Valencia is Spain’s third largest city- and unlike the big city feel and the bustling cities of Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia feels more like a city to slow down and enjoy the sights.
One moment you’re wandering past the Gothic-style cathedrals, enjoying your churros, sipping on a spritz in the beautiful plazas, and the next you’re watching your kids run and play in the lovely gardens.
If you’re creating your Spain bucket list, this coastal city should be towards the top!
Valencia was our first stop on our two-week trip to southern Spain, and it was the perfect starting point!
There’s no shortage of things to do in Spain with kids; it’s just a matter of learning how to make the most of your family vacation and balance activities for the kids with hitting those major tourist attractions.
Valencia is the perfect family dream vacation destination in Spain! It’s a fantastic destination for a family European vacation with playgrounds tucked into gardens, futuristic science museums, beaches, and so much more!
This Valencia, Spain, guide is specifically geared to families traveling with little kids.
Here, you will learn about some of the best things to do with kids and crucial tips to help you have the best family vacation in Valencia, Spain!
Also check out: The Perfect Two-Day Itinerary With the Best Things To Do In Valencia
Important things to know For Traveling to Valencia with Toddlers and Babies
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Is Valencia Stroller-Friendly
Valencia is very stroller-friendly! We saw several families with strollers, and admittedly, there were a few times my husband and I envied those with strollers.
Managing strollers on buses and metros can be the most challenging part. I suggest purchasing a lightweight, compact stroller that can easily be folded up.
Because my husband and I tend to travel faster, we find it more convenient to wear the kids on our backs. As convenient as the carriers are, they’re definitely a workout.
Check out My Go-To Travel Items, Strollers, and Carriers for Kids.
How to Get Around Valencia with Toddlers
Valencia is such a walkable city! I would recommend walking over anything when traveling with kids.
Many of the medieval streets and plazas are pedestrian-only, making them safe for children to run around in.
You’ll also discover so many hidden gems!
Biking
Valencia, Spain, is very bike-friendly. However, you should exercise caution on the roads, as you don’t want the kids to wander into the bike lanes.
That being said, renting bikes can be a fun way to see the city if your kids are a bit older. I also saw some interesting-looking guided bike tours!
My kids were 4 and 1 years old, so we stuck to walking.
The Metro
The metro is the easiest way to travel to the neighborhoods outside Valencia City.
Kids under 6 years of age travel free
Tip: The Valencia Tourist Card is an excellent option for those visiting Valencia with kids. Children under 6 years of age don’t need a pass for public transit. The pass includes unlimited public transportation rides and discounts for major attractions.
If you choose to take a Taxi, you should pre-book it and request a car seat.
Get your Valencia Tourist Card Here
Plan for the Siestas
If you’re kids can get on the siesta time, that would be awesome. Take a long nap during the day, and enjoy more attractions and a delicious dinner in the evening!
But if your kids are like my two little ones, you’ll have to work around the siestas.
Many stores, churches, and restaurants will be closed for siesta hours. This was more of an issue for dinner since our kids go to sleep around 7:30. Not to mention, the kids are more exhausted when we are traveling.
Tip: Instead of forcing a family meal with exhausted kids, we figured out how to prioritize them and their needs. For us, that meant finding a place with chicken nuggets and then ordering take-out when the kids were asleep.
We had to forgo the Spanish ambience; however, having that nice, relaxing meal at the end of an exhausting travel day was perfect.
Seek Out The Playgrounds
This is my single biggest travel tip for kids. If you’re traveling to Valencia with kids, prioritize the playgrounds and balance them with tourist attractions.
Tip: For breakfast every morning, we grabbed pasties and had a little picnic at the playground. This gave my husband and me a little more time to plan the day’s activities while the kids were having fun.
Be Understanding and Accept the Meltdowns
We’ve all seen those Instagram vs. reality posts, and that is especially true when traveling with kids.
I am super selective about what photos I post of my kids—I don’t like posting their faces or embarrassing moments.
Traveling with toddlers and babies is incredibly challenging for them and the parents.
But it’s important to remember their perspective when traveling with young children.
They are out of the normal routine, tired, overstimulated, and their sleep routine has likely been changed. This is really tough on them, which makes it really tough on you!
Don’t Forget to Indulge!
Treat yourself! This Spain vacation will be an adventure. Indulge in the sweets!
The bakeries, churros, and ice cream shops are amazing and are located on every corner.
Arriving in Valencia With Kids From a Cruise
Valencia is an incredible cruise vacation destination. And, much like the cruise port in Alicante, this cruise port is less than 5 km from Valencia’s city center!
