Barcelona Mum

Craft and Class

Craft and Class is an innovative and original way of teaching English to children. The classes are interactive and fun and the only language spoken is English. They can also hold Birthday parties on Saturdays.
Mon-Fri 11am until 2.30pm and 4.40pm to 8.30pm
Calle juan de austria, 24
Madrid, 28010 telf. 91 59 19 750  craftandclass@gmail.com

Comments:
"The main purpose of these classes is to teach English to kids of different ages (3 to 12), although it is also an excellent way of developing art and craft skills. It is not a traditional class, as kids just do all sort of crafts in English. It is an amazing way of developing oral skills and learning new vocabulary in English but also an excellent way of working on their art and craft skills.
The art and crafts projects are fun and very creative. They focus on a different theme each month (eg, Spring, bugs, Halloween, Chinese New Year, etc). They also paint pictures in the style of famous painters and learn from other cultures. The two women in charge of the class are very professional and they ensure that the kids are happy there, while learning new things. Kids just adore them!
My daughter started when she was 2 ∏ (she is now 4 ∏). We are not an English speaking home (we are actually a German/Spanish home), but thanks to this class she can communicate successfully in English with other kids and adults as well. We are also amazed at the things she produces every week. And last but not least, kids just love going there. My daughter goes twice a week, although she wishes she could go every day.
I would recommend it to families wishing their kids to learn or improve their English, to English-speaking kids who just arrived to Madrid or even to perfectly bilingual kids who just want to have fun and develop their craft skills. I hope other mums get the chance to know and enjoy this place as much as we do. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information. As you may see, I am very enthusiastic about this place!" (MAG)

Recommended by Mabel Alvarez Giay

Safari Park

Just 50 kilometres from Madrid, there is a real piece of the African Savannah. Unfortunately, the only way to get there is by car, around 40 minutes from Madrid, but well worth the effort as it's a great day out and very reasonably priced. The animals giraffes,camels, zebras, bears, rhinoceroses, monkeys and more live in semi-liberty, in surroundings that imitate their natural habitats.An exciting highlight is the daily lion taming show. In summer there is a swimming pool – with a large slide – where you can cool off.
Carretera de Cadalso de los Vidrios, Navalcarnero,  Aldea del Fresno, Madrid, 28600 Tel.: (+ 34) 91 862 23 14
 
Comments:
Seasonally adjusted timetable.

Recommended by Anne Lennon

Zoo/Aquarium

Inside the Casa de Campo is the Madrid Zoo, well worth a visit to see close to 3,000 animals from all continents, as well as a large aquarium and a dolphin tank. New attractions include the giant pandas, ant eaters and some Koala bears.
Casa de Campo, s/n 28011 MADRIDMetro: Batan - Bus: 33  +34 91 5123770   zoo@zoomadrid.com  www.zoomadrid.com

Comments:
Much bigger animals here than in Faunia

Recommended by Anne Lennon

Pepa Luna

Pepa Luna is a children’s shop that offers a space for parents and children (up to ten) to play together. In the shop you will find children’s books disguises, and games. They run a variety of workshops for kids.
Calle Potosi 7, 28013 Tel: 91 457 39 71Metro Columbia www.pepaluna.com

Comments:
Pepa Luna offers English speaking theatre for kids, reading nights, paint classes and organizes birthday parties. They also have a number of good toys and books.

Recommended by Imke Buttkus

Burrolandia

Home to more than 26 donkeys this Donkey Refuge is a 15 mins drive outside of Madrid. A wonderful opportunity for the kids to experience some country living as well as feeding and petting some well cared for donkeys. All donations go toward the upkeep of the center
Open Sundays 11am-1.30pm
Entrance is free (But any donations go toward the upkeep of the centtre) 
www.amiburro.es

Comments:
Full directions at www.amiburro.es/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=32

