The charm of a magical Valencia with children
Discover authentic Valencia with kids
Discover authentic Valencia with kids, it will be a magical experience that goes beyond the best-known tourist attractions.
We arrived in Valencia after a few hours of driving from Barcelona and found exactly what we were looking for: tranquility.
After the chaos and vast distances of Barcelona, Valencia was a delightful rediscovery. We had been here before when Giulia was very young, but this time I must admit that we hit the perfect age for our children: 5 and 7 years old.
In this article, we will guide you through the hidden corners of the city, where authenticity and beauty come together to create unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Discover authentic Valencia with kids: the must-sees
Those who follow us on social media know very well that we are not the ones with perfect itineraries; we often skip important and famous parts in favor of more authentic but less known areas.
In this article, I want to list the most beautiful places in Valencia, in our opinion; a kind of guide for unconventional travelers, for whom the symbols of
The Enchanting Barrio del Carmen
The historical heart of Valencia, the Barrio del Carmen, is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and picturesque squares. Here, children can be enchanted by the magic of narrow Mediterranean alleys and discover colorful graffiti, craft shops, and welcoming cafes.
During the day, the Barrio is a hub for alternative shopping, even though many major brands have found their place in the neighborhood. This represents the latest transformation of an area that, over the centuries, has been a refuge for the Arabs, a barracks, a place of prostitution, a neighborhood for Arab aristocracy in the Middle Ages, a working-class neighborhood in the 1900s , and now, it has transformed into a place of entertainment in Valencia.
Don’t miss:
- A visit to Mossén Sorell Market, where you can taste local delicacies and admire the unique architecture.
- The most artistic streets with the city’s best murals; for this, I refer you to the dedicated article: Valencia street art with kids.
Discover authentic Valencia with kids: a day in Albufera
A few kilometers from the city center lies Albufera, an enchanting lagoon surrounded by rice fields and forests. Here, children can explore pristine nature, take boat rides, and even try their hand at fishing. Don’t forget to enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the restaurants along the shores, where you can savor the famous Valencian paella.
Gulliver Park
Hidden in the greenery of the Turia Gardens, which I discussed in a dedicated article Turia Park in Valencia with Kids, the Gulliver Park is a true paradise for adventurous kids. Here, they can climb on the giant Gulliver monument, inspired by Jonathan Swift’s book, and slide down its long slides. With themed play areas and green spaces for picnics, this park is a must-visit for families.
Aldo and Giulia loved this part of the city, so much so that we returned several times during our stay in Valencia.
My heartfelt advice is to bring water and food and organize a snack at Gulliver Park… don’t come in the morning because the park is truly adrenaline-packed, and the kids will be tired for the rest of the day!
Exploring the Ruzafa District
Ruzafa is the trendy neighborhood of Valencia, known for its artistic murals, designer shops, and hipster cafes. For children, it offers a wide range of activities, from cooking lessons to learn how to make the typical Valencian horchata to a visit to the Ruzafa Market, where they can taste fresh fruit and local sweets.
Ciutat de Les Arts I Les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences)
It is certainly not an off-the-beaten-path destination, but it is undoubtedly a must-visit with kids.
To learn more and understand which part of the City of Arts and Sciences suits you best, I refer you to the dedicated article: The City of Arts and Sciences with the kids.
Personally, we loved the Science Museum a lot; it’s the only one we feel confident recommending for a visit with children. It’s interesting, dynamic, and a lot of fun. At the same time, it has a reasonable price for what it offers.
The city by bicycle, discover authentic Valencia with kids
The city of Valencia is the perfect size for exploring by bike; rental shops are practically on every corner, but be aware that many close from 1 to 4 in the afternoon.
Don’t settle for the first rental shop you find; carefully assess the quality of the bikes. While Valencia isn’t enormous, finding yourself with a broken bike, a flat tire, and a child in the child seat is not a pleasant situation. Some rental shops also offer bike trailers that you can attach and use as a stroller. For this service, it’s essential to book in advance, but it’s undoubtedly a valid alternative for those with little ones who may not be fully independent on walks.
The city is very bike-friendly. We chose to keep Aldo (5 years old) in the child seat because we weren’t sure about letting him ride alone around the city. In hindsight, he would have done just fine with his own bike.
The bike is also the perfect way of exploring the entire Turia Park, which stretches for 9 km. Even the little ones can ride comfortably there, and we can assure you that fun will be guaranteed for the whole family.
Discover authentic Valencia with your kids
Valencia is a city that enchants visitors of all ages, but it is in its hidden corners that the true essence of the city is found. With this guide, we hope to have inspired you to discover the most authentic and fascinating side of Valencia together with your children, creating precious memories that will last forever.
Ready to experience an unforgettable adventure in Valencia with your little explorers? Plan your trip today and discover authentic Valencia with kids, full of surprises and wonders!
Digitally Yours
☀️ Sara ☀️
