Editor’s Pick: 3 Nature Escapes Around Valencia for Little Explorers (that are not Albufera).
Because nature is the best playground, here are some of my favorite wild green spots where the kiddos can run loose, explore, and simply be kids.
Marjal dels Moros Wetlands
Sagunto – 35 min north of Valencia
Best seasons: autumn and spring for birdwatching
I’ll start with a personal favorite- a true paradise for little (and big!) naturalists alike. That peaceful video from the top is just one of its many wonders.
The marsh is a protected wetland that stretches across lagoons and reed beds, attracting hundreds of bird species year-round. From the wooden walkways and observation towers, you can quietly watch flamingos, coots, and elegant wading birds in their natural habitat.
At sunset, keep your eyes open—rabbits often hop across the paths, much to the delight of kids. The changing light paints the marsh in shades of pink and gold, making it a photographer’s dream.
Marjal de Rafalell i Vistabella (between Massalfassar and Puçol)
20 min north of Valencia
Best seasons: spring and autumn
This coastal wetland is a true hidden gem—flat trails, wooden lookouts, and plenty of wildlife just minutes from the city. The paths wind through tall reeds, salt-tolerant shrubs, and wildflowers that change with the seasons, painting the landscape in soft greens, purples, and golds.
It’s the perfect place to slow down and let the kids explore at their own rhythm—watching dragonflies hover over the water, spotting turtles sunbathing, or glimpsing herons gliding low across the ponds. The trails are easy and stroller-friendly and plenty of space to run around.
La Vallesa Forest
La Canyada – 20 min from Valencia
Daytime access only
A vast pine forest filled with birdsong, squirrels, and winding trails that stretch for kilometers. In spring and early summer, small streams weave through parts of the forest—perfect for kids to splash, play, and float their toys while you relax nearby.
La Vallesa is stroller-friendly in sections and has plenty of open spaces for picnics or ball games. Adventurous families can follow the longer paths that connect with the Turia River route, while smaller explorers can simply enjoy searching for pinecones or spotting quick flashes of red fur from the local squirrels.
From wetlands to woodland, Valencia’s wild corners are the perfect antidote to busy city days. These are the places where kids return home muddy-booted and wide-eyed—and where parents, too, get to breathe a little deeper.
Author: Mireille
Editor and storyteller based in Valencia, covering family life, local culture, and community stories. Her work blends curiosity, humor, and heart, celebrating the people and places that make everyday life worth writing about.