Porto with Kids: The Best Family Things to Do

Porto is a fun city for families: boats on the river, an aquarium, a zoo, a chocolate museum, peacocks in the park and a beach just a tram ride away. It is hilly, so plan around the climbs. Here are the best things to do in Porto with kids, with 2026 prices, from parents who live in Portugal.

Quick answer: kids love the six bridges river cruise, SEA LIFE Porto, the World of Discoveries museum, the peacocks at the Palácio de Cristal gardens, the Gaia cable car and the beach at Matosinhos or Foz (take historic tram 1). With older kids, add the Chocolate Story at WOW and the Serralves Treetop Walk. Bring a baby carrier rather than relying on a buggy.

Top things to do with kids

River cruise

The 50-minute six bridges cruise on a rabelo-style boat is easy and fun for all ages (about €18–20 for adults). See river cruises.

SEA LIFE Porto

An aquarium near the coast, with sharks, rays, turtles and touch pools. From about €18.50 for adults and €13.50 for children, cheaper online. See tickets.

World of Discoveries

An interactive museum about Portugal’s explorers, with a boat ride through recreated scenes of the voyages. €16 for adults, €10 for ages 4–12, and family tickets from about €40. See tickets.

Palácio de Cristal gardens

Free terraced gardens with peacocks wandering about, playgrounds and great views over the Douro. Perfect for letting off steam.

The Gaia cable car

A short, scenic ride along the Gaia riverfront from the port lodges up to the Jardim do Morro, next to the top of the bridge. Saves little legs a steep climb.

Tram 1 to the beach

Ride a historic tram along the river from the Ribeira to Foz, where the river meets the sea. The Tram Museum (€8 adults, €4 ages 6–25) is on the way. Matosinhos, a little further north, has a huge sandy beach.

WOW Porto and the Chocolate Story

In Gaia’s cultural quarter, the Chocolate Story museum (€20 adults, €9 children) ends with a tasting, and there are restaurants and terraces with river views.

Planetário do Porto

Shows about the stars and planets, great on a rainy day. About €6.60 for adults and €4.40 for ages 3–17.

Serralves Park

A big park with a farm, woods and a Treetop Walk through the canopy, plus the contemporary art museum. Park tickets from about €12.

Zoo Santo Inácio

A zoo in Gaia with lions, tigers, penguins and bird shows. About €18.90 for adults and €12.90 for children. Best with a car.

Practical tips for families

• Hills and cobbles: Porto is steep. A baby carrier is much easier than a buggy in the Ribeira and centre.
• Getting around: the metro has lifts, and the funicular dos Guindais links the Ribeira to the upper town. Uber and Bolt rarely have child seats, so book transfers with seats. See Porto airport transfers.
• Where to stay: Boavista or near Aliados are flatter, and apartments are great for families. See where to stay in Porto.
• Families with babies have the right to priority service in shops and public services.
• Food: restaurants are very welcoming to kids; half portions are common. Kids love bifanas and custard tarts.
• Weather: Porto can be rainy, so keep SEA LIFE, the Planetário and World of Discoveries for wet days.

Day trips with kids

Ride the boats in Aveiro and see the striped houses of Costa Nova, or visit the castle in Guimarães. The magical Perlim Christmas park is near Porto in December. See Christmas in Portugal.

More family guides: Portugal with kids and Lisbon with kids. See family activities in Porto.

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