Madeira with children

1. Set sail with the ship SANTA MARIA DE COLOMBO

A unique replica of Christopher Columbus’s ship, with which he discovered America, was constructed in Madeira in 1998. This replica offers you an unforgettable themed three-hour cruise, during which you can enjoy something to eat with a glass of Madeira wine. A special pirate certificate of completion of the voyage is prepared for children.

The cruise takes place along the coast, either east or west. It departs from the port of Funchal. Morning cruises start at 10:30 am and afternoon cruises at 3:00 pm. The price for an adult is €40, a child €20.

More informations  Map

2. Get to know the traditions in MADEIRA PARQUE TÉMATICO

The theme park “Parque Temático da Madeira”, which you can find in the town of Santana in the northeast of the island, represents all the local attributes that simply belong to Madeira. It includes local houses, crafts, a learning center, and much more. If you’re up for it, you can try rural activities that were once part of Madeiran daily life.

Children will also enjoy themselves. In the center of the park there is a giant wooden children’s playground and a junior park. They will also love a boat ride on the lake and a train ride around the park. The park also includes a farm with various animals that they can either see or event feed.

Entrance to the park is priced at €10/person, children under 3 years old are free, children aged 4-5 pay €2 and children aged 6-14 have a reduced price of €6. The most advantageous is to pay for a group of 5 people, when the entrance will cost you €6/person. Individual attractions are charged €1-2 and if you don’t have change, you will find a machine at the entrance that will change your notes.

In summer, it is open almost every day from 10:00 to 19:00, except on Mondays, when it is closed.

More information  Map

3. Take the kids to JARDIM DO GARAJAU

Jardim do Garajau is the ideal place for active relaxation in Caniço. The park offers a large outdoor playground for children, two giant slides, a skate park, an outdoor gym for adults and many other attractions.

If you get hungry, you can visit the cafe or have a picnic on the large grassy area that is an integral part of the park. It is also definitely worth taking a walk and getting to know the various subtropical plants and trees that are planted in the park.

Parking is free and the park is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The cafe is closed on Mondays.

More information  Map 

4. Check out the Aquário da Madeira

Aquário da Madeira is located in the west of the island in the city of Porto Moniz. This interesting place offers a unique insight into Madeira’s marine life. In the aquarium you will find 12 exhibition tanks, the most impressive of which has a volume of approximately 500,000 liters of salt water.

A single ticket costs €8, for children aged 6-14 the price is reduced to €4. It is most advantageous to visit the aquarium in a group, when a ticket for 5 people costs €5/person.

The aquarium is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of Madeira’s marine world.

More information  Map

5. Visit the VULCANOES museum in São Vicente

Visit the “Grutas e Centro do Vulcanismo” in São Vicente and don’t miss a fantastic experience that will bring you closer to the origin and geological formation of Madeira. Located next to the São Vicente Caves, the Volcanism Center combines culture and knowledge with leisure and entertainment in the pavilion.

In the pavilion, you can look forward to great audiovisual performances that recreate the geological evolution of caves, the eruption of a volcano and a simulation of the creation of the Madeira archipelago.

Unfortunately, the caves are currently closed for maintenance but you can still enjoy a visit to the Volcanism Center.

More information  Map

6. Visit ILHAPARK, an amusement park for the whole family

Ilha Park is a great amusement park for children from 3-12 years old, located in Jardim Panorâmico in Funchal. You can find all kinds of climbing frames, trampolines and slides that will keep your children busy for the whole morning.

The park is hidden under the roof and there are tennis courts and restaurants nearby.

As Ilha Park is currently the only amusement park for children on the entire island, we recommend booking in advance. The price is €4 per child per hour.

On weekends, the park is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 p.m. on Sundays. It is then open during the week from 4 in the afternoon to 9 in the evening.

More information  Map