The 5 Best Things to Do in Madrid with kids

Are you traveling to Madrid with kids?

Madrid is a family-friendly city, with a wide range of activities for parents and children. This is a comprehensive article where you will find all you need to enjoy your trip to Madrid with kids.

Such a long post can be overwhelming but it is full of essential information. You do not need to read it all at once, add it to your bookmarks and come back any time you need. Besides, there is a table of contents that allows you to scroll down to the section you want to review.

If you are looking for the best things to do in Madrid with children, keep on reading. I have compiled my top 5 here for you!

Is Madrid a kid-friendly city?

Madrid is a compact city and many of the top-rated tourist attractions are located in the city center. This is quite convenient for families traveling with kids as most spots are within walking distance.

Besides, the weather in Madrid is most of the time nice to enjoy a stroll.

In case you need to cover longer distances, public transport is comfortable, clean, accessible, and safe. Metro Madrid and public buses are just some of the most popular and affordable means of public transport that will allow you to easily get around Madrid with kids.

According to the Global Peace Index, Spain is one of the 25 safest countries in the world. It is not just that you will be safe but you and your family will feel safe.

However, you never know if your child is going to get sick on vacation. If so, you need to know that the healthcare system in Spain is excellent too, offering both private and public services with one of the highest standards of quality in the world.

You will recognize pharmacies in Spain by the large green cross above their entry door. Many medicines are available to customers without a prescription.

For severe illnesses, attend to a hospital as soon as possible, and you can call 112, a free-of-charge number for emergencies.

Spain is an exceptional place to live due to its pleasant sunny weather and the balance between the affordable cost of living and the awesome quality of life, especially compared to other European capitals.

Visiting Madrid with kids is an excellent choice due to the wide range of attractions and activities for all ages and personalities. Holidays with children should include an equilibrium between culture, fun, and physical activity.

Nothing opens children’s minds like new experiences, and Madrid is perfect for that. The capital of Spain offers a combination of museums, historical monuments, amusement parks, shows, green areas, and many other outstanding activities your children will not forget.

Planning your trip to Madrid with kids

Visiting Madrid with kids is a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it can be overwhelming without proper planning.

When I travel with my daughter, I try to be always ready for the unexpected. Good planning helps you to react better and faster against any setback and do not ruin your family holidays. I always think, what could go wrong?

With some previous research, your family trip to Spain will be relaxing, enjoyable, and filled with fantastic new family experiences.

Traveling with children always requires extra time, no matter the destination. Therefore, it is worth taking some time before the trip to scout out hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Try to keep your schedule loose and leave enough room for adjustment, a flexible schedule will generate less stress for your children.

The key to a successful family trip to Madrid is finding plenty of fun activities to keep your children happy. Keep the planning relaxed, do not overload it with sightseeing activities, and save enough time for breaks, playgrounds, pools, and to try Spanish candies.

It obviously depends on how old your kids are, but it is usually helpful to involve them in the planning. Let them choose between several activities and this way they will be more excited about the trip.

Likewise, you can give them their own suitcase and empower them to choose the clothes and goodies they want to bring on your family vacation.

Traveling to Madrid with babies, toddlers, or teenagers

Children have different needs depending on their age.

Babies

Traveling to Madrid with babies can be the easiest and the most difficult.

At this age, you can take them anywhere and keep them happy as long as you create a comfortable environment for them and keep them on their routine.

On the other hand, special care is required as they are more vulnerable and dependent.

Toddlers

Toddlers are a little bit more autonomous and they usually have fun with all the new experiences.

But it is also true that when building your itinerary, you will have to leave enough downtime to let them refuel their energy, hit a playground, or eat ice cream.

A critical decision when traveling to Madrid with kids is if you are carrying a stroller.

I usually do, as strollers are extremely convenient for longer distances and for a mid-day nap.

Besides, the storage basket underneath is really handy for carrying snacks, water, sweaters, and many other articles you could need along the day.   

I use the Bugaboo Ant as it is compact, lightweight, and can be taken right up to the gate of the plane. Similar lightweight or umbrella-type strollers should be excellent choices too.

Teenagers

Visiting Madrid with teenagers should be quite fun.

