Suggestions for the best family fun days in the Algarve
Topping the list of family attractions in the Algarve is Zoomarine. This marine world theme park is an absolute must see. The presentations are spectacular – seals and sea-lions, birds of prey, and the amazing dolphins, a show that never fails to evoke a response no matter what your age. For pure water park thrills, head to either “Slide and Splash” or “Aquahow” for adrenaline fuelled fun. Both parks are large and have a great range of slides that are good for younger and older children.
Swimming with the dolphins is a special family day out. The Dolphin Emotions experience at Zoomarine allows you to learn some basic communication signals and even to do a few tricks in the water with these amazing creatures.
No visit to the Algarve is complete without taking a boat trip. Options include short 2 hours cruises, dolphin watching trips or a full day coastal cruise that includes a BBQ on a secluded beach.
On dry land don’t miss out on the Jeep Safari. Off-roading through the Algarve countryside allows you to see the lesser explored side of this essentially rural area. Your guides are informative and fun and the day is entertaining and educational.
The Lagos Zoo is a good option for those with younger children. The monkeys are the main attraction but the zoo is also home to lemurs, wallabies, lynxes, reptiles and tropical birds. An unexpected favourite is the Sardine Museum in Portimão. Bizarre as it may seem, children love this place.
Of course, one of the absolutely best family days out in the Algarve is a day at the beach. With numerous blue flag beaches and a (fairly) gentle climate, a few hours building sandcastles, splashing in the sea, eating ice-cream and gathering shells is hard to beat. End the day with a cold beer at a beachside restaurant and Mum and Dad will be happy too.
