Recently, I’ve taken my two kids on several trips around Madrid and discovered that you don’t need to go far to find great family-friendly destinations. Today I’m organizing these experiences, hoping they’ll be helpful for other parents traveling with children.
Segovia - Roman Aqueduct and Roast Suckling Pig
Segovia is about a 1-hour drive from Madrid, or just 30 minutes by high-speed train. The kids were thrilled to see the massive Roman aqueduct, after all, you usually only see 2,000-year-old structures like this in textbooks. The castle is said to be the inspiration for Disney’s castle, and inside there’s an armor exhibition that my eldest absolutely loved.
For lunch, you can try the local roast suckling pig, though if your travel around Madrid kids are picky eaters, there are also pizza shops and burger places around the square. The restaurant we visited even provided high chairs and coloring books, which was very thoughtful.
Toledo - A Labyrinthine Old Town
Toledo is even closer to Madrid, about 45 minutes by car. This city is built on a hill with narrow, winding streets, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes as there’s quite a bit of uphill walking. The cathedral is spectacular, but the estates around Madrid kids might find it boring—we only stayed inside for 20 minutes before heading out.
The viewpoint by the city walls was more popular, offering panoramic views of the entire city. Toledo is also famous for swords, and many shops sell replica medieval weapons. My son picked out a wooden sword as a souvenir. Note: Real swords cannot be taken on planes.
El Escorial Monastery - History Meets Nature
This place has fewer tourists but is definitely worth visiting, much like Brihuega. The monastery architecture is magnificent, and the surrounding mountain area offers short hiking trails. We chose an easy trail that took about an hour round trip, and the kids were delighted to spot squirrels and wild rabbits along the way. The monastery library is truly stunning, though unfortunately photography isn’t allowed some areas now permit photography.
| Destination | Distance from Madrid | Recommended Duration | Suitable Age |
|---|
| Segovia | 90km | Half day to full day | All ages |
| Toledo | 70km | Half day to full day | 5+ years |
| El Escorial | 50km | 3-4 hours | 6+ years |
Practical Tips
For weekend trips, it’s best to leave early and arrive at attractions before 10am to avoid tour groups. For parking, both Segovia and Toledo’s old towns are difficult to navigate, so I recommend parking in peripheral public lots and walking in. Bring water and snacks, as items inside tourist areas tend to be expensive.
Remember sunscreen in summer—the sun is strong at all these locations. If your children are young, strollers are basically useless in Toledo; a baby carrier will be more practical. Finally, a reminder: attractions in Spain typically close from 2pm to 4pm for siesta, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