They will probably need some space so it could be convenient to book a hotel room just for them or rent an apartment where they can have their own room.

A mix of activities and sightseeing will be necessary so they do not get bored as well as some internet and social media time.

They should be also involved in the planning of the trip and take some decisions like the restaurants, shows, or activities.

Booking the flights to Madrid

The cost of the flight will probably be one of the highest expenses on your trip to Madrid, especially if you are traveling with family.

When traveling to Madrid with kids, it is important not to focus just on cost but also on convenience.

For instance, when traveling with my daughter I would most times choose a direct flight although it is more expensive. The more connections you have, the more delays and travel hassles you are likely to encounter.

Although it might be tempting to make use of a low-cost airline, take into account that they often fly into remote airports, which could mean more travel and additional transport expenses.

Besides, they usually have fine-print additional charges for baggage, choosing seats, meals, … which will make the final price difference minimal.

The time of the flights is important too. If you get a night flight to a distant destination, your child could spend the whole journey sleeping.

Seat kids away from the aisle as the food and beverage cart can be dangerous for them.

If your child chooses the journey to throw a tantrum try to keep calm. A few passengers will probably be bothered but most will empathize with you as they are parents and know perfectly how it feels. Some of them will even try to help you entertain your baby.

This is why you do not need any cheap flight but a good flight at the cheapest price. If you can get the very same flight at a lower price, savings can multiply by 3 or 4.

Do not overpay for your plane tickets if you are traveling to Madrid with kids with my step-by-step guide to finding cheap flights to Madrid.

Best accommodation in Madrid with kids

If you are planning to visit Madrid with kids, one of your first thoughts should be how to choose the best place to stay in Spain and enjoy your vacations in the capital of Spain to the fullest.

The accommodation offer in Madrid is wide, diverse, and for all budgets. That’s why it can make it tricky you find the right place that fits your style, interests, and budget.

In my opinion, having visited many cities around the world, accommodation in Madrid is quite affordable and has very good quality. You will find big price differences though, depending on the season.

Castellana, Princesa, Chamberi, and Argüelles are excellent neighborhoods when traveling to Madrid with kids. You will not be in the historic center but the excellent public transport will be your ally to visit the best attractions in Madrid.

The main discussion when visiting Spain with kids is usually choosing between hotel and apartment.

There is not a right answer, as it depends on each person. In case you are searching for a hotel, these are my 15 top-rated family hotels in Madrid.

Apartments are as clean as hotels, and they usually are cheaper, more spacious, and have a kitchen, which gives you more flexibility for meals and allows you to cut down on the costs of dining out.

You will also have more privacy and room to hang out once the kids are in bed.

Read my guide to finding the best place to stay in Madrid.

Packing for your trip to Madrid with children

Packing for a trip to Madrid with kids should not be a major concern in your planning.

The following tips should help you to pack only the essentials. Do not overpack, and remember that in Europe you will be able to buy almost everything at affordable prices.

You can use the following list as a general guide, but you will need to adapt it based on the age of your kids.

Hand baggage:

• Travel documentation (IDs, passport, Visa, Insurance, medical cards and vaccination records, driving license, reservations).
• Credit cards and some cash.
• Favorite toys, games, books, and other entertainment.
• Electronic gadgets and headphones, especially for long journeys. And chargers!
• Basic first-aid kit with bandages, thermometer, hand sanitizer, face masks, pain reducers, and other medication. If possible, take it onboard.
• Nappies, wipes, changing mat, bib, feeding bottle, pacifiers, and a blanket. Baby carrier.
• Some snacks, baby food, and refillable drink bottles.
• Changing clothes and some toiletries.
• Cameras, memory cards, and batteries.

Checked baggage:

• Clothes and comfortable footwear, depending on the expected weather and activities (e.g. swimsuits).
• Sleepwear, toiletries, and jewelry.
• Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, cap, or hat). You will not probably need an umbrella or raincoat, but it is up to you, check the weather forecast before traveling.
• Travel power adapters.

No matter how carefully you plan your trip and pack your bags, the trip could have some bumps along the way. Remember that they are part of the adventure too, find the best solution, and continue enjoying the journey.

