A selection in partnership withKids Voyage

Madrid

Madrid, Spain’s capital has many surprises in store for visitors. The human tide that flows along its streets day and night is a good indication of the dynamism of this city which offers numerous and varied activities: the museums of the ‘golden triangle’, first of which is the Prado, the tours to the sierra, the zoos, the aquariums, the planetarium, the amusement parks will bowl you over, and then there are peaceful gardens – all are great entertainment opportunities, just as much as a visit to Bernabeu stadium or enjoying the famous tapas!

To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Madrid.

Novotel Madrid Puente de La Paz

1632

The oldest tree in the city is a Mexican cypress planted in 1632, in the Buen Retiro park.

640

Madrid is the highest capital city in Europe with an altitude of 640 metres.

9

With 9 European cup wins Real Madrid is the leading football club in Europe, in front of AC Milan and Liverpool FC.


Museums and exhibitions

Natural Sciences Museum
This museum encourages greater awareness of the natural world, in particular the environment of the Mediterranean. As popular with locals as with tourists, it organises regular activities for children. Dinosaur skeletons and the Time Travel section are particularly impressive.
Calle José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2 – Tel: (+34) 914111328
Open Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 6pm; Saturdays from 10am to 8pm (July and August: Saturdays from 10am to 3pm); and Sundays and Bank Holidays from 10am to 2.30pm 

Navy Museum
A chance to see yourself as Christopher Columbus and other famous explorers of the Spanish navy! The museum focuses on the rich naval, military and exploration history of Spain. Admire ships and huge charts which retrace the epic story of the Conquistadors and the America of the 16th century.
Paseo del Prado, 5 – Tel: (+34) 915238789
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 2pm 

Cosmo Caixa
This science museum is for all the family but is particularly geared towards younger visitors. It uses games and workshops to introduce the fundamentals of science to the general public. An educational and entertaining day as you explore the five senses, the roles numbers play in our daily lives, our planet…and much much more.
Calle Pintor Velázquez – Tel: (+34) 914845200
Open every day from 10am till sunset

Zoos, aquariums, parcs et jardins

Parque de Buen Retiro
The most popular park in Madrid contains the oldest tree in the city. Designed as a place of entertainment for the kings of Spain, it’s part of the gardens of the Buen Retiro palace, of which only a few buildings now remain. These include a War Museum, in contrast to the enchanting surroundings of the gardens and the lake where you can relax on a boat.
Plaza de la Independencia – Tel: (+34) 915588790
Open from 1st May to 31st October, from Monday to Sunday from 6am to midnight; and from 1st November to 30th April, from Monday to Sunday, from 6am to 10pm 

Faunia Parque Biológico
In tune with current concerns over global warming, this park focuses on biodiversity, combining entertainment and contact with nature across eight different ecosystems and climates – with 3,500 animals! The general tone is entertaining and educational and the experience can be appreciated by young and old alike. A perfect family outing!
Avenida de las communides, 28 – Tel: (+34) 91 301 62 35
Open every day from 10am to 8pm (with exceptions – call for information) 

Warner Bros Park
Hollywood in the middle of Spain! This theme park has several areas with different themes from Superheroes to the Old West, where you can discover the secrets of cinema special effects, loop the loop on extraordinary rides, or meet much loved characters such as Tweety and Taz. It’s one of the best theme parks in Europe with thrills and entertainment for the whole family!
Carretera A-4, Km. 22, San Martín de la Vega – Tel: (+34) 902024100
Open from 1st April to 5th November from 11am

Kids’voyage’s special treats

Wax Museum
A great way to learn all about the lives of famous Spanish – and world – figures, while having fun! This museum lets you take a photo of the whole family alongside footballer Raul, Fidel Castro, Salvador Dalí, cyclist Miguel Indurain, ET, Bart Simpson, Princess Diana, George W Bush, Einstein – and even Superman! Famous names in science, sport and history, they’re all there! There’s even a ghost train, a virtual reality simulator and the history of Spain told with 27 projectors.
Paseo de Recoletos, 41 – Tel: (+34) 913192649
Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2.30pm and from 4.30pm to 8.30pm; and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 8.30pm 

Biblioketa
A bookshop? Yes, but not just any bookshop! This international store has an area where children and parents will find all they want in the space of a few hours. Older children will find their favourite comics while the younger ones can listen to tales in Spanish, English and French, or take part in painting, theatre or music workshops. Original and relaxing!
Calle Justiniano, 4 – Tel: (+34) 913910099
Open every day 

Planetario
The sky and its history: Madrid’s planetarium is an education and lets you escape after a long day’s sightseeing. Who hasn’t dreamt of exploring space and the planets that surround us? This planetarium helps make these dreams come true. Settle down in the cinema room and set your imagination free as the show begins and you start exploring some 9,000 stars, nebulae and galaxies – all to some of the most beautiful music ever written.
Avenida del Planetario, 16 – Tel: (+34) 914673461
Open Tuesday to Friday, from 9.30am to 1.45pm and from 5pm to 7.45pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 1.45pm and from 5pm to 8.45pm

Some good places for a family meal

Restaurant Prada a Tope – Tienda Casa de Comidas
Simple cheap food (salads, meats, chips) and a relaxed atmosphere: a great place to go with the children.
Calle Principe, 11 – Tel: (+34) 914295921
Open every day except Tuesday from 1pm to 4pm and from 9pm to midnight 

Casa Mingo
It is one of the oldest and best known restaurants in Madrid. Waiters and waitresses are used to serving families with children and are very relaxed. Highlight of the menu is the roast chicken and Asturian specialities!
Paseo de la Florida, 34 – Tel: (+34) 915477918
Open every day from 11 am to midnight 

La Fondue de Tell
Just for a change: a Swiss restaurant! The menu offers a wide range of top quality cheese or chocolate fondues, as well as raclettes. Children love it!
Calle Divino Pastor, 12 – Tel: (+34) 915944277
Open every day from 1.30pm to 3.45pm and from 8.30pm to midnight


KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels in Madrid wish you an excellent stay.