For a different kind of day trip adventure, why not take the kids to explore the fort of Prince Henry the Navigator in Sagres and then to the nearby village of Salema to discover dinosaur footprints on the beach.
Visit Zoomarine Theme Park
Zoomarine is the best theme park to visit in the Algarve. It is about 10km from Albufeira and easily accessible by bus from most locations. It is a combination of waterpark and sealife zoo. The daily shows with dolphins are the highlight. An amusement park caters for all ages and tastes we have visited on several occasions with our family one younger child and a teenager. The kids can enjoy a large aquatic area with waterslides, wave beach and rapids. Parents can join in the fun or relax on the sunbeds. There are several reasonably priced cafés and restaurants or you can bring a picnic. The amusement park includes rides and a ferris wheel with panoramic views out over the surrounding neighbourhood. Book tickets here
Experience a Buggy Safari
This one is for thrill seekers. You get to drive a buggy and explore the Algarve off- road inland. You will need a drivers licence to be in the driver’s seat. Don’t forget to wear old clothes and expect to be covered in dust.
Take a Boat Tour
A boat tour is a great way to entertain the kids and adults alike. We have done a tour to the Benagil caves on several occasions because we love to see the coastline from a different angle. You can also take a tour on a pirate ship or go dolphin watching with a marine biologist. For thrill seekers there are rides on a jet ski. Below are some of the best options click through to find out more.
Portimão: Pirate ship cave cruise.
Portimão: Benagil caves speed boat tour with sunset options.
Lagos: Dolphin watching boat tour with marine biologists.
Lagos: Kayaking and Boat cave explorer tour.
Albufeira: Benegil caves and dolphin watching speed boat tour.
Enjoy an Interactive Science Museum
Enjoy a day of fun and learning at the interactive science museum in Faro. Activities include two aquariums, a touch pool, earthquakes, gravity and volcanos. It is very good value for a few hours of fun. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.
Waterparks
Parasailing
Explore the Algarve on a Bike
This is a great way to get active and explore the Algarve. There are seven cycle routes that connect the entire region.
- Route 1 Vila Real de Santo António/Far0 – 69km
- Route 2 Faro/Albufeira – 43km
- Route 3 Albufeira/Portimão – 38km
- Route 4 Portimão/Lagos – 25km
- Route 5 Lagos/Sagres 40km
- Route 6 Sagres/Carrapateira – 38km
- Route 7 Carrapateira/Aljezur – 25km
Sagres Fort
The mighty Sagres fort is perched on a cliff on the most western point of Europe. It makes for an interesting day trip adventure with kids so be sure to get them to prepare it in advance. Once the headquarters of Prince Henry the Navigator. Prince Henry was a leading figure in the 15th century Portuguese empire. He created the first global explorers.
The size of the fort is amazing. Inside the fort kids can see the historic compass used by the navigators many years ago. There is also a blow hole that allows you to stand over and experience the wind and noise the sea makes below the cliffs
Sagres is about one and a half hours’ drive from Faro and about an hour from Portimão. Admission is very reasonable and parking is free on the long drive up to the fort. An easy walk from the car park to the fort for the kids and there is information about the birds and plants as you walk around. It can be very windy so don’t forget to pack a light jacket. Make sure the kids look up as many facts as they can about the fort and Prince Henry the Navigator.
RELATED:Things to Do in Lisbon with Kids
Salema Beach
After you’ve visited the fort we’d suggest spending the afternoon in Salema. A small fishing village with narrow streets and traditional houses, unlike the built up beaches of the central Algarve. Salema is not a touristy place with lots of shops and nightlife. The small village has several good restaurants and a lovely family beach, ideal for swimming, with amenities close by including cafés and restaurants. On the western end of the beach you’ll find a big, flat yellow rock with footprints from a dinosaur. Discovered some years ago by geologists from Lisbon. The highlight of any day in Salema is watching the fishing boats come and go as traders drag them in. All the restaurants specialise in seafood. You can read more ideas for things to do in the Algarve with kids here.
Are you inspired to take a family holiday and enjoy the Algarve with the kids? Leave your comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
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