Things to do with kids in Madeira

Interesting things to do with kids in Madeira

One of the best things about visiting Madeira as a family is how easy it is to get everyone ready and start a new adventure. The island has a lot of beautiful places to see and a lot of options to choose from in terms of activities. It offers a bit of everything, from relaxed walks through gardens and forests to interesting experiences in different museums.

Here’re a few reasons why you should visit this place:

Plenty of outdoor space Short distances for easy exploration Mild weather year-round Experiences for all ages

If you’re wondering what to do with children in Madeira, you should know that here, experiences feel super natural. They’re simple and often involve being outdoors. Also, if you’re coming here in the cold season, you’ll find plenty of indoor activities that are very fun.

Below are some of the most interesting things you should consider for your next trip to Madeira with your family:

Ride the Funchal Cable Car

Among the most popular things tourists like to do is riding the Funchal Cable Car to see the capital. It takes you from the old town of Funchal up the hillside to the village of Monte. The ride itself lasts about 15 minutes and offers a fantastic view of the city, the harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.

As the gondola climbs higher above the rooftops, kids usually spend the entire journey pointing out boats in the harbor and spotting houses and gardens below. It’s also one of the best ways to reach some of Monte’s attractions, like Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the famous toboggan ride.

The prices for the ride are around €20 for a return ticket. If your kids are aged between 7 and 14 years old, you’ll pay half the price. If they’re under 7, the ride is free. A helpful tip is to go early in the morning to avoid queues.

Wander through the Monte Palace Tropical Garden

At the top of the cable car ride in Monte, just above Funchal, you’ll find Monte Palace Tropical Garden. This is one of the most beautiful gardens you can find on the island. It’s filled with multiple types of exotic plants, waterfalls, lakes and pathways, perfect for a jungle-like adventure.

Children will quickly spot the flamingos and the huge koi fish in the ponds, then hop across stepping stones that cross the waters. It’s easy to spend two or three hours just wandering here at a relaxed pace, letting your kids explore.

The gardens cover about 70.000 square meters, so it’s best to wear comfortable shoes. Also, the prices are around €18 for adults, while children under 14 enter free with an adult.

Swim in natural pools at Porto Moniz

On the island’s northwestern coast, in Porto Moniz, you’ll find the famous natural lava pools created by ancient volcanic eruptions. Over thousands of years, molten lava cooled and formed natural basins in the rock that now fill with water from the Atlantic. The pools provide a unique way to swim in the ocean, while being protected from strong waves.

Kids usually like to climb around the rocks, jump into the water and watch the waves crash just outside the pools. Talking about other things to do with kids in Madeira when coming to Porto Moniz, you’ll get to enjoy the free natural pool and a larger complex with facilities too.

The price is around €3 to get to the main bathing complex. If you’re interested in seeing this natural gem, it’s best to come here in late spring through early autumn. The weather is warm enough for swimming around this time.

Enjoy rides at Madeira Theme Park

If you’re traveling with children, you should definitely come to Madeira Theme Park (Parque Temático da Madeira) in Santana. It has small rides, playgrounds and interactive exhibits that introduce visitors to the local culture, landscapes and traditions. The ticket is around €10-€12 for adults, with discounted tickets for children.

Your kids can ride a miniature train, try paddle boats or explore various play areas around the park. It’s just a relaxed and family-friendly park, a good stop after exploring the island. While you’re in Santana, it’s also worth walking around the village to see its famous triangular thatched houses, known as palheiros.

Have an interactive indoor experience at IMOM

For something a little different, the Immersive Museum of Madeira (IMOM) offers a modern way to discover the island. Instead of walking through traditional exhibits, you’re surrounded by large-scale projections, sound and moving images. The experience feels more like stepping into a short visual show, which makes it especially appealing to children.

The constantly changing scenes and immersive atmosphere keep younger visitors interested, even if they don’t usually enjoy museums. It’s also a great option for a break from outdoor activities or if the weather isn’t ideal.

In terms of prices, there’re different types of tickets you can buy. Prices start at around €22 for adults, with discounted rates available for children, students and family groups. Kids under 6 enter free.

Explore ocean life at the Whale Museum

The marine life is super impressive and without doubt kids are very enthusiastic about discovering it. If you want to take a look at Madeira’s marine life and its past connection with whaling, you can do this at the Whale Museum (Museu da Baleia). It’s located in Caniçal, on the eastern side of the island.

