When the beach runs out of steam at five in the afternoon, the Region of Valencia has a plan for every age, with water, shade or air conditioning July is school-holiday season, and for families from the UK and Ireland the Region of Valencia is a short flight away, with guaranteed sun and far more to do than lie on the sand. A one- or two-week holiday with children needs alternatives: a morning of serious heat, a cloudy afternoon, a day when the kids want something different. Here are the activities that work best with children, grouped by type and mostly designed as half-day plans so the afternoon stays free for the sea.

Animals and science: the City of Arts and Sciences and Bioparc

In Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences is the family day out: the Oceanogràfic, Europe's largest aquarium, with sharks, belugas and an underwater tunnel; the Science Museum, where everything is hands-on; and the Hemisfèric, with its wraparound-screen cinema. On a hot day it is a full day indoors. At the other end of the city, Bioparc recreates Africa with no visible barriers: gorillas, elephants, lions and lemurs a few metres away. The two are linked by the Turia Gardens, which run between them and have enormous playgrounds, above all the Gulliver park.

Theme parks and water parks: Benidorm and around

Benidorm has the biggest cluster of theme parks in the region: Terra Mítica (rides and rollercoasters), Aqualandia (water park), Mundomar (dolphins and marine animals) and Terra Natura (animals and a water zone). For families with children aged 6 to 14 it is hard to find more to do within a few kilometres. In summer, buy tickets online in advance and arrive at opening time to avoid the hottest hours.

Fresh water: the Albufera, rivers and caves

When the sea gets too much, inland has water of a different kind. On the Albufera lagoon, a sunset boat trip from El Palmar is a classic for all ages, rounded off with a paella in the village. In Castellón, the Coves de Sant Josep in La Vall d'Uixó are explored by boat along an underground river at a constant cool temperature; at Montanejos you swim in the River Mijares. Inland from Valencia, the Hoces del Cabriel and the Turia at Chulilla have natural swimming spots, and in Alicante the Fonts de l'Algar, near Callosa d'en Sarrià, are waterfalls and pools for a whole day out.

Castles, caves and boats

Castles always work: Xàtiva, with views and walls to walk along; Peñíscola, above the sea; Guadalest, perched on a rock above the reservoir; and Santa Bárbara in Alicante, with a lift up from the beach. By boat, the trip to Tabarca island from Santa Pola or Alicante is an easy adventure with snorkelling in a marine reserve. And the Canelobre caves in Busot, near Alicante, or the Cova del Rull in the Vall d'Ebo are a cool option for the middle of the day.

Summer fiestas with children

In July, towns across the region are in fiesta mode. The Moors and Christians of Villajoyosa, at the end of the month, include a mock landing on the beach at dawn that children never forget. And almost every coastal town has street parties, night markets and fireworks; ask your host for the local programme.

Tips for July with kids

Highs on the coast are around 30°C and the sun is strong: outdoor plans early in the morning or after 6 pm, indoor and inland plans in the middle of the day. Town beaches have lifeguards and facilities; coves almost never do. And to get along the coast without a car, the tram from Alicante to Benidorm and Dénia is an attraction in itself for children.

Where to stay as a family

For a family, a holiday rental is the most convenient summer option: a kitchen for the children's breakfasts and dinners, space for everyone and often a shared pool. In the Region of Valencia, legal holiday rentals carry an official registration number (format VT-XXXXX-V, -A or -CS) that must appear in the listing; checking it before you book takes a minute and means there is an identifiable operator behind it. ApturCV, the leading holiday-rental association in the Region of Valencia, explains how in its traveller guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best thing to do with young children in Valencia?

The Oceanogràfic and Bioparc are the two big ones; the Gulliver park in the Turia Gardens is free and a guaranteed hit.

Do you need to book Benidorm's theme parks?

In July and August, yes: online tickets are usually cheaper and skip the queues.

What can you do with kids on very hot days?

Museums and the aquarium in Valencia, caves (Sant Josep, Canelobre), rivers and pools inland, or simply the beach first thing and a siesta after lunch. Travel with confidence: choose a legal holiday rental with a registration number. We explain how to spot one in our guide to legal holiday rentals.