Visiting Porto with children can be a challenge at first glance, as making the experience interesting for them can be complicated. Children are demanding and may not be interested in many of the things that adults like to discover when exploring a city.
They want excitement, adventure, and games, and it is the responsibility of adults to make the visit unique, but we are here to help. We have compiled a list to enhance your plans of what to see or do in Porto with children so that everyone can enjoy the city and have the best possible experience.
We want to make your visit to Porto with children unforgettable…for your kids!
But before we begin, let us give you some advice. Look for accommodation near Avenida dos Aliados. Being in the center of Porto, you will be closer to most of the places we will show you below, making it easier for them and you to visit most of the places we recommend.
1. Take a ride on the tram
When you visit Ribeira, take the children for a tram ride. The tram stop is very close, in front of the São Francisco Church.
The journey will surprise them with the feeling of traveling through the city in other times. The route is very interesting for children, but also for adults, as they can fully get to know the Ribeira area up to the mouth of the Douro River.
2. Trip on the Gaia Cable Car
The trip may not be long, but a trip through the skies of Gaia, with Porto in the background, is an adventure that will leave the children thrilled. And the adults too!
In addition, it allows crossing the area of Ribeira de Gaia in a different and daring way. That’s why the Gaia Cable Car is a good option for those visiting Porto with children.
3. Climb the Clérigos Tower
Want to take your visit to Porto with kids to “another level”? Then why not climb the Clérigos Tower? It’s an adventure that cannot be missed on the itinerary and you can visit the tower right there in the area of Avenida dos Aliados.
Once you reach the top of the tower, the panoramic view of the city is impressive. It’s a unique feeling to contemplate the city from a privileged angle. So, if you’re visiting Porto with kids, don’t hesitate to include the Tower in your itinerary. It’s a unique and exciting experience that will forever stay in the memory of the whole family.
You can buy the ticket HERE.
4. Learn about Plants and “Bugs” at the Botanical Garden
Another option for those visiting Porto with family, the Botanical Garden is a fantastic choice! With a large amount of activities for children and adults, this is one of the most beautiful parks the city has to offer.
The garden has a large variety of exotic plants, trees, and colorful flowers that fill the eyes of any visitor. In addition, there is a sensory garden where children can touch, smell, and feel the plants, which makes the experience even more interactive. Definitely include the Botanical Garden in your plans of what to do in Porto with kids. It’s a place that pleases everyone. Virtual Tour
5. “Sail” on a Rabelo Boat
How about a boat ride? Kids will love it! Rabelo boats “populate” the Douro River and, of course, will catch the attention of the little ones. There are several types of tours. As we know that children get bored quickly, choose short tours of 30 to 45 minutes that are ideal for them.
You can buy the ticket HERE.
6. Defend the São Francisco Xavier Fort
All kids love castles! Their walls and battle areas always evoke adventures and discoveries, and the São Francisco Xavier Fort is no exception.
In addition to being known as the Cheese Castle, this fortification is located in the Foz area and was built in the 17th century to protect the coastal lands. Children will love the visit. With your help and lots of imagination, they will create their own adventures with pirates and corsairs.
7. Dive into Sealife Porto
After the adventures with pirates, how about we continue with the maritime theme and visit Sealife Porto? It’s located across the street.
With over 100 different species, including blacktip sharks, clownfish, and seahorses, Sealife will enchant any child, especially as they cross the transparent tunnel and observe their favorite marine animal up close. It’s a unique experience, not only for children but also for adults. So, Sealife can be included in your plans of who visits Porto with kids.
You can buy the tickets HERE.
8. Playing at City Park
City Park is one of the main parks in the city and is considered the “Green Lung of Porto”. With an area of 83 hectares, it is one of the ideal places for those visiting Porto with children.
The park is excellent for strolling or resting, and children can play freely on the grass and among the trees. It is also ideal for having a picnic, encouraging young ones to interact with nature.
9. Admiring Art and Nature at the Serralves Foundation
Going to the Contemporary Art Museum of the Serralves Foundation may be boring for children, although there are always some educational activities for the younger ones.
Still, visiting the foundation is very beneficial for children because the Serralves Foundation garden is the best refuge from the busy city of Porto. You can rest and take shelter in nature while the children run and play in the gardens.
You can buy tickets HERE.
10. Strolling through the Gardens of Palácio de Cristal
We have already talked about City Park and the Serralves Garden, but there is also the Palácio de Cristal Garden, which is an excellent alternative. And much closer to the city center. It is another ideal “green lung” to rest, where children can play in nature without too many worries.
11. Conquering the Fernandina Walls
It may not be the most obvious place for those visiting Porto with children, but it has a lot of potential. They can follow the old route of the Fernandina walls, which defended the city of Porto in the 15th century. It is an adventure that, with your help and the power of imagination, can take them on a journey through time with evil invaders, dragons, and unforgettable battles.
12. Taking a Tourist Bus Ride
Children get tired quickly and walking through the city can be a nightmare at times. So, don’t hesitate, the tourist bus is a great way to get to know Porto with children. There are several routes available, with different circuits. Take advantage of the “hop on hop off” buses, which allow you to get on and off whenever you want, and visit the city as comfortably as possible.
You can buy the ticket HERE.
13. Visiting Porto’s “Hogwarts”
What child doesn’t like the famous wizard Harry Potter? Going to Livraria Lello and Irmão is a way to take them to a world of magic, enchantments, and dreams. It was in this old bookstore that the writer JK Rowling got the inspiration to create one of the places in her books. Challenge your children to find out which one!
14. Discovering the World of Discoveries
Excellent suggestion! The WORLD OF DISCOVERIES Museum is a very interesting tourist attraction for those visiting Porto with children, as it offers an immersive experience in Portuguese discoveries, through historical scenarios, special effects, projections, and interactions.
Children can explore replicas of ships, interact with historical characters, and learn about the commercial and cultural routes established by the Portuguese over the centuries. It is an educational and fun experience for the whole family!
You can buy tickets HERE.
15. Visit one of Porto’s Beaches
Why not take the little ones to the beach? It is an excellent option for those traveling to Porto with children. There are fantastic beaches in Porto city where you can take them for a walk, play or even take a dip. If you prefer beaches with more sand, you have the city of Vila Nova de Gaia right next door, where you can find beaches with large stretches of sand, perfect for building sandcastles and playing to your heart’s content.
16. Take a Dip in the Piscinas das Marés – Leça da Palmeira
If you are planning to explore the areas near Porto and want to go to Leça da Palmeira (Matosinhos area – it is best to go by car, but there are many public transport alternatives available), the Piscinas das Marés is an excellent option for those traveling with children and looking for a family outing and activities. This coastal area is famous for its stone-built pools connected by the sea, as well as for the extensive beach area.
The pools are especially popular in the summer, when families seek an alternative to sea bathing.
17. Take a Surf Lesson
Today we have an exciting surf lesson on Matosinhos beach! This beach is the perfect setting for more radical activities for those visiting Porto with children. Matosinhos is one of the cities near Porto, and to get to Matosinhos beach there is public transport available, and for those traveling by car, there are many parking spots.
If you decide to take a surf lesson with them, one thing is guaranteed: it will be the best vacation they will never forget.
You can buy tickets HERE.
CONCLUSION
If you’re planning a trip to Porto with children, there are several fun activities to do as a family. One popular option is taking a cruise on the Douro River. The rabelo boats offer a unique experience that allows you to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the river and the city from a different perspective.
Another way to explore Porto with children is to take a tram ride. The route of line 1, which runs along the riverside of Porto, is the best. If you want, you can also visit the tram museum.
For a more adventurous family experience, there are several activities you can try, such as surfing lessons at Matosinhos beach, the Gaia cable car offers impressive panoramic views and an exciting ride that will surely delight the little ones.
You can also visit the city’s parks and gardens to rest a bit and enjoy nature.
If you’re visiting Porto with children, don’t miss the SEA LIFE Porto and the World of Discoveries, where you can learn about sea creatures and the history of Portugal. And for Harry Potter fans, there’s a magical tour of the city’s places that inspired author JK Rowling.
In summary, there is plenty to do in Porto with children and, regardless of what you choose, a family visit to Porto will surely be an unforgettable experience.
