Valencia with kids
A family-friendly guide to a city of sun, splendour and sea breeze
4 min read
Valencia is the ultimate family destination—a city packed with adventure, culture, and laid-back Mediterranean charm. Whether you’re exploring it for the first time or rediscovering it anew, and whether your tribe includes a toddler, an energetic seven-year-old, or a teen looking for cool spots, Valencia has something for everyone.
From interactive museums to golden beaches and child-friendly restaurants, we’ve rounded up the best spots to help you plan—and enjoy—a seamless and unforgettable family trip to Valencia.
In a nutshell: what you are about to discover
- Valencia is the perfect family destination—a city full of fun and adventure for all ages!
- Top kid-friendly attractions in Valencia include the Oceanogràfic Aquarium, the Science Museum, Bioparc and the Gulliver Parc.
- Where to stay? Easy! Choose from four limehome location across the city, offering spacious apartments in prime spots.
- Kid-friendly restaurants abound but we’ve listed some of our favourites here.
- Getting around with a buggy? No problem! Valencia is super accessible, safe and easy to explore. Read our practical travel tips.
3 Reasons why the whole family will love Valencia
Valencia is a dream for families thanks to its flat, walkable streets and efficient public transport. Well-connected to major European cities via direct flights, it’s easy to reach—and even easier to get around.
From science museums to beach days and thrilling boat rides, Valencia offers activities for all types of travellers. Whether your family is creative, adventurous, or just looking to relax, you’re likely to find a matching activity for all.
Sunshine, slow living, delicious Mediterranean food—Valencia’s effortless charm makes it easy to unwind. Enjoy al fresco dining, fresh seafood and afternoon strolls (or siestas!) as the city invites you to join its relaxed pace.
Things to do in Valencia with kids
A wild day out: visiting Bioparc Valencia
Animals and children? Always a winning combo! A zoo like no other, Bioparc Valencia offers an immersive safari-style experience. Instead of traditional enclosures, animals roam in environments that mimic their natural habitats. Spot giraffes, gorillas, chimpanzees and elephants up close—kids will simply love it!
Plan for a full-day visit, as there is plenty to see and you’ll want to take your time. While there’s an on-site restaurant, the food may leave you underwhelmed (seems to be a common zoo trend anywhere), so you might want to bring your own. The silver lining? You can enjoy your meal with a view of giraffes and other animals trotting around.
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable day in Valencia, Bioparc delivers. Just bring comfy shoes, a sense of adventure and maybe a few snacks.
Getting there & Tickets
- 5-minute metro ride from Valencia Norte station on lines 3, 5, or 9. From the nearest stop, it’s a 10-minute walk to the entrance.
- Buggy-friendly: the park is well-paved and fully accessible, making it easy to navigate with little explorers in tow.
- Tickets on the pricier side at €26.90 per adult, but kids under 4 go free.
- We recommend to book online in advance—it costs the same but saves you the long queues, especially on weekends.
Dive into adventure: visiting Oceanogràfic
If your little explorers still haven’t had their fill of wildlife with Bioparc, Valencia’s Oceanogràfic is the perfect next stop. As Europe’s largest aquarium, it’s far more than just a collection of fish tanks—it’s a truly immersive experience.
Located in the futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, this marine park is home to some truly spectacular sea creatures. Highlights include beluga whales, sharks and stingrays, as well as a breathtaking 70-metre-long tunnel that lets you walk right through a tropical ocean.
You’ll also see penguins, crocodiles, giant sea turtles and plenty more. The aquarium is vast, so plan for at least half a day to explore it properly. There are play areas and restaurants on-site, so no worries if you need a break to recharge.
Disclaimer
As with many aquariums, Oceanogràfic’s approach to conservation is a bit of a grey area. The beluga enclosure feels quite small, dolphin shows are still a thing and unfortunately, there isn’t always strict enforcement against visitors tapping on the glass. That said, if you’re looking for a spectacular family-friendly experience, it’s hard to beat Oceanogràfic. Just be prepared for some ethical dilemmas along the way.
Getting there & Tickets
A combined ticket for the aquarium and the science museum saves you 10% compared to two separate tickets. You can buy it online and still have the flexibility of visiting the two attractions on different days. Children under 4 enter for free.
Science meets fun: Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe
Right next to the Oceanogràfic, the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe is one of Valencia’s favourite spots for kids.
