|Home| Info| Community| Business| Beaches| What to do?| Rentals| News| Forum| Blogs| Finance| History| FAQ| Contact|
Places to take the children
Places to take the children
Having purchased a villa in Seismeras early last year, I will be spending about ten weeks in total in Carvoeiro this year (lucky me!) with my wife and two boys aged 3 1/2 and 1. We will also be having some of their friends out to stay with us for some weeks.
I would be most grateful for assistance on a few issues-
1. Beaches - I am not too keen on the main beach at Carvoeiro for the children (impossible to park in the summer, little shade and steeply shelving into rougher waves). Can anyone suggest anywhere better for me?
2. How suitable is the water park for younger children - is shade readily available and are there plenty of not quite so heroic activities that they would enjoy?
3. Aside from the above and zoomarine, does anybody have any recommendations of other places that they would enjoy (i.e. are there any parks, playgrounds with swings etc in the area that would be very useful in the earlier months when the weather is maybe not so good). Also, any sugestions of indoor activities for that rainy day (yes, I believe it does rain, even in Carvoeiro)
4. Does anyone know of any organised playgroups or activity clubs that my 3 1/2 year old could go to occasionally in the summer months - He is extremely sociable and I would like to find somewhere that had good opportunities for him to mix with other children, especially if it had a multi-national flavour.
I know that this is a lot to ask, but would be grateful for any help in this, as I am sure will many other parents.
P.S. If there is anyone planning on being in Carvoeiro for a similarly long time in April, July and August with children of the same age then maybe we could make contact. I believe that I can be messaged through this board, but if not, graham@maltmans.co.uk
Thanks in advance for any help
Graham Storey
I would be most grateful for assistance on a few issues-
1. Beaches - I am not too keen on the main beach at Carvoeiro for the children (impossible to park in the summer, little shade and steeply shelving into rougher waves). Can anyone suggest anywhere better for me?
2. How suitable is the water park for younger children - is shade readily available and are there plenty of not quite so heroic activities that they would enjoy?
3. Aside from the above and zoomarine, does anybody have any recommendations of other places that they would enjoy (i.e. are there any parks, playgrounds with swings etc in the area that would be very useful in the earlier months when the weather is maybe not so good). Also, any sugestions of indoor activities for that rainy day (yes, I believe it does rain, even in Carvoeiro)
4. Does anyone know of any organised playgroups or activity clubs that my 3 1/2 year old could go to occasionally in the summer months - He is extremely sociable and I would like to find somewhere that had good opportunities for him to mix with other children, especially if it had a multi-national flavour.
I know that this is a lot to ask, but would be grateful for any help in this, as I am sure will many other parents.
P.S. If there is anyone planning on being in Carvoeiro for a similarly long time in April, July and August with children of the same age then maybe we could make contact. I believe that I can be messaged through this board, but if not, graham@maltmans.co.uk
Thanks in advance for any help
Graham Storey
-
Guest
there is a beautiful beach called marinha park at the top of the cliff and walk down many steps, hard work coming back up but well worth the effort. There is a cafe and toilets on the the beach and several large cliff hangovers for some shade, get there earlier as popular with locals.Slide and Splash have no shade at all but they hire out umbrellas very cheep, if you go round towards the black hole there is (or was last year) a large grassed area that is very quite, food is very good there.
Parks is you want a ride out there is a lovely park in monchique,bit of a drive though but lovely views. Which you probably already know.
You are very lucky have a villa out there enjoy your holidays.
Thank you for your information - most helpful.
I understand that a play centre (ball pond, slides, indoor padded climbing frames etc has recently opened on the road from Seismeras to Ferragudo - I have had a look for it but could not find it. Does anyone know exactly where it is, or have any further information?
Thanks in advance
Graham
- most helpful.I understand that a play centre (ball pond, slides, indoor padded climbing frames etc has recently opened on the road from Seismeras to Ferragudo - I have had a look for it but could not find it. Does anyone know exactly where it is, or have any further information?
