Ontinyent is an easy town to visit with children: short distances, nature on the doorstep and plenty of free things to do. Here are ideas for all ages and any time of year.
The Pou Clar: water and nature
The Pou Clar is the star attraction. Kids love the crystal-clear pools in the rock, but the water is very cold and some pools are deep: always keep an eye on them and bring water shoes, as the rock is slippery.
In July and August you need to book (free) and you can't drive there. Outside summer it's a lovely walk, and the Galindo pine grove has picnic tables. All the details are in the Pou Clar guide.
Parks
Ontinyent has over 100,000 m² of public parks. Some of the best for children:
- Parc de les Mamàs Belgues, by the river in the Cantereria area. It was created after the 2019 flood and has won international architecture awards. It is named after the Belgian nurses who cared for the wounded in Ontinyent during the Spanish Civil War. In autumn it hosts Tic Tac al Parc, a free family festival with music, theatre, magic and workshops.
- Parc de Benarrai, in the south of town (10,740 m²).
- Parc de Sant Rafel (12,730 m²) and Parc del Mestre Ferrero (15,845 m², the largest).
- Parc Ausiàs March and La Glorieta, right in the centre. At Christmas, Parc Ausiàs March fills up with the market and the circus.
Museums kids enjoy
- Giants Museum (Gegants i Cabets), in the Palau de la Vila: giants representing three cultures and big-heads inspired by 1930s and 40s films. Free. Local tradition is to run in front of the big-heads shouting "Orelluts!" ("big ears!").
- Natural Sciences Museum, in La Concepción school: animals from around the world, ancient Egyptian remains and a botanical garden. Free, by appointment (closed in July and August).
- Textile Museum: real looms to see how a blanket was made. Free.
- Festival Museum: the most spectacular Moors and Christians costumes. Weekends, €1.
The old town with riddles
The Old Town Walk takes you through the medieval quarter from the Palau de la Vila to Plaça Major and includes riddles to solve as a family: what is the statue in Plaça de Sant Pere wearing on its head? It's short and car-free, and the views from Carrer Mirador will surprise them.
Swimming pools
- Municipal summer pool, at the sports centre. In 2026 it opened from 6 June to 3 September, 10:30 to 20:30 on weekdays and 10:30 to 20:00 at weekends and on holidays.
- Indoor pool, on Carrer Vicent Lluís Montés i Penadés, open from September to July. Phone +34 648 96 66 56.
Festivals kids love
- Giants and big-heads dancing in the streets at Corpus Christi and La Puríssima.
- Sant Antoni, in January: bonfires, the blessing of the animals and a parade of farm vehicles from which children throw confetti and sweets.
- Moors and Christians, in August: the Entrades parades are a spectacle. For little ones, find a spot in the shade and bring water.
- Christmas: the illuminated nativity on the bell tower, street circus and the Three Kings Parade. All in the Christmas guide.
Rainy days
Museums are the best refuge: the Giants Museum and the Textile Museum are free and close to the centre. You can also go to the indoor pool or check the events calendar for films, children's theatre or workshops.
Food
A good arròs al forn (oven-baked rice) goes down well with most kids. And at the weekend, see what to do this weekend: events, weather and pharmacies on duty.
Opening times and prices may change: check before you go. Sources: Turisme Ontinyent, Ontinyent Town Council and El Periòdic d'Ontinyent.
