A Mom’s Guide to Living Near the Turia River Park
When my family first arrived in Valencia, Spain, our apartment overlooked the majestic Torres de Serranos, right across from the lush, sprawling Turia River Park. For those first, uncertain months, the view of the medieval towers each morning became a touchstone—a gentle reminder that we had truly, finally, moved to a city where playgrounds, picnics, and bike rides could be part of our daily life. And while every expat story is different, I can say with certainty that living near the Turia changed our family’s experience in ways I couldn’t have predicted.
What Is the Turia River Park?
Imagine an emerald ribbon running through the heart of Valencia—a nine-kilometer stretch of green, car-free parkland carved from what was once the city’s riverbed. After a catastrophic flood in 1957, city leaders made a radical decision: instead of rebuilding the river, they transformed its course into what is now Jardín del Turia, or Turia River Park. Today, it’s a central playground for families, athletes, dog walkers, cyclists, picnickers, and nature lovers—a living artery that brings together Valencians and expats from all walks of life. Living near the Turia is one of the most transformative choices you can make as a family in Valencia. Whether your children are toddlers, tweens, or teens, the park offers a year-round backdrop for memory-making, discovery, and—crucially—ease of connection in a new city.
Why Choose to Live Near the Turia?
In our very first days in Valencia, still jetlagged and anxious, we stumbled out of our apartment and into the park. My daughters—Frances, 11, and Evelyn, 6—were instantly at home, racing down leafy paths, climbing impossibly high playground towers, and shrieking with joy as they discovered new corners of the Turia. My husband Cory and I, meanwhile, found ourselves breathing deeper, letting the slow rhythm of the city’s green lung wash away the tension of the move. Here’s what makes living near the Turia so special for families:
Immediate access to green space—a rare luxury in a European city
Safe, car-free zones for kids to roam, cycle, and play
Central location with easy connections to schools, museums, and city life
Active expat and local community—the park is a meeting ground for everyone
Endless variety of activities, from festivals to yoga to outdoor concerts
Neighborhoods Along the Turia
The Turia flows past many of Valencia’s most desirable neighborhoods for families. When we first started scouting for homes, we quickly realized how each section of the park has its own personality—and its own practical perks. Here are some of the top areas to consider:
El Carmen / La Saïdia — Our first home! Living here means waking up to views of the Torres de Serranos, cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and easy access to both the old city and the river park. You’ll find character apartments and lots of local cafes, plus quick walks to Plaza de la Virgen and the historic center.
Campanar & Nou Campanar — More modern, with high-rise apartments, great schools, and some of the city’s newest family housing. Easy access to the park’s northwestern stretches, playgrounds, and big supermarkets.
Exposició & Pla del Real — Upmarket residential districts, tree-lined avenues, and proximity to the Royal Gardens (Jardín del Real). Popular with professional families and within walking distance to major international schools.
Benimaclet — Quirky, student-friendly, and close to both Turia and university areas. Great for active families who want a bohemian, community vibe.
Algiros & Mestalla — Well-connected, close to the beach, and a quick bike ride along the park into the city center.
Quatre Carreres / City of Arts & Sciences — Modern architecture, stunning views, and some of the best playgrounds in Valencia.
For a deep dive into Valencia neighborhoods, check out our Best Neighborhoods for Families in Valencia (2025 Edition).
Family-Friendly Features of the Turia River Park
Whether you’re a seasoned parent or moving abroad with your very first child, the Turia is a lifeline. Here are just a few ways the park supports family life:
Playgrounds Galore: From the legendary Gulliver Park—an enormous playground shaped like the storybook giant, where kids clamber over slides, ropes, and tunnels—to dozens of smaller playgrounds scattered along the park, your children will never run out of new places to explore.
Bike and Walking Paths: Wide, well-maintained lanes make it safe for children to bike, rollerblade, or scooter. Our family quickly invested in a pair of secondhand bikes and discovered you can reach nearly any part of central Valencia on two wheels—without ever crossing traffic.
Sports Facilities: Football pitches, basketball courts, workout zones, skate parks, and even a rugby field mean there’s something for every sporty kid—or grown-up.
Dog-Friendly Spaces: As a mom of two Chinese Crested dogs (shoutout to Bobby and Tony!), I can say the Turia is equally wonderful for four-legged family members. There are fenced dog runs, shady walking routes, and always a friendly “hola” from fellow dog parents.
