There are so many fun places for children (and adults) in The Algarve. A good day out for the family is often the highlight of a holiday and here are some of the fun places to visit. Of course all these activities are not just for holiday makers but also for those who made the Algarve their home.
Zoomarine Theme Park
Situated close to Albufeira this is a theme park with a difference: as well as having a wide variety of marine life for the amusement and education of its patrons it is actively engaged in the conservation and protection of all species. There is an amazing aquarium, various habitats of different species, a 4D cinema which is a really fantastic experience, attractions, amusements and swimming pools.
Live shows include dolphins, seals, sea lions, birds of prey and tropical birds.
You can swim with the dolphins and play with them in their special lagoon. During the time spent with the dolphins you are introduced to their way of life, a specialist will give an educational talk on the bottle nose dolphins, it takes about 90 minutes. There are two levels for this wonderful experience, you can share this with up to 12 people or you can book for just two people. The costs and values vary and information can be obtained at Zoomarine or online.
Omega Wildlife and Conservation Park
A wonderful area of nature and wildlife where endangered species such as crowned Sifakas, Bamboo Lemurs, Cheetah, Oryx and more are featured. The park is situated in the Caldas de Monchique area, so naturally the views are breathtakingly beautiful. The park is open daily from 10am to 7pm.
Aqualand - Waterpark
A newly revamped water park, situated just off the A22 motorway by Alcantarilha. The park is open from 10am to 6pm and has among its many attractions the Anaconda water slide, incorporating 5 slides into one. Splashy fun for a day out with all the family.
Slide and Splash - Waterpark
Another water park just off the A22 by Lagoa. This has grassed areas for sunning yourself as well as many water slides of different types. There are restaurants and an ice cream parlour too. Opening times during the high season are 10am to 6pm.
Aquashow - Waterpark
Centrally located between Almancil and Quarteira, Aquashow has lots of slides and oceans of water. With sunbathing areas, lockers, and freedom to bring in your own picnics, the park offers a big variety of entertainment including wildlife and bird shows, a sea-lion park and the reportedly largest aqua-roller-coaster in Europe. This also a great place to drop off the older children while you go and play a round of golf at the nearby Vila Sol golf course.
Pedal Kayaking
An interesting and very different type of day trip. 'Hobie kayaks' were developed in California and offer pedal-powered fun, while you stay dry and enjoy the surroundings. Situated on the Ria Formosa, sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can pedal for as long or as little as you want and explore this exquisite natural parkland. There is even a boat on hand to take you aboard for a rest. There are different options including staying overnight in a country cottage, to continue your intrepid journey through the lagoon system the next day. If you are not sure of your stamina, go on a Sunday morning for a trial run. Prices for the day are 50 Euros per adult and 25 Euros per child.
Blo-karting in Sagres
Blo-karting is a fabulous eco-friendly experience, using wind powered karts with big sails. After a short introduction on how to handle the Blo-kart you can take to the purpose built track in your sail-powered kart. All you need is wind to get you going and a little practice at steering. The Sagres Blo-kart centre is at the western end of the Algarve, open daily all year round. Prices from €25 for a practice session and a half hour race. A great way to spend a windy day!
Children’s camp - Braveland Park
Braveland Park is situated near Moncarapacho, just off junction 15 for Olhão, on the A22. If you and the children want to part company for a while, this park offers “Summer Camp” for the kids and has slides and bouncy castles as well as group games such as mine fields, treasure hunts and human ski. They also offer mountain biking, trampolining, archery, kayaking, trekking, paintball and much more. Some of the activities are also offered for adults.
Never let it be said that the Algarve is boring for children: there are so many things available in the Algarve for children of all ages - and that includes the ‘big kids’ too!
Children’s activities in the Algarve
by Sun’s Dragon
Zoomarine Theme Park
Situated close to Albufeira this is a theme park with a difference: as well as having a wide variety of marine life for the amusement and education of its patrons it is actively engaged in the conservation and protection of all species. There is an amazing aquarium, various habitats of different species, a 4D cinema which is a really fantastic experience, attractions, amusements and swimming pools.
Live shows include dolphins, seals, sea lions, birds of prey and tropical birds.
You can swim with the dolphins and play with them in their special lagoon. During the time spent with the dolphins you are introduced to their way of life, a specialist will give an educational talk on the bottle nose dolphins, it takes about 90 minutes. There are two levels for this wonderful experience, you can share this with up to 12 people or you can book for just two people. The costs and values vary and information can be obtained at Zoomarine or online.
Omega Wildlife and Conservation Park
A wonderful area of nature and wildlife where endangered species such as crowned Sifakas, Bamboo Lemurs, Cheetah, Oryx and more are featured. The park is situated in the Caldas de Monchique area, so naturally the views are breathtakingly beautiful. The park is open daily from 10am to 7pm.
A newly revamped water park, situated just off the A22 motorway by Alcantarilha. The park is open from 10am to 6pm and has among its many attractions the Anaconda water slide, incorporating 5 slides into one. Splashy fun for a day out with all the family.
Slide and Splash - Waterpark
Another water park just off the A22 by Lagoa. This has grassed areas for sunning yourself as well as many water slides of different types. There are restaurants and an ice cream parlour too. Opening times during the high season are 10am to 6pm.
Aquashow - Waterpark
Centrally located between Almancil and Quarteira, Aquashow has lots of slides and oceans of water. With sunbathing areas, lockers, and freedom to bring in your own picnics, the park offers a big variety of entertainment including wildlife and bird shows, a sea-lion park and the reportedly largest aqua-roller-coaster in Europe. This also a great place to drop off the older children while you go and play a round of golf at the nearby Vila Sol golf course.
An interesting and very different type of day trip. 'Hobie kayaks' were developed in California and offer pedal-powered fun, while you stay dry and enjoy the surroundings. Situated on the Ria Formosa, sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can pedal for as long or as little as you want and explore this exquisite natural parkland. There is even a boat on hand to take you aboard for a rest. There are different options including staying overnight in a country cottage, to continue your intrepid journey through the lagoon system the next day. If you are not sure of your stamina, go on a Sunday morning for a trial run. Prices for the day are 50 Euros per adult and 25 Euros per child.
Blo-karting in Sagres
Blo-karting is a fabulous eco-friendly experience, using wind powered karts with big sails. After a short introduction on how to handle the Blo-kart you can take to the purpose built track in your sail-powered kart. All you need is wind to get you going and a little practice at steering. The Sagres Blo-kart centre is at the western end of the Algarve, open daily all year round. Prices from €25 for a practice session and a half hour race. A great way to spend a windy day!
Children’s camp - Braveland Park
Braveland Park is situated near Moncarapacho, just off junction 15 for Olhão, on the A22. If you and the children want to part company for a while, this park offers “Summer Camp” for the kids and has slides and bouncy castles as well as group games such as mine fields, treasure hunts and human ski. They also offer mountain biking, trampolining, archery, kayaking, trekking, paintball and much more. Some of the activities are also offered for adults.
Never let it be said that the Algarve is boring for children: there are so many things available in the Algarve for children of all ages - and that includes the ‘big kids’ too!
For all year round fun, consider moving to the Algarve!
More information:
Horseriding in the Algarve
Algarve Watersports
Explore the Ria Formosa
Motor Racing and Go-Karting
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