Algarve With Kids - 25 Best Things To Do 2024 - Big Adventures with Little Feet

Want to know what fun things there are to do in The Algarve with kids?

We spent a month in Portugal and we spent part of it in the Algarve with kids. My boyfriend, our baby and toddler had a fantastic time exploring the area! We loved how friendly and welcoming the Algarve is, and it has so many fun attractions for kids of all ages. Also the food is delicious, even if you have a picky eater!

The Algarve region is located in southern Portugal and stretches from the Spanish border to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s home to some of the best beaches in Portugal, and the weather is warm enough to enjoy almost year-round. We wanted to share some of the fun things that we did on our stay in the Algarve as well as some other fun ones that we heard of when we were there. We hope that you enjoy our list of 25 best things to do in the Algrave with kids!

Quick Guide To The Algarve With Kids

Best beaches – Praia da Rocha, Praia da Marinha, Praia da Salema and Praia da Gale

For animal lovers – Lagos Zoo, Zoomarine, Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and dolphin watching tour.

Best free things – Seven Hanging Valleys hike, beaches, watch street entertainers, head to Sagres and visit a castle

Best for adventure lovers – Parque Aventura in Albufeira, horseback riding, try some watersports and head to a waterpark

1. Spend the day at the beach with kids in the Algarve

If you’re coming to the Algarve with kids, then where best to start than with the beach, right? The Algarve coastline is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Portugal, from long stretches of golden sand to little coves only accessible at low tide (or by boat). The Algarve coast has over 200 km (125 miles) of coastline and 133 stunning beaches for you to discover.

The most popular beaches are family-friendly. Some of the best beaches for kids are Praia Do Anção, Praia Do Barril, Praia da Rocha, and Praia Do Burgau. These sandy beaches are perfect for children, so expect to see lots of other families there. Younger children will love connecting with kids from around the world. Also, these lovely beaches have lifeguards on duty during the summer to keep everyone safe in the water.

A little boy in a striped t-shirt is lying on his side on a towel on the beach. In front of him, also lying down is a baby and he's dangling a partially eaten apple in the babies mouth.

Cove beaches with rocky cliffs like Praia da Marinha allow for some awesome photo opportunities. And curious minds will love exploring for dinosaur footprints on the Salema beach. Another fun thing to do in the Algarve is surfing because it has some awesome waves. And there are lots of surf schools that have surf lessons that’ll teach you and your kids the art of riding a wave.

We tried to visit as many of the stunning beaches as we could because we love playing in the shallow waters with our boys and meeting other kids to play with. You’re unlikely to go far wrong wherever you pick however, these are just a few of our favourite family-friendly beaches in the Algarve.

Praia da Rocha, Portimão

Praia da Rocha is one of the largest and most lovely beaches in the Algarve, Praia da Rocha is also one of the most popular beaches. Set in Portimao, there are restaurants lining the boardwalk at the back, loungers to hire, a viewpoint looking out along the sand and plenty of space to settle down and enjoy the calm waters.

On windier days, the rocks, which give the beach its name, act as a windbreak. Plus there’s parking nearby, though get there early if you want a chance of a space.

Location: Praia de Rocha, Portimão

A woman is kneeling in the sea in a black bikini. In her arms is her baby looking at the sea. Next to her is her toddler son who is in his swimwear and laughing as the water comes in. Behind them is old walls and the beach town of Burgau. This is one of the best beaches to go in the Algarve with kids.

Praia da Marinha, Portimão

Praia da Marinha is a stunning beach in the Algarve region of Portugal. It is one of the most stunning beaches in the world, with breathtaking rocky cliffs, clear blue waters, and golden sand. This great beach is a favourite destination for families, as it offers lots of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to kayaking and parasailing.

If you’re planning on hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys then you can start or end your hike at this great beach.

Location: Praia da Marinha, Portimão, Portugal

Top tip: There’s a free parking lot at Praia da Marinha. However, it gets filled fast, so make sure to arrive early – ideally before 9 am.

Praia da Salema, Salema

Praia da Salema is one of the best-kept secrets in the western Algarve on the Costa Vicentina. It’s tucked away in one of the Algarves’ most beautiful fishing villages along the coast close to the town of Salema. The small, golden beach is surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs and has won awards for its natural beauty. Kids will be most tempted by the chance to search for fossilised dinosaur footprints in the sand! It is also known for its clear blue waters, which make it suitable for swimming and snorkelling.

