10 things to do with teenagers in Madrid

Travelling with teenagers shouldn't always have to give you a headache, especially if we're creative. It's true that they're not always interested in following adults' suggestions, so for that very reason, we should come up with ideas that fit in with their (ever-changing!) lifestyle. What's the plan then? Let's get them on board and try and have fun together with activities that they think are "cool". So, if you're coming to Madrid, check out these ten plans designed for teenagers. It's time for them to turn off their phones, because the fun is just beginning...!

1. An afternoon at Parque de Atracciones amusement park

Open for over 50 years, Madrid's Parque de Atracciones is always a safe bet for having fun with the family, even with difficult teenagers. Here you'll find a combination of state-of-the-art rides and exciting roller coasters, such as Abismo and Tornado. The Gran Teatro Auditorio entertainment area, musical shows, exhibitions and a new range of gastronomic offerings (specifically the Mercado de San Isidro which is run by Mario Sandoval) will delight even the most hard-to-please of teenagers. And don't forget the 4D cinema. Another good option is the Warner Theme Park, which is full of attractions, restaurants and shops for the whole family.

2. Discover a new side of Madrid by segway

If you're all fed up hearing “it's too far away” or “I'm tired”, then the segway is the perfect option for discovering the city, having fun and finding out who really is the best on wheels. There are classic routes through Madrid de los Austrias (Hapsburg Madrid) or El Retiro Park, as well as personalised or themed itineraries. You can also check out the city's graffiti, participate in a gymkhana, go on a tapas trail or enjoy a night tour, perfect for those who like to stay up late. Another alternative is to move through the city's streets on an electric scooter. You'll be non-stop talking later about the great day you've all had!

3. Check out El Retiro Park by bike

El Retiro Park is the green lung of Madrid. Spanning over 125 hectares and with more than 15,000 trees, this space in the heart of the city offers numerous possibilities to have fun, even with teenagers. You can go for a boat ride on the Lake, visit the Rose Garden or the Montaña de los Gatos, enjoy the outdoor terraces and, even better, move around by bike at your own pace. To hire one, check out Madrid City Council's bicimad bike rental service and you can cross the length and breadth of the park on wheels. You're all bound to love it!

4. Discover Casa de Campo and its Lake

Seeing a city from another perspective is always exciting. Therefore, we suggest enjoying the capital from up high. To do so, check out the Madrid Cable Car which not only offers incredible panoramic views, but it's also a quick way to reach the heart of Casa de Campo Park, a large green area with plenty on offer. The cable car spans a distance of 2,457 metres and reaches a maximum height of 40 metres. It's worth pointing out that since its recent refurbishment, the Lake at Casa de Campo Park has become a great place to spend an afternoon, with lots of boats for recreational use, as well as the opportunity to go kayaking or canoeing. In the same area you'll find a wide range of restaurants to visit with the family, such as El Urogallo, which has a spectacular terrace and an acclimatised eating area; Villa Verbena, specialised in grilled dishes and boasting an outdoor patio; or La Parrilla del Embarcadero, which offers Hispanic-Argentinian cuisine.

5. Look out for "teen" stores on Gran Vía avenue

What about enticing our teenagers with some shopping? It shouldn't be too difficult to get them to accept an afternoon checking out the "teen" stores that are dotted along Gran Vía. They're sure to enjoy picking up some trendy pieces before going for a walk through the city centre. Let them soak up the atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of the heart of Madrid, with its traditional theatres, cinemas, restaurants and concert halls. And with some luck, one of their crushes might appear on Gran Vía just in time for them to take a picture and upload it to their social media stories.

After spending a morning or afternoon shopping, enjoy something different at one of the many Escape Rooms, which are designed for all ages and can be found throughout the capital.

6. Visit our football stadiums

Don't teenagers love football? It doesn't matter that they've stopped playing for their school teams, they're bound to be delighted if you suggest visiting the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium or the Cívitas Metropolitano Stadium. If you're keen to learn about the history of Real Madrid and to discover the essence of los blancos, reserve tickets for the Santiago Bernabéu Tour. You'll be taken down the players' tunnel and will have the chance to visit the press room, sit on the bench and check out the trophy room. You can also discover Atlético de Madrid's secrets on the Cívitas Metropolitano Tour of its new stadium. Explore each and every corner of one of the most modern stadiums in the world. And don’t miss a visit to the Legends. The Home of Football museum.

