I'll be staying in Madrid for 4 (full) days at the end of April. I'll be traveling with my 11 year old son. Was wondering what the best itinerary would be for us. I would love to leave the city for a day trip or two to see another side of Spain. I have never been to Spain and my son has never been abroad. (We will be spending nights in Madrid with friends so traveling around is not an option.)

Most websites give itineraries for adults and when you search for kid-friendly itineraries, the pendulum swings too far the other way. He WILL go the Prado and MAYBE the Reina Sofia. 2-3 hours per museum might be his max. How can we best organize our time in Madrid to be efficient? What else should we consider? What are the MUST DO day trips from Madrid that will excite an 11 year old AND his 42 year old mother? I won't have a car, but don't mind using my rudimentary Spanish to try to get around by train or bus.

Thank you ahead of time for your answers!

Castles and walled towns. View this guide for good day trips from Madrid. Toledo and Segovia being two good day trips. Richard www.maribelsguides.com

I think Toledo would interest both of you (I've not be to Segovia), but read up on it. It's quite easy to get to.

While you are in Madrid, consider a visit to the Temple of Debod. I quite enjoyed it, and I would take an 11-year-old there. It has a metro stop very close by.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Debod

Toledo day trip might be fun for both ( a lot of shops with swards!) - only 1/2 hour by train and a short bus ride to the center.
Segovia is another easy day trip..
In Madrid, there is a splendid Naval Museum (minutes from Prado and free) and memorable Armory at the Palace.
Posters who have traveled with children will
have more ( and better?) ideas.

Agree that Toledo would probably be the best daytrip for him. The first time my son was in Spain he was 12-13 and loved all the sword shops in Toledo! Also the armory at the Palace. If days are nice, spend some time at Retiro park, maybe rent a boat.

If your son likes soccer, or sports in general, he might enjoy a visit to Bernabeu stadium? There are organized tours of Bernabeu. Maybe even go to a game, if they are playing when you go?

Thank you. Looks like everyone agrees on Toledo and Segovia!

Soccer - YES! Is that where Real Madrid plays? Is soccer gear available all over the city or is there a certain place we should go to get a jersey? A Dick's Sporting Goods or Sports Authority equivalent?

Will check out the site for the Temple of Debod. Thanks!

Yes, Real Madrid plays at Bernabeu. You can go to their website for tour info too.

I didn't notice any sporting goods stores but I would guess there are licensed and unlicensed Tshirts for sale throughout the city. A big department store there is Corte Ingles, located near Sol, that might be one place to look.

There is also a big flea market that is fun for browsing but don't know if an 11 year old would be into it. Typical market stuff plus things I would find buried in my parents' garage (rotary phones, miscellaneous hardware). I also got a kick out of the stands with hundreds or thousands of keys of every age, cut, style etc.

In Toledo you can take a tram ride around the perimeter of the walled city. You get tickets and board in the plaza and then the ride goes outside the walls. There is a little bit of recorded commentary. I enjoyed seeing these city views which I could not get during my bus ride in/out.

Parque del Retiro is a MUST if traveling with kids in Madrid. No entry fee, on weekend mornings there are always some sort of kids entertainment; clowns, etc...

Another great experience would be a visit to the Nature Park Faunia; the Polar Bear exhibit is the largest of its kind in Europe, this park is getting quite the buzz in Europe with more than 4000 animals in really well designed exhibit ecosystems. It will be already open by the last week of April, 10am-6pm. Take the metro to get there (Avenida de las Comunidades 28- Metro stop: Valdebernardo).

As far as day trips Toledo is a very walkable, visual city. Segovia with its impressive Roman Aqueduct, Alcazar, and streets is certainly a nice, entertaining trip.

Have fun!!
Get the Madrid Card for discounts on museums and parks.

For a walled city Avila would be wonderful.

Aranjuez was a wonderful palace.
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q...w=1017&bih=766

If you are there on Sunday, the Rastro is a flea matket which is a combination of junk and worthwhile stuff.

Retiro is nice park to take a boat on their lake.

Regarding stores to buy soccer gear... this summer , right after they won the World cup, I was at a couple of stores that sold licensed stuff. One was on a pedestrian street off Puerta del Sol, other was near Plaza Mayor. You can also find unlicensed gear in kioscs and stores throughout the city. My daughter bought a Casillas jersey in one of them.