If you’re traveling to Valencia with children, there’s an absolute must-visit that should be at the top of your list: the enchanting Parque Gulliver! This iconic playground is centered around a gigantic sculpture of Gulliver, where kids can climb, scramble, and play, then slide down one of its many slides. It’s one of the most unique attractions in Valencia and without a doubt, the most entertaining playground we’ve come across in Spain!
The Gulliver Giant
The park’s design draws inspiration from the character Gulliver in the 1726 book “Gulliver’s Travels” by English author Jonathan Swift. The book is a satirical adventure story that critiques human nature and the societal norms of that era.
In the book’s first part, the protagonist, Lemuel Gulliver, is shipwrecked and finds himself on the shores of Lilliput, where he encounters tiny people approximately 15 centimeters tall. Initially, the Lilliputians are wary and restrain Gulliver, but over time, they grow to respect and trust him as he assists them with various challenges.
This particular adventure in Lilliput, the most celebrated and frequently depicted, served as the inspiration for Gulliver Park. Here, visitors can literally climb over and around a massive sculpture of Gulliver, much like the Lilliputians in the story.
The giant of Valencia is a vast play structure, with Gulliver himself serving as the playground. The figure is an impressive 70 meters long and 9 meters high, making it truly gigantic! Various parts of his body, such as his clothing and hair, have been cleverly adapted into slides, stairs, and climbing elements. Children can climb into the folds of his clothing, over his legs, or up ropes on the giant. At the top, they can roam around and choose their preferred sliding point. There are broad slides where multiple children can slide down together, and even slides crafted from the strands of his hair.
The giant is sizable enough that even adults can comfortably walk and slide on it. Although it wasn’t our top priority to play in this playground, our toddler daughter found it slightly intimidating, so it was comforting to be able to accompany her.
Where is Parque Gulliver located in Valencia?
Gulliver Park is located in the Camins Al Grau district, right next to the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, nestled between Puente del Ángel Custodio and Puente del Reino. It is part of the Jardines del Turia. Following a major flood, the Turia River was rerouted, and the former riverbed was converted into an extensive network of parks and recreational areas that now trace the path of the old riverbed.
How much is the entrance to Gulliver Park?
Although Gulliver Park is gated, entry is free of charge. It’s not open around the clock, so it’s a good idea to check the opening hours before heading over.
