Madrid with kids: a day out
The essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- all 4 free
- Duration
- 5 h 20 min · 09:30–14:46
- Start and finish
- Temple of Debod → Retiro Park
- On foot
- ≈ 6 min in total
- Transport
- 2 rides, ≈ 40 min
- Lunch
- around 11:40
- With kids
- fine: short walks
- Best time
- Spring and autumn; in summer, the park in the morning and the temple after 7pm.
The plan, stop by stop
Times include walking and lunch. Drag a stop by ≡, remove it with the cross or add one nearby — the plan updates.
Madrid09:30–14:46 · 4 places · 5 h 20 min
Temple of Debod
· 40 min · Free
- 19 min · transport or taxi
Puerta del Sol
· 25 min · Free
- 6 min on foot
Plaza Mayor
· 40 min · Free
- Lunch · 1 h
- 21 min · transport or taxi
Retiro Park
· 1 h 45 min · Free
Add nearby
Places near the plan — Yes puts one into the day and the times update.
What the route costs
All 4 stops are free — you pay only for museums inside, if you go in, and for lunch.
| 1 | Temple of Debod | 49 | 40 min | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Puerta del Sol | 52 | 25 min | Free |
| 3 | Plaza Mayor | 51 | 40 min | Free |
| 4 | Retiro Park | 40 | 1 h 45 min | Free |
| Total | 3 h 30 min | 4 of 4 free |
Tips for each stop
- 1
Temple of Debod. A genuine Egyptian temple in a park and the city's best sunset. Free; the inside is closed on Mondays.
- 2
Puerta del Sol. The central square: the bear and strawberry tree, Kilometre Zero and the New Year clock. Free.
- 3
Plaza Mayor. An enclosed 17th-century square of arcades and the Casa de la Panadería, with the San Miguel market nearby. Free.
- 4
Retiro Park. The big park behind the Prado: boats on the pond, the Crystal Palace, the rose garden. Free.
Who this route is for
- Children aged 3 and up
- A family trip to Madrid
- Park and city in one day
- The Prado with toddlers: keep it short
- Theme parks need a day out of town
Spring and autumn; in summer, the park in the morning and the temple after 7pm.
How the family day works
Children are freshest in the morning, perfect for the Retiro: hire a boat, feed the ducks and fish, visit the Crystal Palace. Then it's two metro stops to Sol, where everyone takes a photo with the bear, and a walk to Plaza Mayor for lunch.
After lunch, rest at the hotel, then head to the Temple of Debod towards evening: children love the stone gateways and the animal-headed gods, and at sunset the temple is reflected in the water.
Remove any stop with the cross or drag it with ≡, add something nearby, and the timings update.
Eating with kids
Around Plaza Mayor, children love calamari sandwiches and patatas bravas, and churros with hot chocolate make a great breakfast or afternoon treat. The Retiro has cafés by the pond and lawns for a picnic.
Spaniards lunch late and dine after 9pm, but central kitchens open earlier. High chairs are almost everywhere, and cafés are warm with little guests.
Tips for a family trip
Madrid gets very hot in summer, so rest at the hotel or in the Retiro's shade from midday to five and walk in the morning and evening. Bring hats, sunscreen and water; parks and many squares have drinking fountains. Most metro stations have lifts, but rush hour is crowded, so travel with a pushchair at midday.
Spaniards adore children, and little ones stay out late with their parents, so don't be surprised to see kids on the squares at ten at night.
More for kids
Children also enjoy Plaza de España with Don Quixote and its new playgrounds, the Bernabéu stadium tour and a trip to Segovia and its fairy-tale castle.
How to do it right
- The Retiro in the morning.
- Boats on weekdays.
- The Temple of Debod at sunset.
- Spain uses the euro. Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere. Book the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and the Gaudí houses ahead on their official sites, which list entry times and closing days.
Questions
What is there to do in Madrid with kids?
Retiro Park and its boats, Sol and Plaza Mayor, the Temple of Debod, Plaza de España and the Bernabéu.
Is Madrid pushchair-friendly?
Yes, the centre is mostly level and many metro stations have lifts.
Is there a theme park in Madrid?
Yes, outside the city; in the centre, the Retiro and Plaza de España suit children best.
Where can we eat with kids in Madrid?
Around Plaza Mayor, at the San Miguel market and in the Retiro's cafés.
Sources and fact-check
- Prices, opening hours and time on site come from each place's page, with its own sources and check date
- Madrid tourism portal, esmadrid.com
