Famous for its beaches (and golf courses), its year-round sun and string of family attractions, you’ll be spoiled for choice for things to do in the Algarve with kids.
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And as well as the bigger resort towns, it’s easy to get off the beaten track in this tempting corner of Portugal, whether you venture to the far west or eastern Algarve, or stick to one of the quieter spots along the coast between Albufeira, Carvoeiro and Portimao.
So whether your kids are fans of waterparks or boat trips, animal attractions or castles (not to mention sandcastles), or if you’re looking for days out with toddlers, I’ve picked out some of my favourite things to do in the Algarve with kids to start you off.
Enjoy a beach day
Where to start but with a beach? The Algarve is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Portugal, from long golden stretches of sand to little coves only accessible at low tide (or by boat).
Wherever you stay along the coast, you’ll find countless stunning sandy beaches for adults to relax and children to burn off some energy, build sandcastles, search for shells, play beach volleyball, and go swimming in the calm turquoise waters.
There are too many to mention, and you’re unlikely to go far wrong wherever you pick but here are just a few of our favourite family-friendly beaches in the Algarve…
Praia da Rocha, Portimao
One of the biggest beaches in the Algarve, Praia da Rocha is also a popular one – close to the centre of 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 water.
On windier days, the rocks which give the beach its name also act as a handy windbreak, and there’s parking nearby (though get there early if you want a chance of a space).
Praia do Anção, near Faro
Close to Faro, Praia do Anção is a popular family beach in the Algarve, sitting close to Faro and on the edge of the Ria Formosa natural park.
The long stretch of golden beach has lifeguards patrolling the calm waters, sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, watersports galore, and plenty of beach-side cafes and restaurants. Plenty to keep the whole family entertained for a day.
Check out my complete guide to Portugal with kids here
Praia da Manta Rota, Vila Nova de Cacela
Praia da Manta Rota is another great beach in the east of the Algarve – this one at the other end of the Ria Formosa. The huge beach continues for miles, so there’s plenty of room for kids to run around and explore.
With wetlands and sand dunes at the back, it’s also known for lovely wildlife. However, there are fewer food options along the beach, so it’s a good idea to bring some drinks and a picnic if you’re staying all day.
Salema Beach, Salema
Salema Beach is a hidden gem in the western Algarve, located close to the pretty fishing village of Salema.
The small, picturesque golden beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs and has won awards for its natural beauty – although kids will be most tempted by the chance to search for fossilised dinosaur footprints in the sand.
Praia da Gale, Gale
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 rocks – there’s a path on the cliff and dunes behind, and you can also get from cove to cove at low tide.
Wander eastwards towards Praia Lourenco and you’ll find caves along the way too. Be ready for some scrambling and clambering! Or head west and you can walk down to Praia de Armação de Pêra, a more open – and busier – stretch of sand.
Try some watersports
With its long stretch of coastline and pristine waters, the Algarve is the ideal spot to try out a string of watersports, especially if you’re visiting with older kids and teens.
Surfing is one of the most popular water sports in the Algarve. There are plenty of places for younger ones to give surfing a go too, whether it’s their first time or they’re already a pro. Sagres and Lagos in the west of the Algarve are the best spots in the region to find kids’ surf schools and surf hire.
Other than surfing, you’ll find plenty of other ways to take to the Algarve waters. You can try stand up paddleboarding, bodyboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing – whether you want to learn to sail or prefer a skipper to take you out.
You can hire your own equipment and stick close to the beaches, or head out on guided tours along the coast. There’s even family-friendly coasteering for age 7+.
Take a boat tour
A family holiday in the Algarve isn’t complete without at least one boat trip – and there are plenty of different types, so you’ll be tempted to choose more than one during your stay.
Algarve boat tours take you to explore the coastline’s untouched beaches, hidden coves and dramatic caves, while kids can also enjoy spotting the region’s amazing wildlife, including wild dolphins.
