We loved our winter trip around Madeira with kids. It’s such a beautiful, sunny island and so diverse that it looks different at every twisty turn of the road. It’s really starting to shake off its image as somewhere just for older people to visit too and is fantastic for families, with wonderful temperatures, calm seas and some great Portuguese food. There are also so many fantastic things to do in Madeira island with children, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, family attractions in Funchal, whale watching trips or natural swimming pools. From things to do in Funchal with kids to getting out and about to the furthest corners of the island, Madeira is packed with family-friendly activities. If you’re visiting Madeira with children then our guide to the best things to do in Madeira with kids (including our Rainy day activities labelled below) is perfect for helping you plan your family holiday to Madeira.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
1. Santa Maria de Colombo Boat trip – best things to do in Madeira with kids
Looking straight out of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ the Santa Maria is actually a replica of Christopher Columbus‘s ship which kids will adore. The boat leaves twice a day, at 10.30 or 3pm for a trip out to sea looking to spot dolphins and whales.
It’s all good fun and in summer the boat will often drop anchor so you can jump in to the sea to cool off. If it’s something you’d like to do then book early and for as soon in to your trip as possible. On our winter trip it was cancelled twice because of the weather (it was winter so the sea was more unsettled).
Get your tickets in advance here.
2. Whale Museum, Canical
The whale museum or Museu da Baleia is around 20 minutes drive past the airport in a sleepy little fishing village. With audio sets (for adults and kids) that are intuitive and kick in at certain points around the museum, it’s an interesting place for a wander.
It’s important to note that the museum deals with the rather tricky subject of Madeira’s role in the whaling industry. Which can be hard to stomach at times. It’s an important message though and my somewhat sensitive children were interested and not traumatised by the subject matter.
There is also plenty on the whales as beautiful creatures. And we thought the full-scale models were wonderful, as were the museum’s interactive sections looking to the future of the oceans.
Rainy day activity.
Find out more about it here.
3. Cable Car ride
Pretty much top of most wish lists for visits to Madeira and with good reason. The cable car ride, which departs from Funchal harbour, is a wonderful way to see the city. The views are incredible and kids will love spotting schools with children at play as you travel up the mountain.
The Monte Gardens at the top are also a great way to cool off in summer as it’s so shaded with some gorgeous ornamental gardens. We loved the Chinese garden (see no.15 for more on these gardens).
The cable car takes about 20 minutes and is a lovely way to see Madeira from above.
Get your skip-the-line cable car tickets here.
4. Outdoor pools
Madeira’s outdoor pools are just wonderful. The most famous, at Porto Moniz, are a lovely collection of natural swimming pools formed by volcanic lava and absolutely crystal clear. There is a children’s pool here and even when we visited in February we saw children swimming.
While the Porto Moniz pools are best known there are others across the island that will certainly be less busy in the summer months. Our favourite were the pools at Seixal which were also beautifully clear and so inviting.
It would be a great place to spend a summer day.
5. Toboggan ride – things to do in Madeira with kids
If you take the cable car to the top of the main hill in Funchal one of the traditional ways to come back down again is by toboggan. I found this mildly terrifying as you sit on large sledges that are steered down the hill and around the cars by two men. The children loved it though and thought it was one of the best things we did.
The Madeira toboggan ride is one of the island’s most famous attractions and a real must-do for families visiting Funchal with kids.
Beware the long walk afterwards though as it doesn’t take you all the way to the bottom. A taxi or bus is definitely recommended.
Get your sleigh tickets in advance here.
6. Madeira Theme park
We visited the Madeira Theme Park in February. We were the only people there except a couple wandering around. It was slightly odd to be at an empty theme park and there isn’t as much to do here as at other attractions around the world. But it was a good place to spend a morning.
The children enjoyed rowing boats out on the lake, seeing some of the traditional crafts and playing in the playground. The park is up near Santana which is a great place to drive around to spot the traditional triangular shaped houses.
