Madrid is rarely associated with theme parks or large amusement parks, especially when compared with Barcelona or other European capitals known for their attractions. However, there are actually several interesting places near the capital — from classic amusement parks to unusual bioparks, aquariums, and water parks that are perfect for a day trip.
After exploring the main Madrid attractions, many travellers start looking for new ways to experience the city. If you have already taken popular day trips to cities such as Segovia, Toledo, Ávila or Aranjuez, theme parks can become a great alternative to traditional sightseeing.
If you are travelling with children, looking for active leisure, or simply want to spend a day away from museums and historic streets, theme parks and entertainment complexes near Madrid can be a surprisingly good choice — from large-scale themed parks to outdoor adventure areas.
In this guide, we will explore which theme parks and amusement parks near Madrid are truly worth visiting, how they differ, and which option to choose depending on your travel style, the season, and who you are travelling with.
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🎢 Classic amusement parks in Madrid
There are only two classic amusement parks near Madrid — but what impressive options they are! Each offers a completely different experience: one is a full-scale themed park with a cinematic atmosphere and large attractions, while the other is a more compact city park that easily fits even into a shorter itinerary.
Parque Warner Madrid — the main theme park of the region
Parque Warner Madrid is the most famous theme park near the Spanish capital. It is located about 30 kilometres from the city and is dedicated to the Warner Bros universe, featuring DC Comics areas, Looney Tunes zones, Hollywood-themed spaces and classic roller coasters with a strong cinematic atmosphere.
The park is divided into several themed areas (Hollywood Boulevard, DC Super Heroes World, Movie World Studios, Cartoon Village and Old West Territory), making the visit feel like a journey through different “worlds.” Here you can meet DC superheroes, cartoon characters and enjoy live shows with special effects.
Among the attractions, the following stand out in particular:
- Batman Gotham City Escape — one of the most modern roller coasters in Europe, featuring sharp accelerations and an impressive Gotham-themed experience;
- Superman: La Atracción de Acero — a classic extreme coaster with powerful inversions;
- Stunt Fall — a vertical drop attraction popular among adrenaline lovers;
- family and children’s areas with Looney Tunes and Scooby-Doo characters.
In addition to rides, the park is known for its shows: stunt performances featuring Batman, seasonal parades and themed events (such as Halloween Scary Nights or Christmas programmes), which change the atmosphere throughout the year.
It is a great choice if:
- you are travelling with school-age children or teenagers;
- you want a full day of entertainment;
- you enjoy theme parks with a cinematic atmosphere.
The main advantages are the scale, the variety of attractions and the well-designed layout of the park. During high season it can be crowded, so it is best to buy Parque Warner tickets (Parque Warner Madrid) in advance and arrive early in the morning.
Parque de Atracciones de Madrid — an amusement park close to the city centre
Less well-known among international tourists but very convenient, Parque de Atracciones de Madrid is located in the green area of Casa de Campo, just a few minutes from the city centre. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in Spain and has long remained popular among locals and families with children.
Unlike highly themed parks with strong cinematic styling, the atmosphere here is more classic: the focus is on rides and walking rather than complex storytelling. This makes the park feel compact and easy to navigate — without the need to spend much time planning your route.
Among the attractions you will find both family rides and more extreme options, such as:
- Abismo — a roller coaster with a vertical lift and dramatic drop;
- Tarántula — a spinning coaster that creates an unpredictable riding experience;
- Nickelodeon Land, an area especially popular with younger children.
Why consider visiting:
- close to the city centre and easy to reach by metro;
- easy to combine with a walk through Casa de Campo — one of Madrid’s largest green areas;
- suitable for half a day if you don’t have time for a longer trip;
- fewer tourists compared to Parque Warner, so the atmosphere is often more relaxed.
🐠 Theme parks, zoos and aquariums
In addition to classic amusement parks, there are several themed spaces near Madrid connected with nature, animals and the marine world. They vary in format — from a traditional zoo and biopark to a modern aquarium and a safari park — and all are worth visiting, especially if you are travelling with children or want to spend a day in a more relaxed atmosphere.
If classic zoos feel too familiar, you will also find more unusual formats near Madrid — such as a safari park, bioparks and modern aquariums.
Safari Madrid — a safari park with animals in a natural environment
Safari Madrid is a lesser-known but very interesting place near the capital that offers a format different from classic zoos. It is a safari park where part of the territory can be explored by car, allowing you to observe animals in an almost natural habitat.
The main highlight is the opportunity to see animals in more open spaces without traditional enclosures, creating the feeling of a real safari. This format is especially popular with children and with visitors who have already seen traditional zoos and are looking for a new experience.
