The 5 Places where you may find me having a break from the Christmas break

The Christmas race is officially in countdown mode. The big day is just hours away and, somehow, you already feel Christmas-saturated. Everything around town is festive to the point of chaos: streets packed with people, public transport taking its sweet time, public parking full by 11 a.m. It’s loud, busy, and relentless. And while all of this is happening outside, inside the house the kids have already exhausted their extended “holiday exception” screen time. Being home all day doesn’t sound nearly as appealing as it did at the beginning of the holidays — which, let’s be honest, was only three days ago.

Kids need movement, stimulation, and other kids. Parents need air. We all do.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of playrooms where you can take the children for a proper reset. Warm, contained spaces designed for exactly this age-old problem: children who need to play, move, and connect — and parents who need a breather without diving into overcrowded shopping areas. Some of the places below offer the small luxury of a coffee in hand; most are simply about letting kids play freely and safely. There’s something here for all ages, from tiny explorers to older juniors. Do double-check opening hours, as many places run special holiday schedules. And if you find yourself there answering emails, reading a few pages, or simply staring into space — that’s very much part of the plan.

1. MUNT, Museo de la Infancia

Av. Enric Valor, 5, 46100 Burjassot

This is a place I’m truly in love with — and you may notice, by the length of this description. MUNT reopened in Valencia not long ago, and I was lucky enough to attend their open doors day, where I also met the founder, who kindly gave us a tour. My kids participated in the workshops prepared for the occasion, and from the very first room it was clear this is not a museum in the traditional sense. Here, everything is meant to be touched, explored, and experimented with.
The space is large and divided into different rooms, each organised around an art or science concept that introduces a key idea through play. The beauty of MUNT is that curiosity is constantly renewed — when one room loses momentum, the next one pulls children straight back in. There really is something for every child, and I could easily write an entire post about this place alone.

2. Yosi Family and Friends

Carrer de Jaume Roig, 26 – El Pla del Real

Here, coffee is possible — and a snack too. The space is generous and filled with beautiful Montessori-style wooden toys, alongside plenty of books and cosy reading corners. They also run seasonal workshops, and yes, doggies are welcome. A relaxed, friendly spot that works well for both kids and parents.

3. Ágora Kids

Carrer Francisco Alcayde, 8 – L’Eliana

Designed for free play first, Ágora Kids feels calm, open, and intentional. Play here is unstructured and unrushed, but the space also expands naturally into workshops, holiday activities, birthday celebrations, and small group experiences that never feel forced. Children move, imagine, and interact at their own rhythm — and that rhythm is respected.

4. Espai Petjadetes

Carrer de Sant Joan, 18 – Massanassa

A paradise of free play, especially for younger children. The concept is similar to Ágora but more little-ones-oriented, with endless play options across indoor and outdoor areas. Kids can run barefoot, play with sand and water, explore light-changing rooms, toy animals, and dress-up corners. There’s an entire house dedicated to imaginative play — a place to fully embrace their wild, curious, hippy side.

5. Vasito de Leche

Calle Baja, 30 – El Carme

Described as a creative atelier for ideas, workshops, and talks, Vasito de Leche is also a wonderfully hands-on play space for both younger and older kids. The environment invites children to create their own games and toys, while parents are gently encouraged to do the same. It’s a place where creativity feels shared, slow, and refreshingly free of rush.

Christmas doesn’t have to be lived at full speed — or exclusively from the sofa. Sometimes, the best way to survive the festive overload is to step sideways instead of forward: into a warm room, a slower rhythm, and a space designed for children to simply be children. Whether it’s for an hour or an entire afternoon, these playrooms offer something rare this time of year — a pause. And in the middle of the holiday rush, that might just be the greatest gift of all.