The Ultimate Family Day in Valencia: What to Do With Kids

A family day in Valencia gives you everything you need for an unforgettable experience. This Mediterranean city combines beaches, parks, museums, and activities that work for toddlers and teens alike. You can spend weeks here and still find new places to explore with your kids.

Why Valencia is Perfect for Families

Valencia wins at family travel because the city tends to be quite child-friendly. 

✅ Public transport is free for kids under 10.
✅ The entire city is flat and easy to navigate with strollers.
✅ You’ll find playgrounds tucked into every neighborhood and park.

The weather helps too. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, you won’t spend your vacation stuck indoors. Even winter months stay mild enough for outdoor activities.

Pluuuuus, getting around is simple. Valencia is compact enough to walk most places. And then when you need a break, hop on the metro or bus. Both have plenty of space for strollers and tired little legs.

So let’s look at some different things you can do to have a family day in Valencia. 

Jardí del Túria: The City’s Green Heart

The Jardí del Túria stretches 9 kilometers through Valencia’s center. 

This former riverbed turned park is where locals spend their weekends. You’ll see families biking, picnicking, and playing throughout the day.

And if you’re just here for tourism – the park connects most major attractions. 

Start at the Bioparc (the zoo) on the west end and bike all the way to the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències on the east. 

What makes it special for families:

Bike rentals are everywhere and affordable. You can find bikes with child seats, trailers, and training wheels. Most rental shops charge around €10 per day.

There are also TONS of playgrounds and sports fields. 

It really is a huge, sprawling space that makes it easy for the family. 

And super important in the summer – shaded picnic areas give you a place to rest. 

Pack sandwiches and snacks, or grab some takeaway paella. Many families spend entire afternoons here just relaxing.

Parc Gulliver

Inside the Jardí del Túria sits Parc Gulliver. 

This playground features a 70-meter sculpture of Gulliver lying down (from the famous Gulliver’s Travels). 

Kids climb on his body, slide down his hair, and explore tunnels through his clothes, becoming the Lilliputians. 

The park is completely free. It’s designed for children aged 3-12, though you’ll see kids of all ages having fun. The slides can be steep, so keep an eye on younger children.

Come early in summer months. The park has no shade, and metal slides get hot by midday. Morning visits work best when temperatures climb.

Location tip: Find it near the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències end of the park. Metro Stop Alameda puts you within walking distance.

Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències: A World of Discovery

This futuristic complex houses Valencia’s top family attractions. 

It’s by far one of the best things to do in Valencia (just generally). The architecture alone impresses kids and adults. Each building looks like something from a science fiction movie.

You could easily spend two full days here. The complex includes an aquarium, science museum, IMAX theater, and opera house. Plan which attractions matter most to your family before you go.

If you want to visit the inside, then you can get a combined ticket here:

L’Oceanogràfic: Europe’s Largest Aquarium

L’Oceanogràfic showcases over 500 marine species and 45,000 animals. It’s one of the must-do activities since it’s the largest aquarium in all of Europe! 

And let’s let forget that it is air-conditioned. That’s a big perk in the summer months!

Must-see exhibits:

The dolphin show runs multiple times daily. Educational presentations teach kids about marine life and conservation. Arrive 15-20 minutes early to get good seats.

Penguin habitats let you watch these birds waddle and swim. The glass panels bring you eye-level with them underwater. This area stays popular all day.

The shark tunnel creates unforgettable memories. Walk underneath while sharks and rays swim overhead. Even teenagers find this exciting.

Practical tips:

• Buy tickets online in advance to skip queues. The aquarium gets crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Bring in some small snacks. The on-site restaurant is expensive and the food quality doesn’t match the price. Picnic areas outside let you take breaks.
• Budget 3-4 hours for a thorough visit. Especially with kids, this will take an entire morning/evening. 
• Consider the Valencia Tourist Card – you’ll get a discount on tickets here

Museu de les Ciències Príncep Felip

I don’t always recommend this for normal travelers. 

