Zoo–Aquarium Madrid
zoo is currently rated one of the best in Europe – within its confines
you’ll find more than 2,000 animals representing 500 species, including
endangered ones such as the white tiger. Young children, in particular,
will enjoy the koalas. Free-flying birds of prey are the main draw of
the aviary while sharks and other creatures of the deep lurk in the
Aquarium. The Dolphinarium shows are another popular attraction. Road A-5, exit (salida) Casa de Campo Metro Casa de Campo Open 11am–dusk Mon–Fri, 10:30am–dusk Sat–Sun & hols Adm
Parque de Atracciones This
park boasts more than 40 stomach-churning rides as well as a host of
other diversions like puppet and magic shows, and a virtual reality
zone. The rides include Los Rápidos (a chance to try white-water
rafting) and Top Spin, which needs no explanation. For the very young
there are merrygo-rounds and train and boat rides. Casa de Campo Metro Batán Open
Jun–Aug: noon–midnight Mon–Fri, noon–1am Sat, noon–11pm Sun; Sep:
noon–10pm Sat–Sun; Oct, Mar, Apr: noon–9pm Sat–Sun; Nov–Feb: noon–7pm
Sat–Sun; May: noon–8pm Tue–Fri, noon–10pm Sat–Sun Adm
Parque de Attraciones
Faunia This
new science park claims to be the only one of its kind in Europe. Each
of the 10 pavilions has been designed to recreate a different ecosystem
with authentic sights, sounds and smells. Visitors can “experience” a
tropical storm, journey to the polar regions and observe nocturnal
creatures in their natural habitat. Road A-3, exit (salida) 6 Metro Valdebernardo Open Oct–Apr: 10am–dusk daily; May–Sep:10am–8pm daily Closed: 12 Jan–8 Feb, Oct–Dec: Mon, Tue Dis. access Adm
Warner Brothers Park This
vast site is divided into themed areas: Superheroes is devoted to the
fantasy worlds of Gotham City and Metropolis, while The Wild West
recalls Hollywood westerns of the John Wayne era. You can also tour the
replicated film sets of the Warner Brothers Studio. Road A-4, exit (salida) 22 Train C-3A from Atocha Open Jun–Aug: 11am–1pm (to midnight Sat); Sep–Nov: 11am–8pm Sat–Sun; Dec–Feb: noon–7pm Sat–Sun; Mar–May: 11am–8pm Fri–Sun Adm
Xanadú This
snow park combines a skiing area and ski school with a vast shopping
centre. Other amenities include cinemas, restaurants, bowling and
go-karting. Road A-5, exit (salida) 22 or 25 Arroyomolinos Bus 496 or 529 Open 10am–2am Sun–Thu; 10am–4am Fri, Sat; shops open 10am–10pm Adm
CosmoCaixa This
state-of-the-art science museum has been an enormous success since it
opened in 2000. It aims to stimulate, surprise and provoke with
interactive displays and hands-on gadgetry. Younger children are
especially catered for in the Toca Toca zone where they learn about
plants and animals and get to stroke giant tortoises, iguanas and
snakes. The highlight for older children is the planetarium. Road A-1, exit (salida) 16, Alcobendas Train C-1 from Chamartín Open 10am–8pm Tue–Sun Closed 25 Dec, 1 Jan, 6 Jan Dis. access Adm (except last Sun of month)
Aquópolis A
welcome distraction, especially in the searing heat of summer, Madrid’s
water park (close to the airport) opened in 1987. On offer are a range
of giant water slides, toboggans, cascades and spirals. There’s also a
lake, wave pool and toddlers’ paddling pool, as well as cafés and
restaurants. Tren de la Fresa Great
fun for the kids and a nostalgic journey into the past for the
grown-ups, the “Strawberry Train”, pulled by an old steam locomotive,
follows the original route from Madrid to Aranjuez which first opened in
1850. Hostesses wearing period costume give out helpings of the
strawberries for which Aranjuez is famous. The price of the ticket
includes the bus ride from the station, as well as entry to the palace,
gardens and other attractions. Teleférico The
cable car ride between Parque del Oueste and Casa de Campo is enjoyable
for both kids and parents. There are fabulous views of the city skyline
– the leaflet will help locate landmarks such as the Telefónica
building, Torre Picasso, Torre Madrid and the Palacio Real.
Teleférico
Parque del Retiro The
Retiro’s central location makes it an obvious place to visit if the
children are in the mood to run wild. On Sunday afternoons (1pm), take
them to the puppet show in the open-air theatre near the lake. They
won’t need to know Spanish as the sense of fun is infectious .
Parque del Retiro
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