traveldk.com

This huge fun park boasts more than 40 stomach-churning rides as well as a host of other diversions, such as puppet and magic shows and a virtual reality zone. The rides – definitely not for the faint-hearted – include Los Rápidos (a chance to try white-water rafting) and Top Spin, which needs no explanation. For the very young there are merry-go-rounds and train and boat rides.

When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, everyone wanted a piece of the action. Set among the fountains at the far end of this small neighbourhood park, near the Auditorio Nacional (see Auditorio Nacional de Música), are three concrete sections of the wall with original graffiti. Children’s play areas and plenty of places to eat and drink are nearby.

These delightful 18th-century gardens belonged to the palace of the Duke and Duchess of Osuna and were landscaped by Jean-Baptiste Mulot, the gardener at Versailles, outside Paris. They have been restored to their former glory with tree-lined paths, fountains, a lake and follies.

This lovely park, to the west of the city as its name suggests, was designed in the early 20th century by Cecilio Rodríguez, head gardener at the Retiro. Apart from the rosaleda (rose garden), the main attraction is the Temple of Debod, an ancient monument, dating from the 2nd century BC. It was a gift from the Egyptian government. Cafés abound on Paseo del Pintor Rosales, a terminus of the Teleférico.

The Retiro’s central location makes it an obvious place to visit if the children are in the mood to run wild. On Sunday afternoons (1pm), take them to the puppet show in the open-air theatre near the lake. They won’t need to know Spanish as the sense of fun is infectious (see Parque del Retiro).

In 1767, Carlos III broke with tradition by allowing members of the public into the Retiro, providing they were “washed and suitably dressed”. However it was not until the 1860s and the advent of the First Republic that the partitions separating the royal enclosure from the public area were finally torn down for good (see Parque del Retiro).

This attractive park lies within the exhibition grounds of the Campo de las Naciones. The river is the main source of amusement, with catamaran trips on offer. The park also boasts the largest fountain in Spain, with 300 jets.

Madrid zoo is currently rated one of the best in Europe – within its confines you’ll find more than 2,000 animals representing 500 species, including endangered ones such as the white tiger. Young children, in particular, will enjoy the koalas. Free-flying birds of prey are the main draw of the aviary while sharks and other creatures of the deep lurk in the Aquarium. The Dolphinarium shows are another popular attraction.