Don´t let the thought of a citybreak holiday put you off bringing the children – there is so much to see and do that they are sure to have as much, if not more fun than at any purpose built seaside resort along the coast.

Valencia is brimming with recreation grounds – play parks, sports parks, gardens...you name it. The Turia Gardens, located along the course of the old Turia river bed, are particularly worth a mention. There are various climbing frames and play areas, such as the purpose built Gulliver´s Park, as well as sports courts and pitches along the channel of the 230 hectare stretch of green. The Cabecera lake is in the south of the Turia and provides an opportunity for some light exercise and watery fun with the rowing and peddle boats that are for hire there throughout the summer.

The Jardin Real is home to a small Zoo complete with a whole cross-section of the animal world - rhinos, white tigers, crocodiles and chimpanzees to name but a few (for more information visit www.zoovalencia.com – 5 euros entry, discounts apply).

For just 60 centimos the Botanical Gardens are also worth a visit, offering an afternoon away from the hot Valencian sun – and the children will love playing with the scores of people friendly, domestic cats that live there.

If your children are more inclined towards a kick around with a football than a walk in the park, they will not be disappointed in Valencia. Inspired by the hype generated by the America´s Cup that is due to take place here in 2007 they may want to try their hand at a spot of sailing. Valencia sailing club offers 20 hours of lessons over the course of 5 days for children over the age of 7. For more information visit their website at www.rcnauticovalencia.com.

Football is Valencia´s other and somewhat longer lived sporting passion with 2 top class teams in Valencia CF, always occupying one of the top 3 positions in the Spanish liga, and Villareal who reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions league in 2006. The Campus Fundación Valencia CF, founded and supported by the club, is aimed at children between the ages of 8 and 13 and looks to teach young people about all aspects of the game including technical skill, teamwork, sportsmanship and fairplay. Check out their website, www.campusfutbolvalenciacf.com for more information.

Other points of sporting interest may be the Ricardo Tormo motor racing circuit, set to become part of the Formula 1 circuit by 2009 and the myriad of sports pitches, including tennis, baseball and rugby, along the Turia bed.

Children love to play on the beach; building sandcastles, paddling in the shallows and hopping over the waves. La Malvarrosa, home to the annual international kite festival, is perfect for just such activities. Long and flat with an impenetrable view of the horizon and fine golden sand, it provides a versatile playground for kids and a relaxing haven for adults, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

The paseo that runs behind is lined at one end with restaurants and hotels, and at the other with cafes and sandwich bars offering a range of food and drink to satisfy all tastes.

A short way up the coast and to the north of Valenica itself lies the small seaside resort of Port Saplaya. At just two euros return the quaint, multi-coloured houses surrounding a canal style marina and a small yet intimate beach area make for a fantastic family day out.

For a more cultural and touristic experience, head for the Museo Fallera, if, that is, you don´t manage to time your visit for the Fallas festival itself. This museum displays all the festival winners of years gone by and offers a taste of what the celebrations are all about. You have to see it to believe it!

The Tourist bus that operates out of the Plaza de la Reina provides an interesting and educative introduction to the history and culture of the city. Leaflets are available from the bus stop in the square.

The City of Arts and Sciences is a modern architectural masterpiece designed by the man who created the Athens 2004 olympic complex – Santiago Calatrava. It is a giant playground for children and adults alike providing educative and hands-on insights into the world of arts and sciences. With all new technology, intriguing and innovative activities for the young and the old and impresive structures that seem to have been thrown back from the 22^nd century, it has become the new face and emblem of the city of Valencia.

For more ideas as to what to do with the kids on your holiday, take a trip to the Valencian Excursion centre in Plaza Tavernes de Valldigna or look on their website at www.centroexcursionista.org. Also see Valencia´s tourist website: www.turisvalencia.es

Written by Suzanne Bailey for Ibericity.com, May 2006