The Ultimate Family Guide: 30 things to do with kids

23 October, 2024

If you're planning a trip to Madrid with little ones, check out these family-friendly activities that promise maximum fun during your stay.

Theme Parks and Attractions

Kick off your adventure with thrilling rides and exciting attractions that let kids burn off some energy.

1. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun at the Parque de Atracciones amusement park in Casa de Campo. 

2. Spend an action-paced day at Parque Warner featuring rides, beloved DC Comics superheroes, restaurants and shops. 

3. If you’re visiting Madrid in summer, beat the heat at one of the city's public pools or at a thrilling water park.

Animal Encounters 

Explore the wonders of the animal world.

4. Get up close—but not too personal—to over 1300 animals at the Zoo Aquarium. 

5. Discover Faunia, a unique nature theme park showcasing extraordinary ecosystems and 1,200 animals from 170 species.

6. Join the fun at Club Ponyturf in La Zarzuela Racecourse, where children can enjoy pony rides, bounce on inflatables, and participate in exciting activities themed around the world of horse racing!

Parks and Playgrounds 

Enjoy the beauty of Madrid’s parks, where kids can play and explore.

7. Hire a rowing boat for a paddle on the lake in El Retiro Park or in Casa de Campo Park. 

8. Spend the morning exploring 17 playgrounds along Madrid Río Park, equipped with fun and sustainable play equipment.

9. Whizz down the giant slides in the fantastic children’s play area in Plaza de España.

Unique Museums 

Delve into creativity and culture with Madrid’s interactive and wonderful museums.

10. Explore a fascinating collection of historic trains and feel a like real conductor at the old Railway Museum. 

11. Visit one of the city’s big three museums for a glimpse of the finest art: Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía.

12. Marvel at the stunning vertical garden, featuring over 15,000 plants, at CaixaForum and immersive yourself in the captivating exhibitions held inside.

13. Take a fascinating voyage into maritime history at the Naval Museum.

14. Venture into a world of optical illusions that will amaze both kids and adults alike at the Museum of Illusions. 

15. Explore the Museum of Natural Sciences, which is home to over 11 million specimens, including dinosaur fossils and interactive exhibits that bring the wonders of the natural world to life.

16. Travel through 10,000 years of history and marvel at treasures like the Lady of Elche and ancient Egyptian artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum.

17. Dive into 12 interactive rooms at IKONO where art and the unexpected come together to create unforgettable moments.

18. Indulge your sweet tooth in the Sweet Space Museum. 

Football Attractions 

Perfect for young football fans, Madrid’s stadiums and interactive exhibits celebrate the city’s love for the game. 

19. Experience the thrill of football at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where you can explore the iconic home of Real Madrid and admire the club's legendary trophies. 

20. Feel the excitement at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, home of Atlético Madrid, where they offer tours of the museum trophy rooms, and behind-the-scenes areas. The little ones will have a blast at the Indi Park.

21. Relive some of the most thrilling moments in football history at Legends: The Home of Football, a cutting-edge football museum.

Interactive Fun 

Engage in thrilling activities that are both fun and challenging for the whole family. 

22. Get ready to solve puzzles and mysteries in themed escape rooms located all around the city. Aventurico specialises in family escape rooms.

23. If robots are your thing, check out the Robot Museum, where you can enjoy live demonstrations, and explore the technology shaping our future.  

24. Spend the afternoon in Zoo ARCADE, a retro arcade featuring classic games, or navigating challenges and laser mazes at Bombastik, an immersive arcade experience.

25. Dive into the OXO Museo del Videojuego in Madrid, where you can explore the rich history of gaming, play iconic consoles, and experience the evolution of video games from past to present!

26. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city from the 110-metre Faro de Moncloa observation deck. 

Shops and restaurants

Explore charming shops and family-friendly restaurants offering delicious meals and sweet treats for everyone!

27. Ignite curiosity and joy in young readers at Secret Kingdoms, a family-run English-language bookshop filled with enchanting stories and fun activities.

28. Visit Kamchatka Magic Toys for eco-friendly, artisanal toys, Circo Kids, a delightful store offering unique gifts and accessories for children up to 12 years old, or ElectricBricks, a must for Lego fans.

29. If you fancy a sweet treat, head to La Pecera for a delicious ice-cream in a fish-shaped taiyaki cone, or to San Ginés for the ultimate hot chocolate with churros experience.

30. You'll that most restaurants in the city are family-friendly, but if you're looking for something a little special, where it's not all just about the food, check out Kilómetros de Pizza, where you can create your own delicious pizzas, Comic Planet, a superhero-themed restaurant with tasty burgers, Running Sushi in Osaka, featuring fun rotating sushi, or Storyland, where every meal is a delicious Disney-themed adventure!