Activities in Madrid
Aquópolis-Villanueva
Address Av de la Dehesa, 28691, Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain Map, Tel 91. 815 69 33 Call, Metro Moncloa, Bus 627 from Moncloa bus station. Free bus service from Cuesta de San Vicente, Cost Prices are lower on weekends Website
If your kids need a day to just be kids (especially in the heat of summer) This close-in waterpark will fit the bill. more
Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Address Santa Isabel 52, Madrid, Spain Map, Tel 914-675-062 Call, Hours Mon,Wed-Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-2:30pm Website
Not only is the artwork (including Savador Dali, Miro, and other modern artists) kid friendly (though you might think twice about bringing small children in to look at Picasso's Guernica), but this building has big glass elevators on its exterior making it fun to visit. There are benches outside the galleries for kids to stop and have a snack. more
Museo del Ferrocarril (Train Museum)
Address Paseo de las Delicias, 61, 28045, Madrid Map, Tel 902 22 88 22 Call, Notes This museum was closed for renovation at last check. Call in advance to confirm opening times. Closed during the month of August., Cost Free admission Website
The train museum has engines for kids to climb on, a working mini steam train, and more. Housed in an old train station close to the the Delicias metro stop. A small (and free) science museum is next door. more
Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace)
Address Palacio Real, Plaza de Oriente, 28013, Madrid Map, Tel (34-91) 454 8800 Call, Hours daily 9am-5pm (Sun to 2pm), but call a day ahead to confirm as the Palace often closed for "official ceremonies", Notes Avoid visiting on Wed when locals get in free, Metro Opera Website
A visit to the Royal Palace is something most kids can get into, especially Princess obsessed little girls. Considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe, the kids will enjoy the rich interiors and the opportunity to imagine what it would be like to live in a palace. We recommend the self guided audio tour as it will enable you to move at the pace that's right for your kids. more
Parque del Retiro
Address parque de retiro, madrid Map,
This huge park has a lot to enjoy, especially on weekends when pavement artists, puppet shows, fortune tellers, musicians, and street performers distribute themselves around the park (and especially near the lake) more
Paseo del Prado Playground
Address Paseo del Prado, Madrid Map,
Walking from the Banco de Espana metro stop towards the Prado museum, you will pass an excellent playground. This is the place to stop and let your kids have some fun (and wear themselves out) before you enter the museum. more
Plaza Mayor
Address Plaza Mayor, Madrid Map,
This historic cobbled square is best visited at dusk, when there's always someone performing. It's also a good choice in the early morning before other attractions are open. There is a branch of the popular Museo de Jamon on the square, and it makes a reliable and reasonably priced stop for a quick bite to eat. more
Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado)
Address Calle Ruiz de Alarcón 23, Madrid 28014 Map, Tel 34 91 330 2800 Call, Hours Tues to Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 9am-2pm; Mon closed, Cost Free Tue to Sat 6pm-8pm. Every Sun 5pm-8pm, Tickets tickets may be purcased by email to the address cav@gtp.es, Metro Banco de Espana Website
Keep in mind that the Goya paintings and drawings are dark and scarey, which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the age and temperment of your child. Our kids loved the huge and beautiful Italian Renaissance paintings. more
Teleferico de Madrid
Address Paseo del Pintor Rosales, 28011 Madrid Map, Tel 91 541 7450 Call, Hours change frequently. Call ahead to confirm schedule, Metro Arguelles and then board the #21 or #74 bus Website
Located in Madrid's biggest park, this cable car travels from downtown to Casa de Campo, a large park at the edge of town. The park itself has an amusument park (Parque de Atracciones), rental rowboats, and a zoo, but frankly they're too far to reach by foot from the gondola. Instead, visit the nice playground near the entrance to the gondola. more
Xanadú
Address C/ Puerto Navacerrada 4, 28939 Arroyomolinos, Spain Map, Tel 34 902 26 30 26 Call, Hours Mon-Sun 10am-10pm, Bus 528 or 534, Taxi A 15 minute ride from the city center, Discounts Ask at customer service for a coupon book filled with discounts Website
This large mall, outside the city limits has a giant arcade, a go-kart track, an indoor ski slope, a play area for little kids, and an American style food court. Of course there are also lots and lots of stores (220 of them!). While it might not be the height of Spanish culture, you can make a great day of kid centered fun here. more
Reader Favorites
De Pino a Pino (From Pinetree to Pinetree)
Address puerta de navacerrada, km. 57 Map, Tel +34 659 45 45 68 or email navacerrada@depinoapino. Call, Website
De Pino a Pino is set in the beautiful Sierra de Navacerrada just 40 minutes out of Madrid. It makes for a wonderful action packed day out for the whole family (including the dog!). Pino a Pino is an obstacle course set amongst the trees. The activity has 4 levels of difficulty. . Prices are 16 euros for 9 to 10 year olds (only permitted to do first two levels), 18 euros for 11 to 15 year olds, 22 euros for 15 years old and above. Under 15s have to be accompanied by an adult. You need to allow at least 2 hours to fully enjoy the experience and naturally wear suitable clothing (stretchy sporty clothing) and try to organise your outing to coincide with good weather conditions. It puts your nerves to the test and is just simply great fun. The village of Navacerrada is just a few minutes away and is a very quaint mountain village with a good selection of restaurants and little shops. more
Pizza Marzano
Address Hotel El Parque, Diego Ayllon, 16, Madrid Map, Tel +34 91 721 98 19 Call, Website
This is just a great Pizza Restaurant. In fact it's actually Pizza Express under a different name, (famous pizza chain in England) and offers good value, great atmosphere for families, quality pizzas and pasta and darn good puddings too. There are several in Madrid but the one that I like to frequent is located near Arturo Soria, (round the back of the Arturo Soria Shopping Centre) because it's in a quiet street with a pretty terrace. Lots of families visit this restaurant with kids of all ages. more
