Madrid is a great destination for travelers for many reasons. It has a wide range of cultural activities, history, green spaces, and great food options. And Madrid with kids is no exception. It’s a very family-friendly destination with a wide offer of things to do with children of all ages.
Whether your kids love playing outside or visiting fun and hands-on museums, they’ll love discovering the European city of Madrid.
So, if you’re looking for a family getaway to this incredible city, here are our 12 favorite things to do in Madrid with kids and a few fun day trips from Madrid.
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ities in Madrid. AllTrails is our app to look at trails report and see if the trail is kid-friendly.
Our 12 Favorite Things to Do in Madrid With Kids
1. Visit the Retiro Park
Retiro Park is a must-see attraction to visit in Madrid with kids.
In this UNESCO World Heritage Site park, there are many fun activities. You can rent a rowing boat, visit the Crystal Palace or simply let your kids play in one of the many playgrounds.
It’s the perfect place to visit on a sunny afternoon in Madrid. We highly recommend having a family picnic! But you can also find numerous cafes and snack carts throughout the park.
2. Go on a Kid’s Tour in Prado Museum
Prado Museum is home to some of the most impressive collections of art. This art museum is a great one to go to with kids.
The general entrance for children at the Prado Museum is free. However, if you’re worried about how much fun your kids will have at the museum, we recommend booking a kid’s tour.
Across Madrid is one of the best tours for kids to visit this museum. The tour lasts 2 hours and a half, but it’s packed with interactive activities for your kids to learn about art while having fun.
Book your Prado Museum Guided Kids Tour here!
3. Spend the Day at Parque de Atracciones
If you’re after a day full of adrenaline with your kids, then you want to visit the Parque de Atracciones amusement park.
Are your kids fans of Sponge Bob, Dora the Explorer, or the Rugrats by any chance? If so, they’ll love visiting this theme park.
The theme park has plenty of areas to enjoy with kids. The Nickelodeon Land is the one for the youngest kids.
At Nickelodeon Land, they can enjoy a ride or watch their favorite cartoons in action in the shows organized in the park. The Parque de Atracciones amusement park also has many roller coasters for older kids.
Book your Parque de Atrcacciones Amusement Park here!
4. Attend a Football (Soccer) Tour or Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Tour
Football (or soccer) is the biggest sport in Spain. And Madrid is home to two popular soccer stadiums: Santiago Bernabéu (the Real Madrid stadium) and Wanda Metropolitano (the Atlético de Madrid stadium).
If your kids love soccer, have a look at the tours that take place in these two stadiums.
At Santiago Bernabéu stadium, you’ll get to see the Real Madrid C.F. Museum and have a panoramic view of inside the stadium. Tours are around 12 euros per person.
Book your Madrid: Bernabéu Stadium Tour here!
5. Go on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
A different way to explore the city is by going on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
It’s a comfortable way to discover the main sights of Madrid and learn about them.
Although you can go on this with kids of any age, teens who are interested in Spain’s culture and sights would definitely appreciate doing this activity.
But a hop-on hop-off bus tour is also a great way to navigate around the city. There are many stops all across the city, and the bus tickets are valid for 24 hours. It can be an alternative to using public transportation.
If you are planning on staying a few days in the city, I recommend doing the bus tour at the start of your trip. After the tour, you’ll have a better idea of what the city has to offer and where things are located. It’s a good introduction to the city.
Book your Madrid: hop-on- hop-off Bust Tour here!
6. Visit Madrid Río Park
Another beautiful green space in Madrid is the Madrid Río Park. It’s parallel to the River Manzanares.
This park is perfect for adventure families that want to go for a scenic walk. You’ll be able to let the kids burn off energy in one of the 17 play areas you can find across the park.
Your kids will absolutely love these play areas that have swings, hanging bridges, climbing vines, and so much more.
7. Ride-on Madrid Cable Car
Older kids or teens will enjoy the cable car ride from Moncloa to Casa de Campo. During the 15-minute ride, your family will be amazed by the views.
If you’re planning to visit the cable car with younger kids, you can take a stroller or pram onboard.
