Exploring the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain: A Family Adventure Like No Other

When we first planned our trip to Valencia, Spain, we expected to enjoy beaches, old churches, and the smell of orange blossoms drifting through the streets. What we didn’t expect was to step into something that looked like a city from the future. That surprise came the moment we arrived at the City of Arts and Sciences — and it quickly became one of the most unforgettable days of our family trip.

A World Apart From the Rest of Valencia

The contrast between this sleek, modern wonderland and the warm, traditional charm of the rest of Valencia is incredible. One moment you're walking through winding old streets, and the next, you're standing in front of a massive, glowing white structure that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi film.

Everything about this place felt like a dream. The smooth lines, glass walls, and reflections in the surrounding water made it feel like we had been transported into a different universe. The kids were instantly impressed, and honestly, so were we. It’s one of those rare places that feels both artistic and scientific, exciting and relaxing, all at the same time.

Strolling Through the Turia Gardens

To get there, we walked along the Jardín del Turia, a long park that stretches through the city where a river used to flow. The path is full of palm trees, playgrounds, fountains, and runners. It was a peaceful walk that made the futuristic skyline of the City of Arts and Sciences feel even more dramatic when it finally came into view.

As we got closer, the kids raced ahead, pointing at buildings and trying to guess what each one was. Some looked like space stations, others like giant seashells or alien creatures. There was energy in the air. Everyone around us was smiling, taking photos, or enjoying the sunshine.

Watching a Movie at the Hemisfèric

One of the first things we did was visit the Hemisfèric, a building shaped like a giant human eye. It actually opens and closes like one, too. Inside, it houses a planetarium and a giant-screen IMAX theater. We bought tickets for a documentary about space exploration and stepped inside what felt like a spaceship.

The theater has these reclining seats that tilt your head back so you can watch the screen that stretches above and around you. It was unlike any movie we had ever experienced. The stars felt close enough to touch. Joel whispered random space facts throughout the film while Yeidi just stared in awe. Even my husband and I were completely drawn in. It was relaxing, fascinating, and visually stunning all at once.

Getting Lost in the Oceanogràfic

After the Hemisfèric, we made our way to L’Oceanogràfic, which is Europe’s largest aquarium and possibly the coolest one we’ve ever seen. The building itself looks like a floating sculpture. Inside, we explored marine life from all over the planet.

The kids especially loved the glass tunnels where sharks and rays swim over your head. At one point, a huge sea turtle glided by and looked right at us. It was like something out of a nature film, but we were living it.

We spent time in the Arctic area watching beluga whales, then moved into the Mediterranean and tropical sections. There were jellyfish lit up like neon art and penguins waddling around like they were late for an appointment.

One of the highlights was the dolphin show. We didn’t even plan on attending, but we’re so glad we did. It was educational, well-run, and fun for every age.

Pausing for Snacks and Sunshine

In between attractions, we took time to rest. Around the complex, there are shallow pools of bright blue water that reflect the white buildings. We sat by the edge, shoes off, dipping our feet and soaking up the sun. Street musicians played in the distance, and families from all over the world passed by.

There’s something about the layout of the place that makes it feel wide open and airy. There are plenty of places to sit, relax, or take silly family selfies. This wasn’t just a busy tourist spot. It felt like a space designed to make people happy.

Exploring the Museu de les Ciències

Our final stop was the Science Museum, or Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe. This building looks like the skeleton of a giant whale and stretches longer than a football field. The inside is full of hands-on exhibits and experiments for all ages.

Joel ran to the robotics section and spent a good half hour making a mechanical arm move back and forth. Yeidi tested puzzles, tried out a shadow wall, and even got to walk through a section that explained how the human brain works using lights and interactive screens.

The museum was educational, but never boring. Even we parents had fun trying out experiments and reading about how things work. It’s one of those rare places where adults and kids are equally engaged.

What Made This Day So Special

What made our visit to the City of Arts and Sciences so different from other parts of Valencia was the feeling it gave us. The rest of the city is full of culture, history, and classic Spanish charm — and we loved that. But this place gave us something different. It sparked curiosity, made us laugh, helped us learn, and pulled us closer as a family.

It wasn’t just about sightseeing. It was about experiencing something together. Whether it was watching a movie inside a giant eye, walking under swimming sharks, or figuring out how magnets work at the science museum, each moment was something we’ll remember forever.

Tips for Visiting the City of Arts and Sciences

If you’re planning a trip to Valencia and thinking about visiting this stunning complex, here are a few tips that made our day even better.

Buy your tickets in advance

You can purchase combo tickets that give you access to the Hemisfèric, Oceanogràfic, and Science Museum. It’s cheaper and saves you time.

Plan a full day

There’s so much to see and do that rushing through it would be a mistake. Arrive in the morning and stay until the early evening to take it all in.

Bring snacks and refillable water bottles

There are places to buy food, but having your own helps, especially with kids. There are picnic spots outside where you can rest and recharge.

Wear comfortable shoes

You’ll be walking a lot, so make sure everyone in the family has good footwear.

Use the Turia Gardens route to get there

Walking through the park is a beautiful lead-up to the City of Arts and Sciences. It builds excitement and gives you a nice nature break.

A Place We’ll Always Remember

Looking back on our time in Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences stands out not just for its jaw-dropping design, but for how much joy it brought us as a family. We’ve explored Roman ruins, tasted the best churros in town, and strolled through historic plazas, but this was something different. It was bold. It was inspiring. And it reminded us that travel is about more than just seeing new places. It’s about discovering what sparks excitement in each of us.

If you ever find yourself in Valencia, take the time to step into the future for a day. Watch a movie at the Hemisfèric. Say hello to a sea turtle. Try to make a robot arm wave back. Sit by the water and just breathe it all in. You won’t regret it.

And if you’re like us, you’ll leave a little more curious, a little more connected, and already planning your return.