There are shuttles and buses if you’re not up for the walk. I would recommend these over taxis if you’re traveling with babies or toddlers; that way, you won’t have to worry about the car seats.
Things to do in Valencia with Kids
Be sure to read: The Most Incredible Things To Do In Valencia
City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences is a really cool place. Designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava, it looks like a place from the future!
There are four different exhibits in the Arts and Sciences Complex:
- The Aquarium (L’Oceanografic)
- The Museum of Sciences (El Museo de les ciencies)
- IMAX (Hemesferic)
- Garden (L’Umbracle)
- Outside the exhibits are places to run around.
Tip: There are reflection pools, which really add to this unique structure; however, if you’re traveling with toddlers or babies, you’ll need to keep an eye on them at all times.
The Museum of Science
We were not able to fit this into our two-day itinerary, but it looks super neat, so I had to include it as an excellent thing to do if you’re visiting Valencia with toddlers.
This science museum is hands-on and has interactive exhibits perfect for kids of all ages. From Giant bubbles to optical illusions, it looks like such a cool educational experience. You could easily spend 1-2 hours here.
Check out their official site for more information and tickets!
The Aquarium
This is probably one of the best things to do in Valencia if you travel to Spain with kids!
This is Europe’s largest aquarium! Unlike the renowned aquarium in Genoa (which we did enjoy), the exhibits are spread out, making it feel less crowded.
The aquarium has everything from the largest shark tunnel to beluga whales, a dolphin show, and birds and reptiles.
The exhibits are all separated, with entrances from the outside. TV screens at each entrance let you know the capacity to help you better avoid the crowds.
Throughout this aquarium are little restaurants and playgrounds.
You can easily spend a few hours here. My kids had the best time!
Purchase your Tickets ahead of time.
Jardín del Turia
The Turia Gardens feel more like a large park. Their origin is quite unique. It was once a riverbed, and in the 1950s, there was a catastrophic flood. The city of Valencia decided to reroute the river to prevent future flooding.
Instead of paving over the area for roads, they created a beautiful park.
The Gardens are a great spot for people to escape the city. Here, you will find locals running, biking, playing sports, doing yoga, picnicking- enjoying the outdoors.
It’s one of the best places to visit while in Valencia with kids- playgrounds are throughout!
Pick one of the playgrounds next to the kiosks! Grab a drink, a coffee, and a snack, and let the kids play while you have a few minutes to sit down and relax.
Orange trees are throughout the parks, and they smell so good when they bloom!
Tip. If you’re visiting Valencia during the Spring, don’t eat the oranges. My husband tried one and was shocked by how tart it was!
Gulliver Park
Gulliver Park is quite unique, I’ve never seen anythings like it.
Located in the Turia Gardens, this is not just a massive playground. It’s a playground of a man, based on Jonathan Swift’s novel Gulliver’s Travels.
It looks like one of the more fun outdoor activities for kids. Even the older kids were having a blast.
Tip: We visited Valencia with kids in April, and the playgrounds were really busy. My four-year-old isn’t comfortable playing on busy playgrounds, so we didn’t play on them.
It looks really neat; I would just recommend being cautious if your little kids want to play on it.
Even if you’re not interested in playing on it, it’s a good idea to walk by and check it out—it’s quite a unique experience!
Jardines del Real
The Jardines del Real are very close to the Turia Gardens and another great option for visiting with young kids.
These botanical gardens felt a little more intimate and quiet than the Turia Gardens.
The manicured bushes, trees, fountains, and playgrounds make it an ideal place to take a break from Valencia’s vibrant city, escape the crowd, and enjoy a slower pace.
There are so many playgrounds to choose from. The Jardines de Real has an area dedicated to a bike-riding school, with lights, bike paths, and everything! It was so cool!
Torres de Serranos
The Torres de Serranos were defensive towers built in the 14th century. They were initially part of Valencia’s old city wall.
Today, they’re one of the main local landmarks and something the whole family can enjoy!
The towers are quite the climb, but the view makes it worth it!
We always look for the dragon when visiting castles or other cool ruins on family trips. It’s a fun game for the kids.
From one side of the tower, you can see the span of the Turia Gardens; from the other, you can see the vast city of Valencia.
Admission is free if you have the Valencia Tour Card. You must present the card at the ticket office.
Tip: The towers are located near the Turia Gardens and the Carmen Neighborhood.
Plaza de la Virgen
This sacred plaza is nestled between the Valencia Cathedral and the city’s basilica. It’s a quieter square with a sacred feel.
There are no cars, and it’s lined with small restaurants and ice cream shops.
It’s a really good place for the kids to run around, and there is a beautiful fountain to admire!
