Madrid with Kids: 20 Plans to Enjoy with Little Ones (2026)

Sometimes the littlest ones are the most demanding of travelers. When planning a getaway, parents quickly learn that variety is not a luxury but a necessity. Boredom sets in fast, energy levels fluctuate wildly, and expectations can be surprisingly high. Not to fear, Madrid has a plentiful supply of activities that the whole family can enjoy, and Civitatis is just the place to find them! ¡Vamos!

1. Visit Madrid Zoo Aquarium + Faunia

Madrid’s zoos are just the place to start for this list. The city’s various zoos are spaces where young visitors can have lots of fun while learn to respect animals and the environment. Beyond contributing to wildlife conservation, these places also give children the opportunity to gain new knowledge about the biodiversity found in different parts of the world.

Of all the available options, we particularly recommend grabbing tickets to the Madrid Zoo Aquarium of Madrid, located in the Casa de Campo. This is Madrid’s primary zoo, featuring over 4,000 animals of different species from all around the world, including a brilliant aquarium. The kids (and bigger kids) will love seeing the giraffes, elephants, pandas, and tigers, as well as the dolphins, sharks, and colourful fish in the aquarium

Another fantastic option is grabbing tickets to Faunia. This brilliant concept focuses more on ecosystems and allows you to walk through climate-controlled spaces that recreate the animals’ natural environment. Don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of animals at Faunia too, including penguins, red pandas, and crocodiles.

2. Meet Your Heroes at the Madrid Wax Museum

Kings, presidents, footballers, Formula 1 drivers, actors, and even cartoon characters all appear at the Madrid Wax Museum. Located besidePlaza de Colón, it’s a fun stop where visitors can snap photos with incredibly lifelike figures of famous personalities from Spain and around the world. As you walk through the different themed areas, you’ll come across figures from music, film, sport, politics, and history, making it an entertaining visit for families and a great place to grab a few memorable photos. It might even be a culturally enriching experience for the kids!

Meet everyone from King Felipe IV, Barack Obama, and Miguel Cervantes to Taylor Swift, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson. Grab your ticket to the Madrid Wax Museum!

3. Tour Real Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium or Atlético Madrid’s Riyadh Air Metropolitan Stadium

Parents passionate about football often pass their love of the beautiful game onto their children. If you have a little football fanatic (or you’re still trying to convert them), Madrid is a brilliant and iconic city to share your passion for the sport.

The next question is… Real Madrid or Atleti? Either option is great, but if you’re a neutral fan, the tour of Madrid’s Bernabeú Stadium is the most iconic, as well as one of the largest stadiums in the world, with a capacity of over 83,000.

The Atletico Madrid Stadium is iconic in its own right. Completed in 2017, this venue has been host to key games in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. What’s more, this tour of the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium also features a visit to the club’s interactive museum, which delves into its history and culture in a fun and exciting way for little ones.

4. Explore the LEGENDS: The Home of Football Museum

Sticking with the football theme, another great plan with kids in Madrid is a visit to LEGENDS: The Home of Football. The museum’s collection features trophies, match balls, and iconic shirts from some of the sport’s greatest figures from various eras, including Maradona, Iniesta, Messi, and Pelé. What’s more, this exhibit features a 4D cinema, VR recreated goals, and a floor featuring playable football video games. Check out the LEGENDS: The Home of Football Museum with Civitatis!

5. Wander the Enchanted Forest (El Bosque Encantado)

Located in the town of San Martín de Valdeiglesias, El Bosque Encantado is one of those truly magical spots that should be on every family’s Madrid itinerary. This one-of-a-kind botanical garden is home to over 300 sculpted hedges shaped into everything from dragons and dinosaurs to marching bands and gladiators, all to capture the imagination of the little ones!

The park also features picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy a meal together as a family, a stream to explore, and a maze that’ll have the little ones feeling like they’ve stepped straight into Wonderland. Don’t miss out, grab your tickets to El Bosque Encantado today!

6. Savour the Sweet Space Exhibition

Art, design, and oversized candy sculptures take center stage at Sweet Space, a one-of-a-kind immersive exhibition created in collaboration with world-renowned designers, including Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. Step into a vibrant, candy-colored world where sweets are the star of the show.

