La Rioja with Small Children

For me, having done many trips with four small children, a car would be easier because you'd be able to keep things handier, like snacks, books/toys, a cooler, etc. I would pick up a car when you leave Madrid. Close to La Rioja is the Basque area which I've researched and is on my bucket list. From what I've read, that area would be nice for kids (beaches, hiking, vistas. etc.) and summer seems to be the best time for the Basque area, but depending on how much time you want in Madrid, I'm not sure you have time for a third area.

I think that if your kids were fine in Ireland, than they will probably be fine in La Rioja too, of course you know them best.

La Rioja refers to the entire region itself, rather than any specific city or town. The main city in La Rioja is called Logroño, which is accessible from Madrid via a 4hr bus. Of course the main attraction in Logroño is the Riojan wine and the culture surrounding it. One of the most famous and oldest wineries in La Rioja is called Marqués de Riscal, located just outside of Logroño, I believe that it was remodeled by architect Frank Gehry a few years ago, it's also now a luxury hotel in addition to the winery.

In between Logroño and Madrid is another town that you may be interested in, called Soria, which is known for its Romanesque churches and monasteries. There is actually a unique sightseeing train from Madrid to Soria called Campos de Castilla. This train takes people through the beautiful rolling landscapes of Nothern Castillia described by the poet Antonio Machado. However, I believe that the train experience is only offered in Spanish (note that this is very off the beaten path for international tourists). Here is their website just in case: https://www.soriavacaciones.es/package/tren-campos-de-castilla

I traveled through the Basque Country without a car, but as you get down to La Rioja a car would probably be essential. And with a family, that's the way I'd go.

The hill town of Laguardia is quite near the LaRioja wine region. Laguardia is very picturesque and has a few wine bars.

The Basque Country is a great part of Spain to visit in the summer because it tends to be overcast (possibly rainy), with very moderate temperatures. However, I agree that you won't have a great deal of extra time after Madrid and La Rioja. The interior Basque City of Vitoria Gasteiz has a large medieval district on a hill, with escalators to assist you on the climb. It's a good day-trip destination or would make a pleasant overnight stop. It's only about a one-hour drive from Laguardia.

Just looking at ViaMichelin's proposed easterly driving route from Madrid to Laguardia (since I don't know your planned destination in LaRioja), I see that it goes through or near one place I really enjoyed and several I've heard are interesting:

Alcala de Henares - historic university town with very pretty historic center
Guadalajara (haven't been there myself)
Siguenza (haven't been there myself)
Soria (haven't been there myself)

The second route runs farther west and goes through Burgos, a particularly attractive town on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. There's a great cathedral and a very lively, pilgrim-filled historic area.

As someone who has raised two kids in La Rioja, I'd say it is a great place for kids.
A few notes and question though.

First as Jules has commented, rent a car. There is a train from Madrid, but the bus service is better. But with the little ones a car is much better.

Carlos makes some good comments. Yes the Marques de Riscal is a high flying winery, hotel and spa. But probably not too kid friendly. Of course “La Rioja is a Land with the name of a wine” or at least that is the tourist board's slogan says. There are however other things that a youngster might be interested in, like dinosaurs and castles. In the Enciso there are a lot of dinosaur tracks and they have a small theme park down there.

Acraven makes a good point that with a car you can go up to the coast for a day. We often go to Gorliz beach just north of the Bilbao Airport. From Logroño it is about 90 minutes. It is a good beach for kids.

The question is when are you planning on coming? In June for example, Logroño turns into a medieval fair to celebrate the Day of La Rioja and Logroño's patron San Bernabe. All during the next months there are different small fiesta throughout La Rioja. Later in June in a small village they have the fiesta of the Transhumancia. The Transhumancia was the driving of the sheep herds from the north to the south. They have sheep shearing, and at one point they drive the flock through the village as in olden days. There also serve up some lamb stew, an apple and a glass of wine for about 2€ or 3€. In August, there is a fiesta at a restored windmill. They recreate the harvest, winnowing and threshing of the grain. The windmill is open for visit, and there are pony rides for the kids, etc.

Thank you all for this information. As I go through everything, I will be in touch with more question.

Thanks again!