5 Activities for Children in the Algarve

The Algarve is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and being a region that boasts many days of sunshine a year, making it a great holiday destination for the whole family. Is the Algarve also an ideal destination for children? With so many activities for children to enjoy during their holiday, they certainly will not get bored. Find out how to make your little ones' holidays even more enjoyable with our ideas for 5 activities for children in the Algarve.


Photo by Yujia Tang – Unpslash


1.Children's surfing day
If the children in your family love new adventures, surfing will be one of the activities they will enjoy even more during their holiday in the Algarve. The beaches of the Western Algarve offer ideal conditions for beginners who want to learn this world-famous sport. The tides are calm, and there are several schools that offer courses that last several days or just one day. Lagos has beaches with calm tides and not too big waves. This city is the first choice for many schools because of the characteristics already mentioned. The beaches of Sagres are the second choice of schools for surfing with children. The beaches in the south of this municipality are calm, while the westernmost beaches, of the Costa Vicentina, require some skill and are therefore more suitable for adults. Get to know this surf school in Lagos and plan one of the most sought-after adventures for children during their holidays in the Algarve.
If you like surfing big waves, check out this article on "The 7 best surf spots in the Algarve".

2.Family Picnic
Since the Algarve is not just about beaches, take a day to be in nature with the family. There are several picnic parks full of trees and shade to spend a whole day with the kids. In the National Forest of Barão de São João, you can organise a picnic with barbecues, games for the little ones and walks along the trails. There are communal barbecue areas, a square with slides and swings for children and three hiking trails: the Poets' Trail, the Figures' Trail and the A- Ver-o-Mar Trail.
Outside the municipality of Lagos, you can also visit Monchique and its Barranco dos Pisões picnic park in the middle of the mountains of this municipality. A stream runs through this green space, and you can visit an old mill that has now been transformed. The children will love running around here while the parents relax at the stone tables next to the communal barbecues.
If your family loves the outdoors, take advantage of the many hiking trails the Algarve has to offer. You can find these suggestions in the article "The best walks in the Algarve".

3.Camera obscura in Tavira
Are you ready to offer your children a day out with a difference? The Camera Obscura of Tavira, inspired by the studies of Leonard Da Vinci, is already one of the most visited places in the city, among other monuments. In addition to a fantastic 360 view over the city, the principles of photography are put into practice here. The Camera Obscura - Tavira Eye was set up in an old water tank 30 metres above sea level. In this tourist facility, it is possible to take guided tours explaining the city history and how the camera obscura works. To visit this space, it must be sunny for the magic to unfold.
If, by chance, the day is overcast with clouds and it is not possible to visit the Camera Obscura, see this article on what to visit in Lagos.

4.A day with the farm animals
If the children in your family love animals, why not take them to an educational farm? These are places designed to teach children about life in the countryside and where they can find farm animals such as cows, chickens, donkeys or goats. In Portimão, the neighbour town of Lagos, you can spend a day with different animals. Quinta Pedagógica de Portimão offers workshops and artistic activities in addition to being close to the animals. Visit this farm from Monday to Saturday.
At the Quinta Pedagógica de Silves (educational farm), children can have contact with the animals and do activities such as baking bread and sweets, tending the educational vegetable garden or having a picnic in the park. There is also an ethnographic museum, a tide mill and a replica of the miller's house to visit.
When you arrive in Belmar after visiting the educational farms, take a look at the nesting boxes scattered in the trees of the resort. For more information about the Local Accommodation for Birds project, click here.



5.Water and fun parks
There are hundreds of activities for children in the Algarve, but the most popular is the water and fun parks. Have you ever had the opportunity to visit one with your family? Enjoy this holiday and have more fun than ever, because these facilities are suitable for all ages.
Surely you have heard of the Aquashow water park, where there are dozens of slides where you can slide from great heights. This park is open in summer and plans to soon open an indoor water park with fun parks for children and a spa for adults to relax (an exact date for the opening of this second area has not yet been set).
Another well-known water park, one of the oldest in the Algarve, is located 30 minutes from Belmar Resort. Slide & Splash is a water park covering several hectares with slides, pools, picnic areas and new attractions every year. Aqualand is another water park also located 30 minutes from Belmar Resort. This park has adrenaline-pumping attractions, areas for the whole family, and an enclosure just for the little ones, all while not forgetting a space to relax. If you have never taken the kids to these parks, you should do it now during the holidays. You don’t know what you’re missing.
One of the most popular attractions in the Algarve combines a water park, animal shows, and a fun park for all ages into a single enclosure. Zoomarine is a place that not only entertains but also educates visitors about the importance of marine conservation. Watch the dolphin shows, macaws, and birds of prey and immerse yourself in the world of butterflies in the park's latest innovation - the Butterfly Garden.
Finish with a nature activity at the Parque Aventura de Lagos, just 13 minutes from Belmar. In this park, you have to be determined to climb trees using ropes to practice tree climbing. If you think this place would be perfect for the brave kids in your family, book the tickets at the Belmar Resort reception and enjoy a day in nature and a lot of adrenaline. There are courses for different age groups (children and adults) and even team paintball games.
These activities can be fun but also exhausting. After a busy day, we suggest recharging your batteries in one of these restaurants.

Treat the kids to a holiday in the Algarve with everything they deserve. There are thousands of activities for children in the Algarve that you should experience at least once in your life. If you are interested in any of our suggested activities, simply go to our reception to book these family experiences.