Families

Parque Juan Carlos I (Juan Carlos I Park) is truly the stuff dreams are made of: It covers 544 acres; contains over eight miles of trails; 19 outdoor sculptures; a bunch of playgrounds, slides, swings, and springy things; and offers a slew of activities for the young in years and the young at heart. Some of our favorites are the free tourist train that departs every hour from the exit. While on board, a recording describes all you see before you. The park also provides bikes free of charge. If you'd like to borrow one for an hour, head to an info booth and exchange your ID for some wheels for a jaunt around the park. The park also hosts activities for kids on a variety of topics including art, the environment, and sports. On weekends, it puts on lively puppet shows.

Searching for a very different museum? Check out the Museo Tiflológico, Madrid's Blind Museum, devised and maintained by ONCE (Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles; National Organization of the Blind, Spain). The word tiflológico, of Greek origin, references the study of cultural aspects of the blind experience from a historic perspective. The museum is for the blind, not necessarily about them, and its innovative presentation of sculpture and painting allows the blind and visually impaired to experience the artwork. For the sighted, it's a chance to better appreciate the daily struggles of the blind and visually handicapped. It's closed Sundays and Mondays but always free.

It's free to enter all but the projection hall of Madrid's Planetario (Planetarium). Kids can discover the marvels of the night sky and the instruments scientists use to explore it. There are also interactive exhibits that enable them to experience science hands-on. Exhibits change regularly; at the time of this writing, they ranged from exhibits on black holes, Mars, and Sputnik: 50 Years Later.

Each December, as the weather cools and Madrileños head indoors, the City Council puts on Juvenalia, a ten-day event packed with kid-friendly activities including performances, painting, and magic.