When I think of planning a family trip abroad, then there are a few things that usually make the list; good food, good weather, a beach, and plenty of things to do with the kids. So Madrid probably isn’t normally somewhere that comes to mind for a family trip, with it being in the centre of Spain and no beach in sight. So the question is, do city breaks work with children? What could you do in Madrid with a family? In my experience, I have learned that Madrid is a pretty awesome city to visit, and going with children shouldn’t put you off.
Spain is always a go-to for our family, with it being only a two hour flight (or thereabouts), and sunny weather for at least half of the year, is pretty much guaranteed. But you fancy something a little different with your children, then heading in-land to Madrid needs to be on your list. Here are tips and tricks for making it work, and how to ‘do’ Madrid well:
Take Your Time
Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is a huge city, and there are plenty of things to see and do. Depending on the ages of your children, taking it slow to one attraction a day, along with food and travelling, can be plenty (plus, there are many playgrounds that you can find as you wander around). Older children and teens may be able to manage more in each day, but taking it slow is always a good idea; you don’t want to miss anything.
Apartments Over Hotels
Unless you’re in a large resort hotel by a beach, then with children, I always go for staying in an apartment. And in Madrid, there is no better way to do it. One of the most family-friendly areas is the close by to Paseo del Prado, which is only a short walk from the Literary Quarter of the city, and close to many of the city’s museums.
The Must-See Sights
- Royal Palace: If there is a King and Queen involved, then it makes for a great place to visit and learn, for children.
- Plaza Mayor: The square is pretty impressive and it can be a good way to spend time as you walk around, and there is a horse statue, to pose with too.
- Retiro Park: The park is huge and has several playgrounds inside, so as a result it has many things to see and do.
- Casa de Campo: Another enormous park, that really is stunning.
- Madrid Zoo: Zoos are always a good idea with children, right? It isn’t often that busy either, particularly on weekdays, so you can walk around without long lines and queues. Exhibits at the zoo range from white Siberian tigers to zebras, giraffes, flamingos, and koalas.
- Churrería: When you’re in Spain, hot churros are a must (when in Rome, and all of that). They’re a winner with all of the family. There are lots of different places to choose from, but some of the best, and ones that do feature in some of Madrid’s food tours, are Chocolat in the Literary Quarter, and San Ginés in the centre of the city.
- Bernabeu Stadium: Although there are a lot of stairs, which isn’t good for pushchairs, if you have family members or children with an interest in football and Real Madrid, then this can be a priceless visit. The tour is self-guided, and can take a couple of hours, but it is a little pricey. Worth doing for football fans, though.
As you can see, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Madrid and visiting with families; the list could go on and on. It is not only doable with children, but is really enjoyable too. It would be great to hear what you think.
*this is a collaborative post
