With its glamourous palaces and beautiful parks, Madrid absolutely packs a punch, making it the perfect destination for any family holiday in Europe. The bustling town with a grandeur in architecture, appetising foods and splendid alleyways, will leave the little ones mesmerised and your family with some beautiful experiences.
So if you’re planning a fun family holiday with kids to Madrid, here are some of the top things to do on your trip:
Gawk at the beauty of El Escorial
Considered as an eighth wonder of the world, El Escorial is a beautiful and most important architectural monument of the Spanish Renaissance. Located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, near Madrid, this breathtaking 16th Century palace was built by King Philip II which is also a monastery, holding a museum, pantheon, basílica, library and a university.
Your kids will definitely appreciate you bringing them here because of its scenic views and a well balanced design between faith and reason. It could get tiresome to plan a route to the heart of the Habsburg Dynasty, which is why we suggest you check out a few tours to avoid the hassle of planning the day.
Explore the Heart of the Old Town
While visiting Madrid, the most happening place in the city is the old town. The highlight of the town centre is its beautiful and famous clock that the entire country looks at during the New Year’s Eve countdown!
You will find the busiest street in Madrid, as the people sashay across the renowned square visiting the Opera or the Temple de Bod. Famously known for the Puerta del Sol which translates to the sun’s gate, this place is the starting point for all major roads.
While in the area, make sure to try out the authentic street food at the Plaza de Espana or the Palacio with a stunning view of the monument. To enhance your experience, learn more about the local secrets of Madrid and enrich the little minds with the rich history of the city, we also recommend signing up for a family-friendly walking tour of this historic city center.
Admire the Architecture at Toledo
Just forty four miles away from Madrid lies a marvellous historic city, which was considered as an urban centre during Roman times. This timeless beauty will definitely be a wonderful experience for your kids.
This landmark speaks about three cultures; Jewish, Catholic and Islam, through the stunning architecture from the mediaeval times and will surely ignite your little one’s curiosity. Visit the Santa Cruz museum or the Mosque Cristo de la Luz or even the old Jewish Quarter, to get a feel of the olden days. The ethnic diversity of Toledo is a beautiful way to teach your young ones the value of unity.
In order to avoid complaints from the kids, we recommend visiting the site with a bus as this experience will require at least six hours. It will also be extremely beneficial to sign up for a tour to learn all about the history and cultural relevance of Toledo. A private tour of Toledo for your family can also be extremely beneficial for the little ones.
Spend a Fun Day at the Warner Bros Park
Who doesn’t love a good ol’ theme park? Your kids will definitely have the time of their lives visiting the Warner Bros park in Madrid! It is definitely one of the coolest amusement parks in the city and the perfect stop for any family visiting with little kids.
The Park is located in San Martín de la Vega, just 30 kms from Madrid, and offers a sneak peak into the incredible city of Gotham and Super Heroes world. It’s a fun way that would gear up your kids for a delightful experience!
Plan a Trip to the Bernabeu Stadium
If your kids love football, make sure to plan a visit to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the home of Read Madrid. The little ones will enjoy gawking at the trophies in the trophy room, visiting the changing room of the players and taking in the panoramic views of the stadium. This incredible 20th Century stadium is definitely worth the stop for young soccer fans! Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid lines.
Family time at Faunia
Bringing all the ecosystems into one place, Faunia lets your child feel the familiarity of the Antarctic cold as well the hot summer in African forests. Comprising four ecosystems and about 152 species of animals coexisting under a roof, this place is a treat for nature lovers. You could easily spend a day getting lost into the depths of the forests and the icy cool landscapes while your child learns all about the different species, landscapes and seasons in the world. A visit to Faunia is surely going to be an extremely enriching and educational experience for the little ones. Make sure to check opening timing and book your tickets in advance.
Relax at the Retiro Park
Looking to spend a relaxing day in Madrid? Don’t miss out on a park day at the Retiro Park. This makes the perfect spot for a family picnic, so the little ones can run free and breathe in some fresh air.
The park is also home to various art exhibits and the beautiful Palacio de Cristal, which is a glass palace. You could also go on a charming boat ride on the little lake here and create some wholesome family memories to hold on to. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all the precious family memories in Madrid.