Parque de Lazer das Figuras

Parque de Lazer das Figuras (Figuras leisure park) is an outdoor play and sports area on the western side of Faro, close to the Ria Formosa lagoon. Before the latest works it was run down, and the council said part of the play equipment was in poor condition. The council spent €344,950 (plus VAT) rebuilding it, and the new park opened in late September 2024 during Faro Ativo, the city’s yearly festival of sport.

The works kept what was still safe and replaced what wasn’t. They also added two things that make it worth a trip across town: a pump track, and an area of inclusive play equipment that children of all abilities can use.

A pump track (pista pumptrack) is a loop of rolling bumps and banked corners. The trick is to keep moving without pedalling or pushing, by pressing down into each dip and lifting over each bump. It’s how many children first learn to control a bike or scooter at speed, and it’s good fun for adults too.

The council built this one for skateboards, bicycles and scooters (trotinetes). It hasn’t published the length or surface. On a pump track, beginners can simply roll round slowly and push where they need to; confident riders learn to pump the whole loop without touching the ground.

Helmets are a good idea for every rider. The council hasn’t published a rule, but a fall on a pump track is a fall on a hard surface at speed.

The old park’s climbing structure and its letter-shaped climbing structures were in good enough condition to keep. The council laid a new impact surface underneath them, which is the soft safety flooring that cushions a fall. Around them, the worn-out play equipment was replaced by new pieces the council describes as “more challenging”.

The council hasn’t published a list of the new equipment or the tallest slide. From its description, you can expect:

• the climbing structure and climbing letters, kept from the old park
• new play equipment across the play area
• an area of inclusive equipment designed to be accessible to all children
• a multi-sport court (polidesportivo), which was heavily repaired
• outdoor fitness and street workout equipment for older children and adults

The works also aimed to improve access for people with reduced mobility around the whole area.

Toddlers and young children get the play area and the inclusive equipment. Children aged 4 to 7 can ride the pump track slowly on a balance bike, bike or scooter and try the lower climbing holds. Big kids and teenagers will spend their time on the pump track, the climbing letters, the court and the street workout bars.

Faro Ativo is the council’s festival to start the sporting year, run with local clubs and businesses, and the park is its main venue. In 2026 the sports fair (Mostra Desportiva) took place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, from 10:00 to 19:00, here and at the Forum Algarve shopping centre. Visitors could try pilates, dance, football, futsal, judo, capoeira, kickboxing, athletics, gymnastics, skateboarding, padel, volleyball, boxing, roller skating, basketball, golf, baseball and table tennis, among others. It’s a good weekend to go with a child who hasn’t found their sport yet. The dates move each year, so check the council’s news in September.

• Opening hours, toilets, drinking water and parking aren’t listed by the council. Bring water and snacks.
• In summer the pump track and court are in full sun. Early morning or early evening is more comfortable.
• A pump track is fast. Keep toddlers and small children on foot off the track while others are riding.

Parque Ribeirinho de Faro, the city’s riverside park, lies between the Teatro das Figuras and Pontes de Marchil on the edge of the Ria Formosa. It covers about 16 hectares and has walking and cycling paths, a bird observatory, an open-air amphitheatre, and a picnic area with children’s play equipment. It opened in 2014. It’s a calmer place for a walk after the pump track, and a good spot to look for wading birds on the salt marsh. Access by car is restricted inside the park, with a small car park at the entrance, according to the council.

• Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve in the city centre is a hands-on science centre for a hot or rainy afternoon.
• Ferries from Faro run to Ilha da Culatra in the Ria Formosa.
• For a proper skate park, Olhão’s Majestoso Skate Park is in the next town to the east.
• Nature trails and birds at Quinta de Marim near Olhão.

Is Parque das Figuras in Faro free?

Yes. It’s a public council park with no entry charge.

What can you ride on the Faro pump track?

The council built it for skateboards, bicycles and scooters.

Is there accessible play equipment?

Yes. The 2024 works added an area of inclusive equipment and aimed to improve access for people with reduced mobility.

When was it rebuilt?

The rebuilt park opened in late September 2024, during Faro Ativo.

Is it good for toddlers?

Yes for the play area. Keep toddlers away from the pump track when older children are riding.