The Fantastic Playgrounds of Spain: Madrid's Open Streets Project

Madrid closes major boulevards to car traffic on the weekend, allowing pedestrians to take over the street. You see people strolling down the street, kids scootering down the street, and everyone is in the terrace cafes, strolling in the sunlight, enjoying the space created by these impromptu parks. If you are traveling in Madrid with kids and need a good space for them to run around, check the schedule of the "cortes de tráfico" and enjoy strolling where cars usually speed past.

A nice December day in Madrid on the Calle Fuencarral

My favorite is walking down Calle Fuencarral from the Quevedo Metro to Bilbao metro stop. There is an outpost of the famous Mallorquina pastry shop in Plaza de Quevedo (in case you feel a little overwhelmed by the shoulder-to-shoulder chaos of the original Mallorquina in Puerta del Sol.)

I also like going to 100 montaditos for sitting in the outdoor terrace, browsing the books at Casa del Libro, and just enjoying being outdoors in the city. There are a few playgrounds scattered along Calle Fuencarral but they are very small and suited best for small kids. If you want a much bigger playground, the newly renovated Plaza de Olavide is close by and has some great climbing structures for kids beyond the tot lot years.

Where: Calle Fuencarral between Plaza de Quevedo and Plaza de Bilbao: Full list of open streets in Madrid here.

When: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Check the schedule before you go.