Best time to visit Madrid with kids

If you are traveling to Madrid with kids, you need to know that the weather in Madrid is quite predictable.

Summer in Madrid is warm and dry, especially from mid-July until mid-August where the temperatures could reach 35-40 ºC / 95-104 ºF.

Days are very long so you can plan your outdoor activities for the earlier and later hours and do the indoor activities in the midday when the sun is hottest. You can also enjoy the Spanish siesta and take a nap after lunch.

Deep winter is cold but not extreme. Rainy days are not usual and the city center rarely receives snow. As thermometers don’t usually go down from 0 ºC / 32 ºF, you should be fine with just a coat.

Besides, most days are sunny and the thermal sensation goes up with the daylight, this will help you to enjoy all the outdoor things to do in Madrid.

You need to take into account that the highest and lowest temperatures don’t seem as bad due to the low humidity.

Madrid at Christmas time is especially beautiful, you can breathe the magic. It’s a time for family and traditions. I love wandering through the streets of Madrid with the Christmas lights shining and the smell of the roasted chestnuts.

Spring and autumn are my favorite seasons for a trip to Madrid with kids, they don’t last long though. Summer usually overlaps spring, and winter does the same with autumn.

Visitors will be rewarded with really nice weather, mild temperatures, lots of sunshine, and colorful trees and flowers in Madrid`s beautiful parks and gardens. Besides, you will find fewer crowds and even lower accommodation prices.

Tips and things to know before visiting Madrid with children

At this point, you already know how important is planning for traveling to Spain with kids.

Patience and extra time will be your best allies. You cannot plan everything ahead though, so do not get frustrated with unexpected situations.

I have already told you about flights, accommodation, packing, and the best time to visit Madrid, but there are other little things you can do to make your trip to Madrid with kids better.

• Ensure you take all the necessary documentation (both original documents and copies), including your kids` passports or authorizations. Some additional documentation could be required to enter Spain depending on your nationality, like a visa, proof of funds, vaccination certificates, and health control forms.
• Prioritize direct flights and consider overnight flights for long journeys. Seat kids away from the aisle as the food and beverage cart could hurt them.
• An apartment can be more convenient than a hotel room if you are traveling to Madrid with kids. They are as clean as hotels, and they usually are cheaper, more spacious, and have a kitchen.
• Do not overpack. The less you bring, the easier it is to pack, and the lighter you will travel. And check the weather forecast at your destination before packing.
• Favorite toys, games, and fully-charged electronics will make long journeys more bearable as well as overnight flights. Most flights to Spain are also equipped with several entertainment options.

• Jet lag is another aspect to consider in case your final destination is located in a different time zone. Your kids could be more tired than usual for the first few days so keep your schedule loose and plan additional time to rest.
• Healthcare system in Madrid is excellent and many medicines are available in pharmacies without a prescription. However, it is always advisable to include a well-stocked first-aid kit in your hand baggage when visiting Madrid with kids and memorize the 112 free telephone number for emergencies.
• Most Madrid attractions, museums, and public transport will offer discounts for children, students, and families, which will allow you to save money when traveling to Madrid with kids. Multi-attraction passes are usually a convenient option to get a discounted price for the top-rated landmarks in Madrid.
• Try to avoid lines. Book tickets to attractions online and consider the “skip the line” option when available.
• A lightweight or umbrella-type stroller will be your best friend when your kid feels sleepy or for longer distances walking. And the storage basket will be quite handy to carry snacks, drinks, a camera, clothes, and other small items that you could need during your day of sightseeing.
• Do not forget snacks. Not just during the journey but also all along your stay, you never know when the time between meals will get extended.

If you follow these tips, I am sure that your family trip to Madrid with kids will become a wonderful and unforgettable experience.

Top 5 things to do with kids in Madrid

If you are visiting Madrid with kids, don’t miss these 5 family-friendly activities when exploring the capital.

Theme parks

There are some fantastic amusement parks in Madrid for an entertaining day out with the whole family:

Warner Park

Warner Park is the perfect destination for a getaway in Madrid with kids. You will have an amazing time at this unique theme park dedicated to the famous Warner Bros movies.

The Park contains 5 thematic areas, all designed around the world of cinema, cartoons, and your kids´ favorite superheroes.

