Best things to do in Valencia with kids

Valencia is a safe, sunny and flat city, perfect for moving around with children by bike, tram or on foot. Here you will find family‑friendly beaches, huge parks and original attractions that make it one of the best cities in Spain for a family holiday.

Why visit Valencia with kids

  • Mild Mediterranean weather, over 300 sunny days a year, ideal for outdoor family activities most of the year.
  • Compact and walkable historic centre, plus a long green park (Turia Gardens) crossing the city with bike paths and playgrounds.
  • Excellent public transport (metro, tram, buses) and many bike‑rental options that make getting around with kids easy and stress‑free.
  • Wide choice of kid‑friendly attractions: zoo, aquarium, science museum, themed playgrounds, beaches and boat trips.

12 family activities near Valencia: fun for all ages

1. Bioparc Valencia – immersive zoo with African habitats

Bioparc Valencia is an immersive zoo where kids see giraffes, lions, hippos and lemurs in large, natural‑looking enclosures inspired by African ecosystems. It is one of the best things to do in Valencia with children who love animals and nature.

  • Educational talks and feeding times help children learn about conservation in a fun way.​
  • The park design avoids visible cages, creating the feeling of being inside the habitat with the animals.​

2. City of Arts and Sciences – hands‑on science museum

The City of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic complex that families recognise instantly from photos of Valencia. Inside, the interactive Science Museum lets kids touch, experiment and learn through games and exhibits.

  • Exhibitions about space, the human body and technology are designed so children can press buttons, build, test and play.
  • You can easily combine the museum with a walk through the white modern architecture and the surrounding pools.​

3. Oceanogràfic – Europe’s largest aquarium

Oceanogràfic, inside the City of Arts and Sciences, is the biggest aquarium in Europe and a highlight for many families visiting Valencia. Kids can walk through underwater tunnels and see sharks, rays, turtles and colourful fish up close.

  • Different areas recreate oceans, wetlands and polar regions, making it both fun and educational.​
  • Shows and talks help children understand marine life and why the oceans need protection.

4. Gulliver Park – giant playground in the Turia

Gulliver Park is a huge playground shaped like the character Gulliver, with his arms, legs and hair turned into slides, ramps and climbing areas. It is free to enter and is often mentioned as one of the most original play areas in Europe.

  • Ideal for kids aged 3–12 who enjoy climbing, sliding and exploring different levels.
  • Located inside Turia Gardens, so you can combine it with a picnic or a bike ride along the park.

5. Bike ride through Turia Gardens

Turia Gardens is a 9‑kilometre green park built in the old riverbed, with bike lanes, sports areas and many playgrounds. Renting family bikes and cycling along the park is one of the top family activities in Valencia with kids.

  • The route is mostly flat and shaded, perfect for children with energy who like to stop at different play areas.
  • Along the way you can reach places like Gulliver Park, the City of Arts and Sciences and the Palau de la Música.

6. Albufera boat trip – rice fields and birds

Just outside the city, Albufera Natural Park offers boat trips through a freshwater lagoon surrounded by rice fields. Families can spot birds, learn how rice for paella is grown and enjoy some of the best sunsets near Valencia.

  • Calm waters make the boat ride suitable for children and a relaxing break from the city.
  • Many tours combine the boat trip with a traditional paella meal in nearby villages.​

7. Art workshops at IVAM and cultural centres

Valencia’s contemporary art museum IVAM and other cultural spaces regularly host workshops and activities for children. These sessions let kids experiment with colours, textures and materials while discovering modern art.

  • Weekend and holiday workshops are usually short and practical, ideal to introduce art to younger visitors.
  • Some centres in the historic quarter also offer theatre, storytelling and creative labs for kids.

8. Multi‑adventure in nearby nature (Sot de Chera and surroundings)

If your family likes adventure, the inland area near Valencia offers zip‑lines, climbing and nature walks suitable for children. Multi‑adventure parks around valleys and rivers let kids try new activities in a safe, guided environment.

  • Many experiences are designed for families with different ages, combining easy routes with more exciting challenges.
  • This is a good option in spring or autumn, when temperatures are milder for outdoor sports.

9. Natural history and dinosaurs

Museums in Valencia dedicated to natural history display fossils, dinosaur skeletons and exhibitions about the Earth and its past. Children who love dinosaurs enjoy seeing real‑size reproductions and learning how palaeontologists work.

