As in the rest of Spain, children are well-catered for in Madrid with plenty of activities, child-friendly restaurants and budget hotels adapted to the needs of families travelling with little ones. You won’t be expected to hire a babysitter to enjoy a meal out or even go for a late night drink here; especially in the summer when the days are long and the weather warm. It’s not unusual to see children playing in a floodlit park at midnight while their parents keep an eye on them from a bar terrace enjoying a drink and some adult conversation. If you are travelling to Madrid with kids, here are some quick tips on how to make the most of this family oriented city.
First of all, you may find it more convenient to rent a self-catering apartment in Madrid where you can enjoy total freedom from curfews and not worry about your crying baby keeping other guests awake at 3am while you heat a bottle! There are plenty of options near to the city’s major parks (such as El Retiro) where you can make the most of the sunshine, free entertainment thanks to the street performers or even treat them to some fun on the boating lake.
As far as eating out is concerned, La Familia is a great family restaurant with colourful crockery, a children’s menu and a monitored play area as well as a reading corner. Ideal if you want to be able to eat in peace! Baby Deli near to Serrano metro station is another brilliant eatery for both parents and kids. It serves up nice organic food and yummy cakes as well as providing fun activities and workshops for the children.
When choosing what to see and do in Madrid with your children, you will be spoiled for choice. Parque de Atracciones is the Spanish capital’s main theme park and it has sections suitable for small and older children. Entry is free with the 72 hour Madrid Card.
The zoo and the aquarium are always a safe bet for family entertainment in any city and Madrid is no exception. Entry is pricey but Madrid zoo is considered by many to be one of the best in Europe and is definitely a place where you can happily spend the entire day.
Hopefully by the end of 2010 Madrid will even have its own urban beach; the so-called Rio Project. Watch this space!
