Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is a great place to explore with the family. We find that the city is best suited for children who can walk up hills, rather than very young children in strollers. From interactive museums to boat trips and beaches, there are plenty of activities suitable for all ages.
Check out our ideas for things to do in Funchal with kids, illustrated with photos. Bonus: useful tips for organizing your family holiday.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Visiting Funchal with kids: Is it a good idea?
What age range is this city suitable for?
Funchal is great for all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. For children who aren’t walking yet, we recommend a baby carrier rather than a stroller, as the old town is still paved and steep in places. From boat trips, sledding, and cable car rides to fun museums and more contemplative activities, we believe every family will find something to put together an itinerary tailored to the ages of their children.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Why visit Funchal with your family?
Funchal offers a good balance between active pursuits and more relaxing breaks. We enjoyed being able to alternate between a boat trip, a ride on a traditional toboggan, and a stroll through a colorful market, without having to travel long distances. The climate remains mild almost all year round, which minimizes weather-related constraints on your outdoor activities. You’ll also find several interactive museums that are perfect for more laid-back days, especially if the weather turns bad. Find more attractions and activities in our article on things to do in Funchal.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
1. Have some fun at the 3D Fun Art Museum
Why visit with children?
The 3D Fun Art Museum features trompe l’œil backdrops and playful scenes where everyone becomes part of the photo. We found this format particularly well-suited for families looking for a lighthearted and interactive experience, rather than a purely cultural visit. Your children will be able to explore the exhibits at their own pace, without having to be quiet or follow a set route. This type of activity is suitable for a wide range of people, from young children who enjoy playing with colors to older kids who like taking or being in photos.
What we liked
We left with some quirky photos taken against very unique backdrops. The overall atmosphere remains lighthearted and unpretentious, which is a nice change from the sometimes more fast-paced pace of heritage tours of the old town.
Practical advice
- Duration of the visit: Allow at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your children’s interest.
- Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Price: €11 for adults and €8 for children.
- Directions: Located in the Old Town at 24 Rua do Surdo. There are several bus stops on Rua 5 de Outubro near the museum, including lines 70, 60, 13, 17 and 20. Find out more here.
- Reserve your tickets here!
2. Go sledding on a traditional sled from Monte (Carreiros do Monte)
Why visit with children?
This ride in a wicker basket, guided by two men in traditional costumes who steer the boat using only their feet, is a great family activity! This is an experience that both children and adults will enjoy because of its uniqueness and short duration. Your children will discover a mode of transportation that dates back to the 19th century, while enjoying a little thrill of speed on Monte’s steep streets. We recommend this activity for children who are old enough to sit still during the ride. As for us, we had a great time!
What we liked
We enjoyed the contrast between our peaceful, contemplative visit to the Monte Garden and the much livelier atmosphere of this walk downhill.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: about 10 minutes.
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
- Challenges and Accessibility for People with Limited Mobility: This activity is not recommended for people with limited mobility; some turns are sharp, and the ground may be uneven.
- Prices: €30 for one person, €40 for two people.
- Directions: Start next to the Monte Church; finish at Caminho do Monte No. 82/84. Accessible by cable car from Funchal or by bus (lines 20, 21, 22, or 48).
- Try your hand at traditional tobogganing on a guided tour of Funchal!
3. Dolphin and whale watching off Funchal
Why visit with children?
A boat trip to see dolphins is a great outing to do with kids! In our opinion, this is a must-see in Madeira. They’ll be able to observe marine life in its natural habitat—an experience quite different from visiting a museum or an aquarium. We would like to remind you, however, that sightings are unpredictable, and the chances of seeing dolphins are higher than those of encountering whales. The trip lasts about 3 hours at sea, which requires some patience on the part of the youngest participants. Check out all our favorite boat trips for dolphin watching in our dedicated article.
What we liked
See some dolphins! But we were also struck by the view of the coastline from out at sea.
Practical advice
- Duration of the tour: approximately 3 hours.
