Zoo Aquarium de Madrid
Rating
Family of 4
USD 100-160 including admission for 2 adults and 2 kids
Duration
3-5 hours
Best Ages
1-17
About
Zoo Aquarium de Madrid is one of Europe's premier family zoo experiences, combining a full zoological park with a world-class aquarium and dolphinarium in Madrid's scenic Casa de Campo park. With 40,000+ Google reviews, it's one of the most visited family attractions in Spain and a benchmark for what a comprehensive zoo experience can look like.
The zoo section features animals in thoughtfully designed natural habitat enclosures — big cats, primates, elephants, giraffes, and dozens of other species from every continent. The aquarium adds marine life from global oceans, and the dolphinarium's shows are a legitimate highlight that draws cheers from audiences of all ages. A dedicated children's petting zoo section is ideal for toddlers who want hands-on interaction.
For families, the sheer variety means the day never stalls: if the reptile house loses a 7-year-old's attention, the shark tank is thirty seconds away. Plan for a minimum of 3-4 hours, and closer to 5-6 if you include shows and the full aquarium. Book tickets online in advance — this is a popular attraction and weekend queues can be significant.
Kids under 3 often enter free; family ticket bundles offer the best per-person value.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
true
Kid Meals
true
Setting
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings when crowds are thinner; avoid peak summer Saturdays
Wait Times
30-60 min entry on busy days; dolphin shows book up — arrive early
Nearby Food
Multiple on-site restaurants and kiosks throughout the zoo. Casa de Campo in Madrid also has outdoor picnic areas. The surrounding Madrid neighborhoods offer extensive dining options.
Why Kids Love It
A real zoo with lions, giraffes, and gorillas in the same place as a world-class aquarium with a shark tank and dolphinarium — the combination means there's something for every child at every age, and the day never runs out of highlights.
Pro Tips from Parents
- This is Zoo Aquarium de Madrid, Spain — note the listing appears in this San Jose, Costa Rica dataset but is physically located in Madrid's Casa de Campo
- The dolphinarium shows are a highlight — check show times on arrival and plan around them
- The children's petting zoo section is excellent for toddlers and young kids
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes — the zoo spans a large area
- Sunscreen and hats for outdoor sections
- A stroller for toddlers given the walking distances
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 100-160 including admission for 2 adults and 2 kids
Tips to Save
- Book tickets online in advance for discounts and to skip queues.
- Kids under 3 are often free.
- Look for family combo tickets combining zoo and aquarium.
- Visit on weekdays to avoid peak weekend pricing and crowds.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM