The top 10 tips for a fantastic vacation with children in Central Portugal

A vacation with children is a bit different than a vacation for just the two of you. You’re looking for activities that are fun for the little ones but also enjoyable for you as a parent. Luckily, Central Portugal offers the perfect mix of adventurous, educational, and relaxing outings that will make the whole family happy.

From exciting castles and interactive museums to natural swimming spots and lovely places to relax together – this region has it all. That’s why I’m sharing my top 10 tips for unforgettable family activities in Central Portugal in this blog. This way, your vacation will be a joy for both young and old!

1. Our favorite activity: Enjoying a cake somewhere

We always love strolling through a city without a set plan. Well, maybe with a small goal: enjoying a delicious cake at one of the charming pastelarias. In Central Portugal, this is no punishment, as every city has its own pastelaria. Whether you opt for the famous Pastel de Nata or a local specialty like Pampilho from Santarém, there’s always something tasty to try.
And the nice thing about such a walk is that you often discover unexpected lovely spots: a beautiful square where the kids can play, a fountain where you can rest for a moment, or a cozy little market full of local products. Our favorite towns in the area are: Tomar, Coimbra, or simply Ferreira do Zêzere itself.

2. Visit one of the many castles

In Portugal, you’ll find many historic castles and monasteries. It’s an ideal outing for those who love history but also want to escape the heat, as it’s often cool inside! A few suggestions are: the Monastery of Tomar or Castelo de Almourol.

Click here for more information about the Convento in Tomar

3. A day of water fun at one of the many Praia Fluviais (river beaches)

A visit to a Praia Fluvial (river beach) is the perfect way to cool off during the hot summers in Central Portugal. These natural swimming spots offer a relaxed and safe environment for the whole family. Children can happily play in the shallow water, while parents enjoy the calm atmosphere and beautiful views.

Learn more about riverbeaches around Quinta da Cerejeira

4. A day at the campsite

Our campsite is an ideal place for children to fully enjoy themselves. It may sound surprising, but we don’t have a large playground or organized entertainment, aside from a few small play elements. This allows the children to naturally seek each other out and spend the whole day playing together. They play games, run around, and explore everything that nature has to offer, from building huts to finding exciting treasures in the surroundings.

In between, they can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pool, while you relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. This way, you can experience a day full of fun, adventure, and relaxation for the whole family!

5. Visit an olive farm

Portugal is, of course, famous for its delicious olive oil. It’s really fun to see how a bottle of olive oil is made. At Casa Anadia, you can book various tours, such as an olive oil tasting, and even help with the olive harvest during certain months. It’s recommended to make a reservation in advance.

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6. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or wakeboarding at Lago Azul

Lago Azul is just a 10-minute drive from Quinta da Cerejeira, and it’s one of the many praia fluviais (river beaches). You can enjoy a nice swim, but next to the restaurant, you’ll find a watersport shop. Here, you can rent various equipment by the hour or half-day. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is very popular nowadays and is perfect for the whole family. A bit further down by the marina, there’s a well-known wakeboard course.

7. Festivals and events

In Portugal, there are countless events and festivals organized throughout the year. During the summer months, you can attend a local event almost every week. They are also very focused on children, so nearly every event includes something special for kids. A great example is the annual cycling event, where the day before the main race, there’s a special “race” just for children. You can check out the activities in Ferreira do Zêzere here.

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8. Complexo Aquatico de Santarém

Just 25 kilometers from Tomar is Aquapark Santarém, one of the most popular water parks in the region. The park offers water slides, wave pools, and children’s swimming areas, making it perfect for a day of fun and cooling off. For the little ones, there are safe water play structures, while older children and adults can try out the thrilling water slides.

More information

9. Parque Ambiental de Santa Margarida: Nature and Science

About 40 kilometers from Tomar, you’ll find this eco-friendly park, which is perfect for a relaxing family outing. The park features a botanical garden, nature trails, and picnic areas. The highlight for children is the interactive Centro de Ciência Viva, where they can learn about ecology, energy, and sustainability through fun experiments and exhibits.

Tip: nearby, you’ll find Praia Fluvial Constância for a refreshing swim!

Click here for more information

10. Visit the Mira de Aire Caves

About 30 kilometers away are the impressive Mira de Aire Caves. This underground world full of stalactites and stalagmites is fascinating for children, and the guided tour is both educational and adventurous.

Visit the website of Mira de Aire Caves

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