Schools are reopening and the financial strain of September drags on, while many parents are wondering what free activities they can do with their kids in Madrid this season. Museums are always a cultural—and even a weather-proof—refuge, but they also offer specific programs for the little ones, sometimes free of charge. In addition, the city offers playgrounds, cultural centers, and other spaces with free admission for children.
One of the first answers to the question of what to do for free with kids in Madrid is a classic: going to the park. But in many cases, the parks in the Community have moved beyond the idea of a rusty slide and a couple of swings; they’re now structures that, in addition to being imaginative, are inclusive and designed so that if you fall, you won’t get the classic scraped knee.
In addition to the capital, some municipalities in the Community of Madrid seem to be competing to create the most spectacular playground, for the benefit of children (and parents). In Alcobendas, there are playgrounds inspired by the ocean, outer space, or an anthill. There’s another one in Boadilla del Monte with a free 100-meter inflatable slide—and it’s even been named the best playground in Spain according to the Parques Urbanos awards—as well as the largest playground in Europe: the Leganés Castle.
Puppet Shows at the Retiro
One of Madrid’s most iconic activities is a visit to the El Retiro Puppet Theater. This small outdoor stage, located next to the entrance on Avenida de México, features performances designed for children and families, with puppet stories, music, humor, and characters that captivate both the little ones and the adults accompanying them.
It’s the perfect way to round out a morning or afternoon at the park: after the show, you can stroll through the gardens, take a boat ride on the Estanque Grande, or have a picnic. It’s best to buy tickets in advance through the official website.
Quinta de los Molinos Open Space is a cultural center designed to foster creativity among children and families. In addition to specific activities—generally for a fee—that include theater, music, film, dance, and other offerings that fill the days at this innovative institution, there are also various free spaces tailored to each age group.
The “Urbanoteca” is a playroom for children ages 0 to 12; meanwhile, in the #PalayQuinta room, designed for ages 13 to 18, there are spontaneous activities as well as scheduled artistic programs.
Getting out of the city and enjoying nature is one of the most popular family activities.
An ideal destination to get away from the city is Burrolandia, an animal sanctuary whose mission is to prevent the extinction of donkeys. It’s located in Tres Cantos and opens its doors free of charge by reservation every Sunday in two sessions: from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Tickets become available on Mondays and Fridays around 9 a.m., and reservations are made on a weekly basis. They can only be obtained through the website. At the entrance, you must show the reservation confirmation email.
One of the must-do activities with kids in the capital is a visit to the Geominero Museum: the visit is worth it simply for the building’s impressive architecture, crowned with stained-glass windows from the legendary Casa Maumejean, but its vast collection of rocks, stones, minerals, and fossils will spark curiosity and captivate the attention of the little ones.
Just like its T-Rex replica, which “is one of the little ones’ favorite photo spots,” as the museum director told us during our visit. In addition, activities and workshops are organized throughout the year.
Heading out into the countryside, feeling the wind on your face, not seeing a single modern building on the horizon. All of this is recommended for anyone, but for children, this outing is a must. The Sierra Norte of Madrid offers trails for all skill levels, such as the Schmidt Trail or the Canencia Nature Trail. Another, less mountainous option—20 kilometers from the capital’s center—is the Laguna del Campillo Trail in the Parque del Sureste. And for learning to spot birds and exploring a canyon, there’s the route through the Hoces del Río Duratón.
The Madrid City Council offers all kinds of free workshops and activities that change every month. Storytelling, puppet shows, theater, music—the variety of offerings is vast. You just have to keep an eye out for new events and secure a spot before they fill up. Locations vary across Madrid’s different districts, though the usual venues are libraries and cultural centers.