Activities for Kids in the Algarve

- My Algarve Life -

Here’s a summary of some of the Activites to do with Kids in the Algarve.

When I first moved here in 2022, there was not many activities for young children, other than a few parks and the beach. Over the past three years so many new places have opened up, and I’m happy to share them so you don’t feel as lost as I did when I first arrived. Bear in mind this is not an exhaustive list… there may be some I have missed!

1. Indoor Activities & Soft Plays

Tigre Feliz

This is a great softplay, with a ball pit, dress up zone and downstairs interactive game area. Suitable for ages 1-8yrs.

Smile Park, Quarteria

Smile Park is a trampoline park, where there is giant inflatable jumping castle, equipped with slides and climbing frames. Age wise, it could be good for up to 14 year-olds, as there is also a mini arcade. Suitable for ages 3+.

Adventure HQ

Located in Alcantarilha, this is probably the biggest softplay centres in the region. So many different activities, and a huge space. Great for older kids too. Suitable for ages 4+

Aqua show indoors

Located in the “Indoor” area of the Aqua show park in Quarteira, it is a very clean and large soft play. You pay by the hour, but it is quite warm inside, so honestly after an hour, most kids are ready for a break! I always bring a change of clothes for my kids, as they tend to get very hot and sweaty, even in winter! Suitable for ages 1 - 10.

Albufiera Soft Play

Another soft play, located in Albufeira. It is slightly smaller than the other two, but great for younger kids 0-4. They also do lots of

3D Art Musuem, Portimao

Located in Portimão, this is a small centre some funky visual prints on the wall for the kids to joke and play around with. It is pretty simple, so definitely not a full day outing, but my kids still had fun.

Centro de Ciência Viva

Centro de ciência viva, are Science Musumes, run by the local council. There is one in Faro, Lagos and Tavira. Prices are really affordable and its a great educational activity for the kids. Keep in mind it is all in Portugese, but you can still have fun, and learn too!

Loule Salt Mines

This is a favourite for me to send my visitors, as everyone always comes back really excited by their visit. I believe you have to be 8+ and it is a Mine, so it is underground, so not for anyone who is a bit claustrophobic (aka me).

2. Water Parks/ Outdoor Activities

Slide & Splash

A major water‑park destination: big slides for older kids, relaxing pools for younger ones. But as all the other water parks, be prepared for long queues and bigger crowds during the summer school holidays.

Aqualand Algarve

This water park is often not a busy as Aquashow, so it is a good one to escape to, if you don’t want as many people. But don’t let that fool you, it can still be very busy during summer.

Aquashow Park

Wave‑pools, lazy‑rivers and huge slides. This is one of the biggest waterparks in the region. It is well maintained and clean, but in the summer months can be very very busy! During the cooler months, they have an indoor area, which is also good fun for the family.

Zoomarine Algarve

Zoomarine is a theme park with rides, water play and Sea life exhibitions. It has had some protests in the past as it has dolphins on site, but it is still very popular in the area, and frequented by locals. Infact you can buy an annual pass, which is great value for residents.

Krazyworld Zoo

The park is a little dates, but it has various animals, perfect for younger kids. There is also a small water area, but access costs extra.

Boat Trips

There are loads of boat trips you can go on throughout the region. Like Dolphin watching, day out on the boat, exploring the Caves and coastline. Most of the events depart from either: Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira or Vilamoura Marina. I recommended to buy your ticket online and inadvance.

Mini‑golf

There are loads of mini‑golf courses like the Family Golf Park in Vilamoura, Partee, and Quinta da Lago mini golf. Opposite the Quinta da Lago mini golf is KoKo, a family friendly restaurant with a playground, although as it is in QDL, it is a bit pricey.

Albufeira Treetop adventure park

Places like Parque Aventura Albufeira offer zip‑lines, rope‑bridges and climbing for older kids/teens. Good for children 8+ who want more action.

Go‑karting Almancil

Go-Karting Almancil is a good option for older kids, anything form 5+. Adults can also race, so it can be an activity for everyone.

Hot tip……

Buy your tickets online and in-advance for all of the water parks and boat tours. And coins are needed for lockers in most of the themeparks.