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The 10 Best Things To Do in Madrid With Kids
Madrid offers many attractions that make it a fascinating place to visit. The architecture, museums, and weather are outstanding. Wine is inexpensive, the cuisine is exquisite, and locals are extremely welcoming.
Upon initially visiting Madrid in 1997, I swiftly formed an affection for the city, ultimately relocating to Spain in 2000 with solely a suitcase and one-way ticket in tow. Sixteen years later, my passion remains undimmed though my situation has evolved – I`m now accompanied by my partner, daughter, and canine companion.”
As I’ve discovered in the last few years, Madrid is an extremely child-friendly city. It’s not unusual to see kids everywhere, and at all hours. And there are lots of unique and culturally interesting things to see and do, depending on how old your kids are, like going to a bullfight, visiting the Prado Museum, or taking a tour of the Royal Palace.
Here is some key information about 10 of the best things to do with children when visiting Madrid.
Buen Retiro Park: Spread over 350 acres, this park is one of the city`s primary attractions. It contains various monuments, galleries and sculptures. Visitors can drink, snack or consume ice cream at different locations. Bicycles or rowboats can be rented to use on the pond. Sundays see maximum visitors when musicians and vendors are also present along with a puppet show for children.
Faunia: From peacocks to penguins, this zoo/botanical garden will not disappoint. Spread across 14 acres, it incorporates 13 thematic areas and 4 unique ecosystems, normally taking around 4 to 5 hours to explore. Kids are able to gently touch and nourish many of the animals, and there are numerous interesting exhibits and activities provided, such as pony rides, swimming with sea lions, viewing the Komodo dragon and learning about birds of prey.
Parque Warner: This theme locale competes impressively with Disneyland Paris. Situated around 30 minutes from Madrid, you will find considerable roller coasters, liquid attractions, and diversions for kids. Have your photo taken with Loony Toons personalities, witness a stunt exhibition, go to a parade, or explore any of its thematic regions such as Cartoon Village, the Old West or DC Super Heroes World.
A must-visit while in Madrid is El Rastro, the city`s famous open-air flea market held weekly on Sundays. Browses are likely to find a vast assortment of goods ranging from artworks and antique items to clothing, accessories, and plants available from the numerous vendors. Be sure also to take a break at one of the cafés along the streets for nourishment such as paella or tapas with a caña (small glass of Spanish beer).”
Carlos Sainz Go-Kart Circuit: The capital city of Spain houses Europe`s largest indoor go-kart racing track, making it an experience youngsters with a taste for velocity should not miss. The facilities also boast an outside track and timing displays. The personnel are highly qualified, the equipment is kept in excellent condition and clean, and the vehicles—as one might expect—are quite speedy! (for kids 8 and up)
Plaza Mayor: This magnificent cobblestone plaza is undoubtedly Madrid’s most prominent and renowned attraction. It was constructed during the Hapsburg period according to the designs of architect Juan de Villanueva. In the center stands a statue of King Philip III. If the walls could speak! In the past, the Plaza Mayor served as the venue for various events: football matches, markets, bullfights, and even public executions. Today it remains a lovely place to wander around filled with street performers, cafes and traditional shops.
San Miguel Market: San Miguel is definitively the most vibrant, busy, and diverse food market in Madrid. If your child is an adventurous eater (and even if he’s not), this is a great place to stop for a bite or even just to look around. It’s housed in a beautiful glass building and there is food and drink galore: fish, seafood, olives, ham, desserts, sherry and cava (for the adults, of course). You can buy small portions of most foods, so it’s the perfect place to try some new and exciting flavors.
Madrid Río Park: If you’re seeking a break from downtown Madrid, this beautiful extensive park built along the Manzanares River has plenty to see and do. You can rent bikes or hike the trails, or relax at the outdoor cafés. Over a dozen play areas for kids feature diverse equipment and all constructed from natural sustainable materials. The tree trunk jungle and super zip-line are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Madrid`s aerial transport system (Cable Cars): Gain a bird`s eye perspective of the city by riding the cable cars across the Manzanares River up to one of Madrid’s parks known as Casa del Campo. It’s a brief trip, but you’ll be able to see some major landmarks like the Almudena Cathedral, Plaza de España, the Egyptian Temple of Debod and the Royal Palace. The restaurant at the summit offers lovely panoramic views of the city, and there’s even a distinctive play area for children.
Witness a flamenco performance: Flamenco is a very distinctive style of vocalizing and physical movement that originated in southern and western Spain. Usually there are a handful of dancers executing the rhythmic steps, together with musicians who sing, play guitar and clap their hands. There are numerous venues to watch a show, from sizeable auditoriums to small bars, and witnessing the display is a fascinating cultural exposure for any child. In 2010, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization incorporated flamenco onto the list of Masterpieces of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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