As a result, it is one of the most popular beaches for kids to explore while also enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the beach.

Location: Praia da Salema, Salema

There is a small piece of beach with some scrubland around it. This is on one of the rock formations in on a cliff in the Algarve.

Praia da Gale, Gale

Praia da Galé manages to strike the right balance between peace and quiet and having a few little cafes and restaurants nearby. The convenience of picking up a snack or a beverage when you want a quick bite or a chilled drink to sip makes for a tranquil afternoon by the sea.

Another little hidden gem, Praia da Gale manages to get the balance between a quiet escape from the crowds and having a couple of little restaurants and cafes nearby.

The whole stretch of coast around Gale is a succession of coves, sectioned off by some huge rock formations – there’s a path on the cliff and sand dunes behind, and you can also get from cove to cove at low tide. Despite the path not being pram friendly, you can still walk with the kids on it without struggling.

Location: Praia da Gale, Gale

2. Take a boat ride with kids in the Algarve

There are lots of kid-friendly boat tours all over the Algarve. While sitting still may not be their favourite pastime, most kids love a boat ride out on the water. Especially if it takes them to see hidden caves and sandy beaches. There’s a tour out there for all kids, plus, it’s one of the best and most enjoyable ways to explore the Algarve coastline. Some cruises focus on visiting beaches and finding dolphins. While others head to the famous Benagil Cave (Algar de Benagil).

A man in an orange life jacket, with blue t-shirt, sunglasses and baseball cap is looking to the left of the image. Next to him is a young boy in a yellow life jacket and sunglasses also looking to the left of the image. Behind them is the sea and a fishing town. They are on a boat tour together in the Algarve as it's one of the best things to do with kids there.

All the tours offer views of limestone cliffs and unique rock formations. Some will even take you into and through the sea caves. During the summer months, these are especially popular because they allow you to see the Algarve coastline from a totally different perspective. The tours all start from different locations, so there’s an easy-to-reach tour for everyone, no matter where you’re staying in the Algarve. Some of the best boat tours for families are:

Caves and Coastline Cruise from Albufeira to Benagil
Boat Trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos
Ria Formosa Natural Park and Islands Boat Cruise from Faro
Benagil Cave Sunset Tour from Portimão
Sail on a Pirate Ship Cave Cruise from Portimão

We took a fantastic sunset tour out to the Benagil Cave with our baby and toddler. At sunset, there are a lot fewer boats on the water so you’re not queueing to go into the Benagil Cave. The most amazing part was as we left the cave we managed to see a pod of dolphins on our way back to Portimão just as the sunset!

3. Have fun at one of the water parks

For more water-based fun in the Algarve with kids, you should head to one of the region’s fantastic water parks for the day.

The Algarve water parks are usually open between April/May and September/October. You’ll need to check the opening dates and times before your visit, particularly if you’re travelling out of peak season.

A mother and father are sat in a shallow and small swimming pool. On her lap she has her toddler son and on his lap he has his baby son. They are all looking at the camera smiling.

Aquashow Park

Aquashow Park is the largest water park and theme park in all of Portugal. You’ll find it in Quarteira just a few minutes from Vilamoura.

This huge waterpark has plenty of epic water slides for children and adults of all ages to enjoy. There’s the 32m Free Fall/Kamikaze slide and racing slides to a lazy river, wave pool, and even a kids area for toddlers and younger kids.

This is a water park and there are lots of brightly coloured slides going into a large swimming pool taken from above. Behind it are lots more slide as well. This is Aquashow waterpark which is one of the best things to do with kids in the Algarve.

There’s also an indoor water park, which is ideal if you’re visiting the Algarve outside the hotter summer months. This is the only indoor water park in the Algarve, there are kids’ water slides and a baby pool, as well as a wave pool, an adventure pool with a climbing wall and lots more for some family fun.

Slide & Splash

Slide & Splash is another large family-friendly waterpark. You’ll find it in the western Algarve, close to Portimão and Alvor.