Recommended by Anne Lennon

Wax Museum/ Museo de Cera

The 450 wax figures include Bart Simpson, Harrry Potter as well as Kings, Queens and other historical figures
Adults 15 euros, Children (4-10) years 9 euros, 60+ with ID Card 9 euros.
Paseo de Recoletos 41, metro Colon - autobusBuses 27, 45, 53. Tel: 913192649 www.museoceramadrid.com
 

Recommended by Anne Lennon

Teatro Circo Price

Stable theatre-circus that can seat almost 2,000 spectators, with a circular, multi-use hall that can host circus and theatre shows, concerts, galas and all kinds of event. It aims to promote the great circus tradition and, at the same time, strengthen the possibilities of reinventing and experimentation that are part of circus arts.
C/ Ronda de Atocha 35, 91 528 81 22 Bus: C , 6, 19, 27, 34, 36, 41, 45, 59, 60, 78, 85, 86,102, 116, 118, 119, 148
Metro: Embajadores (L3, L5) / Atocha (L19
www.esmadrid.com/circoprice/portal.do
 

Recommended by Anne Lennon

Parque de Atracciones

Situated in the Casa de Campo this fairground is equipped with 48 attractions for all ages and tastes.The venue is divided into five large theme areas: Maquinismo (Machines), Gran Avenida (Main Avenue), Naturaleza (Nature), Tranquilidad (Relax) and Infantil (Kids). The kid’s area is suitable for children from 3 to 7 years old approximately, and has 16 mini-rides.
Prices: Adult (over 7 years old):
- Full ticket 27.50 €
- Admission only 9.30 €
Children (from 3 to 6 years old):
- Full ticket 18.00 €
- Admission only 9.30 €
Pensioneers (over 65):
- Full ticket 18.00 €
- Admission only 3.40 €
Children under 3 years old: free entrance
Admission and 4 attractions only: 15.80 €
Metro station: Batán (Line 10) Bus lines: 33 and 65 By car: Carretera de Extremadura (N-V) or exit nº 18B “Casa de Campo” from M-30
Phone number: (+34) 91 526 80 31

Comments:
Bono Parques: it's a personal card that allows unlimited free access for one year to the Fairground, Cable Cars, Zoo-Aquarium, Aquópolis Villanueva and Aquópolis San Fernando. It costs 83 € for new members and 60 € for renewals (plus € 5 for issuing fees). There are also discounts for families with 3 or more members (parents and children exclusively). Further information at www.bonoparques.com

Recommended by Anne Lennon

Pekids 


Books, DVDs, educational games, story telling and many, many workshops organized for parents with young babies and for children up to 12 years old. Check their online events calendar.
Avenida Conde de Mayalde, 33 Local 7 
Madrid 
917187088 www.pekids.es
 

Recommended by Rowena Stevens

Faunia

Wildlife theme park. Here you could start your day in the jungle and finish up with a stroll through Mediterranean forest, feeding various animals along the way. The whole family can experience 8 different habitats and natural environments from the remotest areas of the planet. It is suitable for all ages.
Avenida de las Comunidades, 28.28032 MADRID Tel.91 301 62 10
Public transport Buses: 8, 71, 130 Metro: Valdebernardo, Line 9 (plus 10 min. walk) www.faunia.es

Comments
Both my 3 yr old and 5 yr old love going to see the penguins, the Vietnamese potbellied pigs, and getting caught in the simulated tropical thunderstorms. Opportunities to pet and feed some of the animals.:

Recommended by Anne Lennon

MY GYM Children's Fitness Center

For children six weeks to thirteen years of age. They have structured, age-appropriate weekly classes incorporating music, dance, relays, games, special rides, gymnastics, sports and other original activities. Their classes include several English elements (songs, dances, puppets,...), full English classes on request minimum  5 kids per group.
Avenida de Valdemarín, 165, 1ª planta 91 357 62 17 www.my-gym.es

Comments:
"I bring Leo in the Autumn because right now I prefer that he enjoys outside activities. The gym concept is different, It’s an unusual concept here, and it’s a good option for kids who don’t go to daycare and need to do some exercise. Especially when the cold weather comes and we don’t have many options to choose from" (TL)