But for visiting families in Valencia, then I think this is a super fun way to spend some time. 

This interactive science museum lets kids touch, experiment, and learn. Two floors of exhibits cover everything from space to the human body. Most displays have English translations.

Good to know:

• The museum works well for rainy days! You’ll spend 2-3 hours here comfortably.
• A cafeteria inside offers reasonably priced food and drinks. It’s nothing special, but convenient when you need a break.
• This is where the Exposició del Ninot is hosted. So if you’re coming around Les Falles, then this is a must-see. 

Bioparc València

The Bioparc recreates African habitats without traditional cages. Animals roam in spaces designed to look like their natural environments. You’ll see elephants, giraffes, lions, gorillas, and hundreds of other species.

You’ll also see tons of local species. To be honest – Spain is quite close to Africa, so there are sometimes a lot of climate similarities!

What kids love:

Feeding times let you watch keepers interact with animals. Check the schedule when you arrive. These presentations explain animal behaviors and conservation efforts.

The lemur area puts you close to these playful primates. They jump and play right near the pathways.

There are multiple spots where you can sit down and take a break. Like everything, the food is a bit overpriced – but you’ll need your energy to do all the walking. 

Plan your visit:

• Arrive when gates open for the best animal viewing. Many animals are most active in the morning.
• Wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking. The park covers significant ground.
• Bring sun protection in summer. While trees provide some shade, you’ll spend time in direct sunlight.
• The park sits next to Parc de Capçalera, another lovely green space. You can combine visits for a full day outdoors.

Valencia’s Beaches: Sun, Sand, and Sea

Valencia with kids means beach days are essential. The city’s coastline stretches for kilometers.

The two beaches are really just an extension of each other, but I’ll separate them since there are some minor differences. 

Platja de la Malva-rosa

This is Valencia’s most famous beach and is the one that’s easiest to get to. The wide sandy beach has plenty of room for families. Lifeguards patrol during summer months.

Family facilities:

• Beach volleyball nets and soccer goals keep active kids entertained. The sand is perfect for castle building.
• Playgrounds sit right on the beachfront. Kids can alternate between sand and swings.
• Restaurants and cafes line the promenade. Many offer children’s menus and high chairs.
• Showers and changing rooms make beach days easier. They’re free to use and well-maintained.

Getting there:

Metro line 5 to Neptú puts you steps from the sand. You’ll take the metro to Marítim, then hop on a tram to Neptú. 

You can also rent a bike and get there quite easily. Although if you want to relax on the beach, I don’t recommend leaving your bike here. Only rent a bike if want to stay on the bike. 

And you can easily take a bus direct from the city center. This costs 2€ so that’s quite easy! 

Get a Hotel Here

There are tons of hotel options here, as well. The most famous one is Las Arenas Balneario Resort. This is a luxury hotel, but it’s one of the best-rated in Valencia. 

➡️ Here’s an article on where to stay at the beach. 

Platja de Patacona

Just north of Malva-rosa is Patacona. This connects with the neighboring town of Alboraia, the birthplace of orxata. 

➡️ Check out more about local Valencian cuisine here

Kids appreciate the large playground area near the sand. And parents love it because there are plenty of good paella restaurants nearby. I usually encourage tourists to come down to this area for the best paella. 

To get here, you’ll want to take the bus, as the metro doesn’t quite reach this far. Or you can get to La Malva-rosa, and then walk here (about 15-20 min walk). 

Practical Tips for Valencia With Kids

Transportation:

The Valencia Tourist Card includes free public transport and museum discounts for the parents. Kids under 10 ride free on all public transport (even without the card). 

But it’s a good option if you take a lot of buses or metro.

Taxis accept child seats if you request them when booking. 

Food:

Kids in Valencia eat late by the standards of most English-speakers. Lunch happens around 2pm and dinner around 9pm. (See more about the meal times in Valencia)

I always recommend sticking to these times. Any place that stays open from 4-7PM is usually a tourist trap. 

