Julia, who is originally from France, has lived in London, and is now living in Madrid, has some great tips for those of you bringing small children:
Madrid is a great city to have kids! Plenty of things to do and the sun is always there! One thing you must know is that Spanish children spend their whole day outside, except between 1.30pm and 5pm when they do « la siesta ». My little son who is full of energy is delighted by this living style and so am I!
I have been living in Madrid for only 4 months so I don’t know much about the city. I have discovered though some very nice places that I would like to recommend to the new mums in Madrid. Do not hesitate to add any comment or suggestion to this non-exhaustive list!
Parks
I live very close to the Retiro and I must admit that this park is a blessing for my boy! There are plenty of tree-shaded playgrounds for children. On Sunday morning (well, beginning of afternoon I should say for non-Spanish readers), it is very crowded close to the pond. It is a nice opportunity to share a moment with the families from Madrid all pampered and dressed-up in their Sunday’s best!
In Autumn/Spring time, I would recommend two very nice playgrounds: one is on the plaza de la Villa de Paris and the other is the rounded Plaza de Olavide. Anyway, I am sure you will find a playground close to your home; Madrid is a very children-friendly city.
Nursery
My 17-month boy is going to a nursery where he is very happy. It is a Spanish escuela called Arcadia 2. This school is located in the green barrio de El viso. It is very close to the Castellana that makes it very easy to get to by bus and very close to IE that makes it very international as well. It is part of the group Alaria that has three schools.
The place is open to children from 0 to 6-year old and the opening hours are very flexible. The staff is very nice and organised. I love knowing that my son has a bocadillo de queso as a snack and that he listens to Spanish on a regular basis!
Playgroups
Two very good English Playgroup are taking place in Madrid! For both, you have to pay a little something (around 5 euros). There are loads of toys and crafts for your children to have fun! And it is a good opportunity to meet other mums from all around the world!
Every Wednesday morning (10.30 to 12.30) at St George’s Children play and sing in English under the old fig tree of St George’s patio (located in the Barrio de Salamanca, Calle Nuñez de Balboa, 43, at the corner with Calle Hermosilla)
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning (10.30 to 12.30) – the Sticky Fingers playgroup at Parroquia San Vicente Ferrer C/ Ibiza 43 bis (opposite the junction with C/ Antonio Arias post office)
There is a Gymboree centre in Madrid close to the tube station Cuzco. I went once for a free trial and it was very nice. I didn’t join though since it is not very close from where I live. It is pretty expensive (85 euros/month) if you don’t go on a regular basis. But for those who are really into Gymboree, I am sure you will enjoy it (they organise playgym and classes everyday even during the week-end)
Food/Toys/Activities
If you want to treat yourself, you should definitely go to Babydeli this shop located in the barrio de Salamanca is a heaven, but an expensive one ;-) The place is charming with a corner where you can eat a delicious homemade cookie and drink a nice coffee while your toddler is having fun in the patio! You can find everything here from healthy food to lovely clothes. They also sell adorable wooden toys. They are very popular as well because they propose a wide range of playgroups in English or Spanish for children of all ages (from 6 weeks till 8 years). You should definitely pop in!
Swimming pool
Real Conoe is private club but opened to everyone on a daily basis. Well located, it is composed of 4 outdoor swimming pools, 2 of which are for the small ones! It is a bit expensive (around 15 euros/adult, 10 euros/child) but if you stay the whole day (there is a restaurant as well as a lawn where you can take a small nap), it really worth’s it!
Transport
I would recommend using the bus as much as possible. It is cheap and efficient. They are plentiful and air-conditioned. Besides, Spanish bus-users are usually very nice and helpful, even when you get on the bus with your bulky buggy and your grumbling baby! I have one little thing to point though: only one buggy is allowed in the bus – except if you can fold it. So beware of rush hours!
Clothes
Spanish love to dress their children and Sunday is the climax! Should you like their style or not, it is worth having a look at the boutiques in the barrio de Salamanca: UCS and Papo d’Anjo
For more casual clothes and cheaper ones, you have a great choice at H&M and Zara on Gran Via.
