– This post was written by Emma Levin –
Many families choose to travel to Madrid with kids because the city is surprisingly child-friendly. The Spanish capital is safe, walkable, and has plenty of exciting attractions that appeal to both kiddos and parents alike!
Families know that traveling with kids comes with its own set of challenges. You never know when a temper tantrum may strike, and holding your child’s attention can be difficult. Thankfully, Madrid has plenty of activities to keep the little ones engaged and teach them about the fantastic history of the Spanish region.
Between the world-class museums, large green spaces, and child-friendly attractions, Madrid is the perfect choice for your next family getaway. So, don’t be afraid to bring the little ones in tow, and check out the ten best things to do with kids in Madrid!
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The best kid-friendly museums in Madrid
1. Velázquez Tech Museum
The Velázquez Tech Museum is not just another art museum but a four-dimensional art gallery with immersive installations of Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez. In this 360-degree experience, Velázquez’s Las Meninas’ characters are brought to life through colorful projections, LED lights, and a Baroque soundtrack. As you walk through the exhibition, your kids will even get the chance to become characters in the painting in this sensory-first experience.
2. Wax Museum Madrid
The Wax Museum is one of the best Madrid attractions for families. Your kiddos will get to rub shoulders with incredible stars like Leonard DiCaprio, Rafael Nadal, and Marilyn Monroe. The Wax Museum also showcases unique exhibitions featuring major historical events and trendy pop culture moments. So, your kids will have the chance to learn about the power of the Roman Empire, hang with the heroes of Star Wars, and delve into the history of the Spanish monarchy. You can even get pictures with the first figurine created for the opening of the Wax Museum in 1962: Christopher Columbus! It’s one of the coolest activities to do in Madrid and is guaranteed to keep the kids entertained.
3. Prado Museum
Spain’s premier art museum is surprisingly one of the best things to do with kids in Madrid. The Prado is on the same level as the Louvre and the Met, housing some of the most important artworks in human history. Plus, the Prado has a children’s scavenger hunt and children’s audio guide that takes the little ones on a museum tour with exciting characters. So, the kids will be entertained as the parents peruse more than 7,000 paintings in Prado’s collection, including masterpieces by Velázquez, Rembrandt, Goya, and Bosch. These tickets include fast-track entry, so you and the little ones won’t have to wait in long lines outside the museum.
The best attractions to visit in Madrid with kids
1. Zoo Aquarium Madrid
If you’re traveling to Madrid with kids, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Madrid Zoo and Aquarium! Between the sea lions, giraffes, and koalas, there are over 333 different species in the Zoo and Aquarium. The kids can visit larger mammals like the white tigers and gorillas or spend time in the aviary to catch birds of prey like bald eagles and vultures. If your little ones prefer the sea, then go to the aquarium for the impressive collections of coral and colorful fish. Plus, the Madrid Zoo is located in Casa de Campo, one of the biggest parks in Madrid.
2. Flamenco Tablao Torres Bermejas
You can’t plan a visit to Madrid with kids without going to see a flamenco show. Flamenco is a style of music and dance that originated in the South of Spain, making it one of the most exciting things to do with kids in Madrid. This entertaining show transports you to the Alhambra in Granada for an evening of passionate musical talent and skilled dance. The lively music and spectacular dance show will keep your kiddos engrossed for an evening. Parents can even add the option for dinner or a drink to complete the flamenco experience.
3. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Touring the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is one of the top activities to do in Madrid with kids. This tour includes an insider look into the stadium and Real Madrid Club’s athletic achievements, including a look at their many trophies! Plus, the whole family will enjoy a panoramic view of the stadium and access to the museum and official shop. Any football lovers in the family are guaranteed to have an incredible time at the stadium.
4. Sweet Space Museum
The Sweet Space Museum is one of the sweetest and most entertaining Madrid attractions for families. A colorful candy wonderland, the Sweet Space Museum has ten detailed settings perfect for snapping pics. International artists design these exhibits with the intention of stimulating your senses. There’s an interactive adventure in the Sweet Space section where candy lovers from all over the world unite over the universal power of taste. Plus, remember to bring the kids to the ice cream lab to test out the delicious tasting by Pops ‘N Bops!
5. Las Ventas Bullring
Las Ventas Bullring is one of the most iconic landmarks in Madrid that honors Spain’s most traditional pastime, the toreo. The toreo is the art of bullfighting, where man faces off with animal, the testy bull. During the tour of Las Ventas, your family will get to explore the stands and see tributes to past matador winners. Plus, this ticket includes an audio guide, which provides a comprehensive history of the toreo and interesting facts about Las Ventas. The bullring is a unique landmark in the city and one of the best activities to do in Madrid.
6. Puy du Fou España
Puy du Fou in Toledo is a one-of-a-kind immersive park that throws you so far into its historical re-enactions, that you might forget which century you are really in! See hundreds of majestic birds in flight above your head, watch local tradesmen hard at work on their medieval crafts, and try 13th-century Spanish delicacies in a huge medieval food market.
The best parks to visit in Madrid with kids
1. El Retiro Park
Madrid is one of the greenest capitals in Europe, with many beautiful parks for children to play in. El Retiro Park is one of these gorgeous green spaces located in Madrid’s center. It’s a historical park with plenty of playgrounds, street performers, and even an artificial lake where you can rent and row a boat. The park is known for its gorgeous Palacio de Cristal, a beautiful conservatory entirely made of glass that hosts art exhibitions. On the weekends, the park is very active with entertainers and street vendors, making it one of the most delightful things to do with kids in Madrid.
2. Casa de Campo Park
Casa de Campo is Madrid’s largest public park and is the home of both an amusement park and the Madrid Zoo and Aquarium. It’s one of the best activities to do in Madrid with kids since there are so many play areas for children. You can pack a picnic and sit under the shade of the trees or take the cable car to the zoo! The cable car allows you to view the city from forty meters above, which is a thrill for teenagers or older kids.
Best time of year to visit Madrid with kids
Madrid is a gorgeous city year-round, but certain times of year are better for traveling to Madrid with kids.
The capital city will be very popular during the peak summer months when many children are on holiday, and parents can take time off work. Prices will also be much higher in July and August as well, so it’s best not to travel to Madrid during this time of year.
The cheapest time to visit Madrid with kids is during the winter months. Many hotels and airlines drop their prices, plus there are built-in school holidays during this time of year. However, the weather is a toss-up as it could either be moderate or very cold in Madrid.
The best time to visit Madrid will most likely be late spring or early fall. The temperatures are usually mild without the overwhelming crowds, and the prices are moderate for these times of year. If you can arrange to take the kids on a longer holiday during September, May, or June, then you’ll have a wonderful visit to Madrid.
How to get around Madrid with kids
It’s very doable to get around Madrid with kids, and almost all cafes, restaurants, and sidewalks have children’s seats and playrooms, called ludoteca. Plus, Madrid is a very walkable city with safe streets and a reliable public transit system.
You and your family will likely do a lot of walking in the city, so be sure that everyone has comfortable shoes. It’ll probably be too difficult to walk around Madrid with a buggy, so it’s best to consider a smaller carrier for the little ones.
The metro is also easy to navigate, with more than 300 stations in the city. The metro cards are convenient since you only need to buy one to refill and cover everyone’s travel.
Your family may also enjoy purchasing a Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus pass. The bus takes you to more than 37 stops in Madrid, making it easy to get around the city. Plus, it’s the best solution for when the kiddos’ legs get tired!
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