Older children and teens can get their adrenaline pumping on the corkscrew and kamikaze water slides, while little ones can make the most of the foam slides and tropical paradise. It also has a wave pool, lazy rivers, and interactive water play areas, ensuring something for everyone.

This is a waterpark. There are 5 slides next to eachother in the colour of a rainbow with a big drop going into a pool. This is Slide and Splash water park in the Algarve.

Top tip: When you visit any of the water parks in the Algarve we suggest bringing you towels, umbrellas, or whatever else you may need for your day at the waterpark. Because otherwise you’ll need to rent them which may incur additional fees.

Aqualand

Aqualand is the most central waterpark in the Algarve making it easy to reach from most of the resorts. It’s a little smaller than the other water parks, however, Aqualand still makes for a fun day out with kids in the Algarve.

The park is home to the highest water slide in Portugal and has two dedicated areas for younger children that feature slides, fountains, and much more. Older kids will love the range of waterslides that this park has to offer, especially great for budding adrenaline junkies.

The image is taken looking down a long blue slide at a water park. At the end of the slide is the rest of the water park in the background of the image. This is Aqualand which is one of the best things to do in the Algarve with kids.

For older children, the Hydra slides are perfect for competitive youngsters, as you can challenge them to a race and see who reaches the water first. The wave pool is great for water-confident kids as it gives them plenty of room to splash around. And the whole family can come together and take a break on the relaxing winding river.

4. Explore Zoomarine with kids in the Algarve

Zoomarine is one of the biggest family attractions in the Algarve and a fun family day. It is a mix of water park and wildlife shows – and is probably best known for the opportunity to swim with dolphins. Whilst Zoomarine has won many awards over the years for its work with animals, and is an accredited zoo, the captive dolphin experiences are, understandably, controversial.

A man with a baseball cap and sunglasses resting on top of it is looking to the right. He is watching a show at Zoomarine. Next to him on his left is his toddler son who is also watching the show. On his right at the front of the image is his baby son who is looking away from the show.

We went as it was more suitable for very young kids like our toddler because it is a mix of water park, animals and theme park. If you want to go and avoid the dolphin experiences and shows you can. There is plenty of other fun stuff there to keep you busy. The waterpark has the usual mix of slides and wave pool, as well as a T Rex river rafting adventure plus other animal shows featuring birds of prey and exotic birds as well as a massive butterfly house.

5. Explore the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa

The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa stretches along 60km (40 miles) of the Algarve coastline and is famous for its wetlands, barrier islands, and wildlife. The scenery is quite diverse with sand dunes, forests, and wet marshlands. This is an epic destination for nature lovers because there are so many species of birds, otters, sea horses, and even chameleons.

This is an image looking out to sea. There is a blue sky with some clouds in it. In the water are several sand bars and some marshland. This is the Rio Formosa National Park in the Algarve.

There’s also a great family beach there called Praia da Ilha de Tavira that has lounges with umbrellas and a lovely restaurant for when the kids get hungry. Families can pick one of the many fun hikes in the area ranging from 2 to 10 miles. You’ll get to enjoy some of the area’s beautiful panoramic views.

6. Visit animals at Lagos Zoo with kids in the Algarve

Lagos Zoo (Zoo de Lagos) is another of the most popular Algarve family attractions, especially if you’r animal lovers

has animals 140 different animal species from 5 continents as well as local birds and mammals. Some animals your kids are sure to love are monkeys, crocodiles, and toucans. They also have a swimming pool, some restaurants, and even a cool place where the kids can feed animals like pelicans, otters, and even lemurs. The zoo is just a short drive, about 30 minutes, from Lagos

A man and a woman are standing next to each other, he is holding his 3 year old son and she is holding their baby. They are stood in front of a small pool and in the pool are penguins. They are at the Lagos Zoo which is one of the best things to do with Kids in the Algarve.

We loved that the zoo focuses on conservation, so there were plenty of opportunities for our kids to learn about the animals and the work being done to protect them. Don’t miss feeding times (for the animals, not the kids!) and the regular keeper talks as well as the petting zoo.

Lagos Zoo is very accessible if you’re visiting the Algarve with small children, and its easy to navigate the whole park with pushchairs (as well as wheelchairs).

7. Go on a Jeep safari

If you want to do something a little different then you should take your family on a Jeep safari. These safaris will drive you and your family to some incredible places. You can look for animals as you drive on dirt roads through streams and over mountains.

