What to do in Elche with kids

Elche is a wonderful city in the Sout East of Spain, in Alicante. We have our own airport, El Altet and many tourist visit us every year. So, if you and your family are in this area, you will enjoy this list of what to do in Elche with kids.

If you’re looking for what to do in Elche with kids, the city has a rich mix of outdoor nature, culture, learning, and fun. Beyond parks and historic sites, one hidden gem to include in your itinerary is Sèneca Jove, the local children’s and young adult bookstore. Here are several ideas to help you plan an engaging visit with children, including how Sèneca Jove fits into the mix.

Libros infantiles, Séneca Jove librería infantil y juvenil en el centro de Elche - rincón de cuentos

Explore the Green and Natural Spaces

  • El Palmeral of Elche: A UNESCO World Heritage palm grove, the Palmeral offers shady paths, gardens, and lots of space for kids to run around and explore. It’s perfect for a family walk, a picnic, or just a relaxing afternoon among the palms.
  • Huerto del Cura: One of the most picturesque gardens in Elche with thousands of palms, subtropical plants, and even cacti. Kids will love spotting different species, observing nature, and perhaps feeding ducks if ponds are involved.
What to do with kids in Elche Vista de El Palmeral

Museums and Learning Activities

  • Museo del Palmeral: This museum delves into the history, culture, and ecology of the Palmeral. It usually includes audiovisual exhibits, soundscapes, and a chance to walk through a traditional “huerto” (palm orchard). Great for slightly older kids who enjoy history and nature.
  • Paleontological Museum (MUPE): Fossils, replicas of dinosaurs, marine reptiles and more make this a hit for curious children. It’s a chance to spark imaginations and inspire questions.

Activities & Adventures

  • Trenet (Tourist Train): A 40‑minute ride around the city that passes through highlights such as the Municipal Park, parts of the historic center, and route through the Palmeral. It’s a relaxing and fun way to see Elche without tiring little legs.
  • Ili Palmir games: There are outdoor adventure trails or challenges for kids oriented around characters like Ili Palmir who lead them through quests — chasing dragons or looking for “footprints of time”. Great for combining fun, learning, and fresh air.
  • Parque Municipal: A free palm tree park with diverse animals (ducks, swans, turttles, pigeons…), and a very nice playground. You can walk around and enjoy some shadow here.

Sèneca Jove: A Special Stop

One of the most delightful things you can do in Elche with kids is to visit Sèneca Jove, librería infantil y juvenil. It’s more than just a bookstore —it’s a cultural hub for children, teens, families, and schools.

Here’s what makes Sèneca Jove special:

  • Books for every age: From picture books and tactile books for toddlers, to novels for young adults. They also have interactive books, comics, and reading materials in multiple languages. Perfect whether your child is starting to read, loves fantasy, or is exploring graphic novels.
  • Expert staff and recommendations: The staff know children’s literature well and can help families choose books suited to interests and reading level.
  • Events and cultural programming: Sèneca Jove organizes free literary events, storytelling, reading clubs, sing and play, and sometimes role‑play workshops or author appearances. All are free and don’t require advance reservation. Even some of them are in English, as the owner has lived and worked as a teacher in UK some years. These are excellent for interactive learning and making reading feel like a shared adventure. Just check our website for more information!
  • Convenient location and hours: Located in the center of Elche (Av. Juan Carlos I, nº13), open weekdays with extended hours and Saturday mornings. Easy to drop in between other visits im hot days or on a rainy afternoon.

Including Sèneca Jove in your day gives a calm, imaginative contrast to some of the more active outdoor or museum‑type excursions. Children often appreciate the chance to browse, pick their own books, or attend a storytelling event after a busy morning of walking.

Conclusion

Whether you’re exploring ancient palm groves, diving into the world of dinosaurs, riding a tourist train, or discovering new stories at Sèneca Jove, Elche offers a variety of enriching and entertaining activities for families. The city blends culture, nature, and imagination in a way that keeps children engaged and curious throughout the day. If you’ve been wondering what to do in Elche with kids, now you know—it’s a destination full of surprises, learning, and fun for all ages.