Valencia Travel Forum

We, Dutch family with two kids (2 and 4 years) are visiting Valencia next week. We have rented an appartment near the beach, and would welcome tips of things to do and see with small kids.
Thanks in advance!
Leonie

Hi! Being near the beach - there is plenty of soft sand for children to play in. There was a climbing frame on the Playa de Las Arenas beach, and small playgrounds nearby.

There are lots of playgrounds along the 9km Jardins del Turia. Apparently there is a model of Guiliver, that draws children like a magnet, to climb all over it.

The brightly coloured open top Valencia Bus Touristico travels around the main sights of the city, and out to the City of Arts and Sciences . The ticket is valid for 24 hours, and can be used as a 'hop on - hop' off service.

Public buses and the high speed tram are other travel options.

The square near the Cathedral entrance, is where horse drawn carriages set off for tours around the city.

Oceanografic is a huge attraction for children - found in the City of Arts and Sciences - The largest water-world of its type in Europe, with penguins, dolphins, brightly coloured fish, seen in their 'natural environment' Also underwater tunnels, where sharks and large fish appear to swim around you.

In the park is a 'hands on' interactive Science museum.

The Hemisferic holds a planetarium, Imax cinema and laser show.

The tickets aren't cheap, there are various combinations/ tariffs -

Check www.cac.es for more info on the park.

The Natural science museum, located in the Jardins del Real has free admission. There is a small zoo there also, which I understand is home to Boris - an orang - utan.

Valencias livliest Festival takes place mid March - Las Fallas de San Jose - a festival with Some of the loudest fireworks, paper mache sculptures- which are eventually burnt, music and partying, which gets bigger and better each Year.

The last Sunday in February - is the start of the build up to the festivities, with a parade starting at 0730 - Early Sunday morning - a nice quiet procession? Oh No- this is the loudest alarm call, as locals throw handfuls of the noisiest firecrackers onto the ground, where they explode, the sound builds up, until the crowd reaches the City Hall Square, where the parade ends in a cacophony of explosions, rockets, drum banging etc.

I didn't know about this 'quaint tradition' and was woken by this parade -

Quite disorientating! as explosions could be heard, and then feeling the building vibrate.

Although the main celebrations take place mid March, there are things going off each day including 1400hrs each day in the City Hall Square the Mascletas -A 6 minute experience - where the explosions begin loud, and build to a deafening crescendo of sound and vibration. More a spectacle of sound than vision.

Check www.fallasfromvalencia.com for interesting info about the festival and a calendar, listing the times of events from 24th Feb onwards- some days there are special events for children.

I'd suggest ear defenders to protect Your childrens hearing if You are going to be near the fireworks.

Valencias restaurants are child friendly- there are places for all tastes and budgets. If You're self catering, the Mercado Central is the place to head, for one of the most attractive markets to purchase food , or just stroll around, looking at the fresh seafood, fruit, veg etc. Open 07.30 to 14.30 daily - closed Sunday.

These are just some of the things to do with Children. I hope they are of some help to You. Check out other VTers Valencia pages for lots of tips and photos.

Have A Great trip,
Sue x

Hi Sue,

thanks for all the great advice! I am sure it will come of use and we will enjoy ourselves very much theren. Can't wait to go!!
Leonie

Museum of Science (Museo de Las Ciencias) will keep your kids happy. Even the two year old will enjoy the trip. They have stuff for little kids too.
see my tip
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/df069/3d6ac/4/