8. Spending your day at Parque Warner
Parque Warner is another incredible theme park located just outside Madrid.
You can easily spend a full day in this amusement park as there are plenty of attractions for all ages.
Smaller kids will love coming across some of their favorite cartoons, while teens will be crazy about all the adrenaline-packed attractions.
Book your Parque Warner Entry Ticket here!
9. Go to the National Museum of Natural Sciences
A guaranteed fun activity for kids of all ages is visiting the National Museum of Natural Sciences.
In this science museum, there are plenty of interactive exhibitions to keep your children entertained. They can find a huge dinosaur skeleton, a rock garden with fossils, and exhibitions to learn about animals.
10. Take photos at the Museum of Illusions in Madrid
There isn’t a more interactive and hands-on museum than the Museum of Illusions of Madrid.
It consists of several rooms in which adults and children can enjoy different visual, experimental, and educational experiences. And nothing is what it seems!
One of our favorite parts is the Rotated Room, which is perfect for family photos.
Book your Museum of Illusions of Madrid here!
11. Exploring Casa de Campo Park
Casa de Campo is the largest public park in Madrid which makes it perfect for adventure and active kids that love playing outdoors.
In the park, you’ll find many features and attractions, like a beautiful lake in the middle of the park, the Madrid Zoo and Aquarium, and the Madrid cable car.
In the summer, your family can visit the outdoor public swimming pool, one of the most popular spots for locals to go for a swim on a warm day.
12. Learn about El Ratoncito Pérez at Ratón Pérez Museum
An excellent plan for young children is to visit the Ratón Pérez Museum.
If you’re wondering who Ratoncito Pérez is, he is the equivalent of the Tooth Fairy in Spain. This mouse brings children a little present (usually money) in exchange for their fallen tooth.
The museum is filled with drawings and stories of this famous character.
It’s a great way to teach your kids something related to Spanish culture!
Book your Casita-Museo de Ratón Pérez tour here!
Best Day Trips from Madrid
Avila
Avila is the capital and the most populated municipality of the Avila province. The city is known for its infamous medieval walls known as the Town of Stones and Saints, built by Roman architects back in the day.
The town near Madrid is enchanted with picturesque views of cathedrals, 11th-century walls, and the Basilica of St. Vincent. Avila has several day tour options to suit your preferences, including small groups, full-day, and skip-the-line guided tours.
Things to Do and See in Avila:
- Visit the Avila Walls (medieval palace)
- Visit the Los Cuatro Postes
- Check out the Basilica de San Vicente (an absolute must)
- Take a hike to Gredos Mountains.
How to Get from Madrid to Avila
Avila is around 109 km away from Madrid, which should take around an hour and a half to reach there. To get there, you can either rent a car, get on a bus at Ruta for Avila, or by train through Renfe Viajeros.
Book your Avila Tours from Madrid here!
Toledo
Toledo is Spain’s beating heart and soul, as locals say. The walled city on a hilltop is, in fact, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Madrid is paved with cobblestone streets and buildings made from old stones.
Toledo is nicknamed the “city of three cultures,” with Christians, Jews, and Muslims living alongside each other in peace and harmony. Going on a day trip to Toledo from Madrid will surely not disappoint.
Things to Do and See in Toledo:
- Book a tour to see the Cathedral Primada.
- Explore the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes or book a day tour here.
- Visit Puerta del Sol.
- Discover your way into the El Greco Museum.
How to Get from Madrid to Toledo:
Toledo is approximately 72.4 km away from Madrid, but don’t worry; there are many ways to get there. This includes getting there by using rideshare (the cheapest option), train, bus, or taxi (the priciest but most convenient, I’d say).
Book your Toledo Tours from Madrid here!
San Lorenzo de El Escorial
San Lorenzo de El Escorial, or El Escorial de Arriba, is both a town and municipality in Madrid. The city is home to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, one of Spain’s most famous Renaissance monuments.
The monastery was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1984. In addition, the city has plenty of days tours to choose from in Madrid to immerse yourself into Spanish history truly, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, and get in touch with mother nature.
