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If you’re looking for a family vacation near Madrid that will take you out of the routine of the capital, you’ve come to the right place. There are a lot of nice places and cheap places less than two hours from the city. In this list we offer you a selection of essential destinations to travel with children , less than two hours by car from Madrid and without spending too much money.
We propose the best plans for a weekend getaway or to spend a few days and disconnect to connect with your loved ones. From stunning natural parks to charming villages with activities that can please both adults and children. Here’s what you can’t miss:
Lozoya Valley, in the Guadarrama Mountains
Full of ideal places for swimming in the river, canoeing, hiking or horse back riding. Do not miss the Hoya Encavera recreational area, the Congosto bridge and the river tour. In the village of Lozoya you have the possibility to do a candle making or handmade soap workshop. Notice to fans of the aesthetics of Lord of the Rings aesthetic: you will love to visit the medieval village of Buitrago de Lozoya.
The Sierra de Guadarrama is full of ideal possibilities for traveling with children. In the case of extending your stay do not miss Rascafría, with an old paper mill, relax near the forest of Finland and spend a few days surrounded by nature. One of the most beautiful towns in Madrid is Manzanares el Real where you will find historical monuments such as the Mendoza Castle.
Montejo beech forest
Less than an hour from Lozoya you will find a fairytale forest cataloged as a Natural Site of National Interest and declared a Biosphere Reserve and Natural Heritage of Humanity. Reservations must be made in advance because only a limited number of visitors are allowed per day. The best route to go with children is the linear route of the river path, which lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes and runs along a flat path with very slight slopes.
Chinchón
It is one of the essential towns to spend the day near Madrid with your family and it is also the eighth most beautiful site in Spain. In the Plaza Mayor children can ride a pony, depending on the dates there are dramatized visits, you can visit the Castle of the Counts, the Torre del Reloj, the Convent of San Agustin, the Lope de Vega Theater, the Casa de la Cadena, take a free tour or visit a winery.
Cercedilla
A good place to go with the family and where you can arrive by Cercanías is Cercedilla. It is the typical and inexpensive place to go to see the snow without having to go up to Navacerrada. There is also the Aventura Amazonia park, the Pradoluengo park or the Las Berceas recreational park, where you can enjoy the swimming pools with a view. Visit the Ski Museum in the Plaza Mayor of Cercedilla, go hiking along the water trail or go horse back riding.
Alcalá de Henares
Alcalá is an ideal place to enjoy giant tapas and have your children nibble on your plate. It has a complete guide for children to learn about the history of the city through its various stages and a complete map with the best route to go with children according to your age. Don’t miss the “Don Quixote” playground, the Children’s City, the dramatized routes on the life and work of Miguel de Cervantes or the guided tour of the Complutum archaeological site. It is also a good place to go by public transport from the capital.
El Atazar
Although bathing is prohibited in the reservoir, spending the day there is a good plan, especially if you want to go out with a baby stroller or very young children. Just walk to the shore of the Atazar Reservoir until you reach the recreational area of Juan Gil. It is a natural enclave to spend a day with the family .
The older and more adventurous can practice nautical sports there, such as kayaking, rowing, canoeing or sailing (adapted for people with disabilities). Another possibility is hiking, since there are several trails, such as the Senda de los Prados ( 6.48 km round trip), the Senda de la Dehesa (3.73 km), the Senda de los Tinaos el Pizarro (3.12 km) or the Senda del Camino del Molino (4.66 km).
Aranjuez
It is one of the must-see places less than an hour from Madrid. Apart from the Free Tour of Aranjuez, the Royal Palace, the Parterre Garden, the Prince’s Garden or the Island, we recommend the “Chiquitren”, a tourist train with a one-hour trip that leaves from the street of Palacio Sivela or “The strawberry train” to get to know the historical orchards of Aranjuez. However, reserve your tickets in advance. It is also a good option to see Aranjuez by boat from the Tajo river on board of the Curiosity, a 45-minute experience ideal for families.
Fresno Village
Enjoy the river with children at the Alberche Beach, located at Aldea del Fresno. It is necessary to check before in the web of the City Hall if the access is allowed, because it depends on different situations it is not. Right next to it is a very well conditioned recreational area with a pedestrian walkway.
Ten minutes away by car there is a place you can’t miss if you like animals at home. This is Safari Madrid, where you can feed large herbivores and see the animals in semi-freedom. In addition, there are several picnic areas set up for eating and you are allowed to bring food from home.
Toledo
Another of the basics with children. Go around the Tagus along the Ecological Path, ride Los Caballitos de la Vega, take a boat ride or go around Toledo by train until you reach the mythical viewpoint of the Valley. In Toledo there are many museums, such as the Archaeological Park of Carranque, the Museum of Graphic Humor or the Army Museum ideal to enjoy, especially when it’s cold, so choose the one you like the most.