- Access: Departure and return at the port of Funchal.
- Check out all the dolphin-watching tours here!
4. Take the cable car and explore the Monte Palace Madeira Tropical Garden
Why visit with children?
The cable car ride offers a gradually unfolding view of Funchal and the ocean—a fun aerial tour to enjoy with children. Once in Monte, the Monte Tropical Garden lets you stroll freely along the trails, past the water features, and through the dense vegetation. We found the garden to be beautiful and full of color and exotic charm. Kids might like this.
We recommend using a baby carrier or stroller for very young children, as some of the garden’s slopes are steep, although a paid cart can take you to certain spots without having to walk. You can alternate between walking and taking breaks at a pace that suits your children. If you’d like to learn more about the island’s flora and fauna, book a private guided tour with pickup from your hotel – see photos, prices, and availability.
What we liked
We loved the beauty of the garden, its lushness, and its small mineralogy museum. A chance to see some beautiful stones. The cable car ride is also a highlight in itself, even before you arrive at the garden.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: Allow half a day for the cable car and the garden; the ride up takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
- Hours: Cable car from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; garden from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from April through September and from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from October through March; the garden museum closes at 5:30 p.m.
- Accessibility and Challenges: The garden is difficult for people with limited mobility to access, with steep slopes; a paid golf cart service is available to reach certain areas.
- Prices: Cable car: €22 round trip; garden admission: €18.
- Directions: Take the cable car from the waterfront in Funchal; get off near the Church of Monte, then follow the marked trail to the garden.
- More info on the official website here.
- If you’re not comfortable taking the cable car, why not opt for a guided tuktuk tour of Monte Palace Madeira and other sites of interest in Funchal? – See prices, photos and availability.
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5. Visit the CR7 Museum dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo
Why visit with children?
The CR7 Museum traces the career of Cristiano Ronaldo, a figure whom some children already know from soccer. We believe this tour will be of particular interest to children who are already familiar with the sport or this particular player, rather than to a young audience with no connection to soccer. The collection of trophies, jerseys, and Ballon d’Or awards is still visually accessible, even without any prior knowledge. The statue in front of the entrance is also a popular spot for taking souvenir photos—a simple moment to share with the family.
What we liked
Although we’re new to soccer, we still found the tour accessible, especially thanks to the exhibits that go beyond the sport itself.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 30min to 1h.
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
- Accessibility and Access for People with Limited Mobility: The museum is accessible to people with limited mobility; an elevator provides access to the exhibition hall.
- Prices: €5 full price.
- Directions: Along the waterfront, heading west from downtown.
- Check out the latest news on the official website here.
- If you’re big fans of Cristiano Ronaldo, take a guided tour following in the famous soccer player’s footsteps through the city to the museum —see prices, photos, and availability.
6. Explore the Mercado dos Lavradores
Why visit with children?
The stalls selling exotic fruits and the fish market usually pique the curiosity of the youngest visitors, with their vibrant colors, enticing smells, and the impressive size of some of the fish. You can introduce your children to products they don’t usually come across in their daily lives, without it being a formal or guided tour. You can set your own pace; your family can stop at the stalls that interest you the most and move more quickly past the others. We loved walking around there and trying all kinds of things!
What we liked
We enjoyed strolling among the stalls in the morning, when the fish market is at its liveliest. Some saleswomen dressed in traditional costumes also add to the overall atmosphere of the place.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 30min to 1h.
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
- Accessibility and Challenges: The market is partially accessible to people with limited mobility; the floor is tiled, but there are stairs leading to the upper levels.
- Directions: Located in Funchal’s Old Town.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs. – View the schedule and availability—and make a reservation!
Canyoning among the rocks! – View options and availability
Gastronomic tour to discover local specialties – View options and availability
7. Enjoy a swim at Praia da Barreirinha
Why visit with children?
