Tavira Mini Train

For those staying on or visiting the eastern end of the Algarve, this cute little train costs just a few euros and is a fun family way to get to Praia do Barril on Tavira island. It’s a short journey (and you could probably walk it quicker!) but perfect entertainment for little ones.

Faro Life Sciences Centre

With two beautiful aquariums, a touch pool and interactive displays of earthquakes and volcanoes, this museum offers heaps of hands-on family fun. It’s not too big, so an hour or two is enough time to explore without little ones getting bored or overwhelmed. Information is available in English.

Zoomarine (nr Albufeira)

A time-honoured combination of marine displays, pirate shows and water rides, Zoomarine works for all ages from toddlers to teens. As with all such places, there’s nothing remotely traditional here, but it is very entertaining! The park also aims educate and act on conservation and environmental issues.

Slide & Splash (Lagoa)

One of Europe’s largest water parks, this popular attraction near Carvoeiro does exactly what it says on the tin, offering thrilling slides alongside gentle play areas for younger children. A word of caution: the park gets very busy in high season so an early start is recommended.

Lagos Zoo(Barão de São João)

This one is particularly good for younger children, with plenty of shade and a more relaxed atmosphere. With 140 species represented, you’ll find all the favourite animals are here, including monkeys, flamingos and penguins, and interactive feeding displays to give you a closer look.

Krazy World (Algoz)

Is it even a family holiday without a round or two of mini golf? Aimed at under 10s, there’s also a petting farm, a swimming pool and a chance to see the longest snake species in Europe if you dare! For older children there’s also a climbing circuit and paintball for groups.

Parque Aventura (nr Lagos)

Nestled in shady forest between Albufeira and Lagos, this tree-top high ropes park caters for kids as young as 4 (1m tall), with rope bridges, ziplines, spiderweb nets and more. Thrilling for all ages and a nice alternative to the beach for a few hours.

Dolphin Discoveries

You can take a trip to see these magical creatures from most marinas and many beaches along the Algarve. Speak with your local Concierge for advice on the best and most local ones to your villa.

The Ria Formosa Lagoons

Who doesn’t love flamingos?! Slow the pace without dimming the excitement and enjoy a few hours exploring the Ria Formosa Natural Park by boat trip or by bike. The whole park is teeming with wildlife, and with luck you’ll see lots of birdlife including flamingos, which are somehow way more thrilling in the wild than at a zoo!

Karting Almancil

Highly rated, the main track here is a replica of the famous F1 Jacarepaguá circuit. The junior track is open to kids from 6 to 12 years, with two other more demanding circuits for older teens (1.5m and taller) and adults. There’s even a baby option for 3 to 6 year olds, or a petting zoo if that doesn’t appeal!

Silves Castle

Nothing trumps digital distractions like a proper castle, and this very well preserved Moorish fortress will spark the imagination of any would-be be princess or pirate with its ramparts, traitor’s gate and tall, sandstone towers. You can do a great walking circuit all the way around the castle walls, with wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.

Sand City

This is one to appeal to all the family, featuring over 100 sand sculptures across a 5-hectare park in Lagoa, roughly halfway between Carvoeiro and Silves. It’s hard not to be impressed by the skill of the artists who have created everything from famous landmarks to cartoon characters using the Algarve’s trademark fine sand.

Benagil Caves

Caves are one of the things that the Algarve does best, and if you see only one, make it Benagil. From SUPs to speedboats, there are lots of ways to visit, but basically you can be guided by the age of your children. Slightly older kids might enjoy kayaking (minimum age is usually around 6) or perhaps the thrill of a speedboat, whilst younger ones may be better off on a larger, more stable catamaran. Trips are available from all the main coastal resorts, and if you’re lucky you might spot dolphins and other marine life along the way.

Sagres

Whilst most of the Algarve tends to feel golden and rather gentle — that is half the appeal after all — Sagres is an altogether wilder option. Cape St Vincent is at the most south-westerly point of Europe, with steep cliffs and crashing waves to add to the drama. There are two lighthouses and the ruins of a fort to explore, but bear in mind that the terrain is not buggy-friendly and younger kids will need to be closely supervised around all the cliffs. It’s not a beach destination as such, but it can be great fun to sit and watch the surfers and kite-surfers in the big waves that you get at this western end.

Kayaking

Most people know Portugal for its surf, but there are virtually no waves on the southern coast in the summer season, which is why this is a great time to go kayaking instead. For families, the ideal option is to join a tour with a guide who will keep you all safe as well as taking you to the most interesting caves. Kayaking is available at all the main beach resorts, including Carvoeiro and Lagos, and if your kids are early wakers, you can even do a sunrise tour.

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