Shady Corners and Picnic Areas: Pack a lunch and find a quiet spot beneath fragrant orange trees or ancient palms. We often brought bocadillos and fruit from the neighborhood Mercadona and lingered for hours while the kids played.
Accessibility: The park is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, with gently sloping paths and frequent access points from city streets.
Festivals and Events in the Turia River Park
One of the joys of living near the Turia is how the park transforms into a festival ground year-round. If you’re hoping to build friendships, celebrate local traditions, or simply entertain your family for free, here’s what to expect:
Feria de Julio (July Fair): Fireworks, live music, and cultural performances animate the Turia during the height of summer.
Fallas Events: While Las Fallas is celebrated citywide each March, parts of the Turia become the stage for fireworks, “mascletàs,” and family-friendly events. Check out our full Las Fallas guide for tips.
Valencia Marathon: Every December, world-class runners and community athletes take over the park, with family fun runs and street food.
Music Festivals: From indie concerts to children’s theater and puppet shows, there’s always something happening—many events are free or low-cost.
Community Fairs and Farmer’s Markets: Artisanal markets, international food fairs, and charity events pop up throughout the year. Follow the city’s official events calendar for up-to-date info.
Everyday Family Life in the Turia
I can’t overstate how much the Turia shaped our family’s rhythm. In our earliest weeks, it was a place to burn off the stress of transition. By month three, it was our living room, our kids’ schoolyard after school, our picnic spot, our date-night stroll. Frances made her first local friend on the swings. Evelyn learned to rollerblade under the willows near Puente de las Flores. Even when homesickness struck, the routine of walking the dogs at dusk, with the city lights sparkling across the riverbed, brought a sense of belonging and calm. If you’re a parent considering a move, here are some practical tips for making the most of Turia-side living:
Get a sturdy stroller or scooter—you’ll cover more ground than you think!
Join local parenting or expat groups for playdates and advice. Facebook’s Valencia Expats group is a good starting point.
Explore beyond your “home” section of the park—each stretch has its own magic, from rose gardens near Alameda to skate parks by Bioparc.
Don’t worry about speaking perfect Spanish—the park draws a global crowd, and smiles go a long way.
Expect siesta hours—midday can be quiet, but the park comes alive in the late afternoon and evenings.
Schools and Childcare Near the Turia
One of the best-kept secrets of living near the Turia is the sheer variety of school options within easy reach. Whether you prefer public, concertado (semi-private), or international schools, you’ll find excellent choices on both sides of the river.
Public and Concertado Schools: Many local schools offer bilingual Spanish/Valencian instruction, with programs for integration. The city’s education system is well-regarded and neighborhood-based, so proximity often means priority enrollment.
International Schools: Schools like Caxton College and Levante International School are an easy commute by bike or bus.
After-School Activities: From soccer teams to music lessons, many are held in or near the park, so your children can burn off energy right after class.
For a full breakdown of the Spanish school system, read our School Options for U.S. Families in Valencia post.
Safety and Peace of Mind
As a mom, safety was my number one concern moving to a new country. The good news? Valencia is considered one of the safest large cities in Spain, and the Turia River Park is patrolled, well-lit, and busy with families into the evening. While petty theft can occur elsewhere in the city, the park itself has always felt safe for both daytime and evening outings. For more on this, see our post: How Safe Is Valencia, Really?
Dog-Friendly Living by the Park
Don’t forget the furry family members! For us, bringing Bobby and Tony to Spain was a leap of faith—and living near the Turia made it a joy. Dog runs, friendly locals, and the sheer variety of paths meant we never had to repeat the same walk. There are also plenty of dog-friendly cafes in the neighborhoods bordering the park, and Spanish dog culture is famously welcoming.
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend Living Near the Turia?
Wholeheartedly, yes. For families—especially those transitioning from the U.S. or any busy, urban environment—living near the Turia River Park offers the perfect blend of city excitement and natural peace. It’s a place where your children can run free, where you can breathe a little deeper, and where you’ll quickly find your own little village within the city. If you have questions about neighborhoods, schools, or the real nuts and bolts of moving to Valencia, reach out to me or follow along on Instagram at @lavidalencia. You’re not alone in this adventure—and I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned (and am still learning) as a mom making a home in sunny, green Valencia. With love from the Turia,
Amanda Chigbrow
Founder of LaVidalencia
@LaVidalencia | LaVidalencia.com