Visiting the city of Porto and its surroundings but needs some tips on the most essential things to do in Porto with the kids? I have shortlisted 21 activities that can be enjoyed all year round during your holiday in Porto with the family.
With direct flights from major European airports (low cost airlines included), Porto has seen more and more families exploring the second largest city of Portugal in the recent years.
Of course, the town is famous for its Port wine drink that is appreciated before a meal or with cheese. But what are the best attractions to do with young children or teens on your visit in Porto? Let’s find them out now!
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1. 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise
There’s no better way to see Porto than from the water, so when looking for things to do with kids in Porto, this is an effortless choice. Head on the Douro bridges cruise on a typical “rabelo” boat that travels down the water between the riverbanks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. This cruise takes 50 minutes and enables you to see all the sights.
2. Marionetas do Porto
If you are interested in theatre and the creative arts of puppetry then the Puppet Museum of Porto needs to be a must on your list of things to do with your children when you are here. It was first opened in Rua dos Flores in 2013 before being moved to Rua de Belomonte in 2016. There are three floors and you can see a host of beautiful creations with over 1,200 pieces on display including puppets, masks, props, and more.
Address: Rua de Belomonte 61, 4050-097 Porto, Portugal
3. World of Discoveries
The Porto World of Discoveries is a must-see attraction that offers visitors the chance to find out about the extraordinary history of Porto. At 5000 square metres you can travel through an exhibition of history, finding out about the odyssey of the Portuguese navigators back in the day. There are a host of technological and interactive features and the whole experience should take around 1-2 hours to complete.
Address: Rua de Miragaia 106, 4050-387 Porto, Portugal
4. Electric Tuk Tuk City Tour
Exploring the city on foot can often be tiring when travelling with children, so why not find a more fun way to do it? With Porto’s electric tuk-tuk city tour, you have an entirely new and entertaining way to soak up the history and culture without worrying about tired little legs. You can ride on a tuk-tuk driven by an expert guide who will help you to learn all about the history and culture of the city such as the San Bento station, Clergios tower, and Lello bookshop.
5. Spiritus Multimedia Show
For something that the whole family is sure to enjoy, head to the iconic Clerigos Church in Porto where you can watch Spiritus – a unique multimedia show. Available every day of the week it utilises lights and technology to bring together a completely immersive show unlike anything you have ever seen before. Designed to transport you on a sensorial journey through different magical universes it is designed to awe and inspire and your children will certainly be impressed!
6. Immersivus Gallery Porto Experience
For any art lovers or those that are looking for something a bit different to do as a family, Immersivus gallery is a no brainer. The first space in the city that is dedicated to immersive art experiences, it has a 360 degree projection system as well as a range of temporary exhibits for you to experience. Open every day of the week except for Mondays it’s a great child friendly activity in Porto.
Address: Furnas da Alfândega do Porto, R. Nova da Alfândega, 4050-430 Porto, Portugal
7. Porto Legends – The Underground Experience
Porto Legends the underground experience is an immersive and virtual show that offers the chance for visitors to discover the intricate history and culture of Porto. During your experience, you will get to see an immersive show that is narrated by the voices of Pedro Abrunhosa, great Portuguese author, and Jeremy Irons, an Academy Award-winning actor for “Best Actor”. You can expect jaw-dropping graphics, actors and music that brings the whole thing to life right before you.
Address: Furnas da Alfândega do Porto, R. Nova da Alfândega, 4050-430 Porto, Portugal
8. Serralves Foundation
The Serralves Foundation is a cultural institution and a brilliant child friendly place to visit in Porto. Aimed to promote contemporary and Portuguese art it is a large house that you can wander around which also features an auditorium, gardens, and more. You can spend a lot or a little time here depending on what else you have planned for your day and you’re guaranteed a great time.
Address: R. Dom João de Castro 210, 4150-417 Porto, Portugal
9. Santo Inacio Zoo
The zoo is one of the most family-friendly activities that you can do in Porto and it’s something you and your kids are guaranteed to enjoy. The Santo Inacio Zoo is the largest and most green zoo in North Portugal and houses over six hundred different animals for you to look at. From lions to giraffes, it’s a fantastic day out for you to all enjoy as a family.
Address: R. 5 de Outubro 4503, 4430-809 Avintes, Portugal
10. Parque da Cidade do Porto
If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the main city with your children, head to Parque de Cidad where you can let off some steam. One of the largest green spaces in the area, it’s ideal to head for a picnic, to play some ball games, and to relax in the sunshine. You could ride bikes, walk around and just enjoy the views.
Address: Estrada Interior da Circunvalação, 4100-083 Porto, Portugal
Here are 5 more things to do in Porto with kids…
11. Jardins do Palacio de Cristal
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is a beautiful botanical garden that was first designed in the 19th century. It is a large space with a host of different lawns and garden spaces to view. There are fountains, Douro River views, and observatories for you to enter where you can see an array of beautiful plant life.
Address: R. de Dom Manuel II, 4050-346 Porto, Portugal
12. Sea Life Porto
Sea Life Porto is part of the famous Sea Life centre group and offers a unique look into aquamarine life in Porto. You can expect to see a host of fish and other marine life such as sharks, crabs and so much more. This is a great activity for any weather and is something that people of all ages can really enjoy.