Things to Do and See in San Lorenzo de El Escorial:
- See the infamous monastery of El Escorial.
- Trek through the Bosque de La Herrería to be in one with nature
- Discover El Escorial’s Insect Park, with multicolored butterflies as the center of attraction.
- Savor El Escorial’s family-run restaurants with traditional tapas and meat-based dishes fill your bellies.
How to Get from Madrid to San Lorenzo de El Escorial
San Lorenzo de El Escorial is roughly 58 km from Madrid or a 50-minute journey, a manageable distance, we’d say.
There are various ways to get there. This includes by train (from the Madrid Sol train station), by bus on the 687 (from the Madrid Moncloa bus station), or by car using a rented car or taxi.
Book your San Lorenzo de El Escorial Tours from Madrid here!
Chinchón
Chinchón, a genuinely underrated small town in Spain, is one of the most overlooked places to visit. The city is mainly known for its prominent central plaza (Plaza Mayor), garlic festival in autumn, and spring liquor festival.
And, of course, how can you not get a taste of one of Spain’s best delights, right? If there are two words to sum up, this beautiful town, its food, and its architecture.
Things to Do and See in Chinchón:
- Check out Plaza Mayor.
- Visit the Bodega del Nero wineries and vineyards.
- Enjoy picturesque views of the Mirador de la Iglesia
- Feast Chinchón’s traditional foods, such as empanadas
How to Get There from Madrid to Chinchón
Getting to the city from Madrid should only take about 50 minutes as it’s only about 61 km apart. There are two ways to get there, either by bus 337 or by car (using either a taxi or a rented car).
Aranjuez
Aranjuez is a perfect blend between the lush greens of nature and the glowing lights of the city. Back in 2001, Aranjuez was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history.
Aranjuez is widely known for its majestically massive palaces, nature, and a hotspot for golfing in Spain. To make the most out of your visit, check out the following Madrid tours and itineraries below.
Things to Do and See in Aranjuez:
- Visit the Royal Palace of Aranjuez.
- Take a stroll in the gardens of Casa del Labrador.
- Visit Isle Garden.
- Have a picnic by the Tagus River in the summer.
How to Get from Madrid to Aranjuez
Generally speaking, Aranjuez is about 49 km away from Madrid, so no matter what mode of transport you choose, it should take about 50 minutes. To get to Aranjuez, you can either take a cab, a 423 bus ride, or the C3 train, or you can always rent out a car.
Book your Aranjuez Tours from Madrid here!
Alcazar de San Juan
The town is located in the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha, central Spain. Alcazar de San Juan is known as a traditional village in La Mancha and is home to ancestral houses from the 17th to 19th centuries, where you can spot several windmills.
The city is packed with religious buildings, such as the Santa Clara and Santa Quiteria parish churches and museums, and is also well known for the city’s infamous carnival called Carnavalcázar.
Things to Do and See in Alcazar de San Juan:
- Take a stroll in Parque Alces Park.
- Visit the Molinos de Alcazar de San Juan.
- Unwind at the Complejo lunar de Alcazar de San Juan.
- Immerse yourself in the Museo Hidalgo museum.
How to Get from Madrid to Alcazar de San Juan
The city is about 153 km away from Madrid, so prepare for the pretty long journey ahead. You can get there using the 276 train (the fastest option), by bus, or by car.
Rascafria
The city is located in Sierra de Guadarrama at Alto del Lozoya Valley. It is one of the most sought-for destinations by tourists for its richness in culture, history, and nature.
Rascafria is widely known for its Monastery of El Paular. Its traditional style of architecture and its closeness to nature make it the perfect destination for outdoor activities and rural explorations.
Things to Do and See in Rascafria:
- Engage in some outdoor activities at Penalara Natural Park.
- Visit the Monastery of El Paular or book a tour here to experience the monastery.
- Take a stroll in Bosque Finlandes Rascafria.
How to Get from Madrid to Rascafria
Rascafria is a 104-km journey from Madrid and should take about at least an hour to get there. You can get there using a train, bus, taxi or drive your rented car (the cheapest and fastest option).
