Madrid Weekend Activities & Things to Do

Retiro Park Playground

Spend the afternoon exploring one of Madrid's most iconic green spaces, El Retiro Park.

Kids can enjoy the various playgrounds scattered throughout the park, offering a great space to run, climb, and play freely.

Suitable for all ages (3-12 years). Numerous playgrounds, wide open spaces for running, and opportunities for spotting ducks on the lake. Facilities include public restrooms and snack kiosks. Plan for 1.5-2 hours.

Kids Film Screening

Enjoy 'Nina and the Hedgehog's Secret' (Nina y el secreto del erizo), a film screening suitable for children aged 4 and above at CaixaForum Madrid.

Film suitable for ages 4+. CaixaForum also has exhibitions and often family workshops. The venue is modern and stroller-friendly. Duration: approximately 1.5 hours.

Zoo Aquarium Visit

Explore the Madrid Zoo Aquarium, home to over 500 species and 6,000 animals, including pandas, elephants, and sea lions.

Enjoy animal shows and the diverse marine life in the aquarium.

Great for all ages (3-12). Highlights include panda exhibits, dolphin shows, and a variety of land and marine animals. Allow 3-4 hours. Restrooms and food stalls available.

Lakeside Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a budget-friendly picnic lunch in the expansive Casa de Campo park, near the Zoo Aquarium.

There are plenty of green spaces and views of the lake.

Perfect for all ages. Bring your own sandwiches and snacks for a cost-effective and relaxing meal outdoors. Plenty of space for kids to run around after eating. Duration: 1 hour.

Madrid Río Slides

Head to Madrid Río Park, known for its fantastic and adventurous giant slides that snake down hills.

It's a modern park alongside the Manzanares River with plenty of space for active play.

Best for kids aged 5-12, but younger children with supervision can also enjoy parts. The slides are a major highlight. Open spaces for running and biking. Restrooms and cafes nearby. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.

Indoor Fun Park

Experience an indoor amusement park at Babylon Park, featuring bumper cars, a roller coaster, drop tower, arcade games, and VR experiences.

It's an excellent option for year-round fun.

Suitable for ages 3-12, with height restrictions on some rides. Offers a variety of activities for different energy levels. Soft play areas for toddlers are also available. Duration: 2 hours.

Natural History Museum

Dive into the natural world at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales.

This family-friendly museum features dinosaur fossils, a giant Megatherium skeleton, minerals, and interactive displays that captivate young minds.

Ideal for curious kids aged 4-12. Look out for the T-Rex replica and the 'Garden of Stones' outdoor exhibit. Duration: 2-3 hours. Offers family workshops (check schedule).

Family Restaurant Lunch

Enjoy a relaxed family lunch at one of the many family-friendly restaurants around Plaza Olavide or Mercado de San Miguel.

These areas offer a vibrant atmosphere and diverse food options.

Plaza Olavide is known for its peaceful, circular plaza with playgrounds and surrounding restaurants. Mercado de San Miguel offers a gourmet market experience with many food stalls for different tastes.

Creative Play Space

Visit 'Family Reading and Play Space: 'Chez Matisse'' at CaixaForum Madrid.

This free space is designed to foster learning through curiosity and play, enjoying the universe of the 'Chez Matisse' exhibition.

Designed for children aged 3 and above. It's a hands-on, interactive experience, perfect for winding down the weekend with imaginative play. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.