There is an off road track in the middle of the image and either side there is greenery, bushes and trees. In the middle of the track is a jeep driving towards the camera.

Exploring the area on foot is one way of exploring the beautiful Algarve, however, taking a half-day tour across the Algarve Mountains off the beaten path is another worthwhile option to add to your itinerary of the best things to do in Algarve with kids. There are lots of fun activities along the route, you can take a refreshing dip in the river. Or perhaps explore areas for the best photo ops, taste local food, visiting a medieval castle from the Moorish period and driving through Algarves’ traditional village, Paderne.

8. Try some watersports with kids in the Algarve

With a long stretch of coastline and pristine clear blue waters, the Algarve is the perfect place to try out some watersports, especially if you’re visiting with older kids and teens.

Surfing is one of the most popular water sports in the Algarve for kids to try. There are lots of places where younger ones to give surfing a go too, whether it’s their first time having surf lessons or they’re already a pro. Sagres and Lagos in the west of the Algarve are the best places in the region to find kids’ surf schools and surfboard hire. Cam had a go at some surf lessons, however, having just turned 3 years old he wasn’t quite strong enough – next time!

Other than surfing, you’ll also find plenty of other fun ways to get into the Algarve waters. You can try stand up paddleboarding, bodyboarding, canoeing, kayaking, as well as sailing – whether you want to learn to sail or prefer a skipper to take you out.

9. Visit the Benagil cave with kids in the Algarve

The Benagil Caves or Algar de Benagil as they are called locally, are one of the Algarve’s most iconic sights. And a must-see for the whole family! They are only accessible from the water and it’s easy to jump on one of the many boat tours from Portimão to visit them, like we did. On the boat ride you’ll go part a whole host of other less famous but equally eye catching caves, plus the rest of this stunning stretch of Algarve coastline. If you’re lucky you might even see some dolphins like we did.

The image is taken from. boat tour in the Algarve. In the bottom of the image are the backs of peoples heads in the front row of the boat. In front of them is the entrance to the Benagil Cave which is one of the best things to do with kids.

You can also kayak to the cave, however, there have been some recent bans in place on landing on the beach within the caves. If you’re booking a kayak tour you’l need to confirm that you’re actually going to the the cave and not past it.

10. Dolphin-spotting in Albufeira

If you are into seeing dolphins and want to see some in the wild, then there are speciality boat tours that leave from Albufeira. That’s because cruising along the Algarve coastline close to Albufeira is the best place for you to see dolphins swimming and jumping around in the natural environment. If you’re lucky, there’s also a chance to spot whales at some times of the year. There are lots of dolphin-watching boat tours you can book. Some even have marine biologists who will fascinate kids with facts about these wonderful creatures.

There is a fast boat in the water with some tourists on it. To the right of the photos is a dolphin jumping out of the water.

11. Play a round of mini golf with kids in the Algarve

Portugal’s Algarve is famous for its amazing world-class golf courses. If you’re into golf then there’s area also plenty of places for little golfers to pick up a club too and have some fun at the mini golf courses. Cameron is obsessed with mini-golf, at three years old he takes a while to do a hole, but then that’s half the fun!

Minigolf Adventure Park, Albufeira

Minigolf Adventure Park is a 20-hole mini golf course is a popular option with families staying in Albufeira. It has the right balance so there’s enough of a challenge with kids, without being totally impossible and fun enough for adults too. It’s a fun way to while away an hour or two with a cafe and holes set around a small lake.

In the image is the crazy golf course in Minigolf Adventure Park in Albufeira. There is no one in the image.

Golfland, Alvor

Also in Alvor, you’ll find Golfland that is set within a beautiful tropical garden. The park has lots to do for the entire family, including an 18-hole mini-golf course, indoor golf simulators, a playground, games room, restaurants, and daily entertainment during the summer months.

Adventure Golf, Alvor

Dinosaur lovers, like our son, will enjoy being amongst the prehistoric beasts at Jurassic Park themed Adventure Golf Alvor. If you’ve got a rainy day, then it’s cool as the site also has ten pin bowling with special mini lanes for younger children. Plus you can take a break and enjoy a drink and relaxation on the sunny terrace of their cool cafe that has panoramic views of the golf course. This is an excellent addition to the best things to do in Algarve with kids!