Guadarrama National Park
Guadarrama National Park is one of Spain’s most significant national parks, stretching over 34,000 hectares, surrounded by majestic mountains over 2,000 meters tall! For all you outdoor enthusiasts, this is the perfect place for you!
The park is enriched with lush greens and enchanted with a variety of wildlife (particularly mammals) such as roe deers, wildcats, otters, badgers, Iberian ibex, and voles are just some of the many species you can find there.
Things to Do and See in Guadarrama National Park:
- Go horse-riding
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Wildlife spotting
- Zip-lining
Make sure you bring the right footwear. It is advisable to bring hiking boots and a pair of insoles for hiking.
How to Get from Madrid to Guadarrama National Park
Guadarrama National Park is about 120 km away from Madrid, a roughly two-hour journey. There are three ways to get there, either by bus, train or car.
Book From Madrid: Day Trip to Guadarrama National Park here!
Alcala de Henares
Alcala de Henares is a city located just in the northeast of Madrid. The city is notoriously known for its literary heritage, irresistible tapas, and vineyards. It is home to a formerly medieval university, now known as the University of Alcala.
Things to Do and See in Alcala de Henares
- Walkthrough Calle Mayor to explore local street shops and restaurants.
- Feast the infamous tapa at Indalo.
- Have a night out at the Green Irish Pub nightclub.
- Check out the Alcalá Film Festival and the Don Juan performance during these times.
How to Get from Madrid to Alcala de Henares
The city is only about 42 km away from Madrid, making it about an hour’s worth of commute. To get here, you can either use the C2 train or cab (the priciest option) or rent out a car (the fastest option).
Book From Madrid: Alcala de Henares day trip here!
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero is known as a Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) situated in Spain’s northern plateau.
It is widely known as one of the highly recognized wine-producing Madrid regions in Castilla y Leon, with its Tempranillo red wines. Wine tasting tour is an absolute must and definitely goes without saying.
Things to Do and See in Ribera del Duero:
- Stroll by the River Duero.
- Visit the infamous Madrid castles such as Peñafiel (Valladolid) and Peñaranda del Duero (Burgos).
- Explore the Monastery of Valbuena.
- Visit the city’s finest wineries or book a wineries guided tour from Madrid.
How to Get from Madrid to Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero is 182 km away from Madrid, a roughly 2-hour journey. You can get there in two ways: taking the bus or renting a car (the faster option).
Book your top things to do in Ribera del Duero here!
Cuenca
Cuenca is a city with strong cultural roots located in the autonomous community of Castile – La Mancha. The town is mainly known for its infamous hanging houses, which are also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The city itself has a medieval essence, with cobblestone streets, old mansions, and a town square. Cuenca is indeed a hidden gem not known to many.
Things to Do and See in Cuenca:
- Take a visit to the Hanging Houses of Cuenca.
- Visit the Museo de Cuenca for a deep dive into the history of Spain.
- Visit Posada San Jose to start the day with breakfast and a sight to behold.
- Enjoy picturesque views from the Mirador del Cerro del Socorro.
How to Get from Madrid to Cuenca
Cuenca is about 171 km away from Madrid, so you should expect a roughly 2-hour journey ahead. To get here, you can either take a train (the fastest option), the bus (the cheapest option), or drive your rented car.
Book your Cuenca Tours from Madrid here!
Getafe
Getafe is a city on the south-central side of Madrid, Spain. Aside from some of its prominent buildings, such as the Piarist seminary and the 16th-century Church of Santa María Magdalena, Getafe is also a military aviation center that manufactures aircraft and military equipment.
Things to Do and See in Getafe:
- Visit the Catedral Santa Maria Magdalena.
- Check out Cerro de Los Ángeles.
- Visit the Coliseum Alfonso Perez football stadium.
How to Get from Madrid to Getafe
Getafe is only 6.6 km away from Madrid, or a 30-minute journey ahead. It is one of the most well-known cities close to Madrid. There are multiple ways to get there: the 463 bus, the C3 train, or you can take a taxi, as it is not too expensive.