This developed beach resort offers safe access to the water and on-site amenities, making it a family-friendly option. Admission is free for children under 6, by the way. You can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, and there’s also a snack bar on site—both of which are convenient for a day out with young children. However, the adjacent pebble area may require swim shoes.
What we liked
We appreciated the well-maintained and supervised setting, which makes it safe and reassuring for a family swim. The view of the ocean and the coast is also one of the location’s highlights.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 1 to 2 hours.
- Opening hours: 9am to 7pm daily.
- Accessibility and Challenges: The beach is accessible by elevator.
- Prices: €6 for adults, free for children under 6, family package available.
- Directions: Walk east along the waterfront in the Old Town, past the São Tiago Fortress.
8. Explore Rua Santa Maria and its street art
Why visit with children?
Children will enjoy this quaint little street, which has been beautifully decorated by various artists. We really enjoyed walking around there. Since the street is still cobblestone and sometimes narrow, it’s best to bring comfortable shoes for the whole family.
What we liked
We found this walk particularly pleasant early in the morning, before the tour groups arrived. The variety of styles and colors—from trompe l’œil to azulejos—keeps visitors engaged throughout the tour.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: 30 min.
- Challenges and accessibility for people with disabilities: narrow, cobblestone street; difficult for wheelchair users to navigate during peak hours.
- Directions: In Funchal’s Old Town, just a few meters from the Mercado dos Lavradores.
Where to Eat in Funchal with Kids
Funchal has many restaurants. We enjoyed Restaurant Peixaria no Mercado, located at the Mercado dos Lavradores, which serves simple dishes made with fresh fish in a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for families. Casal da Penha Restaurant, located on a terrace, also offers hearty, affordable cuisine. Keep in mind that service can be slow in Funchal, as the pace of life on the island is generally laid-back—something to keep in mind when traveling with children. For more restaurant ideas, check out our article on where to eat in Funchal.
Where can families stay in Funchal?
Several hotels in Funchal are equipped to accommodate families with children. Check out our complete selection in our article on the best family-friendly hotels in Madeira. Here is our top selection:
- Reid’s Palace Hotel: Perched on a cliff overlooking Funchal Bay, it features 3 swimming pools—including one for children—a kids’ club for ages 3 to 9, a playground, special menus and high chairs, and spacious family rooms. See prices, photos and availability—and book now!
- Saccharum Hotel – Savoy Signature: Located right on the waterfront in Funchal Bay, it features three large swimming pools, including a children’s pool, a playground, table tennis, and giant games. See prices, photos and availability—and book now!
- Enotel Lido Hotel: slightly off the beaten path, all-inclusive, with a kids’ club and a separate teen club, a beach just a 5-minute walk away, and a daily entertainment program featuring daytime and evening activities. See prices, photos and availability—and book now!
- Castanheiro Boutique Hotel: right in the heart of the old town, more affordable, with a rooftop pool and jacuzzi offering panoramic views, a spa area with an indoor pool, and a convenient location for exploring the city center on foot. See prices, photos and availability—and book now!
Visiting Funchal with Children, Depending on the Season
Summer
In the summer, daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 28°C, with little rainfall. We think this is a great time of year for outdoor activities and swimming, as long as you remember to pack sunscreen for your children.
Winter
In winter, temperatures hover around 18°C to 20°C, which is mild compared to other European destinations. We recommend bringing a lightweight raincoat, as showers can occur without warning, especially at higher elevations near Monte.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Funchal stroller-friendly?
The old town of Funchal is still cobblestone-paved and hilly, which makes getting around with a stroller difficult in some areas. Some attractions, such as Praia da Barreirinha, are accessible by elevator.
What is the best time to do this?
Funchal enjoys a mild climate all year round. Summer is better suited for beach activities, while winter remains a viable option for cultural tours and museum visits.
What should we do if it rains?
On rainy days, Funchal’s museums —such as the 3D Fun Art Museum and the CR7 Museum—are indoor alternatives featured in this article. You can also combine a meal at a restaurant with these indoor tours.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
