Where to see dinosaurs with children in Madrid: complete guide 2026

If you have a little palaeontologist at home, this guide is for you. We have explored the main options for seeing dinosaurs with children in Madrid and the surrounding area, with their strengths and limitations.

Natural history museums

The classic option. The National Museum of Natural Sciences and the Geomining Museum have some very interesting replica skeletons and original fossils.

• Pros: affordable admission, solid scientific content.
• Cons: they are static replicas in indoor galleries; for young children, the visit can be short, and you need to keep a close eye on them to enforce the ‘no touching’ rule.

Temporary touring exhibitions

Every so often, an animatronic dinosaur exhibition comes to Madrid, in exhibition halls or shopping centres.

• Pros: moving figures, a spectacular atmosphere.
• Cons: they are temporary (sometimes they have already left by the time you hear about them), they are usually held indoors under artificial lighting, and tickets for the whole family are not cheap.

Outdoor dinosaur parks

The most complete experience: life-size dinosaurs in a natural setting, where the trail itself is part of the day out. This is where Dinolandia comes in.

• Pros: fresh air, dozens of animatronic species, space to run around, and the chance to combine your visit with a picnic and other activities.
• Cons: you need to travel a little (though less than you might think).

Dinolandia: the option that has it all

Dinolandia is in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, 50 minutes from Madrid, in the Sierra Oeste. It is the region’s major dinosaur park and forms part of a unique complex:

• Dozens of life-size animatronic dinosaurs among pine woods, holm oaks, oaks and streams.
• El Bosque Encantado, a botanical garden of living plant sculptures that lights up at night.
• Mineralandia, with thousands of minerals and semi-precious stones.

Everything is included in a single ticket: 15 € for adults, 13 € for children aged 3 to 12, and free for children under 3. Open Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:30 to 21:00 (the dinosaurs operate until 19:00) and weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00.

Our recommendation

For a one-off educational visit, a museum is a great choice. But if you are looking for a full day out that the children will remember for years, the outdoor park wins hands down. Of course, we are not impartial: we look forward to welcoming you among the pines.