Salamanca
Salamanca is inherently one of the most beautiful cities in Madrid, located in the northwest of Spain.
The city is known for its sandstone architecture and its infamous historical University of Salamanca. The city was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site back in 1988.
Things to Do and See in Salamanca:
- Visit the Salamanca Cathedral.
- Check out the Casa Lis museum.
- Have a look (and take some pictures) at the Casa de las Conchas.
- Take a food tour and try out some tapas.
How to Get from Madrid to Salamanca
Salamanca is 215 km away from Madrid, so you should expect a 2.5-hour journey ahead of you. There are three ways to get there. You can either drive a rented car, take the train via Chamartin, or hop on the Auto Res Express bus.
Book Salamanca Tours from Madrid here!
Las Rozas Village
Las Rozas Village is known as one of the biggest towns located northwest of Madrid, Spain.
It is notoriously known to be a shopping hotspot with various branded stores and boutiques selling top-notch shoes, clothes, and so on. The main reason? Discounts and tax-free shopping for non-E.U residents.
Things to Do and See in Las Rozas Village:
- Visit the Paris Park.
- Unwind and have some fun at the Carlos Sainz Center Las Rozas for some go-karting and tasty delights.
How to Get from Madrid to Las Rozas Village
Fortunately, Las Rozas Village is only 24 km away from Madrid, or 30 minutes of commuting. To get there, you can either take a cab, rent out a car, or take the 625 or 629 bus.
Pedraza
Pedraza has been known as a historical site since 1951 and remains one of the most beautiful main squares located in Castilla y León. The village is known for its cobblestone streets and homes from the medieval era.
Things to Do and See in Pedraza:
- Explore your way into history and the Pedraza Castle.
- Visit the Ignacio Zuloaga museum.
- Take a stroll in the Puerta de la Villa.
- Take a peek at the San Juan church.
How to Get from Madrid to Pedraza
Pedraza is about 132 km away from Madrid, or a 1.5-hour trip. The easiest way to get there is by car, and it is also the most convenient as there are no buses that can take you there directly.
Parque Warner Madrid
The infamous theme park is the go-to place for families, DC superhero fans, and of course, children. There are various attractions to choose from.
There are five themed areas, including Super Heros World, Hollywood Boulevard, Old West Territory, Movie World Studios, and Cartoon Village. Easily making it one of the best places in Madrid.
Things to Do and See at Parque Warner Madrid:
- Ride the thrilling Batman: Arkham Asylum ride in DC Superheroes World.
- Get a splashing ride on the Cataratas Salvajes in the Old West Territory.
- Enjoy a relaxing ride on the Cine tour at Movie World Studios.
- Chase the thrill on the coaster express in the Old West Territory.
How to Get from Madrid to Parque Warner Madrid
Parque Warner Madrid is only 30 km away from Madrid or about a 30-minute commute. You can get here using either a car (best option) or train, or bus (412 and 413).
Book your Parque Warner Madrid Tours here!
Segovia
The city is located in the Northwest of Madrid, in the autonomous community of Castile-León, and is home to famous Spanish landmarks – medieval Alcázar and the Segovia aqueduct.
Interestingly, the city earned a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site List back in 1885.
Segovia has several Madrid to Segovia day trip options to choose from. This includes group tours (for a more budget-friendly option) or private tours (for a more personal and self-paced exploration).
Things to Do and See in Segovia:
- Check out the Segovia castle.
- Visit the Roman aqueduct.
- Feast the infamous suckling pig at Restaurante José Maria.
- Sip a glass of vermouth at the Segovia Cathedral Square.
How to Get from Madrid to Segovia
Regardless of how you choose to get there, Segovia should take about an hour from Madrid (the distance from Madrid to Segovia is approximately 97 km away).
There are three modes of transport to choose from, including renting a car, hopping on a bus (cheapest option), and by the AVE speed train from Madrid to Segovia.
Book your Segovia tours from Madrid here!
A few things to know when planning a family vacation to Madrid.
Here are a few things to know when planning a trip to Madrid.
