Plan around the heat
Summer days in Valencia reach about 30°C or more. Do outdoor things in the morning or after 6 pm, and keep the middle of the day for indoor places, the beach with shade or a long lunch. Read our guide to Valencia weather in July and August before you plan.
Beach and park
1. Playa de la Malvarrosa and Las Arenas
The city has a wide sandy beach with calm, shallow water for most of the summer. Children can build sandcastles, swim and eat paella nearby. Go in the morning for space, and bring a hat and sun cream.
2. Turia Gardens
This is a 9 km park in a dry riverbed that crosses the city. Rent bikes or walk. It has playgrounds, fountains and shade, and it links many of the places on this list.
3. Gulliver Park
A giant lying figure of Gulliver in the Turia Gardens, with slides and ladders for children to climb. It is free and popular, so arrive early.
4. Viveros Gardens
A green city park with a playground and animals, a good place for a quiet afternoon in the shade.
5. The Botanical Gardens
The university gardens have plants from around the world. They are calm and cooler under the trees.
Science, animals and museums
6. Oceanogràfic
The largest aquarium in Europe is at the City of Arts and Sciences, with sharks, dolphins and penguins. Reports say there is a night visit from July. Book ahead for summer.
7. The Science Museum
The Science Museum has hands-on displays that children can touch and test, and the air conditioning is welcome in the heat.
8. Bioparc
An open-air zoo where animals live in habitats like the savannah and the rainforest, with few visible fences. Go in the morning, when animals and children are most active.
9. The Fallas Museum
See giant paper-mâché figures saved from the Fallas festival in March. It is a short, unusual visit, and it explains a famous Valencian tradition.
Old town and food
10. A walk through the old town
Climb the Micalet tower of the cathedral, look at the Silk Exchange and visit the Central Market. Tours with a story, such as a fun walking quest, keep children interested.
11. Electric tuk-tuk tour
A quick way to see the centre with tired legs, with a guide who explains the sights.
12. Churros and hot chocolate
A classic treat in a café on a central square. In summer, many children prefer ice cream or horchata, a cold local drink.
Day trips from Valencia
13. Water parks
Aquópolis in Cullera and Aqualandia in Benidorm are large water parks in the region. They are good for a hot day with older children.
14. Nature and museums in the region
The region of Valencia also has caves, reservoirs for adventure sports and small museums. See the official Comunitat Valenciana guide for families for more ideas.
A simple day plan
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Breakfast and Turia Gardens or Gulliver Park |
| 11:30 | Beach, with shade, a swim and water |
| 14:00 | Late lunch with a rest |
| 16:00 | Oceanogràfic or the Science Museum, in the cool |
| 19:00 | Ice cream and a walk in the old town |
Ideas by age
- Ages 4 to 8: Gulliver Park, the beach, Bioparc and the Science Museum.
- Ages 9 to 12: Oceanogràfic, bike rides in Turia Gardens, tuk-tuk tours and water sports at the beach.
- Teenagers: a water park, paddle boarding, a night visit to the aquarium and food markets in the old town.
If it is very hot or rainy
Rain is rare in summer, but a short storm can arrive. On very hot days, choose indoor places in the afternoon: the aquarium, the Science Museum or the Fallas Museum. A long swim in the evening, when the sun is low, is often the best way to end a hot day.
Tips for families
- Book big attractions online in advance in July and August.
- Carry water, hats and sun cream all day.
- Spanish meals are late. Lunch is usually after 2 pm and dinner after 8 pm, so bring snacks.
- Keep valuables safe in crowded places. Read our safety guide.
- Opening times and prices change, so check the official websites.
Is Valencia good for a children's summer camp?
Yes. A beach, parks, museums and sun make Valencia an easy city for children, and it has an international airport. Our summer camp in Valencia for ages 10 to 16 combines Spanish lessons in the morning with beach and adventure in the afternoon. If you want to compare places, see summer camps in Europe.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Valencia with kids in summer?
The beach, Turia Gardens, Gulliver Park, Oceanogràfic, the Science Museum, Bioparc and the old town are all good for children.
What are free things to do in Valencia with kids?
Turia Gardens, Gulliver Park, the city beaches and many playgrounds cost nothing.
Is Valencia too hot for kids in summer?
Not if you plan for it. Go out early or late, drink plenty of water and use shade, sun cream and hats.
What are the best indoor activities in Valencia?
The Oceanogràfic aquarium, the Science Museum, the Fallas Museum and the Central Market are good choices on hot days.
How many days do you need in Valencia with kids?
Two to three days is enough for the main sights, and a week lets you add the beach and day trips.
Keep reading
- Summer camp in Valencia: dates, prices, a day at camp and how to book
- Valencia weather in summer: heat, sea and what to pack
- Is Spain safe for kids?: a parent's guide
Ready for a summer in Valencia?
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