Staying with Kids in Albufeira, Algarve - Waterparks and Other Adventures
… continuation of Playgrounds in Algarve
No affiliate links or sponsorship going on here - my host recommendations and criticism. Pictures used are taken from Google maps or the official web sites..
Some things simply are not on the maps in Portugal. I remember struggling when we arrived to Algarve. I was searching maps for playgrounds and activities, but they were not there - nobody needs it here, everybody knows. And if they don’t know, they ask… a little Italy here. I have added couple of new points on the maps, but giving a complete overview on a single page may be more useful. Here are my recommendations:
Water Parks
Our favourite place is Slide & Splash. It’s great for the entire family from the smallest kids, lots of water slides of different kinds. Keep in mind that it’s on a hill and it can feel a bit cold on a windy on a cloudy day. Also, it’s better to visit during May, June or September. August in the busiest time and you will be spending too much time in queues.
Slide & splash
If you’re more into adrenaline water slides, Aqua Show may be a better choice for you. It’s all much bigger, higher and faster. Also, queues unfortunately tend to be longer. And smaller kids may find it a bit less satisfying compared to Slide and Splash because there are not as many slides that can be done together - small child and adult as at Slide and Splash (on the double rings).
Aquashow
Staying in Algarve, you won’t be able to miss a massive marketing of Zoomarine. It’s a waterpark mixed with a fair, zoo and a circus. You can spend the whole day there and it won’t be enough to experience everything. I have very much mixed feelings about this place. Yes, they claim that they do a lot for nature, but the major impression that I have is to make money, more money and even more. I know, business is to make money! But when we couldn’t get to a dolphin show two times during a day despite waiting in a queue 20 minutes before, they obviously sell way too many tickets. And I’m not mentioning that most of the time when I watch the animal shows I can’t help and keep wondering if it’s really the right thing to do with the animals. The fair is nice and water attractions too (at least some of them). Get ready to spend time in queues - if you visit in July or August, these queues are going to be endless. For me personally, May or September are the only months when I don’t get angry there because of all the crowds and queues.
Zoomarine
There are couple more rather smaller water parks, but we haven’t tried them yet. I appreciate any tips, please leave comments!
Other Adventures (When not So Hot)
Horse Riding
No matter how (un)experienced or what age you are, you’re going to enjoy horse riding with Kate. We go there regularly and it’s an amazing place: https://albufeiraridingcentre.com
Park Aventura
Adventure park with zip lines and many obstacles, organised by difficulty and length - great for kids and adults. Paintball is also available. Check the pages: https://www.parqueaventura.net/albufeira/
Smaller “ZOOs”
I’ve come to a conclusion that in Portugal, the “ZOO” doesn’t mean what I was used to. It’s not a huge ZOO with girrafes and elephants. It’s usually rather small, with smaller animals and some extra stuff like swimming pool, mini golf, animal feeding, birthday parties and other fun activities for families.
There are two ZOOs of this kind in Algarve: Krazy World ZOO and Lagos ZOO. If you want to enjoy a family day with a bit of fun, relaxation and fast food, you will be very happy there.
I’m going to write more later about Restaurants and Health Care.
I hope that you’re going to have a great stay here! And if you want a special souvenir, you can always support me by buying a photo from me.