Thanks in advance
Graham
To the nameless guest who states that this is Portugal, not Butlins:-
A. No need to shout
B. What part of me asking for infomation about the safety of the numerous beautiful beaches did you find offensive?
C. Children like playing with other children. I hope that by growing up mixing with other kids, hopefully of several nationalities, they will be able to develop a more mature and rounded attitude to life than some people appear to possess.
D. The water parks are, for some, a large part of the attraction of the area. My children know they exist (it is hard to miss them), and I think that asking about the availability of shade and the suitability of the rides for younger children is perfectly reasonable.
In essence, Carvoeiro is primarily a tourist location, either golf, beaches, restaurants, waterparks or whatever, where people come to relax and bring their children for a much needed break. I do not understand why you have a problem with that.
Finally, I have never been to Butlins, but I believe many people go year after year and find it most enjoyable for themselves and their kids.
Graham
A. No need to shout
B. What part of me asking for infomation about the safety of the numerous beautiful beaches did you find offensive?
C. Children like playing with other children. I hope that by growing up mixing with other kids, hopefully of several nationalities, they will be able to develop a more mature and rounded attitude to life than some people appear to possess.
D. The water parks are, for some, a large part of the attraction of the area. My children know they exist (it is hard to miss them), and I think that asking about the availability of shade and the suitability of the rides for younger children is perfectly reasonable.
In essence, Carvoeiro is primarily a tourist location, either golf, beaches, restaurants, waterparks or whatever, where people come to relax and bring their children for a much needed break. I do not understand why you have a problem with that.
Finally, I have never been to Butlins, but I believe many people go year after year and find it most enjoyable for themselves and their kids.
Graham
Kids etc
I think for "safe" beaches for young kids you have to have a retake each summer. Many of the beaches "change" during the winter storms. Those that were gently sloping can becme steep so you need to look around. Probably my choice for kids would be to go out of Carvoeiro to somewhere like Praia Grande just the other side of Armacao (through Pera) folow signs to Carlos Beach Bar or go the other way to Praia da Rocha or the Vau/Alvor section. The beaches there are generally shelving.
Of course close to home Centianes is often OK
I think Slide and Splash is better for youngsters than the Big One
Of course close to home Centianes is often OK
I think Slide and Splash is better for youngsters than the Big One
Kids play park
The place mentioned for kids to play is called "Playoasis" and is along the back road between Carvoeiro/Sesmarias and Ferragudo - not exactly sure where but it is a pink coloured warehouse type building I understand.
It is one of those places with slides and ropes and full of brightly coloured balls like they have inUK etc. Sounds good!
It is one of those places with slides and ropes and full of brightly coloured balls like they have inUK etc. Sounds good!
-
Guest
Grahma i think that person who mentioned butlins is obviously very jealous of you ownig a villa in such a beautiful part of the world.-
Guest
hi, i've just returned from carvoeiro and found the play area mentioned and its great for little ones i have a 3 1/2 year old and he loved it we stayed there 6 hours. The people are great, food wonderful and nice to relax knowing kids are safe.
The best way to get to it is leave sesmarias on the ferrogudo road and turn right at the colina de lapa roundabout (the road is currently under construction but your allowed down for access) the play oasis is about 1 mile down this lane and a large building painted a sunburnt yellow colour. Enjoy it I know we will this summer!
The best way to get to it is leave sesmarias on the ferrogudo road and turn right at the colina de lapa roundabout (the road is currently under construction but your allowed down for access) the play oasis is about 1 mile down this lane and a large building painted a sunburnt yellow colour. Enjoy it I know we will this summer!
BUTLINS!!!!
Hear, Hear,
Well done, Graham, for putting the comedian in his place!
I, for one, much like yourself, tend to think ahead, especially where children are concerned.
Have a good one.
Well done, Graham, for putting the comedian in his place!
I, for one, much like yourself, tend to think ahead, especially where children are concerned.
Have a good one.
