Visiting Madeira with Kids: Age-by-Age Guide to Fun

Key Takeaways

✔️ 0-3 yrs: Stick to stroller-friendly spots like Funchal’s Children’s Park & cable cars.

✔️ 4-7 yrs: Try easy lava pool swims & interactive science museums.

✔️ 8-13 yrs: Best for levada hikes with waterfalls & banana boat rides.

✔️ 14 -16+ yrs: Thrills like coasteering, mountain biking & sunset kayaking.

✔️ All ages: Eat bolo do caco (garlic bread) – they'll be addicted.

Madeira for Every Age: What to Do from Tiny Humans to Eye-Rolling Teens

For Babies & Toddlers (0-3 Years)

Madeira’s hills ain’t stroller heaven, but Funchal’s Marina is flat and has wide paths. Push a pram while sippin’ a poncha (local drink – not for kids!).

• Monte Palace Gardens: Wide paths, shade, and ducks to chase. Avoid the steep bits near the waterfall.

• Blandy’s Wine Lodge: Wait, for babies? Yep – they let kids sit in the courtyard while parents taste Madeira wine (free apple juice for tots!).

• Praia Formosa: Black sand beach with gentle waves. Rent a shaded lounger – sun’s strong even in April.

Maria’s tip: My nephew napped best in cable cars – the Funchal to Monte ride takes 15 mins. Buy a return ticket so you don’t gotta wake ’em!

Little Explorers (4-7 Years)

This age loves splashy stuff they can brag ’bout at school.

• Doca do Cavacas Lava Pools: Natural tide pools with fish! Water’s shallow (knee-high for adults). Rent water shoes as rocks are slippery.

• Madeira Story Centre: Buttons to press, costumes to try. The rooftop has a mini maze made of hedges.

• Câmara de Lobos: Colorful fishing boats. Buy a cheap rod – let ’em “fish” off the pier (they’ll catch zero, but who cares?).

Maria’s oops: Took my 5-yr-old to Cabo Girão Skywalk. She laid on the glass floor goin’ “I’m flying!” – cool till she dropped her cookie down the cliff.

Big Kids (8-12 Years)

They need to burn energy and feel like adventurers.

• 25 Fontes Levada Walk: 3km hike ends at a waterfall. Let ’em jump over tiny streams (pack dry socks!).

• Ribeira Brava Beach: Rent banana boats, the driver will do donuts if you ask nicely. Costs €10/kid.

• Santa Maria de Colombo: Pirate ship replica they can climb. Hidden trick: Ask the crew to “arrest” your kid – they’ll get a plastic sword.

Maria’s hack: Pre-teens love Quinta visits. Quinta do Barbusano lets ’em stomp grapes (Sept-Oct). Purple feet = free souvenir.

Teens (13-16+ Years)

If it’s not ‘gram-worthy, they’ll hate it.

• Coasteering in Porto Moniz: Jump off 5m cliffs into ocean pools. Guides give GoPros to film it. Costs €45 but they’ll talk ’bout it for months.

• Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hike: Wake ’em at 4 am (ugh) – but the clouds below the peaks look unreal.

• Surfing in Jardim do Mar: Waves are chill for beginners. Rent boards at Madeira Surf School – instructors are TikTok famous, apparently.

Maria’s win: Took my moody niece to Curral das Freiras. She tried “cherry beer” (non-alcoholic!) and bought earrings from a nun-run shop. Win!

For Thrill-Seeking Teens (13-16): Sunrise Hikes They Won’t Scroll Past

Wanna shock your teens? Drag ’em outta bed at 4:30 am for the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo sunrise hike – but trust me, they’ll thank you after. This self-guided trek (rated 4.9/5 by 834 hikers) lets ’em ditch the “family group” vibe. They’ll stomp through foggy tunnels, climb the “Stairway to Heaven” (1,598 steps – count ’em if you dare), and brag about summiting Madeira’s highest peak. Driver Radko gives ’em a map and peace out for 5 hours – teens love that. Pro tip: Pack a €1 poncho; weather flips faster than their TikTok feeds.

Why It Works: Free cancellation means no stress if they rage-quit over the early start. Fit 14-year-olds handle the 11km trail fine, but bribes help (“burger stop after, I swear”). Reviewers like Will (16) say it’s “sick” once the clouds clear. Just don’t sing in the van – instant uncool parent points.

Top Family Activities in Madeira

Day 1: Funchal Highlights

• Morning: Funchal Botanical Garden Tuk-Tuk Tour – Zip through gardens and historic streets.

• Afternoon: VIP Catamaran Tour – Spot dolphins and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

Day 2: Private Jeep Adventure

• Full-Day West or East Tour: Explore Porto Moniz’s lava pools or hike Pico do Arieiro’s peaks with Madeira Off-Road Tours.

• Kid-Friendly Stops: Ask your guide for picnic spots with jaw-dropping views.

Day 3: Coastal Thrills

• Monte Toboggan Ride – Race down Funchal’s slopes in a wicker sled!

Days 4-5: DIY Adventures

• Cabo Girão Skywalk: Brave Europe’s highest cliff skywalk.

• Laurisilva Forest: Stroll UNESCO-protected trails or cool off at Calheta Beach.

What to Pack for Each Age (That You’ll Forget)

• 0-3: Clip-on stroller fan (Madeira’s humid).

• 4-7: Glow sticks – power cuts happen in rural guesthouses.

• 8-12: Waterproof phone case for waterfall selfies.

• 13-16: Portable charger. Their Snapchat stories will drain your battery.

FAQs

• Are there baby gear rentals?

  Yes! Madeira Baby Hire delivers cribs & strollers to your hotel.

• Best place for picky 5-year-olds to eat?

  O Polar in Funchal – chicken nuggets shaped like fish.

• Can teens hike alone?

  Trails are safe, but stick to popular ones like Vereda do Larano.

• Diaper-changing spots?

  Malls (La Vie Funchal) & bigger gas stations have clean rooms.

• Where can kids pet animals?

  Quinta Magnólia has rabbits and donkeys. Free entry!

• Any skate parks for teens?

  Yes! Parque de Skate do Funchal near the marina.

• Rainy day activities for toddlers?

  Funchal Toy Museum – they can play with 1800s dolls (weird but works).

• Do teens need ID for activities?

  Yes for coasteering/surfing. Bring passports just in case.