7. When eating becomes a unique experience

Mealtime is another moment to enjoy with teenagers who are keen to experience something new, and maybe even share it on social media. Food markets like San Miguel and San Antón are the perfect place for the more demanding of eaters. Here, you can choose from a variety of dishes that aren't only delicious, but are also nice to look at. Feast your eyes on a fancy snack, or why not try a burger at the iconic Don Oso (Calle de Donoso Cortes, 90), or at Juancho's (La Chispería area of the Mercado de Chamberí), which has won the award for the best hamburger in Spain. Another option is to try some tasty churros con chocolate which you won't be able to get enough of. For fans of the Marvel universe and comics, don't miss the Comic Planet restaurant.

8. Visit Quinta de los Molinos Espacio Abierto

Quinta de los Molinos Espacio Abierto is a great place for teenagers, who don't always have many leisure options available to them in the city. Here, every day they'll find activities and workshops related to theatre, dance, film, photography, the plastic arts or gastronomy. They can play, read or chat, and there is a café/garden suitable for all members of the family, regardless of age. An added bonus is that the space is located in a public park with plenty of trees and greenery.

9. Instagrammable photos in Plaza Mayor

Why not try and win your teens over with their phones? For a generation that communicates via Instagram, there's nothing better than taking a cool picture. Madrid has lots of ideal places for photos: Plaza Mayor; the Prado Museum; the Puerta de Alcalá gate, which isn't a long walk from the The Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue; the Faro de Moncloa observation deck; or any of the trendy outdoor bars and cafés along Gran Vía, ending up on the rooftop terrace at the Hotel Riu Plaza España.

Another good option is the Mirador de la Cornisa viewpoint beside the Royal Palace, from which you can photograph some of the most incredible views of Campo del Moro Park and the Casa de Campo Park. You can also stop off at one of Mistura's ice-cream parlours and capture the moment, or visit one of the latest popular spots for instagrammers, such as the Museum of Illusions Madrid, the interactive art gallery IKONO or the Museum of Happiness. At Matadero Madrid you can find MAD (Madrid Digital Arts) Immersive Experiences Centre, a revolutionary cultural and development centre that is unique in Spain and Europe. 

Another superb place for taking original and fun photos is the Sweet Space Museum, located in the ABC Serrano shopping centre, where delicious treats are the basis of the fun and innovative experiences on offer. You could also make a pit stop at the new WOW mega store located on Gran Vía.

10. Find some bargains at the Rastro flea market

Teenagers love to make their money go as far as possible, so don't miss out on bargain hunting at the Rastro. Held on Sundays, this large antiques market has a long-running history in the city and has plenty of appeal as you can find everything from clothes, books and shoes, to paintings and records. It's been around for 400 years and there's always a good vibe at the market, especially in the Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores area. If your youngsters want to keep up with one of today's latest trends, they're bound to find the perfect backdrop to record a dance for TikTok and impress their followers.

And various gift plans

Adolescence is a complicated phase. Kids like to do their own thing and are no longer motivated by family plans. But that can change if you offer them a surprising and unique experience: FLYING, in WINDOBONA Wind Tunnel Madrid. It is an activity that is 100% safe, without vertigo or fear, for all ages and requiring no prior preparation. Furthermore, WINDOBONA has a wide variety of offers and flight packs from the age of 4 upwards and exceptional facilities for birthdays, excursions, family celebrations and much more. It is also easy to get there. It is just 15 minutes from the centre of Madrid by car (Exits 27 and 28 from the M-40) and has good public transport connections (bus and metro).

Another fun and sporty plan is offered by Sputnik Legazpi, the climbing centre in Madrid for adults and children located in Lepazpi (Madrid Río) which has a large climbing wall. You can also visit Universal Games located in the Club Las Encinas in Boadilla, which has several activities (Yellow Humour in Madrid, Laser Tag Games, Outdoor Escape Room, Medieval Challenge, Pac-Man, etc.).

If you can think of any other plans for teenagers, let us know!