Visiting the City of Arts and Sciences – Valencia with kids
During our holiday to Spain, we decided to make the two hour drive and spend a day in Valencia.
Our first stop of the day was Bioparc Valencia and then we jumped in the car and headed to the City of Arts and Sciences, one of the twelve treasures of Spain.
As soon as the buildings come into view, it is a real “WOW” moment as they are all striking in their own individual way.
We managed to find free parking on the road, however there is a car park underneath the Oceanografic building which costs €7 per day if you are visiting the attractions.
I think the Agora building looks like a huge Blue Whale emerging from the sea, but in fact it is a covered plaza in which hosts concerts and sporting events.
There is lots of places to entertain the kids along the way and Isaac and Eliza were particularly fascinated by the Garden of Astronomy, whilst Sebby was fascinated by L’Umbracle, an open structure enveloping a landscaped walk with plant species indigenous to Valencia.
L’Hemisfèric is home to an IMAX Cinema, planetarium and laserium, with the design of the building resembling a giant eye.
It is a beautiful place for a stroll and we could have spent hours wandering around and admiring the sculptures that were dotted around the park, but as Sebastian had been poorly during our holiday, we decided to visit the Science Museum instead.
The Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe an interactive museum of science that resembles the skeleton of a whale.
It is cheaper to buy combined tickets for the Hemisfèric, Science Museum and Oceanogràfic, but as we arrived quite late in the day, we only had time to visit one.
The Science Museum allows visitors to learn about the evolution of life, science, and technology in an educational, interactive and enjoyable way, with one floor dedicated to children.
Isaac and Eliza loved the VR area, whereas Sebby got stuck in to the science behind fairy tales that we all know and love.
There was an egg incubator in the museum too and we got to watch a tiny chick hatching from its egg.
One of the floors was an exhibition of Spain’s famous scientists, which the kids were not interested in, but the upper floor was all influenced by space travel and satellites.
The Science Museum isn’t large enough to spend the whole day there, but as a combined day out with the family to the other attractions, it is well worth a visit.
My only disappointment is that we ran out of time to explore, but hope to visit this beautiful city again, soon.
Have you visited Valencia?
Claire
I’d never think to take the children somewhere like this when travelling but wow what an incredible place.
Looks like you all had a great time x
Lyndsey O'Halloran
I can’t say I’d thought of taking Erin there before but it looks like there is a lot to do. I would rethink now!
Natalie Brett
Fantastic photos! I’ve never been to Valencia but heard that it’s a great place to visit. The buildings look so cool. And I could really do with some sunshine right now!
Talya
Wow Valencia looks like it has changed so much since I visited twenty years ago! I hadn’t realised it had become such an incredible place to explore.
Sim @ Sim's Life
What a fabulous day out! The building are absolutely gorgeous, no wonder they are a national treasure! Nicely done on finding free parking too, always a bonus! Sim x
Jenni
This looks like an incredible place to explore. I think €7 for the full day parking is reasonable too
Sarupa Shah
Valencia LOOKS amazing – I nearly ended up living there – despite never having been but then ended up near Granada instead – I have such a big place for Spain in my heart – although it is so different within – Valencia is calling to me more since seeing your post!
Sarah Bailey
This looks like such a great place to go and explore! It seems like Valencia I always find places which have science and arts going on so interesting. It seems like they have some incredible areas to visit as well within the museum, shame it isn’t big enough to spend a whole day at.
Rhian westbury
I’ve not been to Valencia, in actual fact I’ve never been to mainland Spain, but I do love a good science museum so I’d probably visit this if I get there x
Liam Wilkinson
Looks a stunning place, some grat pictures. My kids would love this type of place, the interactive stuff, the science, and the Ocean pla e might have eebn good aswell.
Yeah Lifestyle
We have young kids and often look at kid friendly places when we travel, Valencia looks lovely and the L’Hemisfèric is a place we would surely stop by to experience the IMAX Cinema and planetarium
Jenni
I’ve never been to Valencia, but ‘city of arts and science’ sounds right up my street. I would love to go and visit that Science Museum.
Melanie williams
Love all your piccys. This looks like an amazing city to visit for sure x
Melanie williams
…Like the look of the science museum for sure x
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
Looks like a really nice place to visit. The buildings’ structures look so futuristic! Your photos are all so beautiful. Hope I could visit Valencia too!
Jenny
I love the architecture of this place, it looks like a fascinating place to explore with kids.
Rebecca Smith
Jack would love to visit the Science Museum there, it looks super cool! Valencia looks like such a beautiful city.
Bella and Dawn at Dear Mummy Blog
The Oceanografic building definitely has the WOW factor both inside and out! Some great activities there and I bet the kids had fun x
Nichola - Globalmouse
Oh I adore Valencia, it’s the perfect Spanish city isn’t it? Looks like you were there on a beautiful day too.
Sally Akins
I’ve never been to Valencia, but this certainly looks like a great place to visit, especially with kids!
Zena's Suitcase
This looks like a perfect place to visit if you are in Valencia with children. We will definitely go here if we visit this part of Spain
Tanita
This looks like such an incredible place to explore. xx
Playdays and Runways
Looks like such a fun and interesting place to visit with the kids.
Steve Johonson
Great work. Valencia is a most visiting place where you can visit with family for spend your vacations. Thank’s for sharing this information your image is so nice.