For more ideas of the best Algarve boat tours with kids, check out my top picks
Dolphin-spotting in Albufeira
Cruise along the coastline close to Albufeira and you might see dolphins swimming and jumping around in the natural environment – if you’re lucky, there’s even a chance of spotting whales at some times of the year.
There are many dolphin watching boat tours available to book – including options complete with marine biologists who will fascinate kids with facts about these wonderful creatures.
Visit the Benagil cave
The Benagil Caves (Algar de Benagil) are one of the Algarve’s most iconic sights and a must-see for the whole family.
Only accessible from the water, it’s easy to jump on a boat tour to visit them – and a whole host of other less famous but equally eyecatching caves, plus the rest of this stunning stretch of coastline.
We booked a trip from from Portimão with Atlantis tours (similar trips available via Tiqets and Viator) for a fantastic two-hour trip in a rigid inflatable boat, spotting rock formations, hearing more about the coast and getting tips on where else to visit as well as exploring the caves.
You can watch my video of our boat trip to the Benagil cave here.
Cruise around the Ria Formosa
The Ria Formosa lagoon is a nature lover’s paradise, consisting of a labyrinth of canals, islands, wetlands, and sandbanks – a world away from the busy resorts.
On a cruise around the Ria Formosa, kids can enjoy spotting the area’s wildlife, including many protected bird species as well as a chance of seeing dolphins.
There are various different trips on offer but I’d definitely recommend the full-day tour (approx 5-6 hours) we tried with Odyssey tours, which takes you to three different islands, as well as a guided tour around the waters – unspoiled Farol was my favourite, along with the sight of a sea eagle and stories of the endangered seahorses living in the protected waters.
Sail on a pirate ship
A pirate ship cruise is one of the most fun things to do in the Algarve with kids, sailing along the coastline in search of hidden bays and coves (with buried treasure? Who knows…)
Kids will love becoming pirates for the day on board a traditional ship, with plenty of pirate ship cruises to choose from. The Santa Bernarda pirate ship is probably the Algarve’s most famous, with a half-day trip from Portimao.
Hit the waterparks
For more water-based fun in the Algarve with kids, head to one of the region’s fantastic waterparks for the day.
Algarve waterparks are usually open between April/May and September/October. Be sure to check the opening dates and times before your visit though, especially if you’re travelling out of peak season.
Aquashow Park
Aquashow Park is the largest water park and theme park in all of Portugal, found in Quarteira, just a few minutes from Vilamoura and the Golden Triangle.
The huge waterpark has plenty of epic slides and water coasters for children and adults of all ages to enjoy – from the 32m Free Fall/Kamikaze and racing slides to a lazy river, wave pool, and an aquakids area for toddlers and younger kids.
There’s also a new indoor water park, ideal if you’re visiting the Algarve outside the peak summer months. The only indoor water park in the Algarve, there are kids’ water slides and baby pool, as well as a wave pool, adventure pool with climbing wall and lots more for families.
Slide & Splash
Slide & Splash is another massive family-friendly waterpark, but this time located in the western Algarve, close to Portimão and Alvor.
Older kids and teens can get their adrenaline pumping on the corkscrew and kamikaze, while little ones can make the most of the foam slides and tropical paradise.
Aqualand
Aqualand is the most central waterpark in the Algarve and is easy to reach from most resorts. It’s a little smaller than the other water parks, but Aqualand still makes for a great 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, featuring slides, fountains, and more.
Zoomarine, Guia
One of the biggest family attractions in the Algarve, Zoomarine is a mix of water park and wildlife shows – best known for the opportunity to swim with dolphins.
While Zoomarine has won awards over the years for its work with animals, and is an accredited zoo, the captive dolphin experiences are understandably very controversial.
My own animal-obsessed daughter flatly refused to even consider visiting – if you do choose to, it is possible to avoid the dolphin experiences and shows, and stick to the waterpark (which has the usual mix of slides and wave pool, as well as a T Rex river rafting adventure) plus other shows featuring birds of prey.