Recommended by Tania Lopes

Bahía Madrid

 If you want to start with swimming-lessons before the age of 18 months, in Madrid you have to go for private pools such as the Piscina Bahia, near Legazpi (more reasonable in price, water without chlorine). Only Spanish speaking.
C./ Eugenio Sellés, 8 (Arganzuela) 91 - 517 58 15 www.bahiamadrid.es
 

Recommended by Maike Huebner

CosmoCaixa

CosmoCaixa is always a sure hit with the kids, it's a science museum, and almost 100% interactive. Locatedon the outskirts of the northerly suburb of Alcobendas, just a short bus trip from Plaza Castilla. Here activity rooms show how nature's laws work and how matter evolves from atomic structure into the most complex forms of life.  Note that to participate in the workshops, Clik, Toca Toca and Planeta Burbuja you need to book in advance and pay separately from the museum entry fee.  Last Sunday of the month entrance is free excluding the special activities. %u2028Open to the public: Tues to Sun from 10am to 8pm %u2028Closed Mondays and Christmas, Reyes and New Year. %u2028Entry: Under 7's free. Adults €3, senior citizens and students €1.50
C/ Pintor Velázquez, s/n 28100 Alcobendas (Madrid) Tel. 91 484 52 00  Line 10 MetroNorte %u2028Station: Marqués de la Valdavia %u2028Exit: Paseo de la Chopera: from Pza. Castilla bus no. 157 is best (bus stops 3 mins away from Museum) 151, 152, 153, 154 %u2028From Canillejas: 827 

Comments:
This was recommended by Donall aged 5! He has been twice with his school and talked none stop about how much fun it was!

LIBOMBO

Gym for babies and kids 2 months to 4 years. Parent and child can enjoy a whole host of stimulating and structured activities suited to the various age groups lncluding, yoga, infant dance, arts&crafts as well as a range of interesting courses such as baby massage, reki and first aid.
Calle Módena,  local 41 del Centro Comercial El Soho de Las Rozas (next to the Polígono Európolis) de Madrid - C.P: 28232, 91 626 63 20 www.alibombo.es    
 

Recommended by Tania Lopes

Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales

This museum aims is to promote a greater awareness of the diversity of the natural world. It also has interesting permanent exhibits, such as the one devoted to the history of the earth and life, in which spectacular specimens can be viewed, such as the replica of a Diplodocus and lots more.
Hours: Tue -Fri: 10.00 a 18.00 Sat: 10.00 a 20.00 h. July and August, Sat de 10.00 - 15.00  Sun and Holidays: 10.00 a 14.30
Closed: Monday, 1st and 6th Jan 1st May and 25th December.
Entry fee: General admission: €5. Reduced: €3.00 (unemployed persons and students, with ID, and children 4 to 14 years); €2.10 (groups, minimum 12 people, from 10am-3pm); €1.50 (groups, minimum 12 people, from 3-6pm). Free: retirees, and children under 4 years.
Calle José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2 28006 Madrid  Tel. +34 914111328

Comments:
They have some very interesting material and there is a large portion dedicated to youngsters.

Recommended by Kathy Burke

Valle 36

A whole host of children´s activiities is available at this centre including baby massage, gym and water stimulation classes for babies from 4 months. 
Avenida del Valle 36 Madrid 28003 915332071 info@valle36.es www.valle36.es 

Recommended by Anne Lennon

Caixa Forum

Exhibitions on historic, modern and contemporary art, music and poetry festivals, multimedia art, current affairs debates, social events, educational and family workshops... these are some of the activities you will find at Caixa Forum Madrid. Point out to your kids Spain's first vertical garden on the outside wall comprising 15,000 plants. Kits available for them to create their own interpretation of it.
Timetables: Daily, 10am-8pm Entry fee: Free admission. Some activities may have admission charges.
Caixa Forum Madrid.  Paseo  del Prado, 36 28014 Tel. 34 913307300