This is a minigolf course in the Algarve. In the right of the image is a huge egg and a dinosaur is coming out of it. Opposite on the left is a smaller egg which is cracked with a smaller dinosaur coming out of it.

Family Golf Park Vilamoura

Vilamoura has several world class golf resorts. so it comes as no surprise that there’s not one but two 18-hole mini-golf courses at Family Golf Park. Family Golf Park is themed around ancient Rome and there are facts to discover as you go. It’s great as it’s secretly educational as well! There’s a restaurant here too.

As well as the golf, you can also explore the magnificent gardens featuring more than 200 different types of plants, trees, and bushes, perfect after a game of mini-golf.

There’s also a fun games room with games such as air hockey, and a kids club too for arts and crafts. And, during the summer, the course organises live music, face painting, and fun activities for the whole family.

Quinta do Lago

Quinta do Lago in Almancil is quite a unique mini-golf course because it features miniature versions of some of the world’s most iconic golf holes, such as Augusta, Belfry, and Sawgrass. This is a great place for avid golfers who are keen to get the little ones involved in the sport early on.

12. Eat some original peri peri chicken

This is a bit of an unusual one for the list, and you might not expect eating piri piri chicken to be on a list of things to do in the Algarve with kids. However, when it’s the place which invented the dish, you can’t really you miss out? In the quiet town of Guia, you’ll find Restaurante Ramires which lays claim to being the first place to invent the dish. And that’s pretty much all you’ll find on the menu today too (though you can get plain chicken if you ask). We had such a good meal there the first time we visited, that we went back twice! When you’ve had the original, who needs Nando’s?

A man is side on wearing a baseball cap and a fleece. Opposite is a baby in a multicoloured striped onesie. The man is holding the babies hands as he stands up in his car seat. In the front of the image is a table and on it are various dished and some drinks. Behind them are blue and white tiles on the wall. They are eating dinner in the Algarve.

13. Catch some fish with kids in the Algarve

The Algarve coastline is one of the best places in the world for reef fishing. If you’re into fishing then reeling in a huge fish is something you and your child will never forget. Some of the best charters include top-of-the-line gear, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own. And you can choose to either charter a boat with a captain or join a tour. The best months for fishing are July to September. Some of the fish you might catch are sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

14. Ride a tourist train with kids in the Algarve

If you want to explore some of the Algarve’s gorgeous towns and cities and want to keep the little ones entertained, then jumping on one of the region’s many tourist trains is great fun.

There is a cobble road and coming along it towards the person taking the image is a red and white tourist train. Riding this is one of the best things to do in the Algarve with kids.

The colourful trains are great as they let you jump on and off at locations all around the towns and along the coastline. As well as sightseeing the trains are also an easy way to get around when you’re travelling with little legs. Here are a few of the fun tourist trains to check out:

15. Visit a castle with kids in the Algarve

The Algarve has lots of medieval castles that are spread throughout the region. No matter where you’re staying in the Algarve, there will be a castle nearby. They range in age from the 8th to 18th century and come in many architectural styles. We love going to castles when we travel, at the moment it tends be all about hunting for dragons! Apart from dragons hunting they are also great learning opportunities for kids and will help them to understand Portuguese architecture and its rich history.

The three main ones to visit are Silves Castle, Castelo de Tavira and Castelo de Castro Marim.

Silves Castle

The town of Silves was once a mighty Moorish capital known as Xelb (or Shelb), rivalling Lisbon in influence. Today the castle is still the best preserved in the Algrave.

Some parts date from the 8th century, what’s amazing about Silves Castle, is still towers above the town. It has pretty twisting streets and a cathedral, plus most of the walls and fortifications still remain. This is the perfect castle to let kids imaginations run wild, but it’s a fascinating contrast to the coast.

In the back of the image is Silves Castle in the Algarve with it's castle walls. In the front of the walls are some local homes and buildings.

Castelo de Tavira

The town of Tavira, also has its own Moorish castle, however this is partly in ruins. At Castelo de Tavira there are still some great views out towards the coast to enjoy. Plus it’s free to enter and you can also spend some time wandering around the relaxing castle gardens.