Designed with little explorers in mind, this interactive science museum is all about hands-on fun. From exciting experiments to engaging exhibits, children can touch, play and discover—all while secretly learning something along the way. The main exhibition is best suited for kids aged 6 to 14, packed with fascinating displays and experiments that make science feel like an adventure. For younger visitors, there’s a real hidden gem: a dedicated play area for under-8s. The star attraction? A mini construction site complete with a crane, wheelbarrows and a working conveyor belt.
If you’re looking for a more educational and (let’s be honest) energy-burning activity in Valencia, this museum is a winner.
Getting there & Tickets
You can buy tickets for the museum online; we recommend the combination ticket with the aquarium.
Gulliver Parc: Valencia's most epic playground
Inspired by Gulliver’s Travels, this playground transforms the famous character into an enormous climbing frame, complete with slides, ramps, and hidden tunnels. Kids scramble up his arms, whizz down his legs, and explore every nook and cranny. Some slides are steep—making for thrilling rides, but also the occasional scraped knee. (There’s even a first-aid station on-site, which says it all!) The playground is best suited for kids aged 6 to 12, as little ones may find the scale overwhelming. And the best part? It’s completely free!
More than just a playground, Gulliver Parc is a must-do in Valencia—so pack comfy clothes, bring plenty of energy, snacks and maybe a few plasters… just in case!
Tips
At weekends, it gets busy—so busy that queues can stretch for over an hour. To avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday morning (just make sure it’s not school holidays in Spain!).
Hit the beach: Valencia's family-friendly coastline
Endless sand, a gentle sea breeze and plenty of space to play—Valencia’s beach is a dream for families. Malvarossa Beach is spacious, has shallow waters and offers plenty of playgrounds and family-friendly cafés along the promenade. Prefer something quieter? Patacona Beach is just a little further and usually less crowded.
Sure, it’s still a city beach, so don’t expect perfect peace and quiet. But let’s face it: when there are sand fortresses to be built, salt water to be splashed and ice cream to be munched — a safe, accessible city beach with all the essentials is exactly what you need!
Getting there & Tips
One of the best things about Valencia’s beach? It’s surprisingly accessible, with some areas even allowing you to roll a buggy right onto the sand. Along the kilometres-long promenade, you’ll find small playgrounds—perfect for a break from sandcastle building. Just don’t count on much shade, so bring sun cream, hats and maybe even a beach tent.
Searching for the cat house
Want to make a walk around Valencia’s charming old town more exciting for your little travel companions? Turn it into a game!
Find the Cat’s House, a whimsical and unexpected gem in the city. It’s one of those sights that will have your little adventurer grinning with excitement when they finally spot it after a fun treasure hunt. It’s the perfect way to turn a simple stroll into an adventure that will keep everyone entertained.
And as for the cats… well, they have a habit of not being exactly where you expect them to be, don’t they? The Cat House is at Calle del Museo 9 – but here’s the secret: keep it to yourself! It’s much more fun that way.
Getting there & Tips
The Cat House is at Calle del Museo 9—but keep it to yourself! It’s much more fun that way!
Eating out with kids in Valencia
From its world-famous paella and beyond, Valencia is a foodie haven for all ages! Many restaurants offer kid-friendly dishes and high chairs are widely available. Keep in mind that Spanish meal times can be tricky for younger travellers. Lunch service usually starts around 1pm and ends by 4pm, while dinner rarely begins before 7pm. But don’t worry! Plenty of places cater to early eaters. Here are some of our favourites, complete with Google Maps links to save to your bucket list.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS
This quirky spot serves mini pizzas with surprise toppings–order five and enjoy the mystery! Don’t worry though, kids can stick to the classic Margherita or ham pizza. A fun twist on dinner.
More practical tips
IS VALENCIA BUGGY-FRIENDLY?
Absolutely! The city is flat and easy to navigate with a stroller. Public transport is accessible and most attractions have ramps and elevators.
SAFETY
Valencia is one of Spain’s safest cities, but as always, keep an eye on belongings in busy tourist areas. The relaxed pace and family-friendly vibe make it a great destination for kids.
GETTING AROUND
While most of Valencia’s attractions are within walking distance, sometimes it’s nice to give little legs a break.
- Metro & Buses: Safe, efficient, and affordable. Kids under 10 travel free with a child transport card.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Readily available and reasonably priced.
- Bike Rentals: Great for exploring Turia Park and the beach promenade.
BEST PLAYGROUNDS
- Gulliver Park – A must-visit, with giant slides and tunnels.
- Parque Central – A newer, beautifully designed park with playgrounds and shaded spots for picnics.
- Cabecera Park – A quieter option near Bioparc, perfect for a break from sightseeing.
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