Madrid is an ideal family destination if you’re visiting Spain with kids, offering a plethora of attractions and activities to suit all ages. Families can immerse themselves in art, culture, and nature. The city’s vibrant atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals create a warm and inviting environment for families to create lasting memories.
Things to Do in Madrid With Kids
Madrid is a great city to visit with kids. Here are a few suggestions for Madrid outdoor activities for families:
- Visit Retiro Park: Retiro Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in Madrid. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, and there are plenty of things to do, such as boating on the lake, riding the swan boats, or simply walking around and admiring the gardens.
- Take a walk down Gran Vía: Gran Vía is one of the most famous streets in Madrid. It’s lined with shops, restaurants, and theaters. You can easily spend an afternoon window shopping or people-watching.
- Visit the Temple of Debod: The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was donated to Spain in 1968. It’s located in the Parque del Oeste, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the city.
- Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium: The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is the home of Real Madrid, one of the most successful football clubs in the world. You can take a tour of the stadium and learn about its history.
- Visit the Mercado de San Miguel: The Mercado de San Miguel is a historic market that was built in the 19th century. It’s a great place to sample Spanish food and drinks.
- Visit the Casa de Campo: The Casa de Campo is a large park located in the south of Madrid. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You can go for a walk, bike ride, or rent a boat and row on the lake.
- Visit the Warner Bros. Movie World Madrid theme park: The Warner Bros. Movie World Madrid theme park is a great place to spend a day with the kids. There are rides, shows, and attractions based on your favorite Warner Bros. movies and characters.
- Hike in the Sierra de Guadarrama: The Sierra de Guadarrama is a mountain range located just north of Madrid. There are many hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. The views from the top of the mountains are stunning.
Where to Stay in Madrid With Kids
Here are a few suggestions for family-friendly hotels in Madrid:
- Hotel Regina: This hotel is located in the heart of Madrid, close to many of the city’s attractions. It has a rooftop pool, a spa, and a kids’ club.
- Barceló Imagine: This hotel is located in the Salamanca district, a trendy area of Madrid. It has a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and a kids’ club.
- Hotel Liabeny: This hotel is located in the Chueca district, a vibrant and colorful area of Madrid. It has a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and a kids’ club.
- Melia Avenida de America: This hotel is located in the Avenida de America district, a central area of Madrid. It has a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a kids’ club.
- Posada del León de Oro Boutique Hotel: This hotel is located in the historic center of Madrid, close to many of the city’s attractions. It has a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and a kids’ club.
Where to Eat in Madrid With Kids
There are many great places to eat in Madrid with kids. Here are a few suggestions:
- Restaurants with playgrounds: Several restaurants in Madrid have playgrounds for kids. This is a great option if you want to let your kids run around and burn off some energy while you enjoy your meal. Some popular restaurants with playgrounds include:
- La Tasca: This restaurant has a playground in the back, as well as a kids’ menu.
- La Gruta: This restaurant has a playground in the basement, as well as a kids’ menu.
- La Cuchara de San Lorenzo: This restaurant has a playground in the back, as well as a kids’ menu.
- Restaurants with kids’ menus: Many restaurants in Madrid have kids’ menus. This is a great option if you want to make sure that your kids have something to eat that they will enjoy. Some popular restaurants with kids’ menus include:
- Casa Lucio: This restaurant is known for its traditional Spanish food. The kids’ menu includes dishes like paella, croquetas, and churros.
- El Brillante: This restaurant is known for its bocadillos (sandwiches). The kids’ menu includes sandwiches with ham, cheese, and other fillings.
- La Latina: This restaurant is known for its tapas. The kids’ menu includes tapas like patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), tortilla Española (Spanish omelet), and calamares a la romana (fried squid).
- Restaurants with outdoor seating: Many restaurants in Madrid have outdoor seating. This is a great option if you want to enjoy your meal while your kids play outside. Some popular restaurants with outdoor seating include:
- El Quijote: This restaurant is located in the Retiro Park. It has a large outdoor terrace with views of the park.
