We just got back from a 48-hour city break in Madrid. What a breath of fresh air!
Living in Ibiza, we’re lucky to be just a quick flight away from some of Europe’s most vibrant cities, and Madrid remains one of my all-time favorites. It’s easily in my top three: safe, elegant, walkable, and full of life. Best of all, it’s incredibly kid-friendly.
From playgrounds tucked into pedestrian streets to leafy parks, charming cafés, and a culture that truly welcomes children, Madrid hits all the right notes for a family city escape.
Where To Stay in Madrid with Kids
We checked into Totem Hotel, a chic boutique property in Salamanca. It’s stylish, unfussy, and perfectly located, just a 10-minute walk from our favorite spot in the city: Retiro Park. The hotel staff kindly added an extra bed so my best friend’s daughter could join us for a girls’ night. One adult, two kids, and a whole lot of fun ahead.
Where to Go in Madrid: Saturday
We hit the ground running with a visit to the Sweet Space Museum, an interactive art-meets-dessert experience that’s ideal for kids up to age 10. We loved the giant slide that ends in a technicolor ball pit, and a cotton candy station where the girls made their own sugar clouds. We spent about two hours there and left buzzing; literally and figuratively.
Lunch was at Mallorca, a darling spot near Retiro. The kids ordered jamón serrano bocatas served in adorable lunch boxes, with sides like crisps or fruit salad, plus homemade lemonade. We sat outside, people-watched, and soaked up that golden Madrid sunshine.
Next stop: Retiro Park’s Columpio playground, where the girls did gymnastics routines and dance performances under the trees while I sipped coffee and relaxed on a shaded bench. It’s hard to beat that kind of simple joy.
We popped into Druin, a fun beauty boutique, where the girls chose peel-off face masks, bath bombs, and press-on nails. Instant entertainment for the evening.
Back at the hotel, we indulged in a bubble-filled spa bath before heading out to dinner at Bel Mondo, part of the Instagram-famous Big Mamma Group. The girls were obsessed, not only with the pasta, but the retro photo booth where they took best friend selfies. Total win.
What to do in Madrid: Sunday
We started the day with breakfast at the hotel (always a hit), then took a neighborhood stroll with coffee in hand, ducked into a nearby church to light a candle and snap a few photos.
Then came Jump Yard, a trampoline park that burned off every ounce of kid energy. We booked a two-hour pass for €22 – worth every penny.
We ventured back into the city for a quick shopping stop at Brandy Melville to pick up birthday gifts for my soon-to-be 14-year-old. Then it was time for a final lunch at Honest Greens, where we packed up picnic boxes and returned to Retiro for one last lazy afternoon.
Our final treat? Ice creams at Maison Glacée – the perfect sweet note to end on before heading back to the airport.
More Things to Do in Madrid with Kids
This was a quick trip, but it left such a big impression. I’m making a conscious effort to do more one-on-one city breaks with each of my kids. They absolutely love the focused attention, and frankly, travel feels so much more relaxed this way.
We’re already dreaming of our next quick escape back to Madrid with kids, when we can visit:
- The Prado Museum – still a must for older kids and art lovers
- Rowboats in Retiro Park – a magical way to spend a sunny hour
- Warner Park Madrid – a superhero-themed amusement park
