Families with children know that occupying free time with them is sometimes complicated. Weekends, long weekends, holidays and school holidays become a continuous search for plans and getaways. Madrid offers a thousand and one opportunities. But sometimes the city is too small for us, or we simply want to escape from the hustle and bustle of parents with children.
If you've run out of ideas, don't panic!... Here we propose original and fun excursions to explore Madrid's mountain trails, discover villages just a few kilometres away, practice multi-adventure sports or take part in the most varied activities. Exploring trails in the mountains of Madrid, discovering villages just a few kilometres away, practising multi-adventure sports or doing the most varied activities are some of our suggestions. Which one do you choose?
ROUTES WITH CHILDREN IN THE MOUNTAINS OF MADRID
Natural pools of Rascafría (Presillas) and the Purgatorio waterfall
Depending on the season we are in, we can enjoy the Sierra de Madrid in different ways. For example, in summer it is an obligatory excursion to the natural pools of Rascafría. A the Presillas It can be reached by car, which takes about an hour and a half, or by bus from Plaza de Castilla. It is a recreational area with large green meadows and three swimming pools located on the banks of the Lozoya River. From here there are several routes that can be done on foot, such as the one that goes to the Purgatory waterfall, Highly recommended for children, who will enjoy swimming in waterfalls of more than 10 metres, but the water is frozen!
The Donkey's Mouth
The other route we highlight is at the foot of the Valsaín Mountains, in the Segovian area of the Sierra de Guadarrama. The Donkey's Mouth is an excursion suitable for children because it is practically flat and has a distance of 4 km. It can be reached by car up to the Los Asientos recreational area, on the C1-601 that connects Navacerrada with Segovia. Here you will find a large play area, a bar and a picnic area. Bordering the Eresma River, you will pass small waterfalls and bridges until you reach the remains of an aqueduct that supplied water to the village of Valsaín in the 18th century.
Roman road in Cercedilla
If you like hiking with children, you can't miss the excursion to the roman road. A route through the pine forests of the Sierra de Guadarrama, walking through centuries of history. To get here, take the A-6 to Guadarrama and take the road to Cercedilla. From there you reach Las Dehesas, where the recreational area is located. Leave your car in the Majavalán car park. From here the excursion starts, which has a distance of 8km with a gradient of 400 metres. The first few metres are the hardest, but the scenery is worth it. It can be done both in winter, when everything is snowed in, and in summer, in the coolness of the pines.
Montejo beech forest
In autumn, Madrid's Sierra is a spectacle of colour. That's why the following destination should be one of the first options: The Montejo Beech Forest. You can get there from the A-1 to the village of Montejo de la Sierra and then take the M-139 road. When you reach the course of the river Jarama you will find a car park where you can leave your car. Access to the beech forest is restricted, so it is necessary to book a visit in advance, either online or by following this link, Sierra del Rincón , or at the visitor centre itself. Admission is free and the excursion is always guided. The children will love to listen to the explanations of the guides with the names of some of the beech trees, such as the elephant's foot or the hundreds of years that some of them are hundreds of years old. They will give you all the information you need: 91 869 70 58.
THE CHESTNUT ROUTE
We no longer have any excuse to go hiking in autumn. Our next suggestion is to walk among centenary chestnut trees and pick up a few chestnuts along the way. We have to go by car to the town of El Tiemblo in Avila, about 90 km from Madrid, on the M-501. Look for the sign indicating the El Regajo recreational area where the car park is located. Before we have to pay €6 per car and another €2 per adult to gain access. The route is on foot, about 4.5 km, very easy to do with children, even with a pushchair. At this time of year the landscape is spectacular with its ochre, yellow and orange colours. The protagonist of this route is The Grandfather. A chestnut tree that could be 500 years old and its trunk, 10 metres in circumference, has served as a shelter for shepherds in the area. The children love to have their photos taken here, you don't see such a specimen every day.
CANOEING IN THE HOCES OF THE DURATÓN RIVER
Just an hour's drive from Madrid we find a spectacular natural setting. The Gorges of the Duratón River are located in the town of Sepúlveda, in the province of Segovia. A place for hiking along the river or for an activity for all the family: canoeing. From April until September, different companies organise these canoeing routes. There are several options; half day or full day, with or without a monitor and with different routes along the Hoces. We will also be able to see the vultures in the wild. We will see them gliding very close to us. It is considered the largest colony of griffon vultures in the wild in Europe.
Undoubtedly, an excursion not to be missed in your agenda, highly recommended especially in the summer months.
PEDRAZA
And very close to the Hoces we find this medieval town with a castle that children will love. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site, Pedraza offers visitors several monuments, among which the following stand out for their curiosity La Cárcel de la Villa. Located at the entrance to the village, we can visit the dungeon with the stocks that were put on the prisoners or the area where the jailer lived. In short, a way of bringing the Middle Ages and how they lived in those times closer to children. It is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 11.30 to 14.00 and from 15.30 to 19.30 and the entrance fee is 3 euros. For more information you can call 921 50 99 55.