Inside, you’re going to find whale models that are suspended from the ceiling, interactive displays and multimedia exhibits explaining how whales and dolphins live. Children are usually amazed by the enormous whale models and the chance to learn about ocean wildlife.

This activity is very interesting, but it could be more fun when combined with a whale-watching tour. The prices are around €10 per adult, with reduced prices for children.

Walk onto the glass skywalk at Cabo Girão

Located just about 20 minutes from Funchal, Cabo Girão is one of Madeira’s most dramatic viewpoints. Here you’ll find a glass viewing platform that sits on the edge of a sea cliff about 580 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. It’s among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and definitely an amazing stop for tourists.

Walking onto the glass floor can feel a bit nerve-wracking at first, but the views are just incredible. Kids often love the thrill of looking down through the glass, while parents enjoy the sight along the coastline. Prices are around €5 for adults and children under 12 have free entrance.

Take an easy levada walk through forests and waterfalls

Madeira’s levadas are historic irrigation channels that carry water across the island. Alongside them, run beautiful walking trails that can be found in various parts of the island. Many of them are relatively flat and manageable for families, perfect for relaxed walks.

This is one of the best things to do with kids in Madeira if you love to explore forests and waterfalls. For example, an easy route to take is Levada dos Balcões. It’s a short walk that leads to a beautiful viewpoint where you can admire Madeira’s rugged peaks.

For kids, it’s super fun to spot birds, see waterfalls and explore the forest along the trail. It’s good to know that you have to pay around €4-€5 for some trails, while others are still free.

Go on an off-road jeep safari

If you want a bit of adrenaline, you can join a jeep safari. It’s a fun way to get deep into the mountains along narrow roads and tracks. Most tours depart from Funchal and prices are usually around €50-€70 per person, depending on their length.

Along the way, you’ll visit viewpoints, waterfalls and small villages while learning about the island’s history and landscapes. Children usually love the bumpy ride and the sense of adventure as the jeep climbs through forests and across mountain ridges.

Stroll through the beautiful Rose Garden at Quinta do Arco

For a calmer activity in nature, you can explore the Rose Garden at Quinta do Arco located in northern Madeira near Santana. This beautiful botanical garden has more than 1500 varieties of roses, making it one of the largest collections in Europe.

The flowers are arranged along quiet pathways where you can wander through colorful blooms and enjoy the scent of the roses. Children often enjoy exploring the paths and discovering the different colors and shapes of the flowers. The price is around €12-€15, sometimes included for guests staying at the Pestana Hotel. Also, the best time to come here is in spring and early summer, when most roses are in bloom.

What’s the best time to come to Madeira with kids

Madeira is great for a family holiday, simply because you can come here at any time of the year. However, some seasons are more suitable than others, depending on what you want to do. For example, spring and summer are perfect for outdoor activities, while in autumn or winter you can plan more indoor things to do with kids in Madeira.

Summer is usually the busiest season, so expect more tourists. If you don’t really like the crowds, consider coming here during winter. The temperature is mild, perhaps not suitable for swimming, but good enough for exploring the island.

Where should you stay during your holiday

Apart from planning what to do with children in Madeira, it’s good to choose where to stay during your holiday as well. The island is relatively small, but certain areas are more convenient than others, especially when travelling with kids.

Most families choose to stay in or near Funchal, the island’s capital. It’s the most convenient base as it has restaurants, supermarkets, parks, and many attractions nearby. However, there are also other accessible places where you can stay.

Here’re the areas you should consider:

Caniço: it’s close to the airport and just a short drive from Funchal Porto Moniz: it’s more remote, but also more peaceful Santana: it’s a rural setting, less touristy, but still close to several attractions

Prepare your list with things to do with kids in Madeira

Ready to plan your trip to Madeira with your family? Take your inspiration from this guide and pick the most interesting things to do that your family will absolutely love. Ou can do all sorts of activities here: exciting rides, relaxed walks, anything you like.

Make a flexible list and leave room for both exploration and relaxation. Some of the most memorable moments often come from simple experiences that you share with your loved ones. Therefore, pick this destination and set up your perfect mix of activities to do here.