Madrid’s Top 10 : Children’s Attractions

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  1. Zoo–Aquarium

    Madrid
    zoo is currently rated one of the best in Europe – within its confines
    you’ll find more than 2,000 animals representing 500 species, including
    endangered ones such as the white tiger. Young children, in particular,
    will enjoy the koalas. Free-flying birds of prey are the main draw of
    the aviary while sharks and other creatures of the deep lurk in the
    Aquarium. The Dolphinarium shows are another popular attraction.

    • Road A-5, exit (salida) Casa de Campo

    • Metro Casa de Campo

    • Open 11am–dusk Mon–Fri, 10:30am–dusk Sat–Sun & hols

    • Adm

  2. Parque de Atracciones

    This
    park boasts more than 40 stomach-churning rides as well as a host of
    other diversions like puppet and magic shows, and a virtual reality
    zone. The rides include Los Rápidos (a chance to try white-water
    rafting) and Top Spin, which needs no explanation. For the very young
    there are merry­go-rounds and train and boat rides.

    • Casa de Campo

    • Metro Batán

    • Open
      Jun–Aug: noon–midnight Mon–Fri, noon–1am Sat, noon–11pm Sun; Sep:
      noon–10pm Sat–Sun; Oct, Mar, Apr: noon–9pm Sat–Sun; Nov–Feb: noon–7pm
      Sat–Sun; May: noon–8pm Tue–Fri, noon–10pm Sat–Sun

    • Adm




    Parque de Attraciones

  3. Faunia

    This
    new science park claims to be the only one of its kind in Europe. Each
    of the 10 pavilions has been designed to recreate a different ecosystem
    with authentic sights, sounds and smells. Visitors can “experience” a
    tropical storm, journey to the polar regions and observe nocturnal
    creatures in their natural habitat.

    • Road A-3, exit (salida) 6

    • Metro Valdebernardo

    • Open Oct–Apr: 10am–dusk daily; May–Sep:10am–8pm daily

    • Closed: 12 Jan–8 Feb, Oct–Dec: Mon, Tue

    • Dis. access

    • Adm

  4. Warner Brothers Park

    This
    vast site is divided into themed areas: Superheroes is devoted to the
    fantasy worlds of Gotham City and Metropolis, while The Wild West
    recalls Hollywood westerns of the John Wayne era. You can also tour the
    replicated film sets of the Warner Brothers Studio.

    • Road A-4, exit (salida) 22

    • Train C-3A from Atocha

    • Open Jun–Aug: 11am–1pm (to midnight Sat); Sep–Nov: 11am–8pm Sat–Sun; Dec–Feb: noon–7pm Sat–Sun; Mar–May: 11am–8pm Fri–Sun

    • Adm

  5. Xanadú

    This
    snow park combines a skiing area and ski school with a vast shopping
    centre. Other amenities include cinemas, restaurants, bowling and
    go-karting.

    • Road A-5, exit (salida) 22 or 25 Arroyomolinos

    • Bus 496 or 529

    • Open 10am–2am Sun–Thu; 10am–4am Fri, Sat; shops open 10am–10pm

    • Adm

  6. CosmoCaixa

    This
    state-of-the-art science museum has been an enormous success since it
    opened in 2000. It aims to stimulate, surprise and provoke with
    interactive displays and hands-on gadgetry. Younger children are
    especially catered for in the Toca Toca zone where they learn about
    plants and animals and get to stroke giant tortoises, iguanas and
    snakes. The highlight for older children is the planetarium.

    • Road A-1, exit (salida) 16, Alcobendas

    • Train C-1 from Chamartín

    • Open 10am–8pm Tue–Sun

    • Closed 25 Dec, 1 Jan, 6 Jan

    • Dis. access

    • Adm (except last Sun of month)

  7. Aquópolis

    A
    welcome distraction, especially in the searing heat of summer, Madrid’s
    water park (close to the airport) opened in 1987. On offer are a range
    of giant water slides, toboggans, cascades and spirals. There’s also a
    lake, wave pool and toddlers’ paddling pool, as well as cafés and
    restaurants.

    • Road A-2 (15.5km) San Fernando de Henares

    • Open Jun, Sep: noon–7pm daily; Jul–Aug: noon–8pm daily

    • Adm

  8. Tren de la Fresa

    Great
    fun for the kids and a nostalgic journey into the past for the
    grown-ups, the “Strawberry Train”, pulled by an old steam locomotive,
    follows the original route from Madrid to Aranjuez which first opened in
    1850. Hostesses wearing period costume give out helpings of the
    strawberries for which Aranjuez is famous. The price of the ticket
    includes the bus ride from the station, as well as entry to the palace,
    gardens and other attractions.

    • Estación de Atocha

    • Depart May, Jun, Sep–mid-Oct: 10am Sat–Sun; Return: 7pm

    • Adm

  9. Teleférico

    The
    cable car ride between Parque del Oueste and Casa de Campo is enjoyable
    for both kids and parents. There are fabulous views of the city skyline
    – the leaflet will help locate landmarks such as the Telefónica
    building, Torre Picasso, Torre Madrid and the Palacio Real.

    • Paseo del Pintor Rosales

    • Open Apr–mid-Sep: noon–dusk daily; 15 Sep–Mar noon–dusk Sat, Sun, hols

    • Adm




    Teleférico

  10. Parque del Retiro

    The
    Retiro’s central location makes it an obvious place to visit if the
    children are in the mood to run wild. On Sunday afternoons (1pm), take
    them to the puppet show in the open-air theatre near the lake. They
    won’t need to know Spanish as the sense of fun is infectious .




    Parque del Retiro