The most fun activities in the Algarve with a toddler!!
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
If you ask me, the Algarve is one of the best places in Portugal to visit with a toddler or young kids. It is relaxed, beautiful and there are so many fun things to do with little ones.
And I know one thing for sure: when your toddler is having a great time, you are having a great time too!
I have been coming to Portugal my whole life. Sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes for a few months. Now I also visit with my own toddler, which has given me a whole new view of travelling in the Algarve with young kids. So, if you are looking for fun activities to do in the Algarve with a toddler, I am happy to share some of my favourites with you!
My favourite activities in the Algarve with a toddler
Spend a day at the beach
Okay, this one might be obvious. But the beach is always a good idea with a toddler!
The Algarve has so many beautiful beaches. You can build sandcastles, play in the water, collect shells or simply let your little one run around and explore.
Some beaches are even extra fun because they have caves and little places to discover. Praia do Camilo in Lagos is a great example. Praia dos Três Irmãos in Alvor is another favourite of mine. And Praia do Carvalho, between Benagil and Carvoeiro, is also beautiful.
Exploring the caves and rocks together is a real adventure for young kids. My toddler can spend ages looking for shells, climbing around and discovering what is hiding around the next corner.
I have also written an article about the most child friendly beaches in the Algarve, so make sure to check that one out if you are planning your beach days.
Visit the donkey farm in Paderne
I think this might actually be my favourite activity in the Algarve with a toddler.
In Paderne, you can visit a lovely donkey farm where even toddlers can ride the donkeys. You can also brush them, which my little one absolutely loved.
I went with my two year old and we rode together on a donkey through the beautiful hills of Paderne. We passed orange trees and enjoyed the peaceful countryside around us.
It was such a special experience. And honestly, watching my little one enjoy every second of it made it even better.
After the donkey ride, you can enjoy delicious local treats from the farm. And the view is simply magical.
It is one of those activities that feels like a real Algarve experience. Nature, animals, local food and a beautiful view all in one day.
Play at the pirate boat in Carvoeiro
If you are staying in or around Carvoeiro, you really should visit the pirate boat playground.
Whenever we stay with my parents in Carvoeiro, I have a little morning routine with my toddler. I walk into the village and get a coffee at Chef's Kitchen. Then we walk along the beach towards the playground. I get to enjoy my coffee and the beautiful sea views, while my little one gets to play on the pirate boat. And let me tell you, he cannot get enough of it! It is such a simple thing to do, but sometimes those are the best activities when you are travelling with a toddler. You do not always need a big day out. A nice walk, a coffee and a great playground can be the perfect morning.
Go dolphin spotting by boat
This one probably depends a little on the age of your child.
If your toddler loves boats, a short dolphin spotting tour can be such a fun thing to do in the Algarve.
Put on the life jacket, get on the boat and keep your eyes open for dolphins!
My little one absolutely loves it. He gets so excited about being on the boat and looking for animals in the sea. I would personally choose a shorter boat trip when travelling with a toddler. Young kids can get tired quickly, especially when the sun is shining and the sea is moving.
But if your little one loves boats and animals, I would definitely put dolphin spotting on your list of things to do in the Algarve with young kids.
Spend a day at a water park
Okay, this might not be the most relaxing activity for you as a parent, but it is SO much fun for toddlers and young kids! There are several water parks in the Algarve, including Slide & Splash. This is a great option for a hot day in Portugal. They have a huge kids' pool with small slides, shallow water and lots of space to play. It is basically one big party for little ones!
My toddler could spend hours playing in the water and going down the little slides. And on a really hot Algarve day, having a place where your little one can cool down is just perfect.
But honestly, if you are mainly going for your toddler, you might not need a gigantic water park. A smaller and more relaxed alternative is Children's Paradise in Alcantarilha.
It is much smaller, but that can actually be a big plus when you have a toddler. There is still plenty of water fun for little ones, without needing a whole day to explore a huge park.
So if you are looking for something simple for a hot day, I would definitely keep Children's Paradise in mind. Sometimes, less is more when you are travelling with young kids!
Visit Zoomarine
Zoomarine is another fun option if you are looking for a full day out with your toddler.
It is a smaller theme park with a water park too, and there are plenty of activities for toddlers and young kids.
There are fun shows, water slides, a little train and even a mini roller coaster. So there is something for almost every little adventurer.
What I really like about Zoomarine is that you can easily spend a full day there without your toddler getting bored. There is a nice mix of shows, rides and water fun.
It is definitely one to add to your list if you are looking for things to do in the Algarve with young kids.
More tips for travelling to the Algarve with a toddler
Looking for a nice place to stay? I have also put together an article with my favourite child friendly hotels in the Algarve.
And of course, food is an important part of any holiday in Portugal! If you are travelling with a toddler, finding a restaurant where everyone feels comfortable can make your evening a lot easier.
Enjoy the Algarve with your toddler
My little one is honestly happy doing almost anything. But if there is one thing that never gets old, it is a day at the beach. There is so much to do in the Algarve with a toddler or young kids. But you do not have to fill every day with activities. For me, Algarve life is all about being outside. Playing in the sand, swimming in the sea, walking around, looking for shells and enjoying the sunshine.
And I really think that is the key to having a fun holiday with your toddler in Portugal.
Keep it simple. Stay outside. Let your little one explore. And most importantly, enjoy it together. Because when your toddler is having fun, you are too!
Comments