Spain’s incredible capital is full of fun for the whole family. It’s got plenty of history and culture that will fascinate adults, while still featuring plenty of kid-friendly sights. However, planning the perfect trip for everyone involves thinking ahead more than a trip sans kids. This itinerary for spending 3 days in Madrid with kids will leave everyone happy. Get ready to enjoy a fun, fulfilling trip the whole family will remember forever.

Day 1

Casa Museo de Ratón Pérez

Just a two-minute walk away from the tour ending point in Puerta del Sol, you’ll find this charming museum kids will adore. Here in Spain, it’s not the tooth fairy who visits children who have lost a tooth—it’s a little mouse known as El Ratoncito Pérez! At Casa Museo de Ratón Pérez, kids will have a blast experiencing this unique Spanish tradition.

According to local legend, Ratoncito Pérez actually lives in the little house at the museum! Kids will have a blast seeing where the little mouse and his family live. There’s also a small art museum featuring various artists’ interpretations of this beloved character. You can even see some of the baby teeth belonging to famous historical figures that he’s collected over the years.

Mercado de San Miguel

At this point, the kids might be tired. Remember that there’s no shame in heading back to your hotel for a little R&R! In fact, Spanish culture actually encourages a midday nap. Don’t be afraid to embrace the siesta!

When you’re ready to head back out, take the metro to Sol and enjoy the short walk to the most iconic and popular of Madrid’s many fresh food markets. The Mercado de San Miguel is a true feast for the senses. There are plenty of great options here, from simple Spanish favorites to otherworldly delicacies you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re traveling with picky or adventurous eaters, there’s something for everyone.

Family picnic

While you’re at the market, be sure to pick up some fresh, local products to enjoy on a family picnic. Continuing west from San Miguel, there are some lovely green spaces where you can relax and eat your leisurely meal while the kids play. Plaza de España is always a popular choice, and Campo del Moro park behind the Royal Palace is lovely as well. As a bonus, it has a playground.

Day 2

Retiro

Start off the second of your 3 days in Madrid with kids by heading to the city’s most popular park! Gorgeous Retiro is full of activities the whole family can enjoy. Take a relaxing boat ride along the lake, check out the glistening Crystal Palace, and let the kids play to their hearts’ content on one of the dozens of playgrounds inside the park.

Prado Museum

It may not seem like an art museum full of centuries-old masterpieces would be all that interesting for kids. However, the Prado is one of Madrid’s must-see sights, and there are plenty of ways for kids to enjoy it as well! Consider booking a guided kids’ tour or renting the children’s audio guide. With a little bit of added context, kids will love marveling at the museum’s beautiful masterworks.

CaixaForum

Just down the street and a little ways down from the Prado, you’ll find another fascinating cultural center the whole family will love. Exhibitions at CaixaForum change regularly, but there’s always something going on. They offer unique, hands-on workshops and activities for children, so be sure to check out what’s on and learn something new as a family!

Day 3

Casa de Campo

Your 3 days in Madrid with kids are almost up. Make the most of this last day by starting things off at Casa de Campo. The largest of Madrid’s myriad parks, there’s no shortage of family fun to be had here. Visit Madrid’s lovely zoo located inside the park, take a boat ride around the lake, ride the cable car and more.

Royal Palace & Armory

Escape the midday heat by heading to Madrid’s stately, grandiose Royal Palace after a morning spent enjoying the park. Kids will be awestruck by the luxurious splendor awaiting them beyond the palace’s majestic entrance! Your palace ticket includes a visit to the Royal Armory, which is just off of the main entrance square. Don’t miss the chance to see real-life suits of armor, gilded swords and more.

Temple of Debod & Plaza de España

After spending a few hours exploring the inside of the palace, kids will probably want to blow off some steam and run around. Enjoy a leisurely walk north along Calle Bailén, where you’ll eventually come to Plaza de España. This impressive plaza is home to a monument honoring Spain’s greatest literary icon: Miguel de Cervantes, author of the epic Don Quijote.

Just across the way, you’ll find a real treasure from Ancient Egypt. The Temple of Debod is an actual ancient Egyptian temple that the Egyptian government gifted to Spain. It was carefully dismantled, moved to Madrid and reconstructed brick by brick. The area around the temple is a nice park where kids can play while you relax. If you get hungry, Casa Mingo (Paseo de la Florida, 34) is a great nearby family-friendly food option.