Itinerary
3 days in Madrid with kids
Three days cover the main sights at a child's pace, with one outing in the morning and one after a rest. Swap day 3 for the Parque de Atracciones if your children are over 6 and want rides more than animals.
Day 1
Palace and the river
- Morning
- Take the first slot at the Royal Palace and head for the armoury once the state rooms wear thin. With under-5s, skip the interior and stay in the square and the Sabatini gardens.
- Afternoon
- After a rest, go down to Madrid Río near Príncipe Pío and let the children work through the play areas. In summer bring swimsuits for the water jets.
- Break
- Lunch near Ópera around 13:30, then back to the hotel for a nap until 17:00.
Day 2
Prado and the Retiro
- Morning
- Be at the Prado at 10:00 with your five paintings chosen. Leave after an hour, while everyone is still in a good mood. Families with toddlers can go straight to the park.
- Afternoon
- Walk up to the Retiro, rent a rowing boat and finish at a playground. At weekends, check the puppet theatre schedule.
- Break
- The Retiro is the break. A stroller nap under the trees works well after lunch in spring and autumn.
Day 3
Casa de Campo zoo day
- Morning
- Take bus 33 from Príncipe Pío to the zoo door for opening time. Do the far enclosures first, then the aquarium when it gets warm, and fit in the dolphin session.
- Afternoon
- Eat at the picnic area by the dolphinarium or in the park, and leave by mid-afternoon. Keep the evening for a slow walk and an early dinner by local standards.
- Break
- Small children usually fall asleep in the stroller on the way out. Plan nothing before 18:00.