Guide to Water Activities for Kids

Water has a natural pull on children. From those first splashes in the bathtub to riding waves at the beach, interacting with water is one of the most rewarding experiences of childhood. Water activities build coordination, strengthen the cardiovascular system, boost confidence, and — perhaps most importantly — bring a kind of joy that is hard to match.

Portugal, with its long Atlantic coastline, rivers, and a growing network of pools and aquatic centres, is an exceptional place to introduce kids to the world of water. But with so many options available — swimming, surfing, sailing, canoeing, stand-up paddle — how do you choose the right activity for your child?

This guide walks you through the main water activities for kids, the benefits of each, and how to make an informed decision.

Swimming: The Foundation

Swimming is widely considered the most essential water activity for children — many experts regard it as a basic survival skill. It is also one of the first sports kids can take up.

When to start?

Babies (6 months - 2 years): Water familiarisation classes, usually with a parent in the pool, help build comfort and trust. The goal is not to teach strokes but to develop ease in the water.
Ages 3 to 5: Children begin learning basic floating, breathing, and propulsion techniques. Lessons are playful and progressive.
Ages 6 and up: Formal instruction in the four main strokes (front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly) becomes more structured. Many children can swim independently by this stage.

Benefits of swimming

Full-body coordination and motor development
Balanced muscle strengthening (engages the whole body)
Improved respiratory capacity
Significantly reduced drowning risk
Particularly beneficial for children with asthma or joint issues

What to look for in a swim school

Check that instructors are certified, the student-to-teacher ratio is appropriate (no more than 5-6 beginners per instructor), the water temperature is comfortable (around 30°C for babies), and the facilities are clean and well maintained.

Surfing and Bodyboarding: Riding the Waves

Portugal is one of the world's top surfing destinations, and that is reflected in the number of schools and programmes for children along the entire coast.

What age to start?

Bodyboarding: From age 5-6. It is an excellent introduction to the ocean, as the prone position offers greater stability and safety.
Surfing: From age 7-8, when the child has enough strength and balance to stand on the board.

Best beaches for beginners

Look for beaches with gentle, consistent waves, sandy bottoms, and weak currents. Near Lisbon, Costa da Caparica and Carcavelos are popular choices. In the north, Matosinhos is a classic. In the Algarve, Praia do Amado and Arrifana offer excellent beginner-friendly conditions.

What surf schools provide

Most kids' surf schools include full equipment (wetsuit and a board sized for the child), insurance, and qualified instructors experienced in teaching young people. Lessons typically last around 90 minutes and combine a warm-up on the beach with practice in the water.

Sailing and Canoeing: Adventure and Strategy

Sailing and canoeing develop skills that go far beyond the physical — they demand strategic thinking, teamwork, and a deep connection with nature.

Sailing

Recommended age: From 7-8 years, in Optimist dinghies (designed specifically for children).
What it develops: Reading wind and currents, quick decision-making, autonomy, and responsibility.
Where to practise: Sailing clubs along the coast and at reservoirs. In the Lisbon area, Belém and Cascais have several clubs with youth programmes.

Canoeing

Recommended age: From 6-7 for recreational paddling; from 10 onwards for competitive canoeing.
What it develops: Upper-body strength, balance, coordination, and endurance.
Where to practise: Rivers (such as the Mondego, Tagus, and Guadiana), reservoirs, and calm coastal waters. Many clubs offer introductory canoeing sessions during the summer.

Stand-Up Paddle: Balance and Fun

Stand-up paddle (SUP) has grown enormously in popularity, and with good reason — it is accessible, versatile, and fun for the whole family.

For kids

Recommended age: From 7-8 years, though younger children can join an adult on the same board.
Advantages: Easy to learn (most kids can stand up on their first session), practised on calm water, and suitable for rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or sheltered sea areas.
What it develops: Balance, core strength, proprioception, and a calm relationship with the water.

SUP is also a great option for children who find surfing too intense or who prefer a more relaxed, contemplative activity.

Water Polo: Team Sport in the Pool

Water polo combines swimming, throwing, and team strategy, making it one of the most complete sports you can practise in the water.

Recommended age: From 8-10 years. The child should already be a confident swimmer with good endurance.
What it develops: Cardiovascular fitness, strength, agility, team spirit, and decision-making under pressure.
Ideal for: Energetic kids who enjoy team sports and have already mastered swimming.

In Portugal, several clubs have youth water polo sections, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra.

Synchronised Swimming: Art Meets Athletics

Synchronised swimming (now officially known as artistic swimming) blends swimming, dance, and gymnastics, demanding creativity, flexibility, and teamwork.

Recommended age: From 6-7 years for an introduction; more formal training from 8-9.
What it develops: Flexibility, breath control, artistic expression, rhythm, coordination, and discipline.
Ideal for: Children who enjoy dance, music, or gymnastics and feel comfortable in the water.

Traditionally dominated by girls, the sport is increasingly open to boys. Clubs with artistic swimming sections typically offer free trial sessions.

Water Safety Essentials

Regardless of which activity you choose, water safety must always be the number one priority. A few fundamental rules:

Never leave a child unsupervised near water — active supervision is irreplaceable.
Invest in swimming lessons early — knowing how to swim is the single best prevention against drowning.
Always use a life jacket for activities like sailing, canoeing, and SUP, even if the child can swim.
Respect beach flags — teach your child what each colour means from an early age.
Apply water-resistant sunscreen, reapplying every two hours.
Ensure hydration — children in the water often do not realise they are thirsty.
Always choose activities supervised by certified professionals, especially in open water.

Choosing the Right Activity by Age

The best activity depends on the child's age, temperament, and interests:

Ages 2-4: Water familiarisation and baby swimming. The goal is to build comfort and confidence in the water.

Ages 5-7: Swimming (formal lessons), bodyboarding, recreational canoeing, and first accompanied SUP experiences. Activities should be playful and fun-focused.

Ages 8-10: Surfing, sailing (Optimist), independent SUP, artistic swimming, and introduction to water polo. Children at this stage have the maturity for more structured activities.

Ages 11-12: All water sports are on the table. This is the ideal age to try several options and discover a passion. Many children transition from recreational to competitive, federated practice at this stage.

Important tip: Do not force a specific activity. Let the child try different options and listen to what excites them most. A motivated child will progress far faster than one who feels obliged.

Discover Water Activities on KidsToGo

Ready to dive in? On KidsToGo you will find a wide range of water activities for children across Portugal. Search for swimming, surfing, sailing, canoeing, or stand-up paddle and filter by age, location, and schedule to find the perfect fit for your child.

Summer is on its way — and the water is waiting.