Find out more here.
7. Take a tour – one of the best things to do in Madeira with kids
There are a number of companies across Madeira offering tours of the island. We took one with Green Devil tours which was great.
Jeep tours are one of the best ways to explore Madeira with kids as they help you reach some of the island’s more dramatic viewpoints and countryside areas without long hikes for little legs.
Green Devil were happy to adapt the tour so we could visit places that were of more interest to the kids. It was fun driving around the island in the safari car and having the top pulled down when the sun came out.
Find out more here and find out about taking a tour to the west of Madeira here.
8. Visit the aquarium
The Madeira aquarium is quite possibly the smallest aquarium we’ve ever been to. I wish we’d taken a little more time going around as it was over rather quickly.
It was a nice way to spend some time for the kids though and it’s a good place to combine with a visit to the pools at Porto Moniz.
Rainy day activity
9. Walk through the São Vicente Caves
The caves at São Vicente were formed when the lava from the volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago forced the hot liquid through the rock. Now it’s possible to walk through some of these passageways which are a fascinating insight in to the geology of the area.
There’s a great museum and 3D cinema as part of the experience.
Rainy day activity
10. Visit the Madeira Skywalk – things to do in Madeira
Stand on the glass over 560 metres above the sea at Cabo Girão for truly awe-inspiring views down the cliffs. When we visited the clouds had blown in so it was hard to see but we kept getting glimpses of the long drop below which the kids thought was brilliant.
There’s a cafe and a shop here too.
Get tickets as part of an individual tour to the skywalk and other attractions here.
11. Go whale and dolphin watching
The coastline around Madeira is packed full of stunning sealife and a great way to see it is by boat.
Children will love seeing these creatures where they should be seen, in the wild. It really is exhilarating to have them swim up close to the boat.
Get your tickets here for a luxury catamaran whale and dolphin watching trip.
12. Hop on Hop off bus
We absolutely love the Hop on Hop off buses which operate around the world. They’re a great way to sightsee while also getting transport.
They’re perfect if you’re travelling with kids as they can rest little legs.
Get your Hop on Hop off bus tickets here.
13. 3D Museum
For some real fun in Funchal then check out the 3D art museum.
This interactive attraction is great for all ages. Perfect for photos and for rainy days too. Become part of the art.
Rainy day activity
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
14. Cristiano Ronaldo Museum – CR7
Football loving kids will relish the opportunity to visit the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum. This is the island Ronaldo was born and grew up in.
Find out all about his life history and career highlights.
Book a private tour of the CR7 Museum as the ultimate treat.
15. Visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden
One of the most beautiful things to do in Madeira with kids is to explore the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Located at the top of the cable car route above Funchal, these gardens feel like stepping into another world. There are winding pathways, koi ponds, tropical plants and hidden corners to explore.
Our children loved:
- Spotting huge fish in the ponds
- Crossing little bridges
- Looking for unusual statues and sculptures
- Running along the shady pathways
The gardens are also wonderfully cool compared to the heat lower down in Funchal, making them ideal in summer.
This is a lovely slower-paced activity for families and combines perfectly with the cable car and toboggan ride.
Find out more here.
16. Explore the traditional houses in Santana
One of the most iconic places to visit in Madeira with kids is Santana.
This small village is famous for its traditional A-frame houses with thatched roofs, which almost look like something from a fairy tale.
Children will love wandering around the colourful little houses and taking photos outside them.
There are also:
- Small gardens
- Local craft shops
- Quiet places to stop for lunch
It’s a great stop while exploring the north-east of Madeira and helps children understand more about the island’s history and culture.
Find a tour to Santana and other locations here.
17. Walk a family-friendly levada trail
One of the most famous things to do in Madeira is to walk a levada trail.
Levadas are historic irrigation channels that criss-cross the island and many have walking paths running alongside them.
While some are better suited to experienced hikers, there are plenty of family-friendly levada walks in Madeira too.
