11 fantastic activities to enjoy in Madrid with kids

Spain is well-known for being family-friendly, and Madrid truly embodies this.

This vibrant capital, one of Europe’s largest cities, embraces families amidst its rich culture and colorful life. In Madrid, children are cherished, forming an integral part of the community, as families enjoy evenings out together. In bustling plazas adorned with stunning architecture, parents savor rioja and munch on jamón while their toddlers play and babies rest in strollers.

What makes Madrid family-friendly?

To truly enjoy a family trip to Madrid, embrace the local rhythm. Dinner is served late, around 10pm, and families typically join in. Curious about how kids manage to stay up so late? The answer lies in the siesta—it's not just toddlers who nap; parents do too. This way, everyone is recharged and ready to explore come evening.

Getting around Madrid is quite easy. The Metro is family-friendly, accommodating strollers, with most stations equipped with lifts. The bus system also provides ramps and designated spaces for buggies, ensuring convenience when needed by wheelchair users.

The downside? Many older bars and restaurants in historic areas lack baby facilities. However, the upside is that changing a nappy in a stroller or breastfeeding is commonplace, so you won’t attract any unwanted attention.

Where are the best spots in Madrid for children?

With its expansive squares and sunny streets, the heart of Madrid is perfect for kids. They’ll delight in navigating the stone archways of Plaza Mayor and spotting the iconic bear statue in Plaza de la Puerta del Sol. The Paseo del Prado is a lengthy, verdant path ideal for small bike rides, while Casa de Campo is a vast park featuring a lake, zoo, and aquarium. The best access is via El Teleférico: a cable car that ascends 40m (131ft) into the sky, providing stunning views of the city and the Manzanares river.

Top activities for babies and toddlers in Madrid

Parque del Buen Retiro

This charming park was once a royal retreat until the 19th century, and now everyone can stroll along its majestic tree-lined paths or enjoy a paddle on the lake with rented boats. Covering 1.4 sq km (0.5 sq miles), it’s a fantastic spot for family picnics.

La Escalera de Jacob

This quaint theater in Lavapiés boasts a delightful tiled facade and hosts a variety of family-friendly performances, including a soothing show designed for babies as young as three months.

Puerta de Hierro Sports Park

One of the main attractions of the Puerta de Hierro sports complex is its expansive open-air swimming pool. While adults swim laps, little ones can splash around in the children's pool, surrounded by grassy areas perfect for sunbathing. The pool is open from mid-May to mid-September.

Top activities in Madrid for school-age children

Mercado de San Miguel

Have some picky eaters in your group? This lively food market features over 20 stalls where you can select from a variety of delicious options. Sample the most delicious tortilla from Picolisto, savor burgers by Prrimital, and enjoy crispy patatas bravas that everyone will want to share.

Savor Churros

Madrid boasts numerous cafes serving delicious churros, but the most iconic and beloved is La Chocolatería San Ginés, which has been delighting customers with its deep-fried delights for over a century. Open every day, it even welcomes visitors around the clock from Thursday to Sunday—perfect for families with early risers.

Teatro de Titeres

Located in Parque del Buen Retiro, this open-air puppet theater showcases adventurous pirates, quirky monsters, and enchanting butterflies. Kids will delight in cheering and laughing from the sunny auditorium.

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

Originally a private collection, the vast array of art at Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza showcases styles from the 13th to the 20th centuries and features numerous events designed for children. 'Alice in Wonderland' is a bilingual event that delves into literary classics through the lens of art, while 'Co-loca' invites kids aged three to six to unleash their creativity by interpreting art through play, improvisational dance, and props supplied by the staff.

Playgrounds and tapas

Have restless kids who can’t sit still at restaurants? You’re not alone. One of the great perks of bars and cafes in Madrid is that many offer outdoor playgrounds, allowing parents to relax on the terrace while keeping an eye on their little ones. Check out Café Federal or El Lugar de Martina.

Top activities in Madrid for tweens and teens

Parque Warner

With its Stunt Fall roller coaster soaring through the air at 115kph (71mph) and the thrilling Zombie chase, Parque Warner offers an exhilarating experience for teenagers. Younger kids can enjoy Looney Tunes land and get behind the wheel at the Yabba Dabba Doo driving school. To reach the park, take a train from Madrid to Pinto (about 20 minutes) and catch the 413 bus.

Tren de la Fresa

On weekends during spring and autumn, this vintage train featuring beautiful wooden carriages from the 1920s takes guests on a round trip to Aranjuez (tickets cost €27.05 for adults and €21 for children, with each leg lasting about an hour). This train was established in 1851 by Isabella II to connect the city with her summer residence, earning its name from the strawberries served to passengers along the route.

Parque de Atracciones

Located just 15 minutes by Metro from the city center, Parque de Atracciones is a 20-hectare theme park offering a diverse array of rides. Experience everything from a vintage horse carousel, hand-carved in 1927, to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters. Take on the Tornado, launch 63m (207ft) into the air on La Lanzadora, and whirl around at 70kph (43mph) on the Star Flyer.

Travel tips for families visiting Madrid

Madrid Adolfo-Suárez airport features playgrounds for children, a breastfeeding area, and complimentary buggies for loan, so be sure to take advantage of these amenities if you're flying in.

Once in Madrid, the local BiciMAD bike rental service is an easy, eco-friendly option at around €2 per hour. If you intend to travel extensively on public transport, buy a Tourist Travel Pass (€35.40 for unlimited Metro, bus, and train travel for seven days).