoy easygoing Spanish food with your family.
Playa de la Malvarrosa
Playa de la Malvarrosa is a wide, sandy beach just north of the city center. In the evenings, families gather here to play in the cooler air.
You’ll find volleyball nets, spacious playgrounds, and ice cream stands lining the promenade.
The sand is fine and clean, making it comfortable for young kids to dig or build sandcastles. Lifeguards often watch over the beach during the warmer months, so you can relax while your children splash in the gentle waves.
The sunset here is worth waiting for—on clear nights, the sky glows orange and pink over the sea.
If you walk along the Paseo Marítimo, you’ll come across local skateboarders and street performers. Public restrooms and showers are available near most of the parking lots, and there are plenty of benches to sit and rest.
Beach Checklist for Families:
- Sand toys
- Beach towels and swimwear
- Snacks and bottled water
- Lightweight jackets for breezy evenings
📍 Location: Northeast coast, 20 min from center
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
🕒 Best Time to Visit: 6:00 PM (cooler and less crowded)
Family-Friendly Dinner Spots
Valencia with kids is easy when it comes to dinner. Several seafront restaurants at Malvarrosa serve tapas and local favorites in a relaxed setting.
Many have outdoor terraces facing the sand. Kids can play while waiting for food.
Recommended Restaurants on Playa de la Malvarrosa:
| Restaurant | Type of Food | Highlights | Google Maps Rating |
| La Pepica | Traditional Valencian | Famous for paella and friendly staff | 4.1/5 |
| Casa Carmela | Classic Spanish | Wood-fired paella, welcoming to families | 4.4/5 |
| El Trompo | Tapas and Small Plates | Good vegetarian options, sea views | 4.2/5 |
Most places open for dinner at 8:00 PM. You may want to grab a snack first if your kids eat earlier. Spanish favorites like patatas bravas, croquetas, and grilled calamari are on almost every menu. High chairs are available at most restaurants.
Local waiters welcome families. If the beach is too windy, try a cozy burger at Burger Beer or enjoy classic tapas in the Ruzafa neighborhood, a 15-minute cab ride from the sea.
If you want something special, book a table ahead—beachfront spots fill fast, especially on weekends. Many restaurants also offer takeaway if you prefer a casual picnic on the sand while the sky fades into night.
Bonus Activities For Families
Valencia with kids means more than just beaches and museums. You’ll find some of the city’s best activities where excitement meets relaxation—a perfect mix for any family.
Valencia Bioparc
If your children like animals, the Valencia Bioparc puts you right in the middle of the action. You do not see animals from behind bars.
Walking through the habitats feels like you’re on a small safari, with wide, open spaces and natural barriers. The African Savannah, Madagascar, and Equatorial Forest areas are home to giraffes, lemurs, elephants, and more.
Daily feeding times let your kids watch animals up close. Staff organize educational talks and workshops, which are both fun and informative—a big bonus if your children have lots of questions.
You can enjoy the Bioparc without feeling rushed thanks to several shaded picnic spots and a restaurant. There’s also a splash area perfect for cooling off on hot afternoons.
Strollers are welcome. Digital maps help you plan your route.
Tickets are cheapest when bought online ahead of time.
Pros
- Immersive habitats
- Educational programs
- Shaded rest areas
Cons
- Can get crowded on weekends
- Limited indoor shelters if it rains
📍 Location: West end of Turia Gardens
🎟️ Entrance Fee: €26 adults, €21 kids, free under 4
🕒 Best Time to Visit: 10:00 AM
Family Tip: Bring sunscreen, water, and hats. The open areas get plenty of sun.
Monforte Gardens
Monforte Gardens is a peaceful spot ideal for a quiet break during your busy tour of Valencia with kids. These gardens are tucked away near the old city walls but still easy to reach.
Giant marble statues and fountains set the scene. Trimmed hedges make for great hide-and-seek spaces.
You’ll find gravel paths, fish ponds, and shaded benches where you can sit and relax while your children run around.
There is no playground, but the open spaces, ducks, and sculpted trees lend themselves to imaginative play.
Quiet mornings are usually best for families, since the gardens can get busy in late afternoon. If you’re looking for a snack, you’ll find some small cafes about five minutes away on Carrer d’Alboraia, like Café Artesano.
Dogs are not allowed, so it stays clean and calm. There are also public restrooms at the entrance—something not every city garden offers.
Highlights for Families:
- Safe, walled garden for free play
- Lovely fish ponds and statues
- Plenty of shade for picnics
- Less crowded than Turia Park
📍 Location: Calle Monforte, near Turia Gardens
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon
Practical Tips For Valencia With Kids
Getting around Valencia with kids is easier than you might expect. The historic city center is mostly flat and stroller-friendly, which makes it comfortable for walking even with toddlers.
You’ll notice that many sidewalks are wide and even at street level. Rolling through markets or plazas is a breeze.
If you’re planning to use public transport, the metro and buses are reliable and air-conditioned. Children under 6 ride free.
For older kids, you can buy a Bono Transbordo card for savings on trips. Taxis are available everywhere and usually have child seats if you request them in advance.
Here’s a quick look at getting around:
| Transport | Pros | Cons |
| Metro/Bus | Cheap, fast, good coverage | Can get crowded at peak times |
| By foot | Scenic, easy in city center | Not for long distances |
| Taxi | Direct, comfortable, child seats | Costs more, can be scarce late |
When it comes to eating out, Valencia is very family-friendly. At most local restaurants, you’ll find high chairs and staff who are used to families.
Places like La Casa Viva (vegan), La Chipirona, and Mercat Central are fantastic for sampling Valencian fare without fuss. Ice cream at Gelateria Llinares is always a hit.
Pack sunscreen, hats, and reusable water bottles, especially if you visit in summer. Many playgrounds and parks, like the Jardín del Turia, have plenty of shade and drinking fountains.
Remember: Spanish meal times run late, so plan snacks for hungry little travelers. For rainy days, museums such as the Museu de les Ciències are ideal for hands-on learning and play—no one gets bored!
If you ever get lost, locals are friendly and many speak some English. Don’t hesitate to ask for help—hospitality is one of the best parts of exploring Valencia with kids.
Final Thoughts: A City Made For Play
When you explore Valencia with kids, the city feels made for families. Smooth sidewalks, wide parks, and safe crossings make getting around easy—even with a stroller. The Turia Gardens run right through the city. Kids can play for hours in this clean and shady space.
You’ll notice playgrounds everywhere—some tucked between ancient buildings, others near fountains or cafes. If your family likes cycling, safe bike lanes run all over town. Renting bikes or scooters is simple and fun for both grownups and kids.
Some activities stand out for families. The City of Arts and Sciences has a hands-on science museum and an aquarium that will keep children talking for days. In hot weather, visit the city’s beaches or the splash fountains in Parc Central to cool off.
Grab a quick snack at Horchatería Santa Catalina, famous for its sweet local drink and fartons. Head to Mercado de Colón for sandwiches or fresh fruit and let kids watch the busy vendors and street performers nearby.
Quick Tip Table:
| Challenge | Solution |
| Finding shade | Head to Turia Gardens |
| Eating with picky kids | Try tapas at Mercado de Ruzafa |
| Keeping cool | Visit Malvarrosa Beach |
Locals greet you with friendliness and offer help as you travel through Valencia with kids. There’s no rush, take your time, follow the shaded paths, and pause for churros when you need a break.
Every corner offers something new to discover. If your family enjoys parks, museums, or just wandering outside, Valencia welcomes you.