Here you can see:
- lions, zebras, giraffes and other animals in open areas;
- walking zones with additional exhibitions;
- educational programmes and small animal shows;
- spacious natural landscapes that make the visit more atmospheric.
Safari Madrid is particularly well suited for visiting by car and can easily become a full-day trip outside the city. It is a great option for families, animal lovers and travellers who want to combine time in nature with a unique theme park experience.
Zoo Aquarium de Madrid — more than just a zoo
Zoo Aquarium de Madrid is one of the largest zoos in Spain, combining a traditional zoo with a large aquarium. It is located in the green area of Casa de Campo and covers a large territory, making the visit feel more like a journey through different natural regions.
The main feature is the variety of formats: from spacious enclosures to themed pavilions and marine exhibitions. This allows visitors to see animals in very different environments — from savannah landscapes to the underwater world.
Here you can see:
- marine animals and aquarium exhibitions with sharks and tropical fish;
- a dolphinarium with shows and educational programmes;
- pandas, koalas and other rare animals that are not commonly seen in European zoos;
- diverse climate zones and themed routes.
The park is conveniently organised for walking, with plenty of greenery, shaded areas and places to rest, so the visit does not feel overwhelming even during a longer stay.
This is a great option for families, travellers with children and anyone looking for a relaxed format with the possibility of spending several hours outdoors.
Faunia — an unusual biopark with climate zones
Faunia is one of the most interesting places near Madrid and is often underestimated by tourists. It is not a traditional zoo but a nature-themed park organised around biomes — separate ecosystems with their own climate and atmosphere.
A walk here feels like a small journey across different parts of the planet: in a single visit you can find yourself in tropical environments, among icy landscapes or in desert zones.
The park is divided into several climate areas:
- tropical zones with exotic plants and birds;
- polar areas with one of the most famous penguin colonies in Spain;
- jungles, humid forests and dry desert ecosystems.
A special feature of Faunia is the combination of indoor and outdoor pavilions. Thanks to this, the park is suitable for visiting at any time of the year: in summer you can escape the heat, while in winter you can comfortably explore climate-controlled indoor areas.
This is a great choice for families, nature lovers and anyone looking for a calmer and more unusual theme park experience near Madrid.
Atlantis Aquarium Madrid — a compact modern aquarium
Atlantis Aquarium is a modern aquarium located inside the Xanadú shopping centre, about half an hour from Madrid’s city centre. Despite its relatively compact size, the space is very well organised and focuses not only on entertainment but also on education about ocean conservation.
The exhibitions include themed zones with underwater tunnels, coral reefs and various marine ecosystems where you can see sharks, rays and tropical fish. Thanks to its modern design and interactive elements, the visit feels dynamic and works well even as a short stop.
The aquarium is especially convenient as an indoor activity — it is often chosen by families with children or travellers who want to add something calm and unusual to their itinerary, for example by combining the visit with shopping or relaxing in the Xanadú complex.
This is a good option if you are looking for a compact yet modern way to explore marine life without planning a full-day excursion.
💦 Water parks near Madrid
There are only two water parks near Madrid, but they are among the main summer attractions for both locals and tourists. During the hot months, a trip to a water park is a great way to change the pace, cool off and spend a full day having active fun.
Aquópolis Villanueva de la Cañada — the main water park of the region
Aquópolis is the largest water park near Madrid and one of the most popular summer attractions for both locals and tourists. During the hottest months, visiting becomes a perfect way to change your travel rhythm, cool down and enjoy an active day on the water.
The park is divided into zones with different intensity levels — from extreme slides to relaxing pools — making it suitable for thrill-seekers as well as families with children.
Here you will find:
- high-speed slides and extreme drops for those looking for strong эмоtions;
- a lazy river and large pools for relaxed rest;
- family zones with gentler attractions;
- areas with sun loungers and green spaces for resting between rides.
During high season the park can be very busy, so it is best to arrive early in the morning and buy tickets online in advance. It is also worth noting that queues for the most popular slides tend to get longer closer to midday.
Parque Warner Beach — the water version of Parque Warner
Parque Warner Beach is a separate water area connected to Parque Warner that operates as an independent water park with a Warner Bros universe theme. The focus here is not only on water attractions but also on atmosphere — zones are designed around DC superheroes and Looney Tunes characters, which is especially popular with families with children.
The park is more compact than classic water parks, but thanks to its themed design and variety of slides, the visit feels dynamic and vibrant.
Main features:
- Warner-themed areas with strong visual styling;
- water slides of varying difficulty — from family-friendly to more extreme;
- large pools and relaxation areas;
- a family-friendly atmosphere and well-organised layout.
A good option if you are already planning a visit to Parque Warner or want to combine a theme park and water park experience in one trip.