Visit Lagos Zoo
Lagos Zoo is another of the most popular Algarve family attractions, especially for animal lovers.
The small zoo is home to over 140 different animal species, including many exotic birds and primates but there’s also a petting zoo where kids can interact with friendly goats, donkeys, rabbits, and guinea pigs – perfect with younger kids.
The zoo focuses on conservation, so there are plenty of opportunities for children to learn about the animals and the work being done to protect them. Don’t miss feeding times and the regular keeper talks.
Lagos Zoo is extremely accessible if you’re visiting the Algarve with toddlers, and it’s easy to navigate the entire park with pushchairs (as well as wheelchairs).
For more of the best things to do in Lagos with kids, as well as ideas for day trips from Lagos, check out my top picks
Krazyworld, Algoz
A zoo, petting farm, swimming pool, waterslides, inflatables, pedal karts, minigolf, high-ropes, and paintball are just some of the amazing kid-friendly activities on offer at Krazyworld.
The interactive zoo lets the entire family get up close and personal with a variety of different animals. You can stroke dwarf goats, llamas, and deer in the petting zoo, take photos with the lemurs, feed the resident crocodile (from a distance of course), ride the ponies, and visit one of the largest snakes in Europe.
Then, when you’re done with the animals, grab your swimwear and head to the pool for an afternoon on the water slides and inflatables – or enjoy a family game of minigolf or paintball instead.
Around 20 minutes inland from Albufeira, there’s plenty to do at Krazy world for a fun family day out in the Algarve.
Sand City Lagoa
Perhaps the most unusual day out in the Algarve with kids, the sand sculptures at Sand City are distinctly impressive – I visited expecting to while away an hour with my daughter and came away marvelling at the detail.
Divided into sections inspired by the different continents, the sand sculpture park also features other areas themed by myth, the sea and characters from film and TV – including Harry Potter, the Marvel universe and Paddington!
Expect to spot everything from the Queen to Yoda, the temples of the Mayans, Ta Prohm in Cambodia, the Wild West, Ancient Egyptian god Anubis, a herd of elephants and a giant octopus.
All of which are, of course, made from sand. There’s even an area with some buckets and rakes where you can be inspired to make your own, if you feel inspired by seeing some of the world’s largest sand sculptures. A great option for a cloudy day in the Algarve but if you visit in midsummer, head there early or late as there’s no shade.
Visit a castle
Head to towards the border with Spain or towards the historic town of Silves and you can discover several ancient castles to explore.
Silves itself was once a mighty Moorish capital known as Xelb (or Shelb), rivalling Lisbon in influence, and its castle is still the best preserved on the Algarve today, with a string of day trips to Silves Castle.
With some parts dating from the 8th century, Silves Castle still towers above the town, with its pretty twisting streets and cathedral – it’s mostly the walls and fortifications which remain, so be prepared to use your imagination, but it’s a fascinating contrast to the Algarve coast.
Read my review of a visit to Silves Castle with kids
Head further east, and Tavira has its own Moorish castle; also partly in ruins, there are still some great views out towards the coast. Tavira castle is free to enter and you can also wander around the castle gardens.
And a short distance away, right on the border with Spain, you can see the third of the Algarve’s castles at Castro Marim.
The Castelo do Castro Marim is a medieval construction, built on Roman and Moorish fortifications, with later additions when the castle was restored – again, there isn’t a huge amount to see inside (though you can get an audio guide) but it’s only a small fee and there are more great views.
Cabo de Sao Vicente
The Romans believed this was the end of the world, and that the sun dissolved into the sea every night – looking out to the endless sea and horizon from Cabo de Sao Vicente, you can understand why.
The most south-westerly point of mainland Europe, it’s around 900 miles to the Azores and more than 4,500 miles to the US, which gives you some idea of how explorers must have felt as they set off into the unknown from this spot.
Even on a sunny summer’s day, expect it to be very windy, and it’s not hard to imagine how bleak it must be in winter – under blue skies, it’s simply beautiful though.
