El Retiro boasts a substantial area devoted to botanical exhibits.  The park constitutes a multi-use recreation area (but no zoo) that provides nearly everyone an excuse to jump on the Metro and take a break in the warm Spanish sunshine.  On weekends, the park is crowded with families strolling, enjoying the buskers and magicians that line the paths, boating on the lake, or renting small electric go-carts suitable for all ages.