How to Enjoy the Algarve with Children
 There are many activities you can do in the Algarve with children, and fun is always guaranteed.
Explore the list of experiences for families with children in the Algarve
1. Visit to Silves Castle
Silves Castle, located in the parish of Silves in the Algarve (see map), is a must-see with children.
More than a thousand years old, it is one of the most remarkable works of Arab military architecture.
Inside the castle you can see an Aljibe, a large rectangular cistern that supplied water to a significant part of the city.
The Cisterna dos Cães (Cistern of the Dogs), which is an immense well that contained several fragments of medieval ceramics.
The ticket price for this visit is €2.80, while admission to the castle and the municipal archaeological museum is €3.90.
Groups of more than 20 people pay €2.20 and children, students, Youth Card holders and those over 65 have a 50% discount and the ticket is €1.40.
To find out more about the castle and opening hours, visit the official website of the Silves Town Hall (official website).
Castelo de Silves – image taken from: Pinterest
2. Boat trip to the Benagil caves in the Algarve for children
One of the most popular summer activities for families is an excursion to the Benagil caves and coastline in Vilamoura (see map).
Incredible views, including the well-known chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha, Praia da Marinha, the Gruta dos Capitães, the underwater rock, the Arco do Triunfo and much more, can be seen on this cruise that departs from Vilamoura harbour and travels along the Algarve coast.
There are several trips to choose from and they usually last between 2h30 and 4 hours.
Prices for adults vary between 25 and 40 euros, while prices for children are between 15 and 25 euros.
Benagil Caves and Coast- image taken from: Algarexperience
3. Horse riding on the beach
In the Algarve you can do a variety of activities with children, such as horse riding along the seafront or horse riding lessons.
Prices start at €20 and go up to €100 depending on how long you want the ride to be.
The schools also offer riding lessons for beginners and advanced riders, with prices starting at €35 and going up to €60.
You can book activities at these schools in the Algarve:
- Fusion Horse Riding (Oficial Website)
- Albufeira Riding Centre (Official Website)
- Pinetrees Horse Riding (Official Website)
- Tiffany’s Riding Centre (Oficial Website)
 Horse riding on the beach – image taken from: Getyourguide
4. Picnic in the Ria Formosa Natural Park
Family picnics are a great way to take a break from the Algarve’s beaches with the children in the ria formosa natural park (see map).
TIPS ON WHAT TO BRING
- Picnic basket;
- Food and drinks;
- Utensils;
- Cushions, blankets or towel;
- Sun cream and hats;
- Entertainment: Books, music, games or a ball.
 Ria Formosa – image taken from: PortugalResident
5. Visit to AQUASHOW PARK
With lots of interesting activities to do, the Algarve water park (see map) is a great place to spend a day with the kids.
It has outdoor attractions, the main one being Europe’s largest water rollercoaster, Mammothblast and Aquakids with a maximum speed of 70 kilometres per hour, and indoor attractions offering multiple experiences such as a spa, tornado, adventure island and children’s pool.
The park is open from 22 May to 8 September. Tickets cost between €24 and €34, depending on age, and can be bought at the park’s ticket office or online with a 10% discount.
 Aquashow – image taken from: Myguidealgarve
Other activities for families with children in the Algarve
Kayaking is the perfect activity for exploring the caves, cliffs and caverns of the Algarve coast if you’ve never been on a boat before.
You can swim, sunbathe and relax on the neighbouring beaches during the 2.5-hour activity with children. Prices are around 35€.
Kayak Adventure – image taken from: GetYourGuide
Here are some links where you can book this activity