Full Bellies & Full Hearts in Spain: A Day Trip to Toledo with Little Eaters
This week, our Nashville friends joined us in Madrid, filling our apartment—and our hearts—with laughter, excitement, and a beautiful mix of old and new memories. With a full house, we’ve had full bellies too!
We started the day gathered around the breakfast table at home. With sleepy eyes and curious taste buds, everyone was encouraged to try what was served—scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, crunchy carrots, and warm bread from the local bakery. Sometimes just a little encouragement and a family-style table is all it takes—because the kids happily dug in and asked for more!
Fueled and ready, we set off for an adventure to Toledo, Spain. As soon as we arrived, the hungry crew was ready for lunch. The restaurant, Abadía, had burgers on the menu (a familiar go-to), but we decided to skip that option and instead ordered a spread of local dishes. The shredded meat sandwiches were a surprise hit—half the group gave them two thumbs up! Of course the cards made an appearance while we waited for our delicious food.
After lunch we first explored the Alcazar.
The Alcázar sits on the highest hill in Toledo, so kings and queens could see everything happening in the city! It’s like the ultimate royal lookout tower.
We then explored the stunning cathedral, and wrapped up the afternoon with a treat the kids were waiting for: ice cream! While they picked their flavors, the grown-ups enjoyed a well-earned drink and shared a plate of crispy fried calamari. To our delight, some of the kids even tried the calamari—proving once again that travel makes little taste buds more adventurous.
Back in Madrid after our train ride, we kept dinner simple and relaxed with a mix of meats, cheeses, fruits, veggies, and bread—perfect for hungry bellies after a full day.
Today was about more than food. It was about exploring a new place together, saying “yes” to new flavors, putting away screens, and soaking up each other’s company with games like UNO and Rummikub. A no-pressure, family-centered day that reminded us: kids are more likely to try new foods when they’re relaxed, involved, and surrounded by people they love.
Here’s to more days of connection, curiosity, and cuisine—wherever your little eaters may roam!
🌟 Little Eaters Takeaway:
Trying new foods in new places can be an adventure all on its own! When kids feel included, relaxed, and curious, even the pickiest eaters might surprise you. Whether it’s scrambled eggs at home or fried calamari in Spain—every bite is a chance to explore the world together. In addition, by not even offering the go-to hamburgers, all the kids tried the new foods at lunch, even if it wasn’t a win for all of them.
