Aranjuez is the perfect destination for a family trip, as it combines history and great monuments with huge gardens where children can play, have fun, and enjoy activities designed for everyone, adults and children alike. Without a doubt, one of the most popular options is the Strawberry Train, but there are also boat trips and cycling routes designed for the youngest children.
- What to see in Aranjuez with children: the history of a palace and its gardens
- Fun things to do with children in Aranjuez
- Parks and green areas for children: fun in the forest
- Advice to make sure you don’t miss a thing on your family visit to Aranjuez
What to see in Aranjuez with children: the history of a palace and its gardens
Aranjuez’s outstanding tourist attraction is its Royal Palace, which children will enjoy, both inside and out. The palace’s history of kings and princesses goes well with its great halls, courtyards and grand staircase. The tour can be great fun if the adults prepare challenges, such as looking out for certain decorative details: the Royal Family’s coat of arms perhaps, or crowns, or particular animals.
After a tour of the palace, you could head for the Plaza de San Antonio and the well-known Mariblanca fountain. As this is a pedestrianised area, children can play here freely and safely.
In the same free spirit, you could then visit the Jardín del Príncipe [Prince’s Garden], a ‘royal’ garden where you may see squirrels, ducks and peacocks along the attractive walkways. There are also little fountains, lakes, and even the famous jetty where children are sure to have a great time exploring their surroundings.
Other green spaces that adults and children alike may enjoy are the Jardín de la Isla [Island Garden] and the Parterre. These are much smaller than the Jardín del Príncipe, but they have spectacular Baroque fountains where it is worth stopping for a while, as well as play areas.
After visiting these important tourist attractions, a cycle ride along the banks of the Tagus or a boat trip is the best means for children to see how the river winds its way through the town.
Fun things to do with children in Aranjuez
The Strawberry Train
This is one of the popular activities with visitors to Aranjuez. This old train, with its historical wooden carriages, connects Madrid’s Museo del Ferrocarril [Railway Museum] with this town. Inside the Strawberry Train, a cartoon show is put on to explain a little about the history of this Royal Site, and strawberries are given out to the young children so that they can enjoy one of the jewels of Aranjuez’s gastronomy.
To complete the experience, the Strawberry Train ticket includes combinations with Chiquitrén, which tours the streets of Aranjuez, or guided tours of some of its monuments. But you need to ask when you buy your tickets.
Boat trips
Taking a boat trip down the Tagus without ever losing sight of Aranjuez is one of the best experiences ever. Children love it, and so do adults. The Curiosity is the boat that sets sail from one of the riverbanks, and on a 45-minute trip a guide explains in Spanish the historic importance of this town, its links with the Royal Family and the significance of some of its most iconic buildings, such as the Jardín del Príncipe and the Casa del Labrador [House of the Labourer]. These trips only take place at weekends, from 11.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m., departing from Aranjuez’s canoeing club.
Bicycle rides
We need to remember that Aranjuez is practically flat, so the terrain is ideal for long family cycling expeditions. There are several routes through the surrounding area: some cross historic farmlands and the area around the Jardín del Príncipe.
You can also cycle along part of the riverside walk next to the river Tagus, and there are even some special cycling trails, such as Fresas Ciclistas, linked to the historic Strawberry Train and consisting of a guided electric cycling tour for families.
Parks and green areas for children: fun in the forest
Aranjuez boasts some of the most pleasant parks and gardens in the area, including the Jardín del Príncipe, which is more like a forest in that it is home to squirrels and ducks — yet another attraction for children.
Moreover, inside the Jardín del Príncipe is the Museo de Falúas Reales [Museum of Royal Barges], and children will be fascinated by the historic boats on display.
The other historic gardens, including the Parterre and the Jardín de la Isla, are urban parks with paths, lakes and shaded areas; admission to these is free, and they are pleasantly cool on hot days.
Advice to make sure you don’t miss a thing on your family visit to Aranjuez
Aranjuez is a small town, easily accessible from the capital city, and therefore a good place to visit on a day trip. The best time to visit is in spring. In fact, the Strawberry Train is in operation between March and June. Autumn is also very pretty, because the green areas take on golden tints and make for beautiful photographs.
In summer it is hotter, although the gardens offer an oasis, and in winter it is colder, but if the sun is out, a visit Aranjuez is still a good idea.
Visitors need to bear in mind that the town is very popular with tourists, and so it is best to book admissions, to concentrate visits to the Palace and the surrounding area in the morning, and to set aside the afternoon for a boat trip or a bicycle ride. It is always best to book in advance, especially if you want to travel on the Strawberry Train.