THE TRAIN OF PHILIP II
Our first proposal is to ride on a steam train from the 1940s. The journey that the children will experience takes them back to no less than the 16th century, the time of Philip II, just when he ordered the construction of the El Escorial monastery. The departure is from Príncipe Pío station and along the way we will see costumed characters from that period who will enliven the trip. The excursion continues in San Lorenzo de El Escorial with different activities that can be carried out during the day. The return is in the afternoon. For more information I leave you the direct link www.trendefelipeii.com
THE INSECT PARK MUSEUM
It may not be well known, but this museum is located in a privileged place in the Sierra de Guadarrama. To get there from Madrid you have to go towards San Lorenzo de El Escorial and at km 5.6 of the M-600 road you will find the El Tomillar recreational areaA centre for Scientific and Cultural Dissemination about Nature. Among centuries-old pine trees, this museum displays hundreds of invertebrates, such as colourful butterflies, beetles or spectacular spiders. There are both living species and a collection of stuffed insects from all over the world, with their texture, colour and body parts intact. There are guided tours, workshops and even night outings during the summer months. Prices are as follows:
- General admission. 7€ (over 10 years old up to 65)
- Reduced admission 5€ (children under 10 and seniors)
DONKEY RIDES
There is nothing more original than a trip through the Guadarrama mountains on a donkey. They are very noble animals and ideal for children because of their size. In Madrid the Association Dejando Huella in the town of Mataelpino, wants to recover this animal that nowadays is in danger of disappearing. That is why they have created this activity for children, they will be able to feed and brush them, as well as get to know the mountains and their environment. This activity includes: a visit to the farm where the donkeys are bred and a ride on their backs, a guided walking tour of the surrounding area accompanied by the donkeys. The visit lasts 2 hours and the prices are as follows:
. Adults: 10€.
. Children: 15€.
. Children under 3 years: free of charge
In the municipality of Tres Cantos we find Burroland. This is a donkey shelter where we can spend a morning enjoying other animals such as horses, ducks and goats. And it is free of charge. The only thing we have to pay for is their food if you want to feed them. A different plan to bring children closer to these friendly animals.
BEEKEEPER FOR A DAY
Who said you were afraid of bees? Original as they come, we propose an activity in which children become beekeepers for a day. You can learn everything from what an apiary is, life in the hives and how to tell the difference between drones, queens and workers. We will visit a real beehive, but we will be well protected with a suit like those worn by beekeepers. And after the visit we will taste the honey. This activity can be found in different places in the mountains of Madrid that are dedicated exclusively to beekeeping. All of them include a guided tour and an optional lunch. For example, in Hoyo de Manzanares it lasts 3 hours and the prices are:
. Adults: 10€.
. Children: 15€.
. Children under 4 years: free of charge
In the Bustarviejo Beekeeping Classroom the minimum age to enter the apiaries is 6 years old. In the Sierra Norte de Madrid we find this other place: Family Beekeeping Day, The prices are as follows:
20€ over 14 years old
10€ from 6 to 14 years old
Not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
VISIT A VINEYARD
And from the world of bees we move on to the vineyards. Very close to Madrid we can spend a morning with the family learning how wine is made, visiting the wineries and strolling through the vineyards. While the grown-ups can take part in a wine tasting session, the children will have fun decorating barrels or playing among the vines accompanied by monitors. The activity takes place in the town of Cadalso de los Vidrios (80 km southwest of Madrid) and includes a picnic lunch in a vineyard and lasts 3 hours. Prices range from 28€ for adults to 15€ for children. Children under 3 years old are free of charge.
ANIMAL RECOVERY CENTRE
Without a doubt one of the children's favourite excursions. Because it is one of the few places in Spain where you can see a pack of Iberian wolves up close. Located in the northwest of Madrid, in Peralejo very close to El Escorial, is a 100% recommendable animal recovery centre. Through a 2 and a half km path you will be able to contemplate the native fauna and flora of the area. Animals such as foxes, wolves, lynxes, griffon vultures, deer, wild cats, mouflons, .... and up to 27 different species that you will be able to see in their natural habitat. The prices are as follows:
. Adults: 10,50 €.
. Children from 4 years old: 9€.
All the information is available at this link: Cañada Real
THE LAVENDER FESTIVAL
And then we come to our favourite excursion this July. Visit the fields d
e lavender in Brihuega and its festival held in the middle of the month. Music, colour and scent mingle in the fields of this area of Alcarria, where children will enjoy trotting among aromatic plants such as thyme, rosemary, sage and lavender. In addition to the Lavender Festival, Brihuega has a beautiful castle and Professor Max's museum of miniatures: a collection of more than 6
5,000 unique pieces, including the painting of the Last Supper painted on a grain of rice and the world's smallest doll's house, the size of a thimble.
This festival of aroma and colour can be enjoyed from the beginning of July. There are two main fields to visit. One 3 km from Brihuega, on the road to Sigüenza CM-2005 and the other on the GU-925 road, 9 km from the village.
It is advisable to dress in white and a camera is a must. The sunsets are spectacular.
More than 10 excursions to do with children and very close to Madrid. Which getaway do you choose? You're sure to get it right. Now.... and enjoy with the family!!!!
You can see more activities in our section with children in Madrid