Valencia Cathedral
The Valencia Cathedral is located in the old town and is a must-see if you visit Valencia! The staff was so friendly and accommodating to our kids.
Originally built on Roman ruins and a mosque, the cathedral has quite a foundation and a unique history.
This church is also believed to hold the holy grail—the golden Chalice that Jesus drank from during the Last Supper. It’s on display in one of the chapels.
Plaza de la Reina
The Plaza de la Reina sandwiches the Valencia Cathedral with the Plaza de la Virgen in the city center. It’s the perfect place to let the kids run around!
There are so many restaurants, ice cream parlors, shops, and street entertainers.
Tip: For those with picky eaters, like mine, there is a McDonald’s if you desperately need chicken nuggets.
Saint Nicholas Church
Like the Valencia Cathedral, I just had to include the Saint Nicholas Church in this Valencia with Kids guide. It’s considered the “Sistine Chapel of Valencia” and is too beautiful to skip!
The Audio guide is included in the admission ticket.
Tip: We do more “drive-by” tours while traveling with kids. My kids would not be okay spending an hour or more in a church or museum. We try to see as much as possible before the kids get itchy. And, of course, we always play it by ear!
Purchase the tickets ahead of time to avoid the long lines.
El Carmen Neighborhood
One of my favorite things about traveling through Italy and Spain with kids is wandering the narrow medieval streets of the cities. If they aren’t crowded, I let the kids run around.
These little streets, away from the main tourist attractions, often have the best restaurants and hidden gems!
Visit the Russafa Neighborhood
This is a really lovely area to explore on a family trip. It’s a quieter neighborhood with an artistic feel.
From the cute cafes and playgrounds, it’s a great escape from the busier city centre.
Tip: We booked our Airbnb in Russafa and were so happy with our choice. It’s an easy Metro ride to the city center.
I would absolutely recommend staying in Russafa if you’re visiting Valencia with kids.
The Beautiful Beaches
If you’re visiting Valencia with kids during the Summer months, then spending the afternoon at one of Valencia’s beautiful beaches would be perfect for the whole family.
Sadly, we were unable to include the beaches in our Valencia two-day itinerary, but they’re on my Spain bucket list! The view of the Mediterranean Sea against the golden sands is so beautiful!
The two beaches that came highly recommended were:
- Playa de la Malvarrosa – This beach is closest to the city, and is Valencia’s most popular beach.
- Playa de las Arenas
Tip: If you have more time, consider taking a boat ride! My kids always love it when we take a little boat trip.
Bioparc Valencia
If you can fit the Bioparc into your Valenica itinerary, this is another great thing to do in Valencia with toddlers!
Unlike a traditional zoo, Bioparc is described as more of a safari-type zoo, with the animals intermingling in open spaces, closer to their natural habitats. It’s very large, with so many exhibits!
The Bioparc is really close to the city center—about two miles from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (the city’s main square). You can easily get there by Metro or Bus.
Check out the official website for details.
Tip: Present your Valencia Tourist Card at the box office for a 10% discount. Children under 4 are free.
Sadly, we had to choose between Bioparc and the Aquarium, and we chose the aquarium.
The Mercado Central
The Mercado Central is the city’s central market. It’s a nice place to share an experience with the locals.
The Valencia Mercado Central has over 1,000 stalls offering fresh produce, spices, sweets, cheese, and so much more.
If your kids are up for it, exploring it can be fun!
Tip: There is a little Churo stand right outside that makes the most delicious waffles!
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
My son loves double-decker buses and begs to ride them in every city we visit!
If you have good weather and you want to get off your feet, relax, and see the sights from the road, this could be an excellent choice.
We have also had success with getting our kids to take a quick nap on them.
Tip: These tour buses aren’t cheap, and may be a tough compromise if you’re using the Valencia Tourist Card. I would not recommend using it for only a stop or two.
We hopped on the bus per my son’s wishes, but got off after the third stop. Honestly, this activity wasn’t our best choice on this trip.
Purchase the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tickets Ahead of Time
For additional information on Traveling to Valencia, read The Perfect Two-Day Itinerary of Valencia, which includes essential tips and finding some hidden gems!
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Final Thoughts on Traveling to Valencia with Kids
Valencia was such a special destination on our Spain trip. The city is so beautiful, and there is so much to see and do in this Spanish city with kids!
Truly, you would need three to four days for your Valencia itinerary if you wanted to include the aquarium, Bioparc zoo, beaches, trampoline parks, etc., while still seeing the main sights of Valencia’s old town.
Traveling with kids is all about finding the balance between the fun for the kids and the desires of the parents.
I hope this Valencia with kids guide helps! It’s truly a special city that the entire family will enjoy!
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