You can visit the lighthouse at the end of the world as well. The lighthouse building itself is rarely open, though you may be able to get access on Wednesday afternoons, but you can wander inside the walls and look out to that endless blue ocean and soak up the views.
There’s also a small fort nearby, although it was closed when we visited, and you can walk out on the headland to look over to the lighthouse and back to Sagres – with uneven ground and sheer drops, do watch where you walk though and be careful with younger children. Best to arrive early, as it can get unexpectedly busy.
Fortaleza de Sagres (Sagres Fort)
Sat on the headland at Sagres, the huge fort can be seen for miles – as you’ll know if you’ve visited Cabo de Sao Vicente already.
While the earliest sections date from the 15th century, most would be unrecognisable to Henry the Navigator as it has been repeatedly rebuilt, expanded and fortified since then, with major rebuilding work done in the late 18th century.
Inside there’s a small lighthouse and you can climb some of the fortifications, as well as looking down to the mysterious markings on the ground – a circle divided into sections, no-one is quite sure whether it’s a sort of compass rose, a huge sundial or something else.
Do save some time to wander within the walls, but brace yourself for strong winds as you do: there are more great views, including back to Cabo de Sao Vicente and down to the beaches, with boards giving details on some of the plants and animals which live here, plus stones piled up into cairns.
The fort can get very busy, so again it’s worth arriving early. You’re also walking distance from Sagres town here, as well as the town’s beaches, although these are best for surfing than paddling with some huge waves.
Time travel at Parque da Mina
The Parque da Mina is a theme park with a difference, where you can travel back in time to discover how life was lived in the Algarve in times gone by.
As well as an old farm, where you can feed farm animals and learn more about the nature and wildlife of the area, there’s a museum set inside a house, furnished as it would have been in the early 1700s.
Once you’ve explored those, head down into the decommissioned coal mine as well as exploring the park, including a bridge over a waterfall. Located around five miles from Portimao.
Explore the Centro de Ciencia Viva
Discover more about the natural world – from the sea to space – at one of the Centro de Ciencia Viva museums across the Algarve.
As well as one just outside Faro, which focuses on the sea, there are two other locations in Tavira and Lagos.
The Faro centre is a great one to combine with a visit to the Ria Formosa, as well as answering all those questions kids ask on the beach, such as how waves are formed, whether coral is an animal and why the sea is salty.
Get tickets with free cancellation for the Faro Centro Ciencia Viva
At Tavira, there’s lots of hands-on fun, with challenges based around energy and water – including a water garden – as well as ones to get kids thinking about sound.
Meanwhile the exhibitions at Lagos look at navigation and discovery – many of Portugal’s explorers left from this part of the Algarve, and as well as telling some of their stories, it looks at the science involved in their voyages.
Play a round of mini golf
Portugal’s Algarve is famous for its incredible world-class golf courses. And fortunately, there are plenty of places for little golfers to pick up a club too, with some very fun mini golf…
Minigolf adventure park, Albufeira
This 20-hole mini golf course is a popular option with families in Albufeira – hitting the balance so there’s enough of a challenge with kids, without being totally impossible, it’s a fun way to spend an hour or two with a cafe and holes set around a small lake.
Adventure Golf Alvor
Dinosaur lovers will enjoy walking amongst prehistoric beasts at Jurassic Park themed Adventure Golf Alvor. The site also has ten pin bowling with special mini lanes for younger children plus a restaurant on site.
Family Golf Park Vilamoura
At Family Golf Park in Vilamoura, there’s not one but two 18-hole mini-golf courses, all themed around ancient Rome – there are facts to discover as you go, so it’s secretly educational as well! There’s a restaurant here too.
Golfland
Also in Alvor, you’ll find Golfland, set within a lovely tropical garden. The park has loads to do for the entire family, including an 18-hole mini-golf course, indoor golf simulators, a playground, games room, restaurants, and daily entertainment.
Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago in Almancil (the Golden Triangle) has a unique mini-golf course that features miniature versions of some of the world’s most iconic golf holes, such as Augusta, Belfry, and Sawgrass. A great place for avid golfers to get the little ones involved in the sport early on.
Ride a tourist train
If you want to explore some of the Algarve’s gorgeous towns and cities in a way that’s sure to keep the little ones entertained, jump on one of the region’s many tourist trains.
The colourful trains let you jump on and off at locations all around the towns and along the coast. They’re not only a fun way to sightsee but the trains are also an easy way to get around when you’re travelling with little legs.
A few of the fun tourist trains to check out are…
Visit an adventure park
With high ropes courses as well as paintball, Parque Aventura in Albufeira is great if you’ve exploring the Algarve with older teens, or those who fancy a bit more adrenaline in their holiday.
There are three different levels for the high ropes courses, starting with Curious and ranging up to Fearless, taking you through the trees, across bridges, rope nets and giant zip lines.
You have to be over a metre tall to tackle the easiest course, and over 1.4m for the Fearless option but otherwise there’s no need for any experience. Or take on the paintball field, stretching for more than 2,500 metres squared inside a forest, filled with natural obstacles as well as a series of artificial ones.
There’s a sister site at Lagos, where you’ll find the same high ropes and paintball to enjoy, as well as at Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the far eastern Algarve, by the border with Spain, which has its own high ropes course.
Explore Monchique
If you want to discover more of the Algarve away from the coast, there’s some great walking and mountain biking in the area around Monchique – the colourful town itself is also worth a visit.
The area is famous for its thermal springs, Caldas de Monchique, which the Romans valued for their healing powers – the temperature is still a constant 31C today.
Or head up to the top of Mount Foia, the highest point in the Algarve at 902m – while you can hike it, the best option with kids is to venture up by jeep unless you’re experienced walkers.
Within the same Serra de Monchique mountain range, the Serra da Picota is the second highest point at 774 metres and can be quieter than Foia. You can also drive most of the way up, although it’s best to walk the last section.
Head off road
While the Algarve is famous for its coast, you can head inland to discover another side to this part of Portugal, with jeep safari trips through the Algarve with kids.
There’s a full-day jeep tour suitable for age 2+ (although personally, I’d say it’s better for older kids) where you’ll head into the mountains, taste local jam in little villas, discover some of the scenery to discover old settlements which have barely changed for centuries.
Or this half-day jeep safari includes similar experiences, as well as the chance to swim in a crystal clear spring and taste honey along the way.
Go horse riding
Another fun way for the whole family to explore the beautiful beaches and lush countryside of the Algarve is by horseback. There are many different routes you can take around the region, including sunset treks on the beach – suitable for 12+, although most horse treks and tours are available for children aged six and above.
Many horse riding centres in the Algarve offer private and group lessons for beginners or those who need a refresher on a horse. There are also smaller ponies for younger children (4+). Horse riding clothes and boots are supplied.
Eat piri piri chicken
You might not think eating piri piri chicken should be on a list of top things to do in the Algarve with kids – but when it’s the place which invented the dish, how can you miss out?
In the quiet town of Guia, Restaurante Ramires 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). Who needs Nando’s?
Read my review of a visit to Ramires restaurant to try their original piri piri chicken
Where to stay in the Algarve with kids
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to places to stay with kids in the Algarve too – I love having my own space for beachy holidays like this, and stayed with at the lovely Villa Vivenda Gale Mar on one recent trip, as well as another villa just outside Praia da Luz.
Plum Guide – which we used for our recent trip to Lisbon, staying in a self-catering apartment – also has properties in the Algarve all along the coast.
Or for family-friendly hotels in the Algarve, check out the options on booking.com as well as package holidays from TUI.
Check out my complete guide to Portugal with kids here
*First published 2022, last updated 2024*
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
Lemur/Aqualand/Monchique images courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
