Azores With Children Part II
Parents of young children, (or toddlers as us English speakers like to call them!), you know the drill… where can we go for a few hours before or after nap time that’s child friendly?
I.e. A place that has enough flat-ish, safe-ish space for my child to run free, where they won’t get lost or fall down a deep ravine or be near a road!
That place may not need to be the most exciting place ever, but it will be through your child’s eyes.
Where can we go to eat, that has indoor and outdoor spaces, so that when my child wants to ‘get down’ there is somewhere to play…
Where on earth is there to go on a rainy day on São Miguel Island?
What about child-friendly beaches that are buggy/stroller accessible?
Have you found when you are researching your once in a lifetime trip to the Azores that it’s tricky to locate child-friendly activities?
Well here’s a few more things we’ve discovered along the way, on our journey of raising a very active toddler on São Miguel Island in the Azores! I hope you find it useful for your trip.
#5 Outdoor children’s pools in the summer months
There’re some really great municipal pools, open in the summer months only, (June – Sept). Tickets are very low cost and there’s some shallow children’s pools.
The municipal pools at Lagoa are beautiful, they have a children’s pool and you also have the option of bathing in the natural ocean pool too!
Ponta Delgada has the choice of the free ocean pools in the marina, with a shallower tidal pool for the children, or the ticketed municipal pools, which also has children’s slides.
One of our favourite’s and our local one is Ribeira Grande Piscinas, as it also has access to a sheltered little beach and there’s a café on site, ‘Azores Spot’. If you’re looking for a relaxing space, this isn’t it, as there are children everywhere! But it’s a great resource for a safe swimming area right next to the ocean.
#6 Hot springs
Caldeira Velha, Lagoa do Fogo is one of our favourite places, it feels like you’ve just stepped into the Jurassic Park film set with tropical prehistoric ferns and lush vegetation. Be aware of the drop next to the path as you walk towards the hot springs though!! The warmer pools are shallow enough for most 2 + year olds to touch the bottom, so ideal for gaining confidence in the water at a very comfortable temperature. It doesn’t even matter if it rains whilst you’re in there, that just adds to the magic. It’s open every day (9.30am – 5.30pm 1stNov-31st March, 9:00am – 8:00pm 1st-30th April and 1st-31st October, 9am – 9pm 1st May – 30th Sept). Children under 6 are free, 7-14 year olds €5.00, adults €10.
Pre-booking your tickets and time is highly recommended to avoid waiting for availability at the gate.
Poça da Dona Beja, Furnas is another stunning setting with a river running through the complex and incredible plant life, whilst sitting looking up at the edge of Furnas crater. There are a wider selection of pools with one baby sized one. The others are deeper, so you might like to bring floats/bands if your child doesn’t swim. Be aware there are some quite high drops when walking on the decking near to the pools, it’s much more relaxing in the water!
Ladeira da Velha is a circular hike that starts near to Praia dos Moinhos. It takes in a spectacular waterfall, secret fairy like valley with a stream and spring and plenty of pasture land on the ascent of the walk, which is the safest place for little hikers! Some parts are a bit steep, but again it’s also fun just to do part of the trail.
Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens and hot springs, Furnas is also well worth a visit. Bring a picnic and while away the hours here exploring the fairy like gardens, playing ‘we’re going on a bear hunt’ and wallowing in the hot springs! One of the pools is enormous and deep, so definitely recommend float aids for your child. There are also two smaller pools with shallower parts.
#7 Rainy day indoor activities
Expo lab, located just outside of Lagoa on the south coast is a mini science museum for kids old and young. It has some really fun hands on exhibits, ideal for toddlers and older children to experiment! Entrance fee €2 per adult and young children are free. Open Tuesday to Saturday (10am-5pm, with a half day on Saturday 2pm-6pm).
This huge open plan old distillation factory, has now been transformed into a centre for contemporary arts in Ribeira Grande. It has something for everyone, whether it be to admire the architecture or the ‘out there’ art. Just make your sure your little monkey doesn’t start collecting sand from the art exhibits ! Entrance fee is €3 for adults and children free. It’s open every day, apart from Mondays, (10am -6pm). Sundays entry if free!
The Carlos Machado Museum in Ponta Delgada, features art and natural history, so there’s bound to be something for every little explorer, even if it is just space to run around whilst the adults look at the exhibits! Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday (10am-5/5.30pm).
and…of course, don’t forget to pack a ‘puddle suit’ and then you can play outside in the puddles whatever the weather! For the parents a handy pair of waterproof trousers means you can join your child when they choose to roll down the hills or sit on the wet grass!
#8 Playgrounds
(in the traditional sense – there aren’t too many of these and the ones we have aren’t the most imaginative here, I like to tell my son that ‘the big outdoors is the best playground’).
Don’t miss the Super Heroes Playground, located behind the Santa Clara Football Stadium. A wooden adventure playground with something for everyone!
Parque Urbano has a great ship playground, next to Quinta dos Açores café and tons of space to walk, run and play.
You’ll also find some small parks in all of the main towns – Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Lagoa, Furnas and Nordeste and in many other villages.
Randomly quite a good one can be found in The Euromotas carpark in Ribeira Grande!
Another new one is in the beautiful town square of Ribeira Grande by the river, which is well worth a visit to soak in the architecture and culture of the town.
I’m sure you will spot more playgrounds as you explore the island, but in my opinion nature is the biggest adventure.
Thanks for reading and please take the time to visit our website, which offers carefully thought out travel experiences and accommodation, as well as click to book activities for the whole family.
Our private island tours can even be catered to your toddler’s needs with less ‘stops’ and more quality playing time!
