In Spain, the beds of dried-up rivers often turn into walking areas — for example, the Ramblas in Barcelona appeared. But in Valencia, the Turia River was especially expelled from the city after it brought a lot of trouble during the flood. Where water once made its way, in 1986, the recreational complex "Gardens of the Turia River" was laid. Today it covers an area of about 100 hectares, and most of the children's attractions in Valencia are located on its territory.
The green zone consists of several gardens and parks, and each deserves special praise. Cabecera Park will serve as the starting point if you move towards the sea. Prepare to quickly forget that you are on the Costa Blanca: baobabs grow here, and zebras and antelopes graze under the hot African sun. A corner of Africa is reproduced in the Valencia Bioparc, a zoo where animals are not kept in enclosures. The child will be able to see how hippos can dive and how a lion rests after a successful hunt.
From Cabecera Park, the Turia Gardens stretch for 9 km. If you muster up the courage to walk the whole route, you will find green alleys, coastal fortifications braided with flowering plants, fountains, a lake where you can swim in swan boats, and various playgrounds. One of these playgrounds is unlike any other because slides, climbing frames and labyrinths are located on a giant figure of a man who seems to have fallen asleep on the shore.
It is Gulliver's Park, where even adults feel like kids. The figure of the main character of Swift's book has a height of about 70 meters, and to see it in its entirety, it is best to climb to the top of the Ferris wheel. By the way, walking is optional. Bicycles or family velomobiles can be rented in the gardens.
Although the river has long since changed its course, the old riverbed is crossed by bridges in several places. The oldest ones date back to the 16th century. Today, the bridges are used for vehicular traffic, making the Turia Garden in Valencia a pedestrian zone and a safe place to take your children for walks.
The Botanical Gardens of Valencia flank the parks in the riverbed of the Turia. It has a collection of over 3,000 plant species worldwide and Mediterranean flora in all its diversity. You'll also see orange trees, of course. Covered in delicate white or adorned with ripe fruit like Christmas balls, they spread a delicate scent many people associate with the holidays.
The endpoint of the walk through the gardens and parks in the bed of the Turia is the City of Arts and Sciences. Rumour has it that children who have been there begin to study better. It is easy to believe this: after getting acquainted with the Museum of Science's interactive exhibits, many children become interested in learning. The largest aquarium in Europe, the Oceanographic Park, is also located on the territory of the City.
