Madrid has endless fun and entertainment to offer kids on holiday. While it is a bustling city, famous for its art galleries and nightlife, it is also very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy many of the main sightseeing attractions, and will revel in the many fiestas and events held in the city streets. The variety of attractions aimed specifically at children is also impressive and should keep the whole family happy.Attractions range from palaces and markets to parks and playgrounds. One of the favourite palaces to visit is Palacio Real, with its vast treasure collection (kids always seem to love castles and treasures), and certain little boys and girls will also love seeing Santiago Bernabéu stadium, home to another of Spain's 'treasures' - the Real Madrid football team. The Teleférico, a cable car from Paseo del Pintor Rosales to the Casa de Campo, is another exciting Madrid adventure for children. The Madrid Zoo and Aquarium are perennial favourites and there is a Safari Park for additional animal viewing. One of the other highlights for children (and many adults!) is the Parque de Atracciones amusement park, which is large and modern and offers plenty of thrills as well as amusements for younger children.
Home to nearly 3,000 animals from all over the world and an impressive aquarium, the Madrid Zoo is a great attraction for kids on holiday in the city. Highlights of the zoo include koala bears, pandas, zebras, raccoons, bears, reindeers, rhinos, otters, lions, chimpanzees, hippos, lemurs, lynx, buffalo, elephants, wolves, orangutans, baboons, gorillas, giraffes, and tigers. The zoo also boasts a good variety of reptiles and birds. Marine animals include the ever-popular dolphins, seals, penguins, and sharks. There are dolphin and sea lion shows. The queues can get long at the entrance, and there are discounts for booking online, so it is worth booking your tickets in advance via the official website. Luckily, once inside the zoo is so vast that it seldom feels too crowded. Those who have trouble walking or are in a bit of a lazy mood can rent golf carts to get them around. There are plenty of snack kiosks and eateries spread throughout the grounds, but it is also possible to bring your own picnic. It's a good idea to travel to the zoo on the metro, because parking can be a problem on a busy day. The Madrid Zoo can easily keep the family occupied and entertained for a full day.
Address : Casa de Campo, s/n 28011.
Website : www.zoomadrid.com
Telephone : +34 91 526 97 00
Opening times : Hours change according to season and there is a detailed calendar on the official website, but the zoo is usually open between 11am and 6pm.
Admission : €23.85 (adults); €19.30 (children). Concessions available.
Parque de Atracciones is a fantastic amusement park in Madrid, and a particularly good option for those travelling with kids. The park is big and modern and offers a number of rides and attractions for all ages. There is plenty for the thrill-seekers to enjoy, but also some more relaxed rides. The park is divided into five large sections: Maquinismo (machinery), where many large rides can be found; the Gran Avenida (main avenue), which boasts shops, restaurants, shows, and street performers; Naturaleza (nature); Tranquilidad (relaxation); and Infantile, an area designed for young kids. There are a number of shows, games, and spectacles to keep everybody entertained. The Virtual Cinema is a simulator with moving chairs that kids will love, and the Spectacle of Sound, Light and Water show has fireworks and lasers that are also a favourite. There are about 15 food outlets in the park, including restaurants, fast food joints, and snack kiosks. Booking tickets online (at least three days in advance) allows you to skip queues at the entrance and earns you substantial discounts. It is best to arrive early as queues can get long in the park.
Address : Casa de Campo
Website : www.parquedeatracciones.es
Telephone : +34 914 632 900
Transport : Batan (Line 10); bus lines 33 and 65; by car, Carretera de Extremadura (N-V) or exit 18B Casa de Campo from M-30
Opening times : Opening times vary according to season and day - check the official website for a calendar.
Admission : €32,90 (adults); €20,90 (children). Concessions available. Discounts for online booking and family groups.
A great day out for the kids is a trip to the Safari Park, set in an African-style savannah landscape and home to giraffe, camels, zebras, elephants, hippos, bison, bears, baboons, monkeys, and rhino. The main wildlife attractions are the big cats, including lions, tigers, and cougars. Many of the animals are allowed to roam free, simulating an African safari experience that lets visitors view game from their vehicles. Those who have been on real safaris will find the park disappointing, however. There is a reptile collection, including a number of exotic snakes, and some interesting birds. There are daily lion-taming and bird shows shows, as well as activities like camel rides. Small kids will be delighted with the selection of meek, cuddly animals that they are allowed to interact with. There are two picnic areas in the park and a swimming pool and slide that offer a welcome respite after a day of game viewing. There is even a go-karting track and some paddle boats to play on. It is recommended that visitors bring their own food and also something to feed the animals. Animal food is on sale at the park but it is far cheaper to bring your own.
Address : Carretera de Cadalso de los Vidrios, Navalcarnero, Aldea del Fresno (50km from Madrid)
Telephone : +34 918 622 314
Opening times : Daily from 10.30am to sunset
Travel Guide powered by Word Travels, copyright © 2023 Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Neither Globe Media Ltd nor Travel Vogue can accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
