Valencia is one of the few cities that offers top entertainment for parents and kids. A wide variety of interesting places for children including local-product toy stores, amazing amusement parks and much more can be found in Valencia.
1) Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
This location may very well become Spain’s top tourist attraction soon. It is among the newest building complexes in Valencia, and has quite modern architecture. It very much looks space age in nature.
The complex has some free attractions, as well as a group of attractions that will cost some money. The location has a planetarium, a science museum, and aquarium, and an arts and science exhibit area. The overall complex covers more than seven kilometers, so plan on doing some walking to see everything.
The science museum portion is very hands on, and all the exhibits are designed to engage audiences of all ages. Many people have mentioned that this building looks a bit like the bones of a fish. It is definitely an architectural phenomenon.
One of the other very popular pieces is the aquarium. It is currently the largest such structure in Europe. It currently houses more than 500 different kinds of aquatic life that has been gathered from every ocean in the world.
The complex is open to the public every day of the week. From Sunday through Friday, it is open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, it stays open an additional two hours till 8:00 p.m. Some of the exhibits have slightly different hours.
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2) Gulliver Park
This is a theme park based on "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift, made up of a giant model of Lemuel Gulliver tied to the ground. This is a unique attraction that will require a few days to explore. The park is very colorful and a wonderland for children to enjoy.
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3) Palau de la Musica
The Music Hall is one of the newer additions to the city of Valencia, having been constructed in 1987. Like the City of Arts and Sciences, it is also a very modern structure, and represents a desire to show the world a more modern side to the city. It is also one of the most unique music halls you will ever visit.
Upon first notice, the hall looks like a giant greenhouse. The bubble style roof makes use of transparency to bring light into the facility. You will also note the large use of plants in the décor. But don’t let the nature theme fool you; the acoustics of this place are stunning. From a musical standpoint, the sound of the music hall is among the best in all of Spain.
It is located in a spot that is actually part of the old riverbed for the Turia River, and is an integral part of the gardens of Turia. A beautiful fountain is located in the front of the building, and it makes a nice opening “welcome” for what is to come.
The location sponsors concert hall type events, as well as musical and ballet. Several modern art exhibits are also on display here throughout the year.
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4) Casa de los Caramelos
Casa de los Caramelos is The House of Sweets. Oh yes! One of the hottest spots for children or anyone with a sweet tooth. A whole house dedicated to cakes, candies and jelly beans coming in hundreds of shapes, colors and tastes. Watch your teeth, though!
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5) Games Workshop
Games Workshop is a wonderful toy shop located in Valencia and highly rated among young buyers. In addition to toy soldiers, dolls, stuffed animals, balls and pink ponies, Games Workshop also has a variety of colorful books, pencils and tons of board games for sale. All items sold here assure hours of entertainment for you and your child.
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6) Centro de Artesanía
This is a permanent exhibition center displaying the work of local artisans. Featuring beautiful Valencian ceramics, handmade toys, stuffed animals and toy cars, there is also a vast assortment of unique dolls inspired by the region. This is a fun way to provide your child with a lesson in art.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Conanil
7) House of Cats
The House of Cats in Barrio del Carmen in Calle Museo will make your little traveler scream with joy and pleasure. The tiny kittens found here look like little cat angels. The House of Cats appears to be a regular house, but the keepers are fluffy.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and olaeinang