Smell, taste, and explore your way through a series of imaginative rooms, including an ice cream laboratory, a candy forest, and even a giant space waffle. It’s an interactive experience that really has to be seen (and tasted) to be believed, and the kids will absolutely love every second of it. Make sure to book your Sweet Space tickets online with Civitatis in advance to skip the line and head straight in.

7. Visit the Museo del Turrón (The Turrón Museum)

If your family has a sweet tooth, the Museo del Turrón is a surprisingly fun addition to your Madrid plans. Never heard of turrón? Think of it as Spain’s answer to nougat: a rich, chewy confection made from honey, sugar, and almonds that has been a staple of Spanish kitchens for centuries. The museum is located in the heart of the historic center, just steps from Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.

During your visit, you’ll discover the full journey of this iconic treat, from the harvesting of almonds to the mixing of ingredients like chocolate and egg yolk. It’s a delicious and engaging way to introduce the kids to one of Spain’s most cherished culinary traditions, no matter what time of year you visit.

8. Have a Picnic en El Retiro Park

No visit to Madrid would be complete without spending some time at El Retiro Park, the city’s most beloved and iconic green space. Pack some food, find a spot under the trees, and let the kids run loose for a while. It’s one of those simple afternoons that somehow ends up being a trip highlight.

Once you’ve eaten, wind your way along the shaded paths to the park’s famous central lake and take out a rowboat. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident peacocks, too; they roam freely and have a habit of showing up when you least expect them. With more than 10 dedicated play areas scattered throughout the park, even the youngest visitors will be well taken care of.

For more ideas on what to see and do in the area, check out our full list of activities and guided tours in El Retiro.

9. Feel the Rush at Parque Warner or Parque de Atracciones de Madrid

Thrilling roller coasters, spectacular live shows, and themed zones for all ages: the Madrid region is home to some seriously impressive amusement parks, and a day at one of them is pretty much guaranteed to be a family highlight.

With tickets to Parque de Atracciones de Madrid, you’ll get access to a fantastic, fun-filled park that’s less than 20 minutes from the city center by public transit. Open since 1969, it’s got high-adrenaline rides like La Lanzadera and Los Fiordos for the grown-ups, plus dedicated areas featuring beloved characters like PAW Patrol for the little ones. Expect a lot of pleading to go on just one more ride.

For superhero fans, Parque Warner is an absolute must. With rides and zones themed around Batman, Superman, Bugs Bunny, and Tweety Bird’s Granny, it’s a full day of excitement for DC Comics lovers of all ages.

10. Enjoy a Family Tour of Madrid

Despite all of the incredible landmarks to check out in Madrid, keeping kids engaged on a sightseeing day can be a real challenge. That’s where this guided family tour of Madrid comes in! Designed with younger visitors in mind, this tour weaves together history, storytelling, and interactive games to hold the kids’ attention and make the city come alive in a whole new way.

And if your kids are on the younger side, you really can’t go wrong with the Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus. It keeps the walking to a minimum, offers great views from the upper deck, and lets you hop off whenever inspiration or restlessness strikes.

11. See The Lion King, Aladdin, or Cinderella at the Theater

Madrid’s Gran Vía is often called the Broadway of Spain, and for good reason. The city has a thriving theater scene, and for families, the Disney musicals on offer are an absolute standout. Featuring catchy songs, jaw-dropping sets, and incredibly talented casts of singers and dancers, shows like The Lion King and Cinderella make for an unforgettable evening out.

One thing to keep in mind: the shows are performed in Spanish, so they work best for kids who already know the songs and stories well enough to follow along, or who are young enough that the spectacle, the costumes, and the music are more than enough. Most productions are also not recommended for children under 4 due to their length.

12. Check out the Illusions Museum

Just a short walk from Puerta del Sol, the Museum of Illusions is a seriously fun and mind-bending experience for the whole family. Playing with optical illusions and tricks of perception, the museum takes you through a series of immersive themed rooms where everything is not quite what it seems. You’ll learn about how the brain processes what we see, and have a great time doing it.

Kids with a flair for the dramatic will have an especially great time posing for photos in rooms like the Vortex Tunnel, the Upside Down Room, the Kaleidoscope, and the Clone Table. We recommend you book your Museum of Illusions tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid any availability issues. It’s a popular one!

