With autumn and winter on their way, we all get the odd rainy day. But a grey sky doesn't have to mean a day wasted at home. The Valencian Community is full of rainy-day plans for kids: interactive museums, aquariums, art centres and corners where little ones can touch, play and discover without getting wet.
We're suggesting a route from north to south with ideas for all ages. As opening hours and prices change with the season, we recommend checking each venue's website before you set off.
Vilafamés: contemporary art in a Gothic palace
We start inland in Castellón, in one of the prettiest villages in the province. In Vilafamés, the Museu d'Art Contemporani Vicente Aguilera Cerni (MACVAC) is housed in the Palau del Batlle, a 15th-century Gothic building in the heart of the old town.
Its collection has more than 700 works and a curious feature: the artists themselves donate them, so the museum keeps changing over time. It's a calm, different kind of visit, ideal for sparking little ones' curiosity with shapes, colours and sculptures. For opening hours and prices, you can call +34 964 329 152 or write to info@macvac.es.
València: the ultimate rainy-day destination
The city of València has the widest choice of indoor plans, and several are very close to each other.
Oceanogràfic: a whole day among aquariums
The Oceanogràfic is the largest aquarium in Europe, and a good part of the route runs through indoor galleries and tunnels, such as the underwater tunnel of the temperate and tropical aquariums, or the Antarctic and Arctic areas. Some areas are outdoors, such as the Islands, so it's worth bringing a light raincoat.
Allow three to four hours for the visit. It is open every day of the year; the usual hours are 10:00 to 18:00, with longer hours on Saturdays and in high season, and the ticket offices close one hour earlier. Children aged 4 to 12 get a reduced rate. Booking your tickets in advance will save you queues.
CaixaForum València: exhibitions and workshops for the whole family
Right next to the Oceanogràfic, in the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, CaixaForum València combines art, science and technology exhibitions with workshops and activities for all ages. It is open every day from 10:00 to 20:00, general admission costs 6 euros, and children under 16 get in for free. Check the family programme before you go, as workshops are announced by date.
Museum of Illusions: optical illusions to play with together
In the historic centre, on Calle Mestre Clavé, the Museo de las Ilusiones (Museum of Illusions) offers a short, highly visual visit of about 40 minutes, full of rooms to photograph, to look at with fresh eyes and to puzzle over. It's a good mid-morning option, before lunch in the centre. Reduced rates apply from ages 6 to 17. We recommend confirming prices and opening hours on its website.
Hortensia Herrero Art Centre: contemporary art in the city centre
The Hortensia Herrero Art Centre, on Calle del Mar, is set in a historic palace in the centre of València and offers a visit of between an hour and a half and two hours. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00 and on Sundays from 10:00 to 15:00, and it is closed on Mondays. It's a more relaxed plan, best for families whose little ones already enjoy walking round a museum; check its website for children's prices.
L'Iber Museum: the world of toy soldiers
Another different option is the L'Iber Museum, dedicated to lead toy soldiers and historical miniatures. It's perfect for fans of battles, dioramas and tiny details. Before you go, check opening hours and prices on its website.
The Hotel del Juguete in Ibi
Heading down towards Alicante, Ibi is the toy capital, which makes it a perfect destination for grey days. You can combine a visit to the Toy Museum with a getaway at the Hotel del Juguete, a hotel designed for families where toys are part of the decor. For prices and availability, you can call +34 965 55 29 45 or write to info@hoteldeljuguete.com.
Tips for a rainy day without surprises
- Book ahead. On rainy days indoor attractions fill up, especially at weekends.
- Check opening hours. Many venues close on Mondays or have reduced hours in winter.
- Bring a change of clothes and a light raincoat for the outdoor stretches.
- Combine two plans. A short visit in the morning and another in the afternoon will help keep the little ones from getting tired.
Now you know: rain is no excuse to stay at home. Pick your plan, grab an umbrella and head out to discover the Valencian Community. And if you want more ideas, don't miss our family activities calendar, where we gather the best plans to do with kids in the Valencian Community.
