Parc del Turonet

Parc del Turonet is the largest urban park in Cerdanyola del Vallès, a Catalan town just outside Barcelona. Spread over 9.5 hectares on the hill known locally as "el Turonet" (part of Ca n'Altimira), which rises to 103 metres, the park sits at the meeting point of the Altimira, Canaletes and Turonet neighbourhoods. It functions both as the town's green lung and as a family-friendly recreation hub.

What can you see there?

The centrepiece is a play area built around two giant slides and three smaller wooden structures aimed at younger children. Towering over the space is an 11-metre pyramidal tower feeding two tunnel slides — one 4.5 metres high, the other stretching to 7 metres. It's become a genuine draw, pulling in visitors from beyond Cerdanyola itself, not just local families.

Beyond the play zone, the park offers wide walking paths and space for jogging or cycling, with views opening onto the Vallès valley below. Right next door sits the Las Fontetes municipal sports complex, complete with a swimming pool, along with the Forat del Vent institute — together keeping the area active throughout the day rather than only in the late afternoon.

What's the history behind it?

The park in its current form dates to 1995, when it opened following investment from the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona). The hill itself, though, carries a longer story tied to the town's growth: in the early twentieth century Cerdanyola functioned as a summer retreat, and in the 1920s a "garden city" development scheme took hold on the hill, starting from its summit and spreading down the northern and eastern slopes. Traces of that early urban planning still show up in the layout of paths and greenery surrounding the park today.

How do you get there?

Cerdanyola del Vallès lies roughly 20 kilometres north of central Barcelona and is well served by the Rodalies regional rail network, making it an easy day-trip destination. From the town-centre train station, the park is a walk of about fifteen minutes uphill along a gentle slope toward the Turonet. Drivers will find parking near the Las Fontetes sports complex adjacent to the park.

When's the best time to visit?

The park stays open year-round, but spring and autumn bring the most comfortable conditions for longer walks and outdoor play. In summer, the neighbouring pool draws crowds, turning the whole area into a lively local gathering spot. Weekend afternoons are when families make the most of the slides and picnic areas.

Frequently asked questions

Is Parc del Turonet good for children? Yes — that's essentially its core purpose. The play zone, with its giant slides and lookout tower, was designed with younger visitors specifically in mind.

How big is the park? It covers 9.5 hectares, making it the largest urban park in Cerdanyola del Vallès.

Is there anywhere to swim nearby? Yes, the Las Fontetes municipal sports complex, which includes a public swimming pool, sits right next to the park.

Is entry to the park free? Yes, Parc del Turonet is an open public space that can be visited free of charge all year round.