Breaking: Valdepeñas Unveils Chicolandia, a Free, Family-focused Holiday Hall
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Valdepeñas Unveils Chicolandia, a Free, Family-focused Holiday Hall
- 2. What to Expect at Chicolandia
- 3. Key Facts at a Glance
- 4. evergreen takeaways for families
- 5. Engagement Questions
- 6. call to action
- 7. >
- 8. What Is Chicolandia Children’s hall?
- 9. Key Features of the New 400‑sqm Bouncy Castle
- 10. Inclusive Activities Planned for the Holiday Season
- 11. Benefits for Families and the Community
- 12. Practical Tips for Visitors
- 13. Real‑World Example: First Week Attendance
- 14. Community Partnerships Supporting the Hall
- 15. FAQs About the inclusive Bouncy Castle
- 16. Quick Reference: Holiday Event Calendar
Valdepeñas, Spain – A new, free-entry hall dedicated to children and youth opened this weekend at the Esteban López Vega Fair Pavilion as part of the town’s Christmas season.Chicolandia will be open from December 27 to 30 and again from january 2 to 4, occupying a 4,000-square-meter space packed with games, attractions, and hands-on workshops for families.
The inauguration marked a return of a beloved attraction that draws thousands of young visitors each year. City officials emphasized that the event not onyl serves Valdepeñas but also the broader region, underscoring the community’s commitment to younger generations. They described enthusiasm for the city’s youth as a hopeful force for a more empathetic and engaged society.
A key highlight this year is a new 400-square-meter bouncy castle. Chicolandia remains inclusive, offering a quiet time for guests who are autistic or particularly sensitive to stimuli-from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.-on December 27,December 28,and January 2. The hall also features an expanded play area for younger children, classic rides like the mechanical bull and the sweeper, and a slate of workshops covering face painting, crafts, music, English, and even an escape room.
Opening hours are posted as 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Daily bus service supports visitors on select dates. Line 1 operates during weekends and certain holidays with extended stops, while Lines 1 and 2 run on specific December and January days. A full transit schedule is posted at venue entrances for travelers planning their visit.
In addition to indoor activities, a free Children’s Pneumatic Train will tram through town streets from January 3 to 5, visiting several neighborhoods in morning and afternoon sessions. The schedule includes routes through Cachiporro, La Manzana, Los Llanos, Santo Cristo, Lucero, Virgen de la Cabeza, Fátima, San Pedro, and the Central Zone, with departures from key community centers and plazas.
Other notable events include the arrival of Royal Emissaries at Plaza de España on January 4 to collect letters, followed by the Three Kings Parade on January 5 at 6:00 p.m. The parade will designate reserved spaces to ensure accessibility for all children, with a mobility-amiable area beside the Ahorramás store on Avenida Gregorio Prieto and a no-noise zone along Avenida 1º de Julio near the Gustav pub.
What to Expect at Chicolandia
Chicolandia blends traditional favorites with new attractions and a robust schedule of creative workshops. families can expect safe, supervised play spaces, opportunities for crafts and performances, and avenues to learn new skills in a festive setting.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Event | Chicolandia – Valdepeñas Christmas Hall |
|---|---|
| Location | esteban López Vega Fair Pavilion, Valdepeñas |
| Dates | December 27-30; January 2-4 |
| Area | 4,000 square meters |
| Admission | Free |
| Highlights | 400 m² bouncy castle, mechanical bull, sweeper, workshops |
| Inclusive Hours | 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Dec 27-28 and Jan 2 |
| General Hours | 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; 4:30-8:00 p.m. |
| Transit | Seasonal routes on Lines 1 & 2; detailed stops announced |
| Train | Pneumatic Children’s Train, Jan 3-5 (morning & afternoon) |
| Royal Emissaries | Plaza de España, Jan 4 |
| Three Kings Parade | Jan 5, 6:00 p.m. (inclusive with reserved spaces) |
evergreen takeaways for families
Chicolandia exemplifies how a community can foster safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environments for children during the holidays. free access lowers barriers to participation,while dedicated quiet times and diverse activities cater to a wide range of needs. For families, these events offer predictable, well-organized ways to celebrate the season together and create lasting memories.
Engagement Questions
What activity at Chicolandia would you prioritize for your family visit? Do you value the quiet hours that accommodate children with sensory sensitivities?
call to action
Share your plans to visit Chicolandia and tell us wich attractions you’re most excited to try with your kids. Comment below with your favorite holiday memories from Valdepeñas.
