Hints and ideas for Madeira please

[AutumnshadesofGold]

We're thinking of going to Madeira in January but having had a brief look online I'm not really finding anything for kids to do. Is there anything for kids 10,11,14 to do? We don't plan on attractions everyday - we like a wee wander, nice lunch and the pool or a beach. But something would be nice!

TIA

There are quite a lot of walks. Loads of liovely places to eat (try chilli prawns down by the marina).

But it it pretty quiet. For a pool, it'd be you hotel, and there really isn't much in the way of beaches (and the ones that there are, have black volcanic sand).

Not many attractions. But sledging down from the botanic gardens was fun.

It won't really be very warm in January! Not sure I'd be planning sitting by the pool.
Take a private taxi drive up to the hills. You literally feel like you're on top of the world and the kids will love looking down on the clouds. When we went ( a few years ago) there was a quirky cafe at the top which had a 'jungle' theme...not naff..just a bit weird...the food was good though!
I second that about the sledging...great fun!
We stayed at The Residence at Vila Porto Mare. It has a great indoor pool and spa so at least you can sit by the pool if its chilly!

I've been to Madeira a couple of times, and quite enjoyed it. I'm not sure that it's a destination for young teenagers though - we spent a day there once on a cruise, and the DC had seen/done enough. Sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear Autumn! I was there once in May (flower festival), and it wasn't warm enough to sunbathe - but that might have been unusual.

(Sympathize - I'm looking for holiday destinations at the moment, and struggling!)

My parents have a timeshare in Funchal, they do levada walks, I think there is a cable car somewhere, but from what they say it's not geared up for kids. It won't be outside pool or beach weather in January, better weather than the uk normally but not much chance of a tan.

We honeymooned in Madeira in January and appeared to be the youngest non-natives by about thirty years. We liked it (were looking for a quiet chilled out place, not clubbing!) but it was quite... sedate.

The wicker sled ride thing from Monte to Funchal is quite fun for younger ones though. And you can get up there by cable car now.

It is more for the 50+ crowd and there are no beaches really. How about canaries instead?