Here we bring you some beautiful bike routes to enjoy with kids in Madrid. In general, they are flat, not too long, and include elements that will delight both children and adults. Of course, it’s essential that the little ones already know how to ride a bike (training wheels don’t count 😊).
Before choosing or planning your route, take a look at our tips to make the most of the experience with your kids. Visit “How to plan Bike Routes with kids”
Railway Route. Picadas Dam: Linear route, compacted dirt path, recommended for ages 5 and up
Link to the route map on Google here
This route goes from Picadas Dam to the picnic area in Pelayos de la Presa, and back along the same path. Although it’s an out-and-back on the same trail, the views in both directions will surprise you. It’s about 7 km each way, plus the return trip.
The path runs along an old, never-opened railway line, so besides being very flat, there are some remnants of that project, like a tunnel that goes through the mountain, which you’ll find halfway along the route. When we did this route, the tunnel was not fenced off nor was access forbidden, but there is also an alternative path that goes around the small mountain in case kids are afraid to pass through it.
Another highlight of this ride is the picnic area, which features a small beach where you can swim. You can actually start the route from either end, since there is parking both at the dam and the picnic area. Here’s a link a wikiloc por si quieres seguir la ruta que hicimos nosotros.
Pinilla Reservoir and Rascafría Small Dams. Circular route, dirt and asphalt paths, recommended for ages 5 and up (short route) and 8 and up (long route).
Link to the short route map on Google here
Link to the large route map on Google here
This is a fairly easy route to do with the family. You can choose a short version, going around the Pinilla Reservoir, or extend it all the way to the Presillas de Rascafría. Both options are easy, with very little elevation, but the long route can be a bit challenging due to the distance.
We’ll start from the Lozoya parking lot, marked on the map, and go around the dam on the left side. Then, we take the path that circles the lake until we reach the bridge crossing the Lozoya River at the far end of the reservoir. Once we cross, if we take the trail to the left, we’ll follow the long route; if we go right, we’ll keep circling the reservoir to do the short route.
If we decide to take the route to the Presillas, we just follow the trail passing through Alameda del Valle, Oteruelo del Valle, and Rascafría. After Rascafría, we reach the Finnish Forest, so named because it resembles the forests found in this Scandinavian country.
We’ll arrive at the Puente del Perdón and the Paular Monastery, then from there take a small climb to the Presillas on the left.
Greenway of the 40 Days Train: Linear route, asphalt, recommended for ages 7 and up
Link to the route map on Google here
This route gets its name because a railway was built here in record time to supply Madrid during a siege by Nationalist troops in the Civil War, after the Madrid–Alicante connection had been destroyed. The railway’s lifespan was short—it lasted only as long as the war—and shortly after it ended, the tracks were dismantled. Now it has been converted into a magnificent greenway that can be enjoyed both on foot and by bike.
We start from Carabaña East, crossing the Tajuña River, where we connect with the Tajuña Greenway. A little further ahead, we’ll see the red asphalt pointing toward Estremera, marking the route. Following the trail all the way, we reach Estremera. Halfway along, there are rest and picnic areas.
Points of interest:
Carabaña: Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, Hermitage of Saint Lucia, and Viceroy’s Palace.
Estremera: Main Square and Church of Saint Mary of the Remedies.
Valdaracete: Church of Saint John the Baptist of Valdaracete.
We hope you enjoy these bike routes to do with kids near Madrid. If you’d like us to organize an outing for your family, friends, or to celebrate a birthday by bike, don’t hesitate to contact us by phone at +34 686178462 or by email. here.
