Despite its large size, Madrid is a city that also offers a lot to do to kids and families with children. Not only is it a livable and generally quiet city, but it is also full of activities that you can do with your children or teens. Warner Bros Amusement Park is certainly the hottest, but there are also cheaper or free activities that are sure to entertain the whole family. So, what could you do in Madrid with kids and families?
WALKING IN THE GREEN
Indice
If you have thought about a stay of at least 4 days in Madrid, the CASA DE CAMPO is an ideal place for a picnic and a walk in the “green lung” of the city. The Casa de Campo is located in Paseo de Puerta del Angel You can get there by Metro (Batàn, Lago, Casa de Campo stops on lines 5 and 10); admission to the park is free.
However, if you have less time, we recommend a visit and a pic nic at RETIRO PARK, much more central and therefore easily accessible. Instead of the walk here you can opt for a boat ride in the large lake. Rent a rowboat and you will see that young and old will have a lot of fun!
MADRID ZOO AQUARIUM
It is one of the largest zoos in Europe, housing 4500 specimens and more than 450 different species from all over the world. In particular, the Mysterious Nature Pavilion, the Reptilarium, the Dolphinarium and the Aquarium are worth a visit. This last in particular has been recently added to the complex, but it has become already popular with children thanks to its playful and educational activities. For information on prices and timetables, visit the Madrid Zoo Aquarium website.
TELEPHERICA of MADRID
The Telepherica of Madrid – which can be accessed from Rosales Station or Casa de Campo Station, with free parking in both cases – offers Madrid citizens and tourists the opportunity to fly over the city, contemplating both one of the historic districts of the city and one of the greenest area from above. Monumental buildings, road networks and parks and gardens remain at our feet, in one of the most evocative views of the city that will leave speechless parents and children. The route is 2.5 km long and takes about ten minutes. One way 4,5 E, round trip 6 E. Free for children under three years old.
BERNABEU STADIUM
You cannot miss the opportunity to take the famous tour of the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid with children! This is not an obliged activity for football lovers but it’s an ideal way of spending some hours in an amusing contemporary sport building, one of the most impressive in all Europe. Children can visit the huge Real Madrid stadium and take photos on the pitch, visit the trophy exhibit and even enter the changing rooms. Here you can book a guided tour and entrance ticket to the stadium.
GATOTECA
An original “café” and a corner for animal lovers. The Gatoteca is the physical headquarters of the ABRIGA Association, a non-profit organization created to help homeless cats – and other small animals – that are housed free on its two floors. At the cost of 6 E you can stay inside for an hour and enjoy a drink while petting a few kittens … and maybe you even end up adopting them!
C / Argumosa 28, Local 1, 28012 Madrid Spain
MICROPOLIX, THE CITY OF CHILDREN
Micropolix is a city for children between 3 and 14 years old, a space tailored to your children where, through playful activities, important values such as commitment, independence and respect are transmitted, as well as practical teachings, such as knowledge of road rules, handling money (the Eurix, the currency of Micropolix), engaging in a job and earning and deciding how to spend their earnings… in short, a real city whose inhabitants are however under 14 years old.
For information on timetables and prices and to book a visit, check the website https://micropolix.com/
C / Salvador de Madariaga, (frente at The Style Outlet), San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid.
CARILLON GOYESCO – “PLUS ULTRA” BUILDING
One of the hidden joys of Madrid that will surely amuse the little ones is the Goyesque Carillón of the “Plus Ultra” Building in Plaza de las Cortes n.8, near Sol. These are 5 figures created by the artist and journalist Antonio Mingote in the the nineties. Appearing at specific times from a corner balcony of the building are: King Charles III, the painter Francisco Goya, the Duchess of Alba, the bullfighter Pedro Romero and the famous Manola from Madrid, a girl from the district of Lavapiès, soul of the more authentic inhabitants of Madrid. All the fiures are characterized by a particular movement that they perform in waltz time. These figures move at the stroke of a large clock (it has a diameter of over one meter) whose hands are in 24 karat gold.
The carillon goes into operation every day (unless it rains) at 12, 15, 18 and 20; 24th and 31th of December also at midnight.