Comments:
"Fantastic workshops and concerts for families. The free admission charge also means I’m more likely to bring my 3yr old who, while enjoying the exhibition as she has a short attention span and powerful lungs!" (AL)

Recommended by Anne Lennon

By Bike

Explore the new cycle paths, or cycle around the Retiro Park as a family.
Daniel, the English speaking owner has a large range of bikes to rent, including four with toddler seats. Check his website for suggested routes and prices. 
Avda. Menédez Pelayo, 3528009 Madrid (+34) 902 876 483 www.bybike.info
 

Recommended by Katrina Hendry

Hiking for kids in Madrid

The book 'Excursiones para Niños por la Sierra de Madrid' by Javier Zarzuela Aragon is a must for all active families!
www.madrid.org Has free hiking route maps to download

Comments:
"Even if you have limited Spanish this book is fabulous with its easily understandable charts containing extensive information on 40 routes including the likes of pushchair accessibility, least favourable seasons, etc" (AL)

Recommended by Anne Lennon

Musicaycolor

This is a child psychology and music therapy centre with sessions available in English. It is suitable for treating children with autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language delay (with special experience in bilingual children), learning difficulties, motor disorders, etc. They give considerable emphasis to parental involvement and support. The director of the centre, Dr Rosa Garcia Perez, did a PhD in London in psychology and music therapy and has on-going research links with colleagues there.
Musicaycolor Calle Maldonado 41 Bajo A, Madrid 28006 Tel 914116998, www.musicaycolor.com

Comments:
"She is a wonderful, gifted, infinitely patient professional and your child will be in very safe and loving hands" (AM)
 

Recommended by Maria Hurley

Museo del Arte de Reina Sofia

With it’s new extension the Reina Sofia is one of the largest contemporary art museums in the world today. Home to the works of many very famous national and international artists including Picasso and Dali, it also hosts very interesting temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists. Child friendly workshops and tours available and the exterior glass lifts are fun too.
Calle Santa Isabel 52, 28012 Madrid 91 7741000 www.museoreinasofia.es

Comments:
Has a special program for kids on Saturdays, which is pretty cool. Went with my 5 year old who was a little young, but it is definitely worth signing up for and we would do it again in a year’s time

Recommended by Anne Lennon

Cañada Real Open Center

This is a nature park dedicated to the study and interpretation of Iberian wildlife. Situated 48km west of Madrid, near the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo, it’s two lakes provide homes to many aquatic birds, and its high population of storks make Cañada Real one of the most important reserves of these birds in the centre of the iberian peninsula.
Moreover, Cañada Real offers a range of installations for workshops, schools´ and colleges´ extracurricular activities, summer camps, and residential courses.
Cañada Real Open Center – M-533 road Km 1,6  Peralejo  El Escorial 918906980 www.opennature.com   

Comments:
"What we really liked was that you just walked around at your own pace to see the animals. Perhaps we were just lucky that there weren't many people. Also, I spoke to the people at the information desk and they told me that they can, on request organise tours in English" (MEO)

Recommended by Marie Elisabeth"O'Sullivan

Aquópolis-Villanueva

This well-equipped summer favourite is among the biggest pool leisure centres in all Europe. Among its main attractions are its wave pools and huge water slides. The water mazes, hanging bridges, waterfalls, rapids and boats round out the water activities. Landlubbers will enjoy the playgrounds, picnic areas, mini-golf and cafes. Mid-June to mid-Sept noon-9pm
Av de la Dehesa, 28691, Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Tel 91. 815 69 33, Metro Moncloa,
Bus 627 from Moncloa bus station. Free bus service from Cuesta de San Vicente
www.aquopolis.es/vilanueva

Comments:
Great water park for the whole family shallow pools for children with ship and slides. There can be a long queues so get there early.

