I have family members with young children (8 and 12) who will be making a brief trip to Madrid in late June. I've been to Madrid a couple times but I don't have kids, so can't really recommend a lot of kid-friendly activities that I know of. Of course, Rick's book lists lots of great attractions, but most are geared towards adults, not so much towards the younger set - for example, a pub crawl in search of tapas is probably not going to work well for them, and they will probably have limited patience for museums (although I'm sure they'll visit the Prado at least briefly). Their time in Spain is short (complicated story, but they'll have only a few days). I'm suggesting a quick side-trip to Toledo. Can anyone suggest good, kid-friendly attractions and activities in/around Madrid (and Toledo)? I'm suggesting churros and I'm sure they'll be a big hit with the kids, but after that I'm short of ideas for things that the youngsters would specifically enjoy. Ideas? Thanks!
Posted by
Breckenridge, CO
239 posts
My kids always love the bike tours in Europe. I have been to Madrid before, but I am bringing my 10 yr old and my 2 nieces in June...already scheduled the Bravo Bike tour. Also, castles are usually a hit if you move thru at a decent clip! I am also planning a tapas tour on our own. There's a neat bull fighter paraphernalia bar on the Plaza Mayor they can peak into as well.
Posted by
Chicago
78 posts
Most people don't know that Madrid has a wonderful zoo in the Casa de Campo. This might be worth considering if the kids are tired of museums. Consider, as well, the Retiro Park. It used to be possible to rent boats on the lake there. Toledo is terrific - kids will love visiting a walled, Medieval city with narrow streets even if all of the historical details escape them. Make sure to reserve your train in advance; the new trains are beautiful but trains to Toledo fill up quickly. Another consideration is El Escorial. It is easy to get to on public transportation and provides something for everyone - even the town is charming (or was the last time I was there).
Don't worry if a day trip is too much to organize, even walking around Madrid is entertaining. When I was last there in March, the street performers were out in the Plaza Mayor, Sol, and Plaza de Oriente - as were the police on their beautiful horses. Have fun.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
235 posts
How about the Madrid Teleferico? It will take you to the Casa de Campo from the west side of the city. I haven't ridden it (yet) but it looks like fun for kids. http://www.english.teleferico.com/