April 9, 2025
Madeira isn’t just for hikers and wine enthusiasts—it’s a natural playground perfect for family adventures. From gentle levada walks to volcanic pools and interactive museums, this Atlantic gem offers endless opportunities for children to explore, learn, and create lasting memories. Here’s our curated guide to the best family-friendly activities across the island.
Parque Temático da Madeira
Madeira’s Theme Park in Santana offers a perfect day out for families. This 7-hectare park showcases Madeiran history, culture, and traditions through interactive exhibits and activities. Children can explore traditional Santana houses, learn about local agriculture at the small farm, and enjoy the playground facilities.
The park includes multimedia pavilions that bring Madeira’s history to life, making learning fun and engaging for younger visitors. With beautiful gardens featuring endemic plants and various entertainment options, it’s easy to spend a full day here. The park also offers restaurants serving traditional Madeiran cuisine, making it convenient for family meals.
Volcanic Pools
Our second must-do activity is swimming in Madeira’s volcanic pools. From Funchal’s Doca do Cavacas to Seixal’s Dona Beija and the famous Porto Moniz pools, children love exploring these natural formations. Kids are often delighted to discover small shrimp, fish, crabs, and other marine creatures inhabiting these pools.
These natural swimming areas offer a safer alternative to the open ocean while being more exciting than standard swimming pools. The volcanic pools are perfect for families with children of all swimming abilities, as many have sections of varying depths. Don’t forget to check out our blog article on the best beaches in Madeira for more detailed information!
Balcões Hike
Madeira is synonymous with hiking, so our first family activity had to be one of the easiest yet most beautiful levada walks on the island. The Balcões trail ends at a stunning viewpoint that will leave both parents and children in awe. We recommend going early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, as this 3km trail is quite popular. The path is well-maintained and suitable for children of all ages.
Along the way, you’ll find a charming café where kids can enjoy a slice of cake and hot chocolate while taking in the breathtaking views. The entire experience typically takes about 2 hours, making it perfect for families with younger children who might tire easily.
Jungle Rain
It might seem strange to include a restaurant in our list of family activities, but Jungle Rain is no ordinary dining experience. This themed restaurant creates an immersive jungle atmosphere with animatronic animals that fascinate children. The realistic (but not real) wildlife creates the illusion of dining in a rainforest.
You can visit just for coffee or enjoy a full meal—their picado (shared meat platter) is particularly popular. With an average price of €20 per person, it’s an affordable way to add some excitement to your family mealtime. The restaurant is designed with children in mind, making it a stress-free dining option for parents.
Ilha das Aves
This recently opened attraction is dedicated to the world of birds. Created by José, a carpenter and bird enthusiast, this sanctuary houses both exotic and traditional bird species. The entrance fee is €7.50, and it’s well worth the price for a few hours of educational entertainment.
Children are fascinated by the variety of colorful birds and the opportunity to observe them up close. The location also has a café where families can enjoy a snack or light meal. Conveniently located near Funchal, it’s easy to incorporate into your itinerary even during a short stay.
Museu 3D Fun Art
True to its name, this museum in downtown Funchal offers a unique experience where illusion and perception bring excitement to your day. It’s the perfect activity for rainy days or for families spending more time in Funchal.
The interactive 3D installations allow children to become part of the artwork, creating fun photo opportunities and memories. Kids love posing with the various optical illusions, and parents enjoy capturing these playful moments. The museum is suitable for children of all ages and provides an entertaining break from outdoor activities.
Quinta do Santo da Serra
This is one of our personal favorites and remains relatively uncrowded compared to other attractions. The spacious grounds provide plenty of room for children to play, and it’s an ideal spot for a family picnic. At the end of the park, you’ll find a beautiful viewpoint, and children can also visit the animal enclosures.
For a special experience, visit on Sunday to experience the traditional Santo da Serra market, where locals gather weekly to sell fresh produce and handcrafted items. Take the opportunity to try fresh bolo do caco (traditional bread) with roast chicken—a delicious combination! If you prefer a quieter experience, weekdays are best for visiting the park.
Who isn’t amazed by dolphins jumping or the spray from a whale’s blowhole? Always conducted with proper safety measures and respectful distancing, this experience allows children to witness the best of Madeira’s coastal wildlife. It creates lasting memories for both adults and children and offers a new perspective of the island.
Several companies offer family-friendly tours with knowledgeable guides who explain marine life in terms children can understand. Tours typically last 2-3 hours, making them manageable even for younger children. The excitement of spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is truly magical.
Jeep Tours
A jeep tour is an exciting way for families to explore Madeira’s diverse landscapes. These off-road adventures access areas that regular vehicles can’t reach, showing children the island’s hidden treasures. Many tour operators offer family-specific tours that include stops at waterfalls, viewpoints, and swimming spots.
Children love the thrill of bouncing along forest tracks and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring off the beaten path. Tours can be customized to suit different age groups and interests, making them perfect for families seeking a personalized experience.
Museu CR7
Dedicated to Madeira’s most famous son, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, this museum is a hit with sports-loving children. Located in Funchal, it displays Ronaldo’s impressive collection of trophies, medals, and memorabilia from his remarkable career.
Interactive exhibits and video displays keep children engaged, and there’s plenty of photo opportunities with life-size images of the football star. Even children who aren’t football fans enjoy the technology-driven exhibits and the chance to test their own football skills in the interactive zones.
Teleféricos do Funchal
Madeira’s cable cars offer spectacular views and an exciting journey for children. The main cable car connects Funchal to Monte, providing panoramic views of the city and bay during the 15-minute ride. There’s also the cable car to the Botanical Gardens, which offers equally impressive vistas.
Children are fascinated by the sensation of floating above the landscape, and the cable cars provide excellent photo opportunities. At the top of Monte, families can explore the church, gardens, and of course, take the toboggan ride back down.
Carreiros do Monte
This traditional toboggan ride from Monte to Funchal is a unique experience that delights children and adults alike. Dating back to the 19th century, these wicker sleds are steered by two carreiros (sledge drivers) in traditional white clothes and straw hats.
The 2km descent takes about 10 minutes and reaches speeds that are exciting but not frightening for most children. It’s a wonderful way to experience a piece of Madeiran history while enjoying the thrill of sliding down the steep streets. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden at the starting point is also worth exploring before your descent.
Cannyoning
For families with older children and teenagers, canyoning offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure. This activity involves descending mountain streams and waterfalls using techniques like sliding, jumping, and rappelling. Several companies offer beginner-level canyoning specifically designed for families with children as young as eight.
All necessary equipment is provided, and professional guides ensure safety throughout the experience. It’s an unforgettable way for families to bond while challenging themselves in Madeira’s beautiful natural settings.
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