Recommended by Kathy Burke

Museo del Ferrocarril (Railway Museum)

Kids will love this museum Located just south of Atocha in the barrio of Delicias, this trainspotter's delight was built in 1880 by Gustave Eiffel. Not only do you get to climb aboard many of Spain’s older trains, they have a fantastic collection of miniature trains to see, and on Saturday mornings they run a number of mini-trains for the kids to ride on.
Sat. 11.30am-14.00 pm. Child: 1.00 €. Adult: 1,50 €.
Open Tues-Sun 10am-3 pm. Theatre shows Tues-Fri 10:30-11:45am  Closed August. Free on Saturdays  
Paseo de las Delicias 61 Metro: Delicias  915068333   www.museodelferrocarril.org   

Comments:
"This was a favourite weekend outing for my son. We went 24 times!" (NG) 

Recommended by Nerrily Grant

Gymboree

A mums and tots program designed for babies aged from 0-5. They offer a variety of classes – gym, yoga, music and art, all of which include lots of singing and participation! Avda Europa 13-15, 28198 Alcobendas. 91 6619116. www.gymboree.es

Comments:
"All the classes .... are such brilliant fun! The centre is spotless, bright and wonderfully decorated, with the most fabulous – and super safe -  play gym area. It’s so unusual in Madrid to have a class that you can actually go to with your child, rather than the usual dump and run approach. They also do birthday parties, free-play (ie non-class) sessions and organise specialist talks and  promotions" (AP)

Recommended by Anya Pinkney

Daoiz y Velarde (Centro Deportivo Municipal)

Air-conditioned indoor pool. Really fun summer swim programme for kids. Very Reasonably priced. Nice water installation outside the building for kids to play in afterwards.
Avda. Ciudad de Barcelona 162 (Retiro) 914338950
 

Recommended by Anne Lennon

Swimming classes at the Colegio Natación Fusión

Colegio de Natación y Gimnasio Fusión has 30 years experience teaching babies, children and adults how to swim. ‘Matronatación’ classes (parent and baby) start from 6 months in a chlorine free pool. Consult website for timetable and prices (in Spanish)
Infanta Mercedes, 92 (Edif. Río Miño) 28020 - Madrid  91570928 www.natacionfusion.es

Comments:
"My three started with 5 months and have been going weekly to classes for over 7 years" (JR)
 

Recommended by Judy Rose

Madrid Players

The Madrid Players is an amateur English language theatre group based in Madrid they run children’s workshops twice a year.
Contact  Anne (678 71 77 86) or Amy (679171868) or amyecka@hotmail.com for more information. 

Recommended by Joy Mackie

Original Version cinemas

Cinemas Showing English-Language Films

Cine Ideal Yelmo Cineplex
C/ Doctor Cortezo, 6 Plaza de Jacinto Benavente 28012 MADRID
Metro Sol, Sevilla, or Tirso de Molina
Younger ones get in free if they are sitting on your knee.

Verdi
At: Calle Bravo Murillo 28, 28015 Madrid
Tel: 914 473 93

UGC Manoteras
Avenida de Manoteras, 40; 28050 Madrid
Metro Virgen del Cortijo
Only some movies are in original version

Renoir Cuatro Caminos
Calle Raimundo Fernández Villaverde, 10
Metro Cuatro Caminos Tel: 915.41.41.00
www.cinesrenoir.com/cartelera

Renoir Plaza de España
Calle Martín de los Heros, 12
MetroPlaza de España tel:915.41.41.00

Renoir Princesa
Calle Princesa 5
Metro Princesa Tel: 915.41.41.00

Renoir Retiro
Calle Narvaez 42
metro Ibiza
Recommended by AL.
Nice cinema but rarely shows any of the mainstream kids movies, probably better for Mum and Dad than junior.
Recommended by Anne Lennon

Imax Cinema
Address: Parque Enrique Tierno Galván Meneses, s/n. Méndez Álvaro
IMAX MADRID - Suitable for the whole family, a great varierty of shows.
Tel: 91.467.48.00.
Metro: Méndez Álvaro.

Cine Golem
Dirección: Calle Martín de los Heros, 14
Metro Plaza de España
Tel 915.59.38.36