Family trips can be a wild mix of “best memories ever” and “why did we think this was a good idea?”
Luckily, Valencia came through with just the right balance of chill, sunshine, and fun that didn’t break our spirit…or the bank (well, mostly).
Here’s what we got up to, and what I’d absolutely do again.
Oceanogràfic
The Aquarium That Ate My Whole Day (Willingly)
I’ve seen my fair share of aquariums, but Oceanogràfic? It’s in a league of its own.
Imagine if Finding Nemo, Blue Planet, and a school science lesson had a baby… and then added dolphins that could absolutely hold their own in Spain’s Got Talent.
We spent the whole day there, and needed every minute.
There were sharks, penguins waddling about, and jellyfish so hypnotic I forgot I had three kids for a full 60 seconds.
Meanwhile, my children were glued to one giant tank like it was broadcasting Peppa Pig underwater.
The place is packed with interactive exhibits, educational screens, and daily live shows (dolphins were the unanimous crowd favourite).
It’s fun and sneakily educational – the parenting holy grail.
Food-wise? Yes, there are restaurants and cafés but prepare your wallet.
Especially when your kids insist on having ice cream from every single snack cart they see.
Pro Tip: Pack snacks like your life depends on it. Or be emotionally prepared to spend €14 on a hot dog and question your life choices.
By the end? 18,000 steps. Three snack stops. Zero tantrums. I repeat: zero tantrums. That alone is worth the entry fee.
Central Market (Mercado Central)
Come for the Culture, Stay for the Food and Snacks
The Central Market is like a live-action cooking show crossed with a Spanish version of Willy Wonka’s factory.
You stroll in for “a quick look” and next thing you know, you’re two hours deep, sniffing paprika blends and cradling artisan olive oil like it’s your firstborn.
The smells? Think warm bread, strong espresso, sweet pastries, and spices that will have you mentally moving to Spain.
The colours and buzz of it all make it feel like a festival – only instead of glowsticks, you leave with cheese.
The kids loved it. One asked if a giant cheese wheel was “a dinosaur egg” while I tried to sneak an empanada behind a fruit stall like a gremlin with a snack addiction.
It’s not just food either…there are souvenir stalls, toys, spices, and all the chaos (the fun kind) of a proper European market.
Outside, you’ve got more cafés and bakeries than you can shake a baguette at – perfect when your child declares a croissant emergency and nothing else will do.
Pro Tip: Bring cash, stretchy trousers, and a loose grip on portion control.
The Marina & Playa de la Malvarrosa
Where the Vibes Are Crisp and the Sand Is Kid-Tested
Need a low-effort, high-reward afternoon? Head to Valencia’s Marina and beachfront.
We jumped on the tram (a breeze, by the way), and within 15 minutes, we were plonked on soft sand, breathing in salty sea air, and pretending to be one of those relaxed, beachy families.
The beach is wide, clean, and surprisingly quiet, even during peak hours.
The kids immediately launched into digging holes for no reason other than it felt right.
One even face-planted into the sea, fully clothed… so, yes, bring spares.
I actually managed to sit in peace while they built a sandcastle that looked suspiciously like abstract art.
There’s a long, palm-lined promenade that’s ideal for strolling, people-watching, and iced drinks.
We grabbed a quick lunch from Pans & Company – solid lifesaver when everyone’s on the brink of a hangry meltdown.
Pro Tip: Pack suncream, backup clothes, and something for the grown-ups to sit on while the children get absolutely covered in sand.
Final Thoughts
Valencia completely won us over.
The city has this laid-back energy that makes travelling with kids feel doable – even pleasant, dare I say.
It’s big enough to have loads to explore, but small enough to walk or tram around without needing an Excel itinerary and a megaphone.
The food? Glorious. The people? Warm and patient. The pace? Just right for those of us travelling with tiny humans who switch from angelic to gremlin in 0.2 seconds.
Whether you’re into aquariums, markets, beaches, or just wandering around pretending you live there Valencia is an absolute gem for families.
I’d go back in a flash. And next time, I’m bringing more snacks.
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