We love our trips to the Algarve and have been now in every season. It’s got everything for a family trip, with a great climate, delicious food, beautiful beaches and a friendly welcome. We have rounded up the best things to do in Algarve with kids. It features all the best of this Portuguese region from the ‘must do’ to the more quirky, unusual choices.
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Table of Contents
1. Learn to play golf
The Algarve is synonymous with golf with some of Europe’s best golf courses in the region.
The climate allows for golf to be played for much longer than in other areas and it’s the perfect temperature to get out on the green.
It is also the perfect location to get kids interested in golf.
Many of the courses will offer lessons for children and every golf resort we’ve been to we have seen kids out playing with their parents.
Our children had a private lesson at Pinheiros Altos Golf course which got them really interested and something we were then able to take up at home.
It’s a great opportunity to learn in the warmth.
2. Take to the waterparks
When I used to visit the Algarve as a child we would spend hours at Slide & Splash. I’m so pleased this is still going, it’s a wonderful waterpark and lots of fun for kids of all ages.
There are others too, including Aqualand and Aquashow. Please think twice about visiting any water parks that feature dolphins as this is shown to be incredibly cruel and a very unhappy experience for these beautiful animals.
If you’d like to read more you can see here why dolphins should be kept in the wild.
3. Take to the waters on a pirate ship
Kids will love the opportunity to feel like pirates on this fun boat trip. And the whole family will love the experience of being on board this large boat with all the facilities you need.
Take smaller boats out to explore the cave. Spend time swimming and sightseeing. This is a great trip out.
Find out more and book your place on the pirate ship here.
4. Take a trip to the end of the world
The Algarve doesn’t have the biggest opportunity to experience the history of Portugal. But its past as a great sea-faring nation is one to surely get kids interested.
The lighthouse at Cape St Vincent is the point the Romans believed was the end of the world.
It’s a wonderful place to look out over the cliffs at the vast oceans the Portuguese helped to conquer to discover new lands.
Read more: A trip to the end of the world
5. Go kayaking
Children will love to see the Algarve by water. You can discover the amazing scenery of the Benagil Caves by kayak.
These famous caves are perfect for photographs and to see hidden corners of this region.
This is a supervised activity.
Find out more and book your Bengail Caves by kayak tickets here.
6. Go wild at the zoo – what to do in Algarve with kids
Krazy World is a zoo that has lots of activities on offer for all the family.
See lots of animals from llamas to wallabies and goats to deer. There’s also crazy golf and a pool to swim in.
Book your skip-the-line zoo tickets here.
7. See the dolphins
As I mentioned, please turn your back on any captive dolphin shows and see these beautiful creatures where they should be seen, in the wild.
Take a boat out to sea with a chance of spotting wild dolphin. This is a wonderful trip for kids.
Find out more and book your dolphin watching trip here.
8. Go on a jeep safari – things to do in Algarve with kids
A great way to explore this region is by jeep. You can take a half day jeep safari which all the family will enjoy.
Visit some of the beautiful villages, the cork forests and orange groves. You will even have the chance to swim in a local river and try some homemade produce at a local farm.
This is something really different to do in the Algarve with kids.
Find out more and book your jeep safari tickets here.
9. Horseriding (things to do in Algarve with kids)
The Algarve is a beautiful place to go horseriding.
We visited Pinetrees Riding Centre near Quinta do Lago which was pitched so perfectly for the children.
With some time to get used to being in the saddle for those who have never ridden before there are then opportunities to ride out through the forest and amongst the wild flowers.
Horse riding clothes and boots are supplied. We found the manner to be exceptionally friendly and welcoming. Definitely a recommended activity.
10. Experience a traditional festival – what to do in Algarve with kids
The Portuguese have some atmospheric annual events which, if you are in the area for, we definitely suggest trying to take in.
Whether that’s enjoying carnival in Loulé or experiencing the Festa das Torchas in Sao Bras de Alportel over Easter there is something going on in every season. It’s worth checking the calendar to see if your trip will fall on any of these colourful events.
11. Hire bicycles – things to do in Algarve with kids
Cycling in the Algarve is a great way to experience the countryside up close.
Many resorts will allow you to hire their bikes and it is a fun place to head off with kids and see what creatures you come across or plants you will spot.
12. Try your hand at surfing
Surfing is one of the great past times of the Algarve. It’s a great place to try it out.
Why not have a lesson with a team of experiences instructors. This is a wonderful experience for all the family.
Find out more and book your surf lesson in the Algarve here.
13. Enjoy the beaches – best things to do in Algarve with kids
The Algarve is synonymous with beautiful beaches. There are so many across the region it would be hard to mention them all.
They are the perfect spot to spend some time and even in the winter we have been barefoot on the sand, chasing the waves and picking up shells.
The Algarve is the perfect place to spend time on the beaches relaxing and enjoying the gently crashing waves.
14. Haggle away at the markets
Most of the towns across the Algarve have weekly markets which are the perfect places to pick up produce.
Kids will love the vibrancy of these little meeting places that are full of colour and lively banter.
It’s a wonderful place to introduce them to some of the local foods from figs to honey. And get them involved in picking out the vegetables for the evening meal.
Our favourite is the beautiful market in Loulé.
15. Day trip to Seville, Spain
Seville is a beautiful city and close to the Algarve for a day trip.
You can take an organised day trip which will give you time to shop and see many of the landmarks of this beautiful city.
Explore the Plaza de España, the Royal Alcazar, and the neighborhood of Triana. Find out all of our top things to do in Seville with kids here.
Find out more and book your day trip to Seville here.
16. Try your hand at mini golf (things to do in Algarve with kids)
A big golfing region like the Algarve has its fair share of mini golf which is a really fun way of bringing families of all ages together.
We love the course at Quinta do Lago which is based on the great golf courses from across the world.
They also have regular tournaments if your family is feeling particularly competitive.
Read more of our adventures in the Algarve here: A winter week in the Algarve
An ultimate guide to the Algarve with kids
