Matadero is located in the Arganzuela district of Madrid’s Legazpi quarter ( metro Legazpi), close to the River Manzanares, which forms a natural barrier dividing the centre and south of the city. It is situated on the border between the city and its large river park.
Matadero Madrid: The old municipal slaughterhouse, one of the most uniquely interesting industrial buildings of twentieth century Madrid architecture, is the city’s biggest centre for contemporary creation in Madrid. It ´s a cultural centre for all, specially for children and teens, free of charge, easily accessible, in a unique setting and with a vibrant atmosphere created by different types of art and a range of initiatives to support creators.
Just beside you have two other places to go with children ( specially in winter and fall):
The Arganzuela´s greenhouse: it contains nearly 1,200 plant species, divided into areas: subtropical, tropical and cacti and succulents, with rare specimens and an outstanding orchid collection. Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9h30 to 18h30. Free.
Madrid-Río:
To be fair Madrid does have a kind of river, the Manzanares. Madrid Río is a park extends to over 6 kilometers and covers 1.2 million square meters of space over several kilometers of urban motorway. It´s a perfect place for sunny days, just walk and visit the spiral bridge designed by French architect Dominique Perrault. For teens there is a 1,500 m2 skate-park and a place where to rent bicycles. For children the most exciting is the hill of slides, near the bridge, the tree trunk jungle and the super zip-line. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 11pm. Free