Valencia is the perfect city for a family city trip. Compact, sunny, and full of kid-friendly surprises around every corner! We cycled through parks, climbed towers, played on a giant sculpture, and discovered art in an old monastery. We’ve visited this Spanish city trip destination twice with our little ones, and both times it was a huge success. One day you’re building sandcastles by the sea, the next you’re sipping traditional horchata surrounded by walls of colorful tiles.
Everywhere we went, there was something to delight the children. From a giant figure in a playground to a tiny house made for cats. From historic market halls to shady parks where kids could play for hours. Visiting Valencia with children felt both relaxed and lively, with plenty of peaceful moments and family-friendly spots nestled among the main attractions.
In this blog, we share our favorite places in and around the city, almost all of them tried and approved by our own family. Keep reading to discover the very best spots to visit in Valencia with children!
Things to Do in Valencia with kids
#1 Gulliver Park (Parc Gulliver)
In the heart of the Turia Gardens lies a giant resting on his back: Gulliver. His arms and legs stretch wide, and all over him you will find slides, stairs, and ropes to climb. Children crawl over his sleeves, slide down his legs, and disappear into his hair. The park opened in 1990 and was created by architect Rafael Rivera and artist Manolo Martín as a playful tribute to the story of Gulliver’s Travels.
Gulliver Park is free to visit and perfect for a lively morning or afternoon. While the kids climb, slide, and explore without end, you can sit back on a bench and enjoy the cheerful scene. In summer, the plastic surfaces can get very hot and there is little shade, so it is best to come early or later in the day. The park sits centrally in the Turia Gardens, making it easy to combine with a stroll or a picnic.
Tip: if Gulliver is too busy, just a little further along you will find a delightful playground for younger children, themed around construction vehicles.
#2 Casa de los Gatos (La Gatera del Carmen)
In the El Carmen neighborhood, you will stumble upon a place that looks as if it stepped straight out of a children’s storybook: a tiny house for cats, tucked into a wall on Carrer del Museu.
The artist Alfonso Yuste Navarro created it in 2003 around an existing opening in the wall, allowing stray cats to move freely from the street into a quiet inner courtyard. The façade is beautifully decorated with ceramics and marble, complete with miniature windows, a little fountain, and a plaque at the top of the wall that remembers the flood of 1957. It is a delightful surprise during a walk through the neighborhood and sits right opposite the Centre del Carme. For children, the most magical part is seeing cats actually come and go through the tiny gate. Sadly, our little ones did not get to see that magic in action.
#3 Horchatería de Santa Catalina
Amid the tiled walls and sparkling mirrors of Horchatería de Santa Catalina, you can enjoy a drink that is inseparably linked to Valencia: horchata. This cold, creamy beverage is made from tiger nuts, water, and sugar, with a gentle nutty flavor.
To be honest, we found it a bit too sweet, and even the children were not immediately enchanted by this traditional Valencian drink. Luckily, the churros with chocolate more than made up for it. The warm, thick chocolate sauce and crispy churros were an absolute hit at the table. Santa Catalina has been around for more than two centuries and is full of character, from the hand-painted tiles to the waiters in crisp white jackets. It may not be a trendy hotspot, but it is certainly a must-visit in Valencia with children. Its location near the cathedral and the Mercado Central makes it a convenient stop during a day spent exploring the city.
#4 Jardín del Turia (Turia Gardens)
Where the Turia River once flowed, there is now a long, winding park that stretches like a green ribbon through the heart of Valencia. After the flood of 1957, the river was diverted, and its old riverbed was transformed into Spain’s largest city park.
It is a true paradise for families, with playgrounds, bike paths, and picnic spots everywhere, all completely free from traffic. We wandered and cycled among palm trees and orange groves, stopping along the way for a refreshing ice cream. The park stretches over nine kilometers, with bridges, fountains, and sports fields scattered along the route. At the eastern end, the striking buildings of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias shimmer over the water. The fantastic Gulliver playground is also located here. The Turia Gardens are the perfect place to take a break from the city buzz and let children run, explore, and enjoy themselves freely.
