Wondering where to head on the Algarve with kids? Staying around Lagos with kids? There are some lovely towns on the Algarve to visit with the kids. We focused most of our time around Portimao, Alvor and Lagos. We skipped Albufeira completely as busy resorts just aren’t our bag! But these three towns offer everything. You can explore beautiful hidden coves, museums, boardwalks and of course there’s always ice creams galore.
If you’re looking for other activities for kids whilst visiting the Algarve, then check out our other blog:
Alvor Mini Golf at Eden Alvor
Eden Alvor is one of those places that works beautifully when everyone needs a break from sand-in-every-crevice beach life. The 18-hole tropical mini golf course is set among well cared for gardens. There are playful animatronic characters, with an arcade-style courtyard for after your round and even water features.
A game usually takes around 45 minutes, but with kids you can easily stretch it out with snacks, drinks and games. It cost us around 40 euros for golf for a family of 4. By the time we had enjoyed drinks, ice creams it was a 70 euro, but 3 hour visit.
There are board games to enjoy and a tree house play area, so even if you don’t play golf this is a good spot. There’s parking on the roads outside, or it’s a 10 minute walk from Alvor centre. There is also a spa and option to use their pool, but it’s pricey and we recommend visiting the municipal pools at Monchique instead.
Useful to know: Eden Alvor is generally open daily from 10:00 until late. Mini golf prices are listed from €13 for ages 13+ and €8 for children aged 5–12, with a family mini golf option from €35-40.
Alvor Beach and the Alvor boardwalk
Alvor Beach is a big, golden, family-friendly sweep of sand with plenty of room for digging, paddling, running and dramatic snack negotiations. The sea can vary by day, but the space is the real win: even in busier months it usually feels easier to spread out than on smaller cove beaches.
At the far left (as you look at the sea) or East of the beach is a larger parking lot, 3 beach restaurants and 4-5 coves to explore. This was our favourite area on the beach and there was always plenty of space, even in August. There are water sports but these are further along the beach towards the town.
Check out the other great Algarve beaches we loved here.
Pair the beach with the nearby Alvor boardwalk through the Ria de Alvor wetlands. It is flat, scenic and good for a gentle wander with children, especially in the cooler morning or at sunset. Keep an eye out for birds and boats, and bring water as shade can be limited. You can access the boardwalk from the small Alvor marina where there is also a small funfair on an evening, a car park and a few minute walk into the town.
Alvor is another very cute town just to explore and has some fantastic eateries. We loved Himalayan Pink Salt Restaurant for Nepalese, Guanabana for Mexican, Paesano for Italian and The Well for beers and games!
Lagos with kids – the street art trail
Lagos is not just beaches and boat trips. The old town also has some brilliant street art tucked along walls, side streets and corners, making it a fun, low-cost treasure hunt with kids. Give younger children a camera or phone and ask them to spot animals, faces, bright colours or giant murals. It turns a normal wander into a mini adventure, and there is always the promise of an ice cream stop or drinks when everyone starts flagging.
Lagos Science Museum: Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos
The Lagos Science Museum is a great option when the sun is too strong, the wind picks up, or everyone simply needs a change of pace. It is interactive, hands-on and particularly good for curious children who like pressing buttons, testing things out and learning through play. The exhibits have a strong nautical and discoveries theme, which fits nicely with Lagos’ maritime history.
There are workshops (our two chose to make slime!) and a play area outside as well as the inside exhibits. We spent around 2 hours here with the workshop and for the 21-euro entrance fee we thought it was good value for money for kids aged 4 – 11. It would also be a decent rainy-day thing to do when in Lagos with kids.
Tree-top Trek in Lagos
On the outskirts of Lagos, is Lagos Adventure Park – Parque Adventura Lagos. This place wasn’t busy even in the height of August and the kids absolutely loved it. There are different courses depending on their height, with tree canopy platforms and obstacles to take on. There are also several zip wires to slide back down to earth on. We spent 3-4 hours and came back absolutely filthy! Make sure you wear closed toe shoes too. There is shade so a good midday activity when lying on the beach is too much.
The best thing about this place is the price. It’s around 13 euros per person, which is at least half the price of the equivalent in the UK. This is absolutely one of our best things to do in the Algarve with kids.
There’s also outdoor trampolines and paint balling at this site – if your in Lagos with kids, then this is a brilliant shout!
Of course there are also various coves and beaches near Lagos, but we opted for quieter beaches during our visit here. We also didn’t visit Lagos Zoo (weren’t convinced on it’s ethics and conservation).
Explore Portimão with kids
Portimão is a larger town along the coast from Alvor and Lagos. We took the bus into the town and explore the Portimao Museum and 3-d art centre. Both would be activities for rainy days on the Algarve, or when you want to escape the sun it’s a worthwhile few hours.
Portimão’s museums offer a great mix of heritage and fun, starting with the Museu de Portimão, housed in a beautifully restored 19th‑century sardine‑canning factory. Inside, you’ll find immersive exhibits on the town’s fishing industry, archaeology, and underwater discoveries. Standard entry is €3, with children at €1.50, and it’s free on Sundays during specific hours. Opening times vary by season so check out the website before you have a wasted journey.
For something more playful and just along the road from the Sardine Centre is the Museu 3D de Portimão. You may have visited one of these centres before and it’s no different, but adds a bit more play after a museum visit. It is filled with interactive, illusion‑style photo sets perfect for families and creative travellers. We spent an hour here and it cost 30 euros for 1 adult and 2 kids entrance.
For more info on the best beaches in the Algarve or for other Algarve adventures, click here.
