So you´re travelling to Madrid with the kids and on the never-ending flight over, you´re thinking: “Why didn´t I leave them home with grandma and grandpa?” Don´t Panic!!
There´s plenty of fun and excitement to be had in the capital of Spain and it´s a great opportunity to have some quality family time. Our most kids-Friendly guide Ana Ramos, whispers us some secrets:
- Retiro Park: The “Madrileños” favorite park, come discover why! Once the private leisure grounds of Spain´s Kings and Queens, it is now opened to all and with something for everyone: playgrounds, art expositions in the “Palacio de Cristal”, puppet shows, rowing in The Great Lake….nature and art meet in the Retiro Park. And what better way to finish the afternoon than eating an ice cream and watching the street entertainers that gather around the central lake.
- Madrid Río: Discover Madrid´s new, emerging Bike culture. Right in the middle of the city, there is an urban oasis with skate parks, a rock climbing wall, beautiful bridges, terrace and even a city beach. You can try our Bike Tour and get to experience what it´s all about.
- Debod Temple/Cable Car/ Picnic in Casa de Campo/Amusement Park: You would never imagine there was an Egyptian temple so close to the Royal Palace, would you! The Debod Temple is one of the few Egyptian architectural structures to be found outside it´s place of origin. It was a donation to Spain in 1968 as a sign of gratitude for its help in safeguarding the temples of Abu Simbel endangered by the construction of the Aswan dam. Then it´s on to the Cable Car, located conveniently next to the temple, and off to “Casa de Campo”. Enjoy the spectacular views on your way to Madrid´s largest park and pick the best spot for a picnic. And while your there why not spend the afternoon at the Amusement park. By the time you get to the hotel the kids will be begging for bedtime and you can leave them with a babysitter and explore Madrid´s amazing nightlife.
- Scavenger Hunt in the Old Town: Search for monuments, hidden corners and secrets in the Old Habsburg neighborhood. All you have to do is take our Essential Madrid Tour and we´ll take care of all the details. To finish off after all the hunting and sightseeing, how about some Hot Chocolate with Churros (sweet battered sticks) at the Chocolatería San Gines, established in 1890.
- Atocha Train Station and the Railway Museum: Ready for more surprises….what if I told you there was a tropical garden in the middle of a 19th century iron wrought train station, would you believe me? There are more than 260 species of plants from America, Asia and Africa, as well as fish and turtles. Why not try out Europe´s best public transportation system and take the commuter train to the Delicias Railway Museum, only one stop away. Full of vintage of locomotive and passenger coaches, there are also model trains and even an authentic small scale train in the garden which kids can ride. A great place for the young and young at heart.
Enjoy !!!