Good options for families include:
- Levada dos Balcões
- Ribeiro Frio walks
- Shorter woodland levadas
These routes are often shaded and relatively flat, making them manageable for children.
Along the way you’ll spot:
- Waterfalls
- Fern-covered forests
- Birds and lizards
- Incredible mountain views
It’s one of the best ways to experience Madeira’s beautiful scenery.
18. Spend time at Praia Formosa Beach
Although Madeira is more famous for dramatic coastlines than sandy beaches, Praia Formosa is one of the best beaches in Madeira for families.
Located close to Funchal, it’s easy to access and has:
- Calm swimming areas
- Cafes and restaurants
- Walking paths
- Space for children to play
The beach is mostly pebbled, like many in Madeira, but it’s a lovely place to spend a relaxed afternoon.
The sunsets here are beautiful too.
19. Visit Funchal Farmers’ Market
Mercado dos Lavradores, also known as Funchal Farmers’ Market, is one of the best places in Madeira to soak up the atmosphere of the island.
The market is full of:
- Exotic tropical fruits
- Flowers
- Fresh fish
- Local cakes and treats
Children often love seeing fruits they have never spotted before, especially Madeira’s unusual varieties of passion fruit and bananas.
It’s also a brilliant place to pick up souvenirs and local food gifts.
Just be aware that some stalls can be expensive, so it’s worth comparing prices before buying.
FAQs – things to do in Madeira with kids
Is Madeira good for families?
Yes, Madeira is an excellent destination for families. The island has warm weather year-round, calm seas, family-friendly hotels and lots of outdoor activities suitable for children.
What are the best things to do in Madeira with kids?
Some of the best family activities in Madeira include whale watching, riding the Funchal cable car, visiting Porto Moniz natural pools, taking the Monte toboggan ride and exploring the island’s levada walks.
Is Madeira suitable for toddlers?
Yes, Madeira works well for toddlers, especially around Funchal and the coastal areas. Many attractions are outdoors and there are plenty of parks, swimming pools and family-friendly restaurants.
How many days do you need in Madeira with kids?
A week in Madeira is ideal for families, giving enough time to explore Funchal, enjoy boat trips, relax by the pools and discover different parts of the island.
What is the best area to stay in Madeira with children?
Funchal is one of the best areas for families visiting Madeira because it offers easy access to restaurants, attractions, beaches and day trips across the island.
Final thoughts on visiting Madeira with kids
Madeira is one of the most underrated family holiday destinations in Europe. With its year-round sunshine, dramatic scenery, beautiful swimming pools and wide range of family-friendly activities, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Whether you’re spotting dolphins from a pirate ship, riding a toboggan down the streets of Funchal or swimming in volcanic pools, there are so many unforgettable things to do in Madeira with kids that it quickly becomes a destination families want to return to again and again.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our post about some of the best things to do in Madeira with kids. Why not read all about our week on Madeira with kids here.. You can also check out our ultimate guide to Portugal with kids. For more on Madiera you can find our fantastic day itineraries for Madeira and The best Madeira family hotels.
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I’m saving your article and will definitely use your tips when I’m there in February. My kids will love the cable car and the aquarium!
PS – have you had any problems with mosquitoes when you where there? I’m wondering if the mosquitoes are there in winter.
Thanks! Zooey
Ah great, have a lovely trip! We didn’t have any issues at all with mosquitos so hopefully you’ll be ok. Have a great time (I’d love to hear how you get on).
Hi there! We’ve just got home from Madeira – we loved it so much! We didn’t have problems with mosquitos, although when we were doing the Ponta de São Lourenço trail I got one bite (fortunately it wasn’t itchy and it healed the next day).
BTW – my kiddos loved the cable car and the Cabo Girão glass terrace. I was much more scared ;))
I’m so sorry that I’ve only just seen this. I’m really pleased you had a great time (and I wasn’t the only one scared by the cable car!!). It’s a lovely island isn’t it?