18/03/2008

I was talking to a friend of mine who is a well known nightlife public relations in Madrid’s scene. He has been the, shall we say, creative director of one of the best outdoor night spots in Madrid… la terraza Atenas, near the Segovia viaduct in the Latina quarter of Madrid. My friend, NP, was telling me that long gone are the days of sex, drugs and rock&roll because the terraza is now filled with families and children. NP was actually really excited about this, in fact he is thinking of hiring a team of clowns to entertain the kids so that the parents can relax. Attention to the night owls, not to worry, NP still has some of the best DJ’s in Madrid pumping out house in the terraza Atenas after mid-night, (pheeww), but because one of my best friend is coming to visit me this week with her six month old baby, it thought that it would be nice to tell you a little bit about baby friendly Madrid:

First: if you’re coming with a baby to Madrid check out this web page: http://www.madridinfantil.com

It has all the information on outdoor activities, museums, theatre, stores anything you can think of…

If you want your child to be an intellectual, here are some bookstores that have a storyteller:

- Librería Pedagógica:
C/ Santa Engracia 143
TF: 915546232

- La mar de letras lectura
C/ Santiago nº 18
TF: 915417109

Biblioteka: (in english and spanish)
Justiniano nº 4
TF: 913910099

Here is a list of some obvious child friendly spots:

TELEFÉRICO: the Teleférico is a cable car which runs from the Paseo del Pintor Rosales (Metro Argüelles or Moncloa) to the Casa de Campo in a journey lasting approximately 15 minutes and giving excellent views.

PARQUE DE ATRACCIONES: Madrid's main amusement park is located in the Casa de Campo (Metro Casa de Campo) and is open almost every day during the summer months (May to mid-September) and weekends the rest of the year.

RETIRO PARK: A stroll round the Retiro Park will always content the kids.

MADRID'S ZOO: Madrid's zoo is located in the Casa de Campo (Metro Casa de Campo).

FARO DE MONCLOA: This 92-metre high communications tower made of steel and glass offers spectacular panoramic views of the city.

MADRID VISION: Madrid Vision offers tours around the city in open-topped double-decker buses.

MUSEO DE CERA: Madrid's wax museum, located just off the Plaza Colón, shows historical figures and famous Spanish personalities.

IMAX MADRID: This IMAX cinema in the Méndez Álvaro area (Metro Méndez Álvaro) offers IMAX (600 m2 screen), Omnimax (900 m2 dome screen) and Imax 3D film projections. There are several different films to choose from throughout the day.

AQUARIUM: Another possibility for tourists with kids is this small but interesting aquarium in the centre of Madrid (Calle Maestro Victoria, Metro Callao).

… As for me, I plan to take king Ruben, the baby that is soon to dismantle the hypercool persona I’ve been trying to create by inspiring gallons of giggles and babytalk from the real me, to tons of little terrazas. Atenas, the Café del Espejo has a lovely terraza, Marula Café (they pass around fruit, but I don’t know if Ruben eats fruit yet... Maybe this isn’t about baby friendly Madrid, but babies that are friendly…)