Your children will feel like real movie stars on Hollywood Boulevard, take part in a cartoon episode with the mischievous Looney Tunes at Cartoon Village, experience a classic Western movie up close in the Old West Territory, visit unimaginable cities like Gotham City or Metropolis at DC Super Heroes World, or play the leading role in the filming of a movie at a real Californian movie set in Movie World Studios.

Your family will discover a wide range of attractions suitable for all ages, decorated stores, and themed shows.

Warner Park Beach is a refreshing and fun waterpark and the best place to enjoy an exciting summer’s day in Madrid with children.

With 40,000 m2 dedicated to attractions, restaurants, rest areas, and a store, this is the perfect environment to enjoy Madrid with kids.

There are water attractions for all ages and you can choose the ones that best suit your taste, from the most daring ones to those designed especially for families with small children.

The Park is located in San Martín de la Vega, just 30 km from Madrid and very close to other popular municipalities such as Aranjuez and Chinchón.

For more information on how to get there, hours, prices, and other FAQs check the official website.

Madrid Amusement Park

The Amusement Park is, with more than thirty rides, activities, and shows, one of the best theme parks to enjoy Madrid with kids.

Much of the blame lies on having characters as beloved by them as SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends, the Paw Patrol, or Dora the Explorer.

The Park houses proposals for all ages. From shows for the little ones to experiences based on The Walking Dead universe.

The park is divided into 4 themed areas: Machinery, Nature, Tranquility, and Nickelodeon Land.

Machinery contains all the most invigorating rides, for those who enjoy intense excitement. The most daring visitors can enjoy some incredible rides such as Abismo, La Lanzadera, or Tornado.

The Nature zone offers some of the most popular water rides, such as Los Rápidos and Los Fiordos.

Tranquility is the perfect area for relaxing with the family and enjoying rides like La Jungla, Zeppelin, and Star Flyer, an incredible 80-meter-tall ride where you can enjoy spectacular views and sunsets of Madrid.

If you are visiting Madrid with children, they will love the Nickelodeon Land area, designed for the little ones in the family. This is where your kids can enjoy rides related to various Nickelodeon characters, including Paw Patrol, SpongeBob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The Park also offers, paying a supplement, “The Walking Dead Experience” to horror fans and intrepid visitors.

You will have to escape from the “unliving” in the popular scenarios of the famous tv show. What about you? Do you dare escape the zombies?

The Amusement Park is located in Casa de Campo and you can easily get there by subway. For additional information about getting there, hours, tickets, dining options, and other FAQs check the official website.

Aquopolis Water Park

Aquopolis is Europe’s biggest water park, with 14 attractions and a large green area where visitors can relax or sunbathe.

It also houses a long sandy beach inspired by the landscapes of Hawaii. Aquopolis is an awesome activity if you travel to Madrid with kids.

The attractions are divided depending on their wow factor and adrenaline rush, being “High Excitement” the attractions ideal to get the adrenaline pumping, and “Moderate” and “Children´s” are perfect for all the family.

Next to the wave pools, you will find is a large white sandy beach called Malibu Beach, decorated to recall the landscapes of Hawaii. Guests can book Balinese beds to enjoy the sun, relax, and have a soft drink or snack at the kiosk.

You can get to Aquopolis Water Park by car or public transport. For additional information about getting there, hours, tickets, services, VIP zones, and other FAQs check the official website.

The Water Park is the ideal place to have fun in Madrid with children in summer.

Preservation of wildlife and habitats

Madrid Zoo Aquarium

Visiting a zoo in Madrid with kids offers incredible learning opportunities.

While having a fun day exploring, visiting a zoo helps children understand the importance of preserving the environment as it has a significant impact on the lives and welfare of animals.

A day at the zoo provides the perfect balance between education and fun. It is the perfect activity when visiting Madrid with family.

You will discover a fascinating world where the fauna of the five continents is brought together. Madrid Zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals belonging to more than 500 species, including giant panda bears, koalas, giraffes, leopards, elephants, tigers, lions, and rhinos.

Madrid Zoo Aquarium carries out several programs for education, sustainability, and conservation and breeding of species in danger of extinction.