- La Terraza del Casino: This restaurant is located on the roof of the Casino de Madrid. It has stunning views of the city.
- La Terraza del Círculo de Bellas Artes: This restaurant is located on the roof of the Círculo de Bellas Artes. It has panoramic views of the city.
When to Go to Madrid With Kids
The best time to visit Madrid with kids is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) seasons. The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and less crowding compared to the peak summer months. This allows for comfortable outdoor exploration of parks and attractions. Additionally, Madrid hosts various family-friendly events and festivals during these seasons, providing additional entertainment options for children.
How Long to Stay in Madrid With Kids
The ideal duration for a family trip to Madrid would be around 3 to 4 days. This timeframe allows you to explore the city’s main attractions, enjoy some outdoor activities, and have enough time for rest and relaxation. It strikes a balance between experiencing the cultural and historical sites, visiting family-friendly attractions, and giving your kids some downtime. However, the length of your stay ultimately depends on your preferences, available time, and the specific activities and attractions you wish to include in your itinerary.
3-Day Madrid Itinerary With Family
Here’s a suggested 3-day itinerary for exploring Madrid with your family:
Day 1: Morning:
- Start with a visit to Retiro Park, a vast green oasis with playgrounds, a boating lake, and beautiful gardens. Let your kids run around and enjoy the open spaces.
- Explore the Crystal Palace, an impressive glass structure that often hosts art exhibitions.
Afternoon:
- Head to the Prado Museum, but focus on the kid-friendly sections, such as the sculpture garden and the Goya paintings.
- Take a walk along Gran Via, Madrid’s famous shopping street, and let your children marvel at the colorful buildings and lively atmosphere.
Day 2: Morning:
- Visit the Royal Palace, a magnificent architectural gem. Take a guided tour or explore the public areas and the gardens on your own.
- Stop by Mercado de San Miguel, a vibrant food market, to sample some local delicacies.
Afternoon:
- Explore the Teleférico de Madrid, a cable car that offers panoramic views of the city. Enjoy a leisurely ride and take in the scenery.
- Take a walk in the vibrant neighborhood of Malasaña, known for its quirky shops, street art, and cozy cafes.
Day 3: Morning:
- Visit the Zoo Aquarium Madrid, home to a wide variety of animals and sea creatures. Enjoy interactive exhibits, shows, and animal encounters.
- Explore the nearby Casa de Campo park, where you can rent bikes or pedal boats, and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
Afternoon:
- Head to Madrid Rio, a scenic riverside park with playgrounds, splash pads, and bike paths. Let your kids have fun while enjoying the outdoor activities.
- End the day with an evening stroll at Puerta del Sol, a bustling square known for its vibrant atmosphere and street performers.
How to Get Around Madrid With Kids
There are many ways to get around Madrid with kids. Here are a few suggestions:
- Metro: The metro is the best way to get around Madrid. It is clean, efficient, and affordable. The metro has 13 lines and over 300 stations, so you can easily get to any part of the city.
- Bus: The bus is another option for getting around Madrid. It is less expensive than the metro, but it can be slower and less reliable. The bus has over 200 lines, so you can usually find a bus that will take you where you want to go.
- Taxi: Taxis are a convenient way to get around Madrid, but they can be expensive. Taxis are available 24 hours a day, and they can be hailed on the street or called.
- Walking: Walking is a great way to see Madrid and get some exercise. Madrid is a very walkable city, and there are many things to see and do within walking distance of most hotels.
- Biking: Biking is a great way to get around Madrid, and it is a fun way to see the city. There are many bike rental companies in Madrid, and you can rent bikes by the hour or by the day.
- Renting a car: Renting a car is a good option if you want to explore outside of Madrid. However, it is important to be aware that driving in Madrid can be challenging, especially in the city center.