13. Cool off at the Aquopolis Water Park

No beach? No problem. During the summer months, Aquopolis Madrid is the perfect way for the whole family to cool off and beat the heat. Located in Villanueva de la Cañada, this popular water park is packed with slides, wave pools, and aquatic thrills for all ages. Book your Aquopolis tickets through Civitatis and get ready for a day of slides, sun, and serious fun. Fair warning: getting the kids out at closing time is no easy feat.

14. Take a Stroll at the Atlantis Aquarium

Looking for even more family-friendly fun? Atlantis Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Madrid region, home to over 150 different species from marine ecosystems around the world. It’s a fantastic mix of entertainment and education, and younger kids especially tend to be glued to the glass at every tank. Because it’s indoors, it’s also a perfect option for a rainy day in Madrid.

Grab your tickets to Atlantis Aquarium and dive into an underwater adventure the whole family will love.

15. Get Some Fresh Air at Guadarrama National Park

For a day of fresh air and a complete change of pace, a trip to the Guadarrama National Park is hard to beat. You can head out independently by car or join an organized excursion with a guide and transportation included. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning mountain scenery, charming villages, hiking trails of all levels, and fascinating historic monuments like Manzanares El Real Castle and the Monastery of Santa María de El Paular in Rascafría.

If rural tourism is your thing, be sure to check out our dedicated guide to the most beautiful villages in the Sierra de Madrid. Many of them are surrounded by truly breathtaking natural landscapes.

16. Catch a Sunset at the Faro de Moncloa (Moncloa Lighthouse)

One of central Madrid’s most underrated attractions, the Faro de Moncloa is a striking observation tower located about 25 minutes on foot from Plaza de España, though it’s also very easily reached by metro or bus. Best of all, admission prices are very affordable, making it a great value stop for families.

A high-speed elevator whisks you up 90 meters in just 50 seconds, and kids who are nervous quickly forget about it once the views kick in. Look out for iconic landmarks like Casa de Campo, the Pirulí tower, the Army Headquarters, and the España Building. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through the tower’s official website.

17. Explore Madrid’s Comic Book Stores

For young readers and anime fans, a browse through Madrid’s comic book stores is a surprisingly fun outing. The Malasaña neighborhood is one of the best areas in the city for this, particularly the streets around Plaza de la Luna, which are lined with specialist shops selling comics, graphic novels, and all kinds of superhero and anime merchandise.

Whether you’re shopping for a budding reader, a devoted collector, or just browsing for a unique souvenir, it’s a fun and low-key way to explore one of Madrid’s coolest and most eclectic neighborhoods.

18. Enjoy Christmas in Madrid on the Navibús

Visiting Madrid during the holiday season? You’re in for a treat. The city transforms into a winter wonderland from late November through the first week of January, with spectacular light displays, towering Christmas trees, and festive markets around every corner.

One of the best ways to soak it all in is by hopping aboard the Navibús, a special holiday tourist bus that winds through the city’s most beautifully decorated streets and boulevards. Kids tend to spend the entire ride pressed against the windows, and honestly, the adults aren’t much different. It’s a truly magical experience for the whole family, and practically guarantees you’ll have a carol stuck in your head for days.

Just keep in mind that the Navibús is a seasonal service, and tickets typically go on sale a few weeks in advance. We recommend checking schedules and pricing starting in the final quarter of the year so you don’t miss out.

Tips for Choosing the Right Tour to do with Kids

• The 2-hour rule: For kids under 10, any tour running longer than 120 minutes is a risk. Look for shorter routes or ones with built-in stops at plazas where they can stretch their legs.
• Interactivity: Prioritize tours that mention games, hands-on materials, or challenges. If it’s just someone talking in front of a statue, keep looking.
• Start and end location: Try to pick a tour that finishes near a park like El Retiro or Madrid Río, so the kids can burn off some energy once they’ve done their bit.

Music, sport, history, and nature: there is no shortage of things to do in Madrid with kids. The options are as varied as the city’s incredible cultural and leisure scene, both in the capital and the surrounding area. Have you decided on your next family activity? If you need more inspiration, check out our full range of tours and excursions in of Madrid. ¡Buen viaje!