-
Ed
Graham,
At Slide and Splash there is a separate area for little ones, with a shallow pool (with variable depth - up to about 70cm) and a variety of small, safe water slides. There is also a mini foam ride at the other end of the park, which our toddler absolutely loved. He's now progressed to the big rides!.
Enjoy.
At Slide and Splash there is a separate area for little ones, with a shallow pool (with variable depth - up to about 70cm) and a variety of small, safe water slides. There is also a mini foam ride at the other end of the park, which our toddler absolutely loved. He's now progressed to the big rides!.
Enjoy.
-
joaoangiebushey
- CVO Newbie
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Tue Feb 11, 2003 8:45 am
- Location: uk
CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES
Krazy Golf is a good day out for kids of all ages. It also has a nice pool and animal farm etc. About 30 mins drive but worth it with kids.
Slide & splash & Zoo Marine are great. There is a small park with swings etc up by the church in Carvoeiro.
Slide & splash & Zoo Marine are great. There is a small park with swings etc up by the church in Carvoeiro.
Thank you to everyone for the good advice
Having just returned from a week of changeable weather, I can give a bit of feedback :-
Playoasis is very good for the younger ones (6 months to 6 years). It is probably a bit restricted in size for older children, but having said that it is extremely well run by a charming couple, has a wonderful terrace with stunning views and sells reasonable quality food and drink at very affordable prices - this makes it probably the best bar in the area if you want a relaxing beer with good views while the kids have a ball!
Zoomarine is always a hit, but I think that it may be too busy in the summer months for comfort
Crazy world is a bit of a challenge to find, but my 3 year old loves it! It may appear a bit run down, but the staff are very friendly and the pizzas are some of the best I have had. It is a very easy place to spend a whole day, by the time you have fed the goats, Llamas and emus, played crazy golf, had a horse ride, been on the bumper cars and seen an educational show on snakes,turtles and alligators (Not to mention the slides, rides and swimming pools). In fact we had to go twice in a week since we have a totally democratic family in which we all do what the squawky little one wants!
Crazy world is quite expensive for a one off visit (30 Euros for a family of four), but they do an annual pass for just 58 Euros which gives free entry for twelve months. (You need your passport with you when you apply).
Finally, once you have put the little monsters to bed, absolutely shattered (them and us), if you are lucky enough to find a babysitter then I cannot recommend highly enough two restaurants - Wolf in Monte Carvoero and L'Orange, both of whom serve stunning food in lovely surroundings. Probably not the cheapest in the area, but you have almost definately deserved it by now
Having just returned from a week of changeable weather, I can give a bit of feedback :-
Playoasis is very good for the younger ones (6 months to 6 years). It is probably a bit restricted in size for older children, but having said that it is extremely well run by a charming couple, has a wonderful terrace with stunning views and sells reasonable quality food and drink at very affordable prices - this makes it probably the best bar in the area if you want a relaxing beer with good views while the kids have a ball!
Zoomarine is always a hit, but I think that it may be too busy in the summer months for comfort
Crazy world is a bit of a challenge to find, but my 3 year old loves it! It may appear a bit run down, but the staff are very friendly and the pizzas are some of the best I have had. It is a very easy place to spend a whole day, by the time you have fed the goats, Llamas and emus, played crazy golf, had a horse ride, been on the bumper cars and seen an educational show on snakes,turtles and alligators (Not to mention the slides, rides and swimming pools). In fact we had to go twice in a week since we have a totally democratic family in which we all do what the squawky little one wants!
Crazy world is quite expensive for a one off visit (30 Euros for a family of four), but they do an annual pass for just 58 Euros which gives free entry for twelve months. (You need your passport with you when you apply).
Finally, once you have put the little monsters to bed, absolutely shattered (them and us), if you are lucky enough to find a babysitter then I cannot recommend highly enough two restaurants - Wolf in Monte Carvoero and L'Orange, both of whom serve stunning food in lovely surroundings. Probably not the cheapest in the area, but you have almost definately deserved it by now