Our kid's love for Pokémon has spanned collecting cards, battle showdowns, and countless hours of fun with Pokémon GO. For those who might not know, Pokémon GO is an engaging mobile game that combines the virtual Pokémon world with real-world exploration:

• Gameplay: Uses GPS to integrate your real location into a virtual map for exploring and finding Pokémon.

• Interactions: Catch Pokémon using virtual Poké Balls, visit real landmarks as PokéStops for items, and battle at Gyms.

• Social Features: Includes events, team competitions, and options to trade and battle with friends.

• Active Play: Promotes physical activity by requiring players to walk to new locations.

Even Aaron has gotten into it recently as an additional way to have fun with the kids outside!

A Spontaneous Trip to Madrid

While we were enjoying our spring in Sintra, Portugal with Boundless Life, another family in our cohort mentioned the possibility of them going to Pokémon GO Fest in Madrid for a birthday trip. Knowing how much our kids adore Pokémon, we jumped at the opportunity to join the festivities.

Go Fest only happens a few times a year around the world, so being just a short (and cheap!) flight away from one seemed too good to pass up. Teaming up with two other families and their kids, we planned our short journey to Spain for what promised to be an unforgettable weekend.

Prepping for Pokémon Pursuit

Tickets? Check! Each day of the three-day extravaganza required a separate ticket, about $30 each. We wanted to make sure this was truly a bucket list item for them, so we told them we would all fly out there and pay for flights, hotels, and a weekend of eating out if they bought their tickets with their own money.

Our kids were so excited they decided to invest their own savings into the adventure. We landed in Madrid on a sunny Friday, ready to explore the city and catch some Pokémon.

What Makes Pokémon GO Fest a Must-Do?

Pokémon GO Fest is the highlight of the year for Pokémon enthusiasts. Imagine a festival where players worldwide gather, both virtually and in some of the world’s coolest cities, to snag rare Pokémon, tackle unique challenges, and earn exclusive rewards. It’s a dream come true for any fan, with loads of themed activities and community collaboration at the heart of the event.

Our group of kids were some of the youngest there, as it was PACKED with adults of all ages.

Madrid Through a Pokémon Lens

Honestly, Pokémon isn’t really my jam—I was more in it for the sightseeing. And Madrid did not disappoint! This was our second visit to Spain, having previously visited Barcelona, but there’s something magical about Madrid that stole my heart. As Aaron and the kids embarked on their Pokémon quests through Juan Carlos Park, I soaked in the vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and picturesque streets of Spain’s capital with the other moms.

Once the event ended at the park, everyone joined us at and the city center and the festivities continued.

A City on Foot: Exploring and Playing

One thing about Pokémon GO—it gets you moving! We wandered all through downtown Madrid while the kids were glued to the event happening on their phones.

Travel tip: pack light and wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking a lot. Since it was only a weekend trip, each person in the family brought one backpack that counted as a free personal item on the flight. We each wore our most comfortable sneakers since we knew we’d be on our feet a lot. 

It was amusing to see some hardcore players geared up with multiple phones, battery packs, backpacks, and hats with sun-shading umbrellas attached! You could tell who was experienced attending this event.

Loved the adventure and Looking Forward to More

To our kids, the weekend event was better than Disneyland and a time they’ll never forget! We all enjoyed exploring a new city and decided we’d love to make it back to Madrid one day, and also see more of Spain, as it’s become a top country for us. 

Our first Pokémon GO Fest experience was a huge win and a lifelong memory. We now have our sights set on another Go Fest, maybe next time in New York City!

Special Thanks
Some of our gear for the trip was provided by Adidas. While these items were gifted, all thoughts and opinions shared here are genuinely our own.