You can get to the zoo by metro, bus, or car. For additional information about getting there, hours, tickets, services, conservation programs, and other FAQs check the official website.

Faunia

Faunia is more than a zoo.

If you visit Faunia Madrid with kids, you will discover 4 ecosystems and 15 thematic areas that recreate the most important habitats on the planet. Approximately 3,000 animals of 300 different species coexist with their own habitat, temperature, light, and humidity conditions.

Kids will be able to enjoy the extreme cold of the Antarctic, represented by the Polar Ecosystem, the tropical heat of the Amazon jungle represented by the Jungle Ecosystem, the African forest, the Steller´s bay, and the mysterious world of night animals.

This nature theme park is especially popular at Easter, Christmas, and summer, as it organizes camps for an unforgettable experience during the children’s holidays.

There are fewer animals than in the Madrid Zoo Aquarium, but the ecosystem approach provides visitors with a more educational experience.

Faunia carries out several programs for education, sustainability, and conservation of species in danger of extinction.

You can get to the park by metro, bus, or car. For additional information about getting there, hours, tickets, services, conservation programs, and other FAQs check the official website.

Cultural activities in Madrid with kids

Kid-friendly Museums

Madrid is home to many family-friendly museums. Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofia are the best 3 museums in Madrid but your kids will probably not enjoy them that much.

That is why I wanted to give you additional alternatives of museums to have fun in Madrid with kids. Take your pick of the top family-friendly museums in Madrid:

• The National Museum of Natural Science is filled with botanical and insect collections, dinosaur replicas, and exhibitions focusing on nature.
• The National Archaeological Museum offers children an accurate, attractive, interesting, and critical interpretation of the objects that belonged to the different cultures which populated the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean region, ranging from Antiquity to more recent periods.
• The National Anthropology Museum´s main purpose is the dissemination of the values of cultural diversity and the respect it merits. If you visit this museum in Madrid with kids, you will discover an overview of the cultures to enable visitors to appreciate the way this cultural diversity enriches global society.

• The Robot Museum is a unique space in Europe that offers a remarkable experience, where you can discover the past, present, and future of robotics in a fun and inspiring way. Children will be able to admire everything from the award-winning NAO humanoid robot to replicas of the famous Star Wars androids.
• The Planetarium is an amusing activity for kids in Madrid, with exhibitions, workshops, and projections. Activities like star-gazing invite children on a journey to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos and bring the cosmos, astronomy, and science closer to schoolchildren.
• The Real Madrid Museum and the legendary Santiago Bernabeu Stadium tour are fun alternatives if your kids love sports. The tour includes access to an incredible panoramic view of the stadium, a visit to the trophy room, changing rooms, and much more.

City tours

Bike tours are an ideal and fun way to discover the history, culture, and attractions of Madrid with your kids.

This activity is healthy and sustainable and will allow you to have a fun family time when exploring the capital of Spain.

The best bike tours in Madrid will allow you to control your budget on your trip to Spain.

You will find that the prices are quite accessible, especially compared to other European cities.

You have to consider that the tour includes, apart from the bike, 2-3 hours with a professional bilingual guide with a deep knowledge of Madrid´s history, culture, and traditions.

One of the main benefits of bike tours is that you do not have to worry about planning. All you have to do is turn up at the meeting point on time, ready to spend a nice time in Madrid with kids.

Madrid Hop on Hop off touristic bus is one of the easiest and most fun ways for children to discover the most popular attractions in the city.

This is indeed an excellent and pleasant option if, for example, you do not spend much time in Madrid.

All you have to do is purchase your tickets, hop on the bus, put on your earphones, listen to the recorded commentaries and enjoy the tour, monuments, and other attractions you pass by.

You can hop off the designated route at the stop you want, as many times as you like, and you will also benefit from free wifi on board.

Family-friendly parks

Madrid Río

Madrid Río is one of the best urban parks for kids in Madrid and is home to plenty of facilities for family recreation.

Environment, leisure, and sport are the key aspects of the Madrid Río project.

Therefore, you will not find just accessible green zones and open spaces for strolling and leisure activities.