Castelo de Castro Marim

Castelo de Castro Marim is a medieval construction that was built on Roman and Moorish fortifications and with later additions when the castle was restored. Again, there isn’t a huge amount to see inside the castle (though you can get an audio guide). It’s only a small fee and you’ll be rewarded with more great views.

16. Explore the Lagos Ciência Viva Science Centre

The Living Science Centre is the perfect place to head to if you have children that are obsessed with science or loves interacting with other kids while learning.

Inside, there’s a small aquarium, an interactive science exhibition, plus an area that teaches about local animals. There are also temporary exhibitions that change throughout the year, so check on their website to see what the latest exhibits are.

It’s all indoors, which makes this a great place to go if you are getting too much sun, it’s raining and or, you need a break from the beach. As well as this large one just outside Faro, which focuses on the sea, there are two smaller locations in Tavira and Lagos.

17. Visit The Largest Park Of Sand Sculptures in Lagos

landmarks and animals. It’s divided into sections inspired by the different continents, and there are other areas themed by myth, the sea and characters from film and TV. There are even Harry Potter, the Marvel universe and Paddington sand sculptures to find! And, all, of course, made from sand.

The image is of sand scultpures and there is one very large on of the Queen of England and on her right is Big Ben and on her left is a table with a teapot and cup on it. This is one of the best things to do in the Algarve with kids.

If your kids like to build sand castles, like ours do, then you must take them there. There’s even a fun area with some buckets and rakes where you can be inspired and make your own. Sand city only takes a couple of hours to walk through, after you finish there’s a space for picnics and even a snack bar. Also, if you have very small children, you can hire a golf cart to drive around the park and see all the amazing sculptures from the comfort of your seat.

Top tip: If you visit Sand City in the summer, then head there early or late as there’s no shade.

18. Go horseback riding with kids in the Algarve

This is another fun way for the whole family to get together and explore the beautiful beaches and lush countryside of the Algarve. Travelling on horseback opens up many different routes you can take around the region. There are some that include sunset treks on the beach – suitable for 12+. And other although horse treks are available for children aged six and above.

Many horse riding centres in the Algarve offer private and group lessons. And some even have smaller ponies for younger children (4+).

To the left of the photo looking of in the distance to the top right of the image are three people with their backs to us sat on horses. There are two white horses and one brown horse in the middle. They are on the beach and in the distance they are looking at the sea.

19. Head to Krazy World in Algoz

Krazy World is a park that has it all, such as a petting zoo, paintball, mini-golf, pools, and much more. If you can’t decide where to go or an activity that the whole family would enjoy, then this is one of the top things to do in the Algarve with kids.

You and your kids will be entertained for hours and at a reasonable price. For the adults there are also lounge chairs so you can relax and watch your kids as they enjoy the pool. When you’re hungry you can head to the onsite restaurant that serves pizza, burgers, and ice cream.

20. Head to Sagres and the end of the earth

Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St Vincent) was often referred to as the end of the earth. It’s one of the main attractions in the Algarve on the west coast and for good reason. During the age of the Portuguese explorers (think Magellan, Vasco da Gama, and Christopher Columbus), this was the point that they would depart from in search of the “new worlds”.

There is a man with his back to the camera and on his lap is his toddler age son. They are sat on a cliff above the sea and looking over to the right as the sun is looking to set into the sea.

We love to find the best sunset spots wherever we travel, and this has to be one of the best in Portugal. You can sit by the lighthouse and look out over the sea as the sun goes down. We took our gas stove there and made and ate dinner during the beautiful golden hour. We then headed to Sagres and enjoyed a drink or two!

If you are looking for fun things to do in the Algarve, this needs to be on your list.

21. Climb the treetops at Parque Aventura in Albufeira

Looking for a thrilling adrenaline adventure high up in the trees? Parque Aventura has all the fun aspects you’d want from a high ropes course such as bridges, nets, and even a giant slide for you and the kids to enjoy. Your kids (as long as they’re over 1m) can choose from one of three levels of difficulty from curious to adventurous to fearless.

This image is taken in a woodland. In the woodland is a high ropes course and on the left is a platform and a woman ina red jumper has her back to the camera as she does the course. This is Parque Adventure in Albufeira in the Algarve. This is great with kids.

