We are planning a trip to Madrid during March to visit our son who is studying there. We only have a week or so (Spring Break) and will be traveling with our two older teens. Any suggestions for good day trips from Madrid, easy overnights or other areas we could squeeze into our itinerary other than seeing the sights in Madrid?

We spent a week in Madrid this past June. We've been to many nearby cities such as Toledo and Segovia before. This time we didn't rent a car, but did day trips to Alcala de Henares which was a fascinating town, the huge monastery at El Escorial, and the charming little town of Chincon. We also spent two nights in Salamanca, which could also be nice day trip from Madrid. We found the busses generally to be better for us than the trains, by the way.

Our son will actually be studying in alcala de henares. Would it be worthwhile to stay overnight there (we may want to anyway just to spend some time with our son!) or is it an easy trip from Madrid? Do the public buses run on time, for the most part? Sounds like these cities you visited can be done using Madrid as our home base, yes? I will research Salamanca too. Did you visit Seville?

Alcala de Henares is a very easy trip from Madrid both in buses and trains (I believe trains run each half an hour). Many young people from Madrid study at Alcala University and conmute everyday so it's not a problem.
Toledo and Segovia are also easy day trips, a bit longer though. And Salamanca is the farthest one, it's doable but I find it too rushed for a day trip, there's a lot to see in Salamanca and the trip is 2 and a half hours.

Would you just take a bus or train to Salamanca and see the area on foot or do you think a tour would be better? Sounds like an overnight there would be in order. Any hotel recommendations?

In fact, even with a tour the visit is on foot because the central area is traffic free. I think you can do it by yourself, it's not really big and walking at your own pace lets you enjoy it more. Take a look at the tourist office website, it has info in English : http://www.salamanca.es/index.aspx?sid=en-GB&id=2
I cannot recommend any hotel first hand because I went there to family houses so I haven't tried anyone myself But, as a rule of thumb, anyone near Plaza Mayor is as central as it can be

We will also be traveling with our other children who are age 15 and 18 and I want to be sure to find things to do that would interest them. Museums are great for awhile... Any suggestions?

Here in Spain with 18 you are no more a teen It is the adult legal age here
Anyway, they will find lots of thing to do, Alcala, Salamanca..are big universities towns so they will find lots of young people and things to cater for them What they will like to do ? They are old enough to give you some clues ...

You are right, at 18 you are no longer a teen in Spain!! That is difficult for me to get used to, but the kids will be very happy! As for clues as to what they like to do...they are experienced travelers, but never to Spain. I am sure that exploring will be enough for them...they will love the history and practicing their Spanish. Thanks for all your help.

I meant, if they like sports, or are curious about soccer..maybe they will like to go to a soccer match in Madrid. Or visit the Real Madrid museum, where they can read about the club's history and look at their huge collection of cups displayed..it's something different to do But if your son is studying there..he probably would have discovered yet things that his brothers will love too )

What a great idea! Our 15 year old is an accomplished soccer player and actually plays for a club called Real here in the states. She would absolutely love the museum and watching a match. Great tip - thanks so much!