Especially for Kids

High religious art and architecture may not exactly rivet kids’ attention, but Toledo has plenty of other activities to keep them entertained. 

They’re bound to enjoy a ride on the tourist train and a walk through Bisagra city gate, around the ancient walls and up one of the escalators to a mirador, will give them a great sense of history and adventure—"I’m the king of the castle” on a grand scale.

Watching swords being made at Mariano Zamorano and buying marzipan from the nuns are treats at any age. Of the main museums, Museo del Ejército  is probably the most child-friendly, while older kids should enjoy Museo del Greco. And there’s an undeniable morbid appeal to exhibitions concerning Witchcraft and Inquisition Torture Instruments, Calle de Alfonso XII (tel. 92-522-73-27; from 5€; daily 10:30am–6pm).

For the truly adventurous, Fly Toledo, Puente de San Martín, 2 (tel. 69-346-48-45; 12€), a zipline that stretches across the Río Tajo, claims to be the longest of its kind in Europe; it accepts children as young as eight. The photo above shows an adult ziplining.

Or what about a history theme park? The award-winning French theme park operator launched Puy du Fou España (tel. 92-563-01-35) on the outskirts of Toledo in 2021. It’s a hugely ambitious project with elaborate daytime reenactments of Spanish history and a nightly light and firework show set in a 30-hectare (75-acre) park comprising five historically themed villages, and plenty of bars and restaurants. The season runs from March until the end of October, plus special shows at Christmas. In truth, the genuine historical theme park that is Toledo is a better use of your time and money, but if you’re in the region for a longer stay, especially with restless children, it’s worth considering. Simultaneous commentary in English and French is provided via a smartphone app.

It's located at CM40 salida 13 and open Wed–Sun 11am–8pm (noon–10pm in summer). Day show is 30€ adults, 23€ children; night show 30€; both shows 52€; free for children under 3. Book in advance online.