  • Interactive sections and models help younger kids visualise volcanoes, rocks and prehistoric animals.
  • Combine a short museum visit with time in a nearby park so they do not get overwhelmed.

10. Ice cream in the historic centre

Stopping for ice cream in the old town around Plaza de la Reina or near the cathedral is a simple family pleasure. Many cafés and heladerías offer terrace seating where children can rest after sightseeing.

  • It is an easy “soft” activity to combine with a main attraction like the Central Market or the cathedral towers.
  • You will find classic flavours plus local tastes inspired by oranges, horchata and other Valencian products.

11. Picnic in botanical and historic gardens

Valencia has several gardens where families can relax, play and have a picnic surrounded by greenery. Shaded paths, ponds and small playgrounds make these spaces a good pause during a busy day of visits.

  • Turia Gardens offers wide lawns, while other historic gardens add statues, fountains and quiet corners.
  • Bring water and snacks to avoid queues and keep children energetic and happy.

12. City beaches like Patacona

Valencia’s urban beaches, such as Malvarrosa and neighbouring Patacona, are wide, sandy and great for families. There is plenty of space for playing, building sandcastles and enjoying the Mediterranean Sea.

  • Beach promenades are lined with casual restaurants and ice‑cream shops that welcome children.
  • Lifeguards and services in high season make these beaches a safe choice for a family day.

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Practical tips for families in Valencia

  • 🕗 Avoid peak hours in major attractions; mornings and late afternoons are usually quieter and better with kids.
  • 🧢 Always carry water, sunscreen and hats, especially in summer, as Valencia can get very sunny and warm.
  • 🚌 Use public transport or bikes to move around efficiently; many family‑friendly activities are connected by metro, tram or the Turia cycle path.
  • 🎟️ Weekends and holidays are popular, so it is wise to book tickets in advance for Bioparc, Oceanogràfic and guided tours.

Day family itineraries for Valencia

For toddlers 2-6 (easy pace): Start at Gulliver Park in Turia (endless slides), picnic on the grass, end with ice cream in Plaza de la Reina. All walkable or bike, no rush.

For kids 7-12 (adventure mix): Bioparc morning (wild animals), Turia bike midday, Patacona beach afternoon for running and splashing. Book Bioparc ahead.

Rainy or hot day: Science Museum (interactive experiments), kids’ theatre at La Rambleta, snack in a covered El Carmen café. Non-stop play-learning.

With Calid, tweak these by time, weather or group – nearby swaps in a tap if plans change!

Make your Valencia family trip a breeze


Made it this far? You’re wondering how to keep a Valencia trip with kids fun, not frantic. Simple joys like Turia bike rides, beach sunsets or old-town ice cream hit different when mixed with big attractions like Bioparc – all paced for little legs and real budgets. Calid pulls the best family plans near you, and swaps options instantly if the day shifts. Relaxed days, happy memories – that’s the goal!

👉 To explore all the plans available in Valencia, click here

FAQs

What are the best activities by my kids’ ages?
For 3–5 year olds: Bioparc, Gulliver Park and playground gardens work best; from 8+ they handle museums and bike rides better. Filter by type on Calid to nail it
Are there free or cheap family activities near Valencia?
Yes: Turia Gardens, Gulliver Park, beaches, urban parks and free museum days. Sundays are often free.
What to do with kids if it’s hot or raining in Valencia?
For extreme heat or rain: interactive museums, kids’ workshops, cultural spots like CCC del Carmen and theatre. Check our weekly programme for events.
How to get around Valencia with kids without hassle?
Flat and comfy: tram to beach, metro for longer trips, bus for neighbourhoods. Eco-option: rent bikes. Calid shows public transport-friendly or near-your-stay activities.
Where to eat near these spots without kid drama?
Loads of ice cream shops, cafés and casual eateries near beaches, Turia, Bioparc or Arts City. Calid highlights ‘family-friendly’ walks away.
Do I need to book Bioparc, museums or activities ahead?
Yes on weekends/holidays for popular ones to skip queues. Calid flags what to reserve and suggests nearby backups.
How many activities realistically in one day with kids?
Usually 1 big one (Bioparc, big museum, outing) + 1 light (park, ice cream, stroll) to avoid burnout. Adjust itinerary on Calid by duration, ages and travel.