Are you searching for unique holiday destinations that delight both children and adults? Aquariums across Europe offer not only a fascinating look into the underwater world, but also unforgettable experiences. You can see enormous shark tanks, explore interactive educational zones, and discover marine life up close. Moreover, when you travel in summer, aquariums become a pleasant escape from the heat thanks to their air-conditioned spaces.
Travel with kids tested these places and now shares recommendations: aquariums in Europe you must visit. In this article, we present three family-favorite aquariums in Spain, located in Valencia, Barcelona, and Gran Canaria.
Travel with kids: aquariums in Europe you must visit
Oceanogràfic aquarium in Valencia
Oceanogràfic aquarium in Valencia is the largest aquarium in Europe. Here, visitors can see a wide variety of marine animals, including sharks, dolphins, and multiple species of sea turtles. It is not only entertainment, but also an educational experience for children.
What truly surprised us is that Oceanogràfic is not a single building, as many aquariums usually are. Instead, it is a vast territory with multiple buildings dedicated to different aquatic themes. There is a huge dolphinarium where shows take place. In addition, make sure to visit the bird dome.
Our children especially loved the underwater tunnels. There is more than one, and they were amazed by the enormous turtles swimming above them. They also enjoyed the dolphin performance. It felt calm and natural, as the animals seemed playful rather than “working.” This philosophy now appears in many Spanish aquariums and zoos.
Within the territory, you will find several dining options. You can choose from more expensive restaurants, simpler snack bars, and small kiosks. Furthermore, the area includes playgrounds for children as well as educational zones where older kids can explore marine biodiversity.
We purchased a combined ticket for multiple attractions and saved a considerable amount. Visitors can select from several options. We chose the three-ticket package: Oceanogràfic + Science Museum + Hemisfèric.
You can also buy a ticket only for the aquarium. However, we strongly recommend purchasing in advance, as queues at the ticket offices can be very long. Even when we left around 3:00 PM, large lines still formed near the counters. With pre-purchased tickets, you walk directly to the entrance and immediately enter the aquarium territory.
Poema del Mar aquarium in Gran Canaria
Poema del Mar aquarium in Gran Canaria is often described as one of the most impressive aquariums in Europe. It sits near the cruise port and only a few minutes’ walk from Las Canteras city beach. The aquarium divides into three main areas: shallow-water marine ecosystems, deep-sea marine ecosystems, and freshwater species.
Poema del Mar also features the largest curved aquarium ever built. This tunnel weighs more than 140 tons, stretches 36 meters in length, and reaches 7 meters in height. The scale alone leaves a strong impression.
Purchase Poema del Mar tickets in advance.
Barcelona aquarium
Barcelona aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe and houses more than 11,000 marine animals. The venue includes a variety of exhibits and maze-like pathways. Therefore, children will undoubtedly find it engaging.
This is not just an aquarium, but also a place full of activities. Visitors will find playground areas, a cinema, and a fast-food café. Additionally, the aquarium organizes workshops for children. During our visit, kids created pin badges, and this activity was included in the ticket price.
Another incredibly fun experience, though available at an extra cost of 4 euros per unit, is feeding the large carp using small bottles.
We purchased our tickets online through our trusted partner system.
