Childrens things to do in Valencia

Valencia for Children...

The white sandy beaches are edged with palm trees and are perfect for children to build sandcastles on. They're also great for sunbathing or taking a dip in the sparkling Mediterranean sea. When it gets too hot there are plenty of pretty thatched parasols to sit under.

There are so many exciting childrens things to do in Valencia that your children will enjoy every minute of their time here.

There's the City of Arts and Sciences which has the largest aquarium in Europe. A new zoo will soon be opening in the Turia Gardens and there are many parks, gardens and beaches - so always somewhere nearby for the children to escape to when it gets too hot.

One of the most important childrens things to do in Valencia is to enjoy the lovely fresh food which is incredibly good and very affordable!

If you feel like a bite to eat or something to drink there are many cafes and snack bars along the beach and in the hot summer months ice cream is sold on the beach.

There are also small playgrounds for younger children and the beach-side promenade is ideal for rollerblading or riding bicycles. As you can imagine, this is definitely one of the most popular childrens things to do in Valencia.

The beaches are easily reached by the following: Buses: 1, 2, 19, 31 and the following only during the summer - 20, 21 and 22. The tram to the beach leaves from the centre of town from the metro station at Pont de Fusta.

Another great childrens thing to do in Valencia is to go to the park and Valencia is full of them with great facilities for children.

The Jardines de Turia (Turia Gardens) stretches the length of the city and is full of fountains, ponds, playgrounds, cafes and sports facilities for thing like rollerblading and cycling. There's also a small train you can hop on to view the gardens and small cycling carriges you can rent if you feel like exploring on your own.

One of the best things for children to do in Valencia is to visit the Gulliver Park which is in the Turía Gardens. The park has an enormous sprawling figure of Gulliver which of course children enjoy immensely and love to crawl over.

Another great park for kids is the beautiful Jardines del Real (Royal Gardens), popularly know as Jardines de Viveros, which is Valencia's largest and greenest park.

Full of statues, fountains and flowers, this is an ideal place for a picnic. Kids will especially enjoy the playgrounds and a ride on the small reindeer-shaped train.

The Museo de Ciences Naturales (Museum of Natural Sciences) is within the gardens and children will be fascinated by the museum's dinosaur skeletons and stuffed animals.

Another highlight within the gardens and a favorite of the children's things to do in Valencia is Valencia's small zoo which will soon be re-opening in a new park called Parque Cabecerawhich which is an extension of the Río Túria Park. The park is divided into four areas which includes an amphitheatre and the Zoo which will be opening soon.

City of Arts and Sciences
One of the most exciting children's things to do in Valencia - it's also great for the rest of the family!

This amazing complex is not only highly educational, it's also amazing fun. As well as a high-tech science museum with interactive, hands-on gadgets, there's also an IMAX cinema, a lazerium and planetarium which have a range of child-friendly shows such as a virtual journey into space! All this is available in four languages including English.

The aquarium in Valencia is called L'Oceanografic and is Europe's largest aquarium and second largest in the world. You get the distinct feeling of being underwater and will see sharks, whales and all kinds of marine life. On ground level you'll find seals, sea lions and penguins.

The City of Arts & Sciences is a truly mind-blowing experience for all the family. For more information check out City of Arts and Sciences

Eating in Valencia for Kids
Children are always welcome in Valencia's child-friendly restaurants and cafes. Tapas is served in most places and is ideal for children as tapas already comes in child-sized portions.

A must and 'best childrens things to do in Valencia' is to sample the huge array of gelaterias (ice cream parlours) and chocolaterias.

Enjoy chocolate and churros - thick Spanish hot chocolate with long doughnuts which are the churros. Yum! Truly one of the best childrens things to do in Valencia! - the kids will love it and so will you!

You could also take your children to a horchateria where they can taste a traditional horchata - (a sweet milky drink served cold). Great with a few of the traditional long iced buns called fartons which children will love!

You can find gelaterias, chocolaterias and horchaterias all over - but some of the best are located in the Old Quarter in Plaza de la Reina, Plaza de Santa Catalina and Plaza de la Virgen.

Every child's dream and one of the best childrens things to do in Valencia is for them to feast their eyes on the huge variety of sweets available here.

Look out for the popular chain of sweet shops, Casa de los Caramelos (House of Sweets), where you can find all types of sweets and toys.


Don't forget to look out for the cute little 'House of Cats' in Barrio del Carmen in Calle Museo.

There are many lovely kittens and cats in the area like the one in the photo.






Not far away is Plaza de la Reina where you can take a ride on one of the very popular Valencia tourist buses and see the fantastic sites of Valencia without getting tired.

You can also take trips to the lovely old towns of El Puig and Sagunto or visit the famous Albufera which is only 12 km from the center of town.

Other great days out for children are:

• Take a boat ride on the beautiful Albufera lagoon. Check out... l'Albufera.

  
  
  

• Marvel at the papier mache figures at Las Fallas.

• Check out Benidorm Theme Parks and visit Terra Mitica (Mythical Land).

• A forty minute drive from the city of Valencia brings you to the popular Oropesa-del-Mar/Marina-D'or.