If your kids are too old for a ropes course, then there’s also paint balling available in the park. There’s no maximum age limit for any of the activities here, so you can enjoy all the things right alongside your children. Afterwards you cab grab some drinks and snacks at the snack bar.

22. Travel back in time at Parque da Mina

Parque da Mina is a fantastic theme park that has so much to offer, where you can travel back in time to discover how life was lived in the Algarve in times gone by. You will learn what life was like back in the 17th century and experience it by visiting a 17th-century manor house, a grocery store, a gold mine, and much more.

There is a path in the front of the image. There is also a wll and then in the air in the centre of the image is a sign that reads "Parque da Mina" which is in the Algrave.

If your kids like animals there is an old farm and and even a petting zoo. This will give your children a great taste of what life was like back in the day and also give them a new appreciation for the things that they have that make their lives so much easier. Once you’ve explored this part you can head down into the decommissioned coal mine as well as exploring the park which includes a bridge over a waterfall.

23. Try some indoor karting with kids in the Algarve

Another cool thing to do with children in Portugal is Electric Karting at Albufeira Marina. Its the perfect place for kids with a competitive streak. There’s a Hot Wheels Raceway whih is great fun, however, it’s definitely better suited for older kids (ages 15+) who can drive their own kart.

The 400m track has 12 tricky corners to test your skills, and some long stretches that provide the perfect opportunity to overtake other drivers.

With older kids, you can book group races that will include practice laps, longer race times and a podium for the winner. After racing, you can celebrate your victory at the bar or head to the bowling rink for even more family fun.

24. Watch street entertainers in Lagos

If you’re into live music and evening entertainment like we are, then you should spend an evening in Lagos. There are lots of great places to eat along the main square, perfect if you’re eating with kids. Then later in the evening we’d take our boys for a ride on the Carrossel Júbilo, grab an ice cream and then head into the old town to watch the musicians and acrobats. You’ll see big crowds gather as the entertainers start. We saw a great mix of musicians and acrobats.

There is a fairground carousel and there is a little boy riding in a horse carriage. in the front of his is a white horse that is pulling his cart. He's smiling at the camera a like he's having a great time.

25. Walk all or part of the Seven Hanging Valleys

Even with small kids, this was one of our favourite things to do in Lagos, its because we just loved exploring the Algarve coastline. The Percurso do Sete Vales Suspenso or Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is just outside of Lagos. The trail is 3.7 miles and goes from Praia do Marinha to Praia de Vale Centeanes and you will get to see some jaw-dropping scenery from the get-go.

A man is at the start of the Seven Hanging Valleys hike and on his back he is carrying his son in a carrier. they are looking out to sea. In front of them is a fence that the man is leaning on In the right on the left is the sea.

It’s a moderate hike, however, there are plenty of places to stop along the way to rest as you go past several of the local coves and beaches. As our son was so young we carried him part of the way. Most people tend to walk one way and then take a taxi back to their car. However, if you only wanted to do a section of the walk you could finish at one of the earlier coves.

FAQ’s The Algarve With Kids

Is Algarve a good place to visit with toddlers?

Yes, the Algrave is an ideal place to go to with young kids that are toddler age. There are lots of great activities, however, some of them do have minimum age limits in place, for instance we couldn’t find a kayak company that would hire to children under 5 years old. The same for places such as the indoor karting, horseriding and the treetops at Parque Aventura.

Is English spoken in Algarve?

Most places that you visit in the tourist parts of the Algarve speak English.

Can I explore Algarve in a week?

Yes, you can get a good idea of what the Algarve is like in a week staying there. You’ll have the time to enjoy and explore some of the main attractions as well as a few different beaches too.

When is the best time to visit the Algarve?

The great thing about the Algarve is that you can visit all year round. In the summer months the average temperature is 84°F (29°C) which is great if you like the hot temperatures. This is also the high season which means that everything is open and it can get very busy. If you come in the cooler months of September or October them it’s a lot quieter, however, you might find that some attractions such as the water parks are closed.

Final Thoughts On Visiting The Algarve With Kids

We had a great week in the Algarve as part of our month long road trip in Portugal. There are lots of cool things to do in the Algarve with kids, so much in fact that you could easily spend a couple of weeks there exploring it and enjoying it on a family holiday.