There are numerous sports facilities (football, paddle, tennis, rock climbing, skatepark, …) playgrounds, bike lanes, restaurants, and cafes.

In case you travel to Madrid with kids, Madrid Río provides the perfect recipe for a good time with family.

There are plenty of facilities for family recreation including numerous and different playgrounds made from sustainable materials and with different characteristics according to age.

Madrid Río beach is quite fun too, especially in summer. Although this is not a beach in the traditional sense, it is a set of three oval-shaped areas where children can cool off thanks to the jets of water and the clouds of water vapor.

El Retiro

El Retiro is the most famous park in Madrid and one of the best outdoor attractions in the city.

This wonderful green space is a popular spot among locals, to work out or to take a stroll and slow down after a busy day.

It is especially active and colorful during the weekends and bank holidays when families with children rent boats in the large pond or enjoy a puppet show.

The Park also has 11 playground areas and kids can also roller skate, ride a bike, sunbathe, and watch concerts, juggler, or magician performances.

Inside the Park, close to the Plaza de la Independencia entrance, you will also find the Puppet Theater, an emblematic and popular place for young audiences in Madrid.

It has a permanent annual program, outdoors and with free access. There is a function every weekend of the year, and it has free access.

It is an excellent free outdoor activity if you travel to Madrid with kids.

Since the 1950s, the public has come to El Retiro Park to see the performances offered at the Puppet Theater. Grandparents who came as children now come with their grandchildren.

Europa Park

In Torrejón de Ardoz, you will find Europa Park, one of my favorite outdoor activities in Madrid with my daughter.

The Park houses replicas of 17 of the most emblematic monuments from Europe‘s major cities, such as the Eiffel Tower, London Tower Bridge, Brandenburg Gate, Trevi Fountain, and Belem Tower.

There is a fragment of the Berlin Wall too, donated free of charge by Berlin City Hall.

There are also picnic areas, restaurants, and various kid-friendly activities such as wheels, pony rides, a zip wire, trampolines, water balls, a laser tag maze, and an archery center, among other things.

Leisure and adventure centers

SnoZone

Located in the shopping and leisure center Intu Xanadú, this ski resort is one of the largest indoor slopes in the world, and the only one in Spain.

It offers its visitors 18,000 square meters dedicated to the world of snow, both for expert skiers and for those who want to get started in this sport.

No matter if you visit Madrid with kids in Winter or Summer, you can always practice your favorite sport in Madrid´s Snozone.

The resort has a main slope of 250 meters, 55 meters wide, and a gradient of more than 25%, and another less steep slope perfect for beginners in skiing.

Among its complementary leisure proposals are tobogganing and snow bikes.

SnoZone has a rental service so you can enjoy the experience without having to bring your own equipment, you can even rent boots, skis, snowboards, jackets, pants…

If you love winter sports, Snozone is the perfect choice when visiting Madrid with kids.

Ice Palace Madrid

An enjoyable day with family allowing your creativity to flow to the rhythm of the music or learning to balance yourself on the thin blades of ice skates.

The Ice Palace Rink has an Olympic-size rink to practice skating and spend a fun afternoon in Madrid with children.

Since 2003, this facility has offered courses in ice-skating, hockey, and curling during the week, while becoming a place for family fun during the weekends.

It also offers the possibility of celebrating birthdays with a picnic and snack bar area, and the whole of the frozen surface reserved for skating and having fun.

X-Madrid

X-Madrid is a commercial and leisure space in Alcorcón designed to reinvent the shopping and leisure experience: more technological, more urban, more extreme, more authentic.

If you are traveling to Madrid with teenagers this is probably a must-see.

Some of the adventure attractions you will find at X-Madrid are an infinite surfing wave, a 15-meter-high climbing wall, a center to practice all kinds of freestyle disciplines, two pools for diving, and an escape room with 3 challenges.

But there are also remarkable and unique shops such as the ones devoted exclusively to the world of Harry Potter, Pokemon, One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball, Nintendo, and Funkos.

All combined with a unique fashion offer featuring globally renowned brands, a wide dining offer, and a pet-friendly leisure area. X-Madrid is one of the best spots for shopping in Madrid.

Enjoy Madrid with kids at X-Madrid!

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