Things to do in Porto - with kids

Tried and tested tips :)

​ Porto may not be the most child-oriented city but there's naturally a few places to take your little ones and have a fun half-day. No matter which one you choose, a bit of creativity will take you a long way when running for the podium in the category of <most fun parent in the world>...!! :)

Here's some suggestions that may help you plan a fun day out with kids (prior to that 'boring' wine tasting you have your eyes on) >>

​Outdoor options

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All studies point in the same direction: giving children the freedom of playing outdoor helps them to feel happier and calmer. Being outside means that children naturally get vitamin D, which is proven to help improve their mood, create a positive mental attitude & get rid of all that built up energy!

​1. Improvise a treasure hunt in the SERRALVES PARK

Serralves Park's most recent addition is a treetop walk - SEE THE VIDEO BELOW: IT'S LOOKING GREAT!! The walkway is set up with a 260m extension course and "it allows a stunning viewing of the biodiversity in the Park", reads the Treetop Walk official page. That is only one of the reasons why you should plan a visit. Don't forget to include it in the improvised treasure hunt for your kids! Let me make easier for you:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR AN IMPROVISED KID's TREASURE HUNT in SERRALVES:

For this you will need a map of the park, 2 adults, (x) kids, a pen and lots of energy.

The steps:

1. Get a free map of Serralves park at the ticket office - alternative: pre-print one from here! Borrow a pen and draw a cross...somewhere! :)
2. Sneak in the Serralves official store (without your kid) and buy a small toy or souvenir. Nothing fancy, keep it simple.
3. Walk (or run) around the park, enjoy the treetop walk, build the kid(s) expectations about finding the treasure.
4. Replenish your energies with a stop for a homemade piece of cake at the cafeteria (main building) or the Tea house  by the tennis court (Casa do chá) 
5. Be stealthy here: it's now time to hide the small toy or souvenir last minute, next to a tree in a pre-chosen location (the X in the map).
6. Let the second adult lead the kid to it and... 
7. Watch as his/her eyes turn bright with the finding of the 'treasure'! Or, for the more demanding children - prepare to deal with a bit of disappointment, if he/she doesn't like what you've hidden...  - in this case, I suggest repeating step4 or step2 (this time with the kid!) :) 

Here's a video of our attempt at it > a perfect afternoon out - and, consequently, a good night's sleep afterwards!

Serralves Park and Contemporary Art Museum   
Opening hours & tickets: https://www.serralves.pt/en/park/visit-the-park/

2.  Go for a running tour in the city park or the waterfront of Porto (using a jogging stroller​)

This one is toddler oriented, knowing It may prove more difficult to convince an older kid to step onto the stroller. If you don't happen to have a jogging stroller, we've got you covered: ours is always available, fully equipped with suspension, a handle-bar brake and a rain cover! My kid loves it!

Let us help with the logistics - send us an email or book your bespoke running tour directly in our website.

Both the city park and the ocean front of Porto can be great options for a flat, hassle-free run with a stroller, comfortable for all the participants, including the youngest! 

​Indoor options

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During late fall and winter, the weather in Porto can be a bit unstable and, even though temperatures will not drop below 0ºC, we do have our share of rainy and windy days. No to worry, we've got some indoor activities to suggest as well >>

3.  Pay a visit to 'WORLD OF DISCOVERIES' in Miragaia

The self-proclaimed 'heroic' past of the Portuguese maritime expansion is celebrated and explained to the little ones in Miragaia, the shipyard of Porto during the late 1400's, one of the most important in the country. The World of Discoveries interactive museum can be a fun option as the kids have the possibility to cruise through the museum in a small boat - yes, there's a waterway inside...!

World of Discoveries - Opening Hours & Tickets: https://www.worldofdiscoveries.com/

4.  Learn about the water cycle at the city park's WATER PAVILION

An up-cycled structure from Lisbon's world Expo in 1998 now stands in one extremity of Porto city park, where it provides an opportunity for children to learn, interactively, about the water cycle.

Pavilhão da água -  opening hours & tickets: https://pavilhaodaagua.pt/visitar/

​5.  Learn about wildlife conservation in 'SEALIFE AQUARIUM' 

Sitting at the far end of Avenida da Boavista, overlooking the Atlantic ocean, Sealife Porto provides kids a chance to see some water creatures live. It's not too big, so even the youngest won't get bored if they take the full tour.

Sealife Porto - opening hours & tickets: https://www.visitsealife.com/porto/en/ 

​BONUS TIP

Ágora - Cultura e Desporto, E.M. is the public agency that manages most city sports venues and supports all kinds of sports and cultural events in the city. Pay a visit to its website or facebook page to learn more about upcoming events, all from Porto marathon to Christmas markets, wine fests to book fairs, music concerts to free outdoor yoga lessons...! They also support and publicize activities for children on a regular basis, both indoor and outdoor.

It's one great source of information for both locals and visitors.

Ágora Porto

Website:  www.agoraporto.pt 
Facebook page: facebook.com/agoraporto2019 

​share this with your running friends!