Now that the good weather is coming, we’re eager to go outside, fill the terraces, and soak up the sun. The little ones too — too many rainy days stuck under umbrellas. It’s time to take them to Retiro Park and enjoy a family day surrounded by nature without leaving Madrid.
Retiro Park offers endless options for things to do with children. There are paddle boats on the lake, playgrounds, garden areas, street performers, bikes, rollerblades, and skateboards — all in complete safety without traffic and pollution (at least not directly).
Here are some ideas of what to do in Retiro with kids:
Walk around the park.
The “Botanical Trail.” A walking tour through Retiro Park never fails, and if we add an element of exploration and learning, fun is guaranteed. Retiro Park was originally a botanical garden and still has a large variety of exotic and unique species. The “Botanical Trail” is an 8 km route divided into 7 sections (with little ones, you can do one or two sections) where you can see 80 different species of trees.
In this link Do you have a link to a downloadable map of this route? Many of these trees have a very interesting story behind them that kids will love, like for example the”Ahuehuete“
Shaped like a candelabra, which is said to have been used by Napoleon to hide his cannons when he camped in Retiro during his invasion, or the “Yew,” a poisonous tree always surrounded by mystery, of which I once read that in the Middle Ages its sap was used to poison the tips of arrows…
Another foolproof plan is to rent a boat on the pond; it costs between 6 and 8 euros to rent. Reservations are accepted, so if it’s a holiday or weekend, we recommend calling ahead to book at 915 744 024.
Children’s play areas
Retiro has several playgrounds and children’s play areas spread throughout the park, and they are very well equipped and maintained.
Explore the park at your own pace on a bike, stop for an ice cream, and visit the Cecilio Rodríguez Garden to see the peacocks. If you also bring some sandwiches and a blanket, you’ll have a championship picnic. A day your kids will surely remember.
Another plan that will definitely be a hit is skating. Next to the Fallen Angel statue, and along the Paseo de Carruajes, you’ll see lots of skaters of all levels practicing this sport. That’s the best area because the asphalt is smoother there and there aren’t as many people walking around.
Family picnic
In Retiro, picnics on the grass are allowed as long as we don’t go overboard with what we bring (setting up tables or chairs is not allowed) and we clean everything up after eating. There are several beautiful areas with slopes where kids can run around and still be within your sight. I recommend the grassy area between the Crystal Palace and the Fallen Angel. For the picnic, it’s best to bring your own food, but if you’re short on time, here are 3 options:
Option 1: Prepared and customizable picnic, delivered wherever you want, price for two between €49-59. aquí.
Option 2: Choose whatever you want at the famous Mallorca café, price for two between €20-50, aquí.
Option 3: Buy some sandwiches and drinks at the traditional neighborhood store, price for two between €10 and €15. (Closed on Sundays) aquí.
See the peacocks.
In the Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens. Another very interesting option for the little ones is to stroll and go see the peacocks that roam freely in the Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens. Bicycles are not allowed inside, so if you’re riding one, it’s better to park it outside.
The Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace, now converted into a modern art museum, is a place you can’t miss if you visit Retiro. Admission is free, and the art exhibitions inside are regularly updated, usually leaving no one indifferent. It also features the charm of the artificial lake with a waterfall, full of turtles and ducks, and some fabulous “bald cypresses” that kids will love.
Kids will also love the artificial lake at the Crystal Palace, where there are ducks and turtles, as well as a cave with a waterfall… amazing!
If you don’t know what to do in Retiro with kids, very close to the park entrance you will find Rent&Roll
where you can rent bicycles, rollerblades, or scooters for the whole family.
We have all kinds of baby seats (from 9 months up to 4-5 years) and kids’ bikes, including balance bikes without pedals, bikes with training wheels, and different sizes.
Our adult bikes can easily be fitted with baskets to carry your picnic and picnic blankets, which we also provide. There’s no excuse not to take the whole family for a wonderful day at Retiro Park.