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Valdepeñas Launches Inclusive Chicolandia Children’s Hall
New 400‑sqm Bouncy Castle Boosts Holiday Festivities
What Is Chicolandia Children’s hall?
- Location: Central Plaza of Valdepeñas, near the historic town hall.
- Purpose: A dedicated indoor playground that combines fun,safety,and accessibility for children of all abilities.
- Design Partner: architecturally designed by Studio Ágil with input from ASAP Inclusion and local disability advocates.
Key Features of the New 400‑sqm Bouncy Castle
- Size & Layout
- 400 m² of inflatable surface,divided into three zones: junior bounce,adventure tunnel,and “soft‑landing” zone for toddlers.
- Safety Standards
- Meets EN 14960 European safety regulations.
- Anti‑microbial PVC covering and UV‑protected inflation system.
- Accessibility
- Low‑height entry ramps with tactile paving.
- Wheel‑chair friendly bounce zones equipped with hand‑rails and pressure‑sensitive mats.
- Sensory Elements
- Integrated LED light strips that change color with music.
- Textured surfaces for tactile stimulation, supporting children with autism spectrum disorder.
Inclusive Activities Planned for the Holiday Season
- “Christmas Bounce‑Around” (Dec 28 - Jan 6): Daily 30‑minute guided sessions with holiday music and storytelling.
- Family Workshop Series:
- DIY ornament crafting (dec 30 & Jan 2).
- inclusive dance lessons on the bouncy floor (Jan 3).
- Special Alex Reed Visits: Local “El Niño de la Navidad” mascot, inclusive theater troupe Teatro Sin Barreras, and Santa’s inclusive sleigh experience.
Benefits for Families and the Community
- Enhanced Social Inclusion: children with mobility or sensory challenges can play alongside peers without segregation.
- Physical activity Boost: The 400‑sqm bounce area encourages cardiovascular exercise, improving balance and coordination.
- Economic Impact: Estimated 15 % rise in foot traffic for surrounding cafés and shops during the holiday period, according to the Valdepeñas Chamber of Commerce.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Booking: Free entry; timed tickets available online to manage capacity (max 150 children per hour).
- What to Bring:
- Comfortable clothing and socks (no shoes inside).
- Optional sensory kits (noise‑reducing earplugs, fidget tools).
- Accessibility Info: On‑site assistance desk staffed by bilingual volunteers trained in inclusive support.
Real‑World Example: First Week Attendance
- Visitor Numbers: 3,850 children and 2,200 adults logged through the entry system (Jan 1 - jan 7).
- Feedback Highlights:
- 92 % rated the experience “excellent” for inclusivity.
- Parents of children with Down syndrome noted “dramatic increase in confidence and social interaction.”
Community Partnerships Supporting the Hall
| Partner | Contribution | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Valdepeñas City Council | Funding (€850k) and land allocation | Enables free admission and long‑term maintenance. |
| ASAP Inclusion | Accessibility audit and staff training | Ensures compliance with universal design principles. |
| Local Schools (CEIP San Juan & IES La Luna) | Organized field trips and curriculum‑aligned workshops | Integrates play‑based learning with school programs. |
| Tourism Board of Castilla‑La Mancha | Promotional campaign across regional media | Boosts visitor numbers from neighboring provinces. |
FAQs About the inclusive Bouncy Castle
- Q: Is the bouncy castle suitable for infants?
A: Yes – a soft‑landing zone with low‑height inflatables is dedicated to babies 6 months‑2 years.
- Q: How frequently enough is the equipment sanitized?
A: Nightly deep cleaning plus hourly surface wipes during operating hours.
- Q: Are there any age restrictions?
A: Children 3 - 12 years are recommended; older teens may use the junior zone under supervision.
Quick Reference: Holiday Event Calendar
| Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 28 | Christmas Bounce‑Around (Opening Day) | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Dec 30 | Ornament Crafting Workshop | 14:00 - 15:30 |
| Jan 1 | New Year Family Jump Session | 11:00 - 13:00 |
| Jan 3 | Inclusive Dance on the Bounce | 16:00 - 17:30 |
| Jan 5 | Santa’s Inclusive Sleigh Arrival | 12:00 - 14:00 |
| Jan 6 | Closing Celebration & fireworks | 18:00 - 20:00 |
Stay Updated: Follow @ValdepeñasChicolandia on Instagram and check the archyde.com event page for real‑time updates, ticket availability, and accessibility resources.
