Things to do with children in the Sierra Oeste de Madrid: nature, dinosaurs and minerals

When people think of getaways with children from Madrid, almost everyone looks towards the Sierra Norte. But to the west lies a beautiful and much less crowded region: the Sierra Oeste, with San Martín de Valdeiglesias among its most charming towns.

What the Sierra Oeste has to offer

• Authentic Mediterranean nature: forests of pine, holm oak, juniper and cork oak, with streams and a landscape that changes considerably with the seasons.
• The San Juan reservoir: «Madrid’s little sea», with swimming areas and water sports in summer.
• Historic towns and villages: castles, arcaded squares and traditional wineries.
• Clear skies: far from the capital’s light pollution, the starry nights are spectacular.

The star attraction: three parks in one

In the heart of the Sierra Oeste, 50 minutes from Madrid, our complex brings together three experiences with a single admission ticket:

1. Dinolandia: dozens of life-size animatronic dinosaurs among the pine trees. The dinosaurs operate until 19:00.
2. El Bosque Encantado: a botanical garden of living plant sculptures that is fully illuminated at 19:30.
3. Mineralandia: thousands of minerals and semi-precious stones from around the world.

How to plan your day

Our recommendation: arrive mid-morning, explore Dinolandia at your own pace, eat in the picnic area or at the bar (open Saturdays and Sundays in spring and summer), visit Mineralandia in the middle of the day and finish at El Bosque Encantado. If it is a weekend or public holiday, stay for the lights to come on at 19:30: it is the perfect finishing touch.

Parking is free, and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays we are open from 10:30 to 21:00.

A getaway you will want to repeat

The Sierra Oeste is one of those places families return to: close by, inexpensive, uncrowded and with things to do for every taste. We look forward to welcoming you.