10 Fun family-friendly activities in Madrid

Madrid is famous for its exceptional art galleries and museums and globally-renowned cuisine. Many people choose it as a destination for a romantic trip, but did you know it's also a great spot for kids? There are plenty of great things to do with children in Madrid, from world-class theme parks to exciting treasure hunts.

This list of family-friendly activities will keep travelers of all ages happy. It includes fun activities for kids, like ice cream tasting and hands-on cooking classes. You'll also find the best kid-friendly attractions, including some quirky museums that will dazzle the little ones.

1. Meet your favorite superheroes at Warner Park Madrid

This theme park has earned its place at the top of the list. As well as featuring Europe's highest and longest rollercoaster, it's got plenty of action-packed shows and rides for all ages. It's also home to classic Warner cartoon characters and superheroes from the DC universe. Pick up your Warner Park Entry Ticket and get ready for family fun.

Best time to go:

There are rides for all ages. Older kids will love the rollercoasters, while the little ones will be able to meet characters like Spongebob in Nickelodeon Land.

Address and opening hours:

A-4, Exit 22, 28330 Madrid. Opening hours vary according to season.

2. Make friends with the pandas at Madrid Zoo Aquarium

There are over 500 different species of animals in this zoo, including rare giant pandas. A Zoo Aquarium Madrid Ticket is perfect for any child who loves the natural world. The aquarium area is also spectacular and includes daily shows.

Best time to go:

The zoo is a popular destination for kids of any age.

Address and opening hours:

Casa de Campo, 28011 Madrid. Open Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM.

3. Play in a giant ball pit at IKONO

The whole family will enjoy the IKONO Museum. This is a modern art museum that is designed to be a full sensory experience. Each exhibit is packed with things to look at, smell, listen to, and touch. Dive into a giant ball pit or lose yourself in a bamboo forest.

Best time to go:

All ages are welcome at IKONO, one of the best museums in Madrid, but kids aged 6 and up will probably have the most fun in this imaginative playground.

Address and opening hours:

Calle de Sánchez Bustillo 7, 28012 Madrid. Open Sunday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM, and Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM.

4. Have a family day out in the Retiro Park

The Retiro Park is right in the center of Madrid, and it's a great spot if you're craving fresh air. Rent a rowboat and paddle around the artificial lake, have fun feeding the ducks, or enjoy a picnic on the grass.

Best time to go:

Everyone loves a park. There are some bumpy paths that are not suitable for strollers, but most of the park is fully accessible to all ages.

Address and opening hours:

Jardines del Retiro, 28009 Madrid. Open Monday-Sunday, 6:00 AM-10:00 PM.

5. Have an ice cream tasting session at Sweet Space

The Sweet Space Museum is part art museum, part playground. Each exhibit was designed by a different modern artist, united by the theme of sweetness and taste. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, which include an ice cream-tasting lab.

Best time to go:

The museum is open to all ages, but kids aged 6 and up will particularly enjoy it.

Address and opening hours:

Calle de Serrano 61, 28006 Madrid. Open Monday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-1:30 PM and 3:30 PM-8:00 PM. Closed Tuesday afternoons.

6. Confuse yourself at the Museum of Illusions

Every exhibit in the Museum of Illusions is designed to make you blink. You'll feel like you've shrunk, you've been spun upside down, or you're stuck walking at an angle. This playful museum is ideal for budding scientists.

Best time to go:

All ages are welcome, but it's best for kids aged 8 and up. Children with an interest in science will particularly enjoy this museum.

Address and opening hours:

Calle del Dr Cortezo 8, 28012 Madrid. Open Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday, 9:30 AM-9:00 PM.

7. Cook up a storm with an introduction to Spanish cooking

What kid doesn't love to make a mess in the kitchen? Have fun together at a Half-Day Spanish Cooking Class. You'll start with a trip to the market, then learn to make your own delicious paella. Best of all, you'll get to eat it when you're done.

Best time to go:

This is a mixed-age activity for adults and children. Kids aged 8 and up will enjoy it, but make sure you're on hand to help with the chopping.

Address and opening hours:

Calle de Moratín 11, 28014 Madrid. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-9:30 PM.

8. Take pics with the stars at the Wax Museum

All your favorite actors, singers, and TV characters can be seen at the Madrid Wax Museum. There are also lifesize replicas of figures from Spanish history, making it educational as well as entertaining.

Best time to go:

Kids aged 8 and up will probably appreciate this more, but all ages are welcome.

Address and opening hours:

Plaza de Colón 1, 28004 Madrid. Open Monday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM.

9. Pretend to be Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu

If there's a soccer fan in the family, then a trip to Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has to be on your list. Visit the museum, where you'll see record-breaking 14 Champions League trophies, as well as memorabilia from the team's famous stars.

Best time to go:

This is a great day out for soccer fans of all ages.

Address and opening hours:

Avenida de Concha Espina 1, 28036 Madrid. Opening times vary depending on the club's schedule.

10. Chomp some churros at the San Miguel Market

Even the pickiest eater is going to enjoy churros, the Spanish fluted donuts. Head to the Market of San Miguel to sample them. For an authentic Spanish experience, dunk them in thick hot chocolate first.

Best time to go:

The market is open to people of all ages. Very young kids may feel overwhelmed, as it's a busy place, particularly if you visit on the weekend.

Address and opening hours:

Plaza de San Miguel, 28005 Madrid. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-12:00 AM midnight.

FAQs

What are some of the top family-friendly attractions in Madrid?

The top family-friendly attraction in Madrid has to be Warner Park, an amazing theme park with fun for all ages. You'll also have a lot of fun at the Madrid Zoo Aquarium, which has animals from all over the world for you to admire.

What are the best museums for kids in Madrid?

The Sweet Space Museum, the Wax Museum, IKONO, and the Museum of Illusions are all popular family-friendly attractions. They have interactive exhibits that will keep the youngsters happy, but they're also interesting enough that the grown-ups won't get bored.

What are some fun outdoor activities for kids in Madrid?

Madrid has three great parks, Retiro, Casa de Campo, and Madrid Río. They're all great places to explore with the kids. The Retiro Park is right in the city center. It has an artificial lake where you can row a boat, and there are lots of cute ducks to feed. Madrid Río has 17 different children's playgrounds, so you'll have a lot of fun spending an afternoon there. Casa de Campo is enormous, and its many trails are ideal for adventurous older kids.

What are some unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences to have in Madrid with kids?

Try an unusual tour of Madrid in a tuk-tuk or golf buggy. You can also find treasure hunt games that will take you around the city center, showing Madrid's famous landmarks and monuments in a fresh new light.

What are some fun day trips from Madrid that are suitable for families with kids?

If the weather is good, take a day trip to the San Juan Reservoir, which has inland beaches and offers the chance for swimming and other watersports. Older kids will enjoy the Sierra de Guadarrama, the mountain range near the city. It has gentle trails that are family-friendly.