#5 Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
At the eastern end of the Turia Gardens, the white, almost otherworldly buildings of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias rise dramatically. The complex was designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela and opened in 1998.
Inside, you will find a science museum, a planetarium, an opera house, and an aquarium. The aquarium is naturally a favorite with families, although we are not personally fans of attractions featuring animals in captivity. We preferred to admire the buildings from the outside, as the architecture alone is truly breathtaking. The reflective pools and sweeping curves seem to float in the air. Children can run freely along the wide steps and pedestrian bridges or feed the ducks in the pond. In the late afternoon, when the sun is low, the entire complex shines in shades of silver and gold. It is an impressive place for a short walk, a family photo, or simply to pause and marvel at how futuristic a city can feel.
#6 Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània (CCCC)
Modern art with children? Absolutely, in Valencia! Inside the old El Carmen monastery, you will find a museum with a unique atmosphere. The historic building is stunning, and you wander from cloisters to ancient monk dormitories beneath the roof beams, all filled with ever-changing contemporary art. Exploring every corner of the monastery while enjoying our own interest in modern art made this visit a real success. Exhibitions change frequently, so every visit offers something new. We have already been here twice with our little ones.
Not a big fan of art yourself? For us, the creative discovery space for children alone makes the trip worthwhile. In the specially designed kids’ room, you will find mirrors, cushions, and geometric shapes to build, roll, and climb on a soft, bumpy floor. Our children played there for a long time and had the chance to burn off plenty of energy. The CCCC is free to enter, so visiting is easy and relaxed.
Tip: did you know Valencia has many more free museums that are easy to explore? Just further down this street, you can also visit the Museo del Corpus with its impressive procession floats.
#7 Ayuntamiento de Valencia (City Hall)
The City Hall at Plaza del Ayuntamiento is a striking sight with its towers, balconies, and elaborate decorations. The current building was constructed in the early twentieth century in a neobaroque style on the foundations of a former monastery. Inside, you can explore for free and even step out onto the balcony, which offers a view over the lively square. The grand marble staircase, the fairytale-like ballroom with sparkling chandeliers, and the impressive council chamber overlooking the city make it a short but memorable visit.
If you happen to be there during the famous Fallas festival, like we were, the City Hall is closed, and the square in front becomes the heart of the celebrations, with enormous fireworks every day. On our second visit, we finally had the chance to go inside, and it is absolutely worth it.
#8 Mercado Central
Mercado Central is one of the largest covered markets in Europe and an architectural masterpiece dating back to 1928. The domes, stained-glass windows, and cast-iron details give the building an almost cathedral-like feel. Inside, you will find hundreds of stalls selling local products: fresh fruit, nuts, hams, spices, and fish.
We chose not to eat anything ourselves, but it is actually the perfect spot to sample a snack or enjoy a lunch. Stalls offer fresh orange juice, tapas, and sandwiches with jamón. The market is especially lively in the morning, when locals do their shopping and vendors call out their wares. For children, it is a colorful and fragrant adventure, full of sights and smells they have never experienced before. The Lonja de la Seda sits directly across the street, making it easy to visit both in one trip.
#9 Traffic Park at Jardines del Real (Parque de Educación Vial)
In the Jardines del Real, north of the city center, you will find a small traffic park where children can learn about road safety while having fun. The park is set up like a miniature city, complete with intersections, traffic lights, and crosswalks. Children can ride bikes and pedal go-karts while practicing how to navigate roundabouts and follow stop signs. It is designed for primary school-aged children and is also used by local schools for traffic lessons during our visits. For tourists, it offers a fun combination of play and learning in a green, peaceful setting.
The Jardines del Real itself is a calm and shady park, with fountains and peacocks roaming freely. The traffic park is free to enter, and scattered among the miniature streets are several playgrounds, which were a big hit with our children.