Address: R. Particular Nº 1 Castelo do Queijo 1ª, 4100-379 Porto, Portugal
13. Museu do Carro Electrico
The Museu do Carro Electrico – also known as the Tram Museum is a fascinating place that first opened in 1992. It resides in a former thermoelectric power station and has a host of tram-related memorabilia, facts, and displays for you to learn about.
Address: Alameda de Basílio Teles 51, 4050-127 Porto, Portugal
14. Parque de Sao Roque
Parque de Sao Roque is another public park that is fantastic for a family-friendly activity Here you can expect beautiful grass areas to wander around as well as a playground, gardens, and a hedge maze to take part in.
Address: R. São Roque da Lameira 2040, 4350-307 Porto, Portugal
15. Quinta do Covelo
Quinta do Covelo is one of the most popular places for people to go with children in Porto as it is not only well located but has plenty to do. With beautiful pathways and walks, it is a park with different play areas and a popular bistro terrace where you can all grab a bite to eat.
Address: Quinta do Covelo, 4200-049 Porto, Portugal
16. Jardim Botânico do Porto
The Jardim Botânico do Porto, also known as the Porto Botanical Garden, is a lovely park worth visiting with your kids.
The garden is home to a diverse array of plant species, including both native and exotic plants. It features historic greenhouses that house tropical and subtropical plants. These greenhouses provide an opportunity to experience plant life from different climates around the world.
Throughout the garden, you’ll find ponds, fountains, and other water features, adding to the peaceful ambiance and providing habitats for aquatic plants and animals.
Address: Rua do Campo Alegre 1191, 4150-181 Porto, Portugal
17. Lello Bookshop
The Library Lello & Irmão, also known as Livraria Lello, is a historic bookstore located in Porto, Portugal.
First, the Library Lello & Irmão is renowned for its breathtaking architecture, featuring an intricate neo-Gothic façade, a grand staircase, and ornate wooden bookshelves. Families can marvel at the beauty of the building’s design, which includes intricate details and decorative elements.
As a bookstore, Library Lello & Irmão offers a wide selection of books across various genres and subjects. Families can browse through shelves filled with literature, fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and more. It’s an excellent opportunity for both parents and children to discover new titles and authors.
Last but not least, fans of the Harry Potter series will appreciate the bookstore’s connection to the famous author, J.K. Rowling. It’s believed that Rowling drew inspiration from the Library Lello & Irmão’s enchanting atmosphere while writing the Harry Potter books.
Address: R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal
18. Gaia Cable Car
The Gaia Cable Car is a popular tourist attraction located in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, adjacent to Porto.
The cable car offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Douro River, the city of Porto, and its iconic landmarks, including the Dom Luís I Bridge and the historic Ribeira district. Parents and their children can enjoy the stunning scenery as they glide above the cityscape of Porto.
The Teleférico de Gaia provides a unique mode of transportation that is accessible to people of all ages and mobility levels. Families can comfortably ride in the cable cars, which are typically spacious and offer seating for passengers.
19. FC Porto Museum
Visiting the FC Porto Museum can be a highly enjoyable and insightful experience, especially for football enthusiasts and fans of FC Porto.
The FC Porto Museum provides a comprehensive overview of the club’s illustrious history, spanning from its foundation to the present day. Families can learn about key moments, achievements, and legendary players that have shaped the club’s identity over the years.
One of the highlights of the museum is the display of trophies, medals, and memorabilia won by FC Porto throughout its history.
Address: Via Futebol Clube do Porto – Estádio do Dragão, 4350-415 Porto, Portugal
20. Jardim de Arca d’Agua
Please note that the Garden is currently closed for renovation until further notice
Jardim de Arca d’Água, located in the North area of Porto is a beautiful public garden that offers various attractions and features for visitors to enjoy
The garden is known for its lush vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Visitors can stroll through the peaceful paths and admire the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Jardim de Arca d’Água features ponds and fountains that add to the tranquil ambiance of the garden. These water features provide habitats for aquatic plants and attract wildlife, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
Address: Praça de 9 de Abril 121, 4200-422 Porto, Portugal
21. Planet Cork
If you’re interested in sustainability, eco-friendly practices, or unique cultural experiences, then Planet Cork is definitely something you should see in Porto with your kids.
Planet Cork offers an immersive journey into the world of cork, exploring its history, production process, and ecological importance. You can indeed learn about cork harvesting, cork craftsmanship, and the diverse applications of cork in various industries.
Furthermore, you’ll have the opportunity to see cork trees, witness the cork extraction process, and discover innovative uses of cork beyond traditional wine stoppers, including fashion, design, and architecture.
Address: Rua do Choupelo 39, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
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CONCLUSION
That’s a wrap! I hope you have found this guide on the best things to do in Porto with kids useful during your stay in the Portuguese city. No doubt there are more activities to explore in Porto when it rains or on a beautiful sunny day. Enjoy your family holiday break in Porto. Obrigado!
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