✈️ Book your flight to Madrid.
Find cheap flights to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) using Google Flights or Skyscanner, where you’ll be able to compare different airline tickets for MAD, including some low-cost ones.
🚗 Rent your car
You can rent a car directly from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) or wait until you are in town. I recommend you compare pricing on DiscoverCars. You can also rent a campervan from Escape Campervans in Madrid.
Do you need a car in Madrid?
You don’t necessarily need a car in Madrid if you’re planning on staying around the Strip. But you might want to rent a car if you wish to explore the surroundings, including the Chamberi, Bario de Salamanca, Retiro, and many more.
🛏️ Book your hotel in Madrid
Booking.com is a great search engine for hotels in Madrid and the surrounding area. For the ultimate Madrid vacation with kids, I highly recommend you stay in Salamanca. It is a vibrant and safe neighborhood that offers access to many great attractions, such as Retiro Park, the Plaza de Colón, and numerous museums. It also has plenty of restaurants and shops for families to explore.
You can look at the following:
🎟️ Book your Madrid tours
Viator and Get Your Guide are two great websites for finding fun tours in and around Madrid, such as the Madrid: Horse Riding in Sierra del Guadarrama National Park and the Madrid Prado Museum Private Guided Tour for Kids and Families.
📱 Download a few apps to help you plan your Madrid vacation
The GoWhee app is the perfect app for finding fun kid-friendly activ
F.A.Q Madrid With Kids: 12 Fun Things to Do
Is Madrid good for children?
Yes, Madrid is a fantastic city for children. Madrid is home to numerous parks, museums, and attractions tailored to children and adults alike. The city has many beautiful restaurants that offer the needs of families with young children, making it an excellent place for kids to explore and have a good time.
What to do in Madrid with 5 year old?
If you’re visiting Madrid with your 5-year-old and looking for something to do in Madrid, good thing! There are plenty of family-friendly activities available. The city has several excellent museums offering interactive exhibits, such as the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, the Museo de Ciencias Naturales, and the Museo del Prado. Plenty of parks and playgrounds also exist, including Retiro Park and Parque Juan Carlos I. Other fun activities include visiting the zoo or aquarium at Faunia Madrid, a boat tour on the Manzanares River, or a day trip to Warner Bros World Madrid theme park.
What area to stay in Madrid with kids?
Chamberí and Salamanca are two of the best areas to stay in Madrid with kids. Chamberí is known for its parks, playgrounds, restaurants, and bars. It has easy access to public transportation. Salamanca is a much more upscale area of Madrid, but there are still plenty of attractions for families—including parks, museums, and shopping centers. Both areas offer plenty of family-friendly activities for children.
Is Madrid or Barcelona better to visit with the kids?
When it comes to visiting Spain with kids, both Madrid and Barcelona have a lot to offer. Madrid is known for its many museums, parks, and outdoor activities, while Barcelona is renowned for its bustling city life, delicious food, and vibrant culture. Depending on what you’re looking for in a vacation with your family, either city could be the right choice. Madrid is an excellent option for an educational trip that combines history and culture. But if you’d like to experience the unique Mediterranean lifestyle of Spain, Barcelona is the place to go.
What is the safest area to stay in Madrid?
The safest areas to stay in Madrid are Retiro, Chamberí, Salamanca, Sol, Malasaña, Chueca, and La Latina. These are Madrid’s most famous tourist areas and offer a good balance between safety and city life. They have plenty of attractions nearby as well as a vibrant nightlife. You should also check out the local neighborhoods for a more authentic experience.
Final Thoughts: Madrid With Kids: 12 Fun Things to Do
A trip to Madrid with kids can be an exciting and memorable experience for parents and children alike. It is a place that can provide fun and learning experiences for everybody.
From the stunning Prado Museum to the colorful Paella Festival, there are a variety of activities that children and adults can enjoy. There are also lots of parks and kid-friendly museums that kids will love.
Whether you’re looking to explore the history, sample local cuisine, or bask in the sunshine, Madrid has something for everybody.
So why not plan your next family vacation in Madrid? 🙂
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