A warm welcome to KIDS Madrid from us, Ben and Rahim.
We've sent Barcelona families our picks every Thursday for 40 weeks, and so many of you asked for Madrid that here we are!
Halloween is Saturday and Monday is a holiday in Madrid, so it's a three-day weekend, starting Friday afternoon with free trick-or-treat routes through the shops of Malasaña, Chamberí and Arganzuela.
Also below: giant catrinas at Plaza Mayor, free puppets at El Retiro, Parque de Atracciones' last Halloween weekend and a new circus at IFEMA.
Christmas camps: sign-up for Usera's free camp closes Tuesday, November 3, and Retiro's opens November 5. Details at the bottom.
Malasaña's is on its 13th year, the oldest of the three, and two of the three have a shop map you can check from home.
When: Fri Oct 30
More than 500 marchers walk from the Royal Palace to Plaza Mayor, then the square becomes a Mexican dance party with live music.
When: Sun Nov 1
A dancing skeleton, a ghostly pianist and a skating witch take El Retiro’s open-air stage. Free tickets open Friday morning, and every child needs one.
Where: El Retiro
When: Sat-Sun Oct 31-Nov 1
Last weekend of the season, with gentle scares for younger kids and the full fright for 10 and up, and a reason to do the little-kid half first.
Where: Casa de Campo
When: Through Sun Nov 1
Marigolds, candles and monarch butterflies around a composer's piano, with skeletons that feel more like a party than a fright. One thing has to stay at the door.
Where: Casa de México, Chamberí
When: Through Sun Nov 8
Opening weekend of a brand-new show: high wire, aerial silks and a live orchestra, and for families who arrive early, the show starts before the show does.
Where: IFEMA, Feria de Madrid
When: From Sat Oct 31 (opening night sold out)
Looking Ahead
Opens Sat Nov 14, runs to Jan 10
Mágicas Navidades: A Christmas Park in Torrejón
A lake ice rink, a giant Ferris wheel and fireworks on every night it is open, though only some of it comes with the ticket.
 | Torrejón de Ardoz Festival All Ages ~30 min drive |
Sat Nov 21, overnight
Sleep Under the Dinosaurs at the Natural Science Museum
Science games after dark, your own picnic dinner, then sleeping bags on the museum floor. Sales close five days before.
 | Chamartín Workshop Ages: 6-12 €32 per person |
Thu-Sun Nov 26-29
Madrid Horse Week: Pony Races and Show Jumping
About 300 horses and three World Cups, plus a family hall with stands, a pony park and food where under-14s get in free.
 | Barajas Sports All Ages Under-14s free in Horse Hall |
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About KIDS Madrid
Made with ❤️ by Ben & Rahim. Two friends and San Francisco dads living in Spain. We scout the city for the best cultural events, workshops, festivals, and hidden spots so you don't have to. Less planning, more playing. Our Barcelona email is read every Thursday by 1,000 families at the city's international schools.
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