Families traveling with children will find plenty of activities to keep their little ones entertained in Portimao. In addition to traditional beach fun, hiking, and café breaks, active kids can enjoy trips to water parks and amusement parks. Here are some family-friendly options near Portimao:
Zoomarine Dolphinarium
During your stay in Portimao, consider a visit to the expansive water amusement park, Zoomarine, located just a few kilometers away in the village of Guglia. Zoomarine is an ideal destination for family vacations, offering a full day of activities. Visitors can explore the park, watch captivating dolphin and sea lion shows, and encounter other animals. The park also features special areas with birds of prey and tropical birds, numerous pools, a cinema, rides, cafes, and even a pirate ship. Zoomarine is open from March until the end of October, with operating hours from 10:00 to 19:30 during the summer season.
Admission prices for the park are 19 EUR for children under 10 years old and 29 EUR for adults. Tickets can be more affordable if purchased online, and family discounts may also apply, such as free admission for children in some cases.
A visit to the Aqualand Algarve water park
While in Portimao, you can enjoy a fantastic family day out at Aqualand Algarve, conveniently located near Zoomarine, making it an easy day trip. This water park offers a wide variety of slides in different shapes and sizes, ensuring plenty of adrenaline-pumping fun for the entire family. Additionally, visitors can relax by one of the pools. The price for a family of 2 adults and 1 child to visit the water park for one day is 52 EUR, and for a group of 4 adults, it's 76 EUR.
A trip to the zoo
For families who appreciate flora and fauna, a visit to Parque Zoológico de Lagos (Lagos Zoo), located on the outskirts of a neighboring town, is a delightful option. The zoo is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00 in the summer and from 10:00 to 17:00 in the fall and winter.
A visit to the Slide & Splash water amusement park
One of Europe's finest water parks, Slide & Splash, is just a 15-minute drive from Portimao. This water park has been entertaining visitors for over 25 years and is renowned as the largest in Portugal and one of the largest in Europe. Safety and hygiene are top priorities here.
At Slide & Splash, you can experience thrilling rides, swim in both children's and adult pools, unwind in the Jacuzzi, and brave attractions like the Kamikaze, Tornado, and Black Hole slides. In recent years, the water park has undergone renovations, introducing new attractions and pools while expanding the children's area. There's ample parking available on-site. The entrance fee for a full day is 27 EUR for adults and 19 EUR for children. If you prefer, there's a bus service from Portimao to the water park for 7 EUR per ticket, and children under 4 years old travel for free.