🌲 Adventure parks and alternative entertainment
If classic rides and water parks are not your preferred format, there are alternative outdoor adventure options near Madrid. These spaces focus less on rides and more on movement, adventure and interaction with nature — a great way to spend a day outside the city and discover another side of the region.
Such parks are ideal for those who want to change the pace of city travel, spend time outdoors and try something different from traditional theme parks — from family trips with children to active experiences for adult travellers, groups of friends and anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures and a bit of adrenaline.
Forestal Park Guadarrama — rope park and active adventure
If you are looking for something different from classic amusement parks, Forestal Park Guadarrama is worth considering — an adventure park located in the natural area of the Sierra de Guadarrama. It is an excellent option for those who want to combine activity, nature and a bit of adrenaline.
The main format consists of rope courses among the trees, set at different heights and suitable for visitors with various skill levels. Here you do not just walk — you literally move through the forest via suspended bridges and cables.
The park includes:
- rope courses of varying difficulty — from family-friendly to more extreme;
- long zip lines with views of mountain landscapes;
- routes with balancing elements and suspended bridges;
- natural relaxation areas between activities.
Thanks to its mountain location, a visit can easily become a full-day trip from Madrid — with walking, fresh air and a change from the urban rhythm.
Ideal for those who enjoy active travel, nature experiences and unusual activities beyond traditional amusement parks.
Asdon Aventura — active adventures and multi-adventure experiences near Madrid
Asdon Aventura is an interesting option for those looking for an alternative to classic amusement parks and who want to spend an active day in nature. It follows a multi-adventure concept, combining various outdoor activities — from water-based experiences to adventure routes.
Unlike traditional amusement parks, the focus here is on physical activity and real interaction with the surrounding environment. Thanks to its variety of formats, Asdon Aventura is suitable for family trips, groups of friends or travellers who want to add a bit of adrenaline to their itinerary.
Popular activities include:
- kayaking and water-based activities on natural lakes;
- zip lines and adventure routes;
- team activities and outdoor programmes;
- open-air activities designed for different skill levels.
This format is especially appealing to those who have already visited classic theme parks and are looking for a more active and unusual experience near Madrid. A visit here can easily become a full-day outdoor trip with nature, fresh air and a break from the urban rhythm.
Aventura Amazonia Cercedilla — adventure in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains
Another interesting option is Aventura Amazonia Cercedilla, located in the natural area of the Sierra de Guadarrama. This is a rope adventure park where routes run directly through pine forests, combining physical activity with beautiful mountain landscapes and the feeling of a true outdoor adventure.
The courses are designed for different skill levels — from beginner-friendly family routes to more challenging sections with height, balancing elements and long zip lines. This makes the park suitable both for families with children and for adults looking to add a bit of adrenaline to their trip.
A special feature of this place is its mountain atmosphere: cooler air, shaded forest areas and the opportunity to combine activity with walks around Cercedilla, which itself is a popular destination for day trips from Madrid.
Thanks to its mountain location, a visit here can easily turn into a full-day excursion — with hiking routes, views of the Sierra de Guadarrama and relaxation in nature away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
🤔 Which park to choose — quick recommendations (including for trips with children)
If it is difficult to choose, focus on your travel style and preferred type of experience — each park offers something slightly different:
- For families with children and thrill rides — Parque Warner Madrid.
- For a short family visit near the city centre — Parque de Atracciones de Madrid.
- For a relaxed family day and animal experiences — Zoo Aquarium de Madrid or Faunia.
- For a unique animal-focused experience — Safari Madrid.
- For compact indoor entertainment or a short visit — Atlantis Aquarium Madrid.
- In summer and hot weather — Aquópolis Villanueva de la Cañada or Parque Warner Beach.
- For outdoor adventure and active experiences — Forestal Park Guadarrama, Aventura Amazonia Cercedilla or Asdon Aventura.
📍 Practical tips
- On weekends, it is best to arrive early in the morning.
- Buying tickets online often helps avoid queues.
- During high season, consider the heat — choose parks with shaded areas or indoor spaces.
- Check opening schedules in advance, especially outside the summer season.
- Many parks are located outside the city centre, so car rental in Madrid can be convenient, especially if you plan to visit several places in one day.
⭐ Is it worth including theme parks in your Madrid itinerary?
If you have already explored the classic sights of the capital and want to diversify your programme, theme parks are an excellent addition to your itinerary.
They are especially suitable for:
- families with children;
- travellers looking for an active day;
- those searching for an alternative to museums and historic routes.
Madrid can surprise you not only with architecture and museums — there are plenty of amusement parks near the capital to create a fun and unusual day trip.
Thanks to the variety of formats — from themed parks to nature-based adventures — it is easy to find an option for both a short outing and a full day outside the city.
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