Most restaurants welcome children. You’ll even see parents take their kids to bars with outdoor seating! 

Weather and timing:

The weather is quite nice in the Spring and Fall, although you have a higher chance of rain. The winters aren’t particularly cold, so that can be nice as well. 

Summer gets hot. Plan indoor activities for midday hours. Beaches and pools work best in morning or late afternoon.

Please – don’t go to the beach from 2–5PM. You will get burnt. 

Money-saving tips:

Many museums offer free entry on Sundays. The Museu Faller, Torres dels Serrans, and others don’t charge on weekend days.

Parks and playgrounds cost nothing. You can fill entire days with free activities.

You can go to supermarkets to get some snacks and water bottles. This saves money and prevents hangry meltdowns (that goes for the parents, too!)

➡️ Check my Valencia travel budget

Day Trip Ideas From Valencia

When you’ve explored the city itself, venture beyond Valencia’s borders. The surrounding region offers perfect family day trips.

➡️ Check here for my full article on Day Trips from Valencia. 

L’Albufera Natural Park

This freshwater lake sits just 10 kilometers south of Valencia. It’s an absolutely fundamental part of Valencian culture since it played a huge role in the cuisine over the years. 

You can take a boat ride through here and see where paella was invented! Kids love spotting birds and learning about rice cultivation.

Many boat tour companies operate here. Tours last about 45 minutes and include commentary about the ecosystem. And you’re in the perfect spot afterwards to go get some paella for lunch!

Beach Towns

Gandia and Cullera both sit within an hour of Valencia. 

These coastal towns offer different beach experiences. 

Cullera has a castle that kids can explore. 

Gandia has a longer, quieter beach perfect for relaxation. 

I think Gandia is a little easier to get to, as you can take the local train and it only costs around €5. But Cullera is great if you decide to rent a car!

Planning Your Perfect Family Day in Valencia

Here’s a quick day-plan:

Start your morning at the Jardí del Túria. Let kids run and play while you enjoy coffee from a kiosk (there are some small cafeterias in the gardens). Bike or walk to your next destination.

Mid-morning works perfectly for museum visits. L’Oceanogràfic or the Museu de les Ciències both open early. You’ll beat afternoon crowds and tired children.

Take a long lunch break and get your energy back after all of that walking! 

Afternoon beach visits keep everyone happy. The sea breeze cools things down. Build sandcastles, swim, and relax.

Head back to your hotel and wash up. 

And then you can end your day with a stroll through the old town. I love walking through La Ciutat Vella in the evening. And then you can grab dinner at a local restaurant!

➡️ Here is my list of the best restaurants in Valencia. 

What to Pack for Your Valencia Family Adventure

If you’re visiting Valencia as a family, comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. You’ll cover serious distance even on “relaxing” days.

If you want to go swimming, make sure to pack some beach clothes as well. Don’t forget your flip flops! 

Sunscreen and hats protect against that Mediterranean sun. Reapply regularly, especially at beaches and parks.

Valencia is flat and stroller-friendly. So you can bring that if needed as well. 

➡️ See my full Valencia packing guide

Making the Most of Valencia With Kids

The best family day in Valencia comes from balancing structured activities with free play. Feel free to change things up and do what makes your family happy. 

There are parks everywhere and tons of different attractions. I think a bit of spontaneity can go a long way in making it a memorable trip for you. 

And if you have any questions or concerns while you’re planning your trip, just send me a message! 

More Valencia Travel Resources

Hopefully that helps you plan out a great family day in Valencia! 

If you need help, feel free to send me a message or book a travel consultation. 

And if you want to keep exploring, here are some other guides I’ve made that could be helpful:

• Valencia Tips for Travelers
• What to do with kids
• Best hotels in Valencia
• Is Valencia safe?
• What Valencia is famous for

Bon viatge!