Porto is a destination full of tourist attractions for kids, such as SEA LIFE, the largest aquarium in the north of Portugal. However, if you live in the city and/or surrounding area and don’t want to empty your wallet, there are plenty of free activities for children.
Children’s and themeparks, farms and green spaces are perfect options for sunny days. However, if the rain decides to show up, there are also alternatives. Without compromising the family budget, you can start having unforgettable moments in the city of Invicta and beyond.
Table Of Contents
Quinta do Covelo
Covering a total of 8 hectares, Quinta do Covelo is one of the best green spaces in the city of Porto, offering a wide range of activities for kids and adults alike.
There, children can have fun in the Covelo Children’s Park, which is equipped with a slide, sandpit and other attractions. There is also an Environmental