#10 Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
The Lonja de la Seda is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. In the fifteenth century, the building served as a trading hall for silk, at a time when Valencia was a major port city. Inside, you step into an impressive hall with towering, spiral columns that resemble palm trees. Our children were completely captivated!
Admission costs only a few euros, and it is free on Sundays. A visit does not take very long, unless your little one, like ours, wants to watch the full film about the history of the Silk Exchange. In the courtyard with orange trees, you can pause for a short break. The Lonja is located directly across from the Mercado Central, making it easy to include in a walk through the historic center.
#11 Café de las Horas
Café de las Horas is a theatrical mix of café, art gallery, and bar, just a short walk from Plaza de la Virgen. The interior is full of surprises: high ceilings, mirrors, chandeliers, and red velvet curtains make it feel like stepping onto a movie set. The atmosphere is elegant and slightly eccentric, yet wonderfully relaxed. During the day, you can enjoy coffee, cake, or a fresh juice, while in the evening it is popular for cocktails, including Valencia’s signature drink, Agua de Valencia.
We visited in the middle of the day, when it was quiet, and savored cake while taking in the unique surroundings. For children, it is fun to look around, with paintings, sculptures, and shiny details everywhere, while parents can enjoy a moment to sit back and relax.
#12 Museo Fallero (Fallas Museum)
The Fallas Museum tells the story of Valencia’s biggest celebration, Las Fallas. Every March, the neighborhoods of the city build enormous figures from wood and papier-mâché, which are burned after just one week. Each year, only one smaller figure is saved, called the ninot indultat, and it is placed in this museum. This gives visitors a colorful overview of more than ninety years of creations. Some are humorous, others political, and some wildly imaginative.
The exhibition is well-organized and enjoyable for children, who can marvel at the shapes and faces. There are also photos and videos showing how the figures are made and how the fireworks light up the festival. Of course, the most exciting experience is attending the Fallas festival in person. On our first visit to Valencia, we happened to be there during the celebrations, and it was an unforgettable experience for all of us. Admission to the museum costs just a few euros, and entry is free on Sundays.
#13 Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart
At the edge of Valencia’s old town stand two strong medieval guardians: the Torres de Serranos and the Torres de Quart. Both gates were once part of the city walls that defended Valencia.
The Serranos, built in the fifteenth century, are grand and symmetrical, with wide staircases that lead up to the terraces. From the top, you can enjoy sweeping views over the city and the Turia Gardens. The Quart towers, on the western side, are a little rougher and still show bullet marks from the Napoleonic era. For children, climbing the stairs, looking out over the city, and imagining a touch of knightly adventure makes it a memorable visit. Admission is only €2, and free on Sundays, making this an easy and fun addition to a family trip to Valencia.
#14 Playa de Valencia
The moment the sand touches your feet, you forget you are still in the city. Valencia’s beach is just a ten-minute tram ride from the center, yet it feels like a true holiday. The beaches of Malvarrosa and Las Arenas are wide and spotless, with soft sand that slopes gently into the sea, ideal for young children.
Build sandcastles, collect shells, and enjoy an ice cream while strolling along the promenade. Showers, toilets, and playgrounds are available everywhere, and along the promenade you will find seafood restaurants and bars with outdoor terraces. Even outside the summer months, the beaches are lively with locals walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the fresh sea air. An afternoon on the beach is a perfect break between city sights, especially for children who need to burn off energy.
#15 Albufera de Valencia
Less than half an hour from the city, you can discover a completely different side of Valencia: the Albufera, a vast freshwater lagoon surrounded by rice fields and abundant birdlife. In El Palmar, hop into a wooden boat and explore the nature reserve from the water. The guide will point out herons and flamingos for the children and share stories about the village where the famous Valencian paella was born. After the boat ride, it is, of course, a must to enjoy that legendary paella in one of the village restaurants to perfectly round off your day trip.
