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-   -   Need suggestions for a kid-friendly visit to southern Spain in March (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/need-suggestions-for-a-kid-friendly-visit-to-southern-spain-in-march-814158/)

boskorama Nov 12th, 2009 02:36 PM

Need suggestions for a kid-friendly visit to southern Spain in March
 
Can anyone help with knowledge regarding festivals, carnivals, street performers,
circus/zoo, large playgrounds, childrens theater, etc...will be in Spain for 10 days this coming March (14-25)...any ideas or previous experience would be appreciated...thanks, Tom

PennyP Nov 12th, 2009 03:11 PM

Will you be in Madrid at all? My kids really enjoyed Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro) in Madrid when we visited in March a few years ago. The playground in the park was quite fun for them, a little different from what they were used to here in the US. Also the row boats available on the lake there were a popular hit.
In southern Spain, my kids enjoyed the rooms and the grounds of the Alhambra in Granada. Even though the gardens were not in flower (not much, anyway) in March, they had a blast exploring the many water features, paths, etc.

boskorama Nov 12th, 2009 03:54 PM

Thanks Penny. We will fly into Madrid and have to decide on a simple itinerary for our six year old...I'm thinking a day on either side in Madrid and just a couple of cities over the intervening week - thoughts?

PennyP Nov 12th, 2009 04:27 PM

Another of the highlights of the trip for my kids was sitting in Plaza Mayor every morning in Madrid and having a Spanish breakfast specialty - churros with cups of thick (really thick) hot chocolate - their favorite memory of Spain, I think!
Two cities over the week seems like a good split, I think. We visited Toledo, Jerez de la Frontera, Merida/Badajoz, Seville, Zahara de la Sierra and Granada in addition to Madrid, over the space of about 12 days. Merida was a nice place for the kids, now that I think about it - very pedestrianized with fabulous extensive Roman ruins that we had virtually to ourselves.
If your daughter is a "horsey girl", as ours is, you might enjoy stopping in Jerez de la Frontera to see the Royal Andalusian Center.

boskorama Nov 12th, 2009 05:50 PM

Really appreciate the ideas, Penny. Hope you don't mind continued
questioning...but, what did you choose as your mode of transportation between these cities? if rental car, any specific suggestions? Thanks, Tom

Revulgo Nov 12th, 2009 11:46 PM

Attractions for kids in Madrid:
El Retiro Park
http://4u.esmadrid.com/index.php/mod....popup/id.2762
http://portalescolson.com/boletines/...de-cristal.jpg

Museo del Ferrocarril (Railway museum).
http://www.museodelferrocarril.org/c...seccionada.htm
http://www.cimaf.es/images/DATV_foto_4_200611.JPG

The Armoury of the Royal Palace.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...84873140rqhrQM

Changing of the Royal Guard
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/portal.do...3&TR=C&IDR=889

Real Madrid Stadium tour.
http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satelli...3040472497.htm

Marine Mammals exhibitions in Zoo/Aquarium
http://www.zoomadrid.com/english/ins...os-marinos.php

The Teleférico cable-car.
http://www.english.teleferico.com/madridalcielo

Chocolate & churros
http://jessicaslife.com/photos/Zuric...%20Churros.jpg

lincasanova Nov 13th, 2009 12:06 AM

Since you said southern Spain..

http://www.marbellainfo.com/Selwo-Safari-Park.cfm

Selwo is supposed to be quite nice

mikelg Nov 13th, 2009 01:00 AM

I really liked the zoo at Fuengirola...different to the standard ones, www.zoofuengirola.com.

PennyP Nov 13th, 2009 11:25 AM

Tom - we rented a van through ArgusRentals. Driving in Spain was surprisingly easy and enjoyable for the most part, with the huge exception of Toledo - had to fold in the side mirrors several times to squeak through narrow streets (sometimes backing down them!).


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