Madrid with kids
Parks, play, museums and fun days out for families.
The essentials
- Madrid is an easy city to visit with children: big parks, museums with workshops and plenty of pedestrian space.
- Combine an indoor plan (museum, planetarium) with an outdoor one (Retiro, Casa de Campo).
- Many places offer free or reduced entry for under-age visitors. Check each official website.
Parks and outdoor play
- Retiro Park: boats on the lake, puppeteers at weekends and gardens to run in. See Retiro.
- Madrid Río: playgrounds and fountains by the river. See Madrid Río.
- Casa de Campo: lake, zoo and amusement park. See Casa de Campo.
- El Capricho Park: a garden with a hedge maze. See El Capricho.
Learning through play
- Madrid Planetarium: shows about the sky.
- Railway Museum, in the former Delicias station.
- National Museum of Natural Sciences and the Royal Botanical Garden.
- The Museum of the History of Madrid and the Costume Museum often offer family activities.
Opening times and workshops change by season: check each official website.
Full days out
The zoo, the Amusement Park and Parque Warner are the big plans.
Practical tips
- On the Metro, children under 4 travel free; confirm this with the Consortium.
- In summer, avoid the middle of the day; the heat is strong.
- Many restaurants have children's menus; ask when you book.