Little Eaters in Madrid: Pasta, Parque, and Plates to Share

Our journey to Madrid, Spain began with a smooth takeoff — literally and figuratively. Before boarding, we grabbed lunch at the airport and let the kids pick their own meals. One went classic with tomato soup, the other chose a comforting pesto pasta. Full bellies = a happy flight!

Once we touched down in Spain, we made one of our favorite first stops: the grocery store. Staying in an Airbnb means we can stock up on favorite snacks and breakfast basics. The kids had fun picking out their own fruits and veggies — familiar foods go a long way when traveling in a new place. (Bonus: it makes mornings easier too!)

Before dinner, we stretched our legs with a lovely stroll through Parque del Retiro, one of Madrid’s most beautiful green spaces. The kids loved the open paths, fountains, and people-watching, and it gave us all a little boost of energy for — yes — a late dinner. Spanish style!

At Perretxico, we embraced the local dining rhythm with an 8pm reservation and a table full of shared plates. We love ordering tapas-style because it lets everyone try a little bit of everything. Some dishes were big wins, others… not so much. But that’s part of the fun! At one point, our daughter insisted on cleaning her own plate — mid-meal — and honestly, I didn’t mind one bit… as long as I wasn’t the one scrubbing it or asking for a new one! We can’t forget a few games of UNO!!

To top off the night, we found a local spot serving yummy ice cream — the perfect sweet treat to wrap up our first day in Madrid.

Little Eaters Takeaway:
Letting kids pick their own foods (even at the airport!) helps them feel in control and excited to eat. 🍽️
Grocery shopping in a new country can be a fun mini-adventure — and it makes breakfasts easier. 🥝🥕
Tapas mean shared wins, shared surprises, and dessert is always a good idea. 🍨