What to do in Porto with children: 12 unmissable activities for the whole family
Porto is a charming city not only for adults but also for children. With interactive cultural spaces, outdoor activities, immersive experiences, and historical attractions that capture children’s imaginations, the city offers options for days filled with fun and learning.
Discover the best activities to do in Porto with children—perfect for vacations, weekends, or family getaways.
1 – Visit World of Discoveries – Interactive Museum and Theme Park
World of Discoveries is a must-see for families. This interactive museum recreates the voyages of Portuguese explorers, transporting visitors back to the 15th century through immersive settings, sensory effects, and animatronic characters.
The star attraction is the indoor boat ride, which takes children through tropical environments, African villages, Asian forests, and other exotic locations. It is educational, fun, and visually impressive—an experience that will stay with you.
Ideal for children: ages 3 to 12
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
2 – Explore Sea Life Porto
Sea Life Porto offers a fascinating journey into the marine world. From the underwater tunnel to the shark tank, children will love watching rays, colorful fish, turtles, and jellyfish up close.
In addition to the exhibits, Sea Life offers feeding times with commentary, presentations by marine biologists, and educational activities on ocean conservation.
Outside, there is also a playground and a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Ideal for children: 2 to 14 years old
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
3 – A day outdoors at City Park
Porto City Park is the largest urban park in the country, with over 80 hectares ideal for a relaxing day out with the family.
Children have space to run, play ball, ride bikes, or simply explore nature. There are ducks and swans on the lakes, walking trails, shaded areas, and open fields perfect for picnics.
An excellent option for burning off energy and enjoying the outdoors—at no cost.
Ideal for children: all ages
Duration: unlimited
4 – Enjoy the view from the Gaia Cable Car
The Gaia Cable Car is a quick but absolutely charming activity for little ones. The route connects Cais de Gaia to Jardim do Morro, flying over the Port wine cellars and offering panoramic views of the city and the Douro River.
Children love the feeling of “walking in the air,” while adults enjoy one of Porto’s iconic landscapes.
At the end, you can take a stroll in Jardim do Morro, one of the best viewpoints in the region.
Ideal for children: 3+ years old
Duration: 5 minutes each way
5 – Ride the Historic Tram to Passeio Alegre
Riding the historic tram on Line 1 is like traveling back in time. This riverside route, connecting Ribeira to Passeio Alegre, is one of the most beautiful in Porto.
Children are fascinated by the sound, vintage feel, and movement of the tram. At the end of the route, Passeio Alegre is a great place to play, see the sea, or have a snack.
Ideal for children: all ages
Duration: 25 minutes (each way)
6 – Porto Planetarium – A journey through space
The Porto Planetarium offers sessions adapted for all ages, including specific programs for children.
The immersive visual experience helps little ones understand the universe, stars, planets, and galaxies, turning science into a spectacle.
For families with curious children who are passionate about astronomy, it is an enriching and inspiring experience.
Ideal for children: 5+ years old
Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
7 – A trip to the Santo Inácio Zoo
Santo Inácio Zoo, just 10 minutes from Porto, is home to more than 800 animals of 260 species.
Highlights include the sea lion underwater tunnel, the large tropical aviary, and the reptile house. Presentations with keepers help children learn about the importance of conservation and species protection.
The zoo is large, with shaded areas and picnic spots—great for spending a full day.
Ideal for children: all ages
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
8 – Visit Livraria Lello bookstore
Considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello looks like something out of a fairy tale. Curved staircases, stained glass windows, carved wood, and a magical atmosphere make it a special visit for the whole family.
Harry Potter fans will love the architectural details reminiscent of the saga’s universe.
Tip: go early or buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
Ideal for children: 7+ years old
Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
9 – Boat trip on the Douro River
Rabelo boats offer a relaxing 50-minute cruise under Porto’s six bridges.
It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective, while the kids watch boats, seagulls, the riverbanks, and the iconic Dona Maria Pia and Luís I bridges.
A peaceful and memorable experience, ideal to round off a day in Ribeira.
Ideal for children: all ages
Duration: 50 minutes
10 – Gardens of the Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace Gardens are perfect for a peaceful afternoon with the family.
Children can explore trails, watch peacocks roaming freely, and play on the lawns. There are viewpoints with magnificent views over the Douro River and spaces where temporary exhibitions or events are held.
It is also an excellent place to take family photos.
Ideal for children: all ages
Duration: unlimited
11 – World of Wine (WOW) – The Chocolate Story
At WOW, in Vila Nova de Gaia, The Chocolate Story museum takes visitors on a delicious journey through the history of cocoa—from ancient civilizations to modern chocolate production.
Children learn interactively and can experience aromas and flavors along the way.
There are also workshops for making chocolates, a super fun and educational activity.
Ideal for children: 4+ years old
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
12 – Guindais Funicular
The Guindais Funicular connects Batalha to Ribeira on a short but exciting journey. The steep incline and view of the Luís I Bridge make the trip especially fun for children.
It is a great addition to a tour of the historic area.
Ideal for children: all ages
Duration: 2 minutes
Where to stay in Porto?
If you are coming to visit the undefeated city, we have already provided a list of suggestions for excellent places to visit in Porto with your children.
Now it’s time to suggest where you can stay in this beautiful city.
The AP Aeroporto Porto is our suggestion. It is a hotel located 2 minutes from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and close to the metro, allowing you to easily get around the undefeated city to see all the sights of Porto and visit the best places listed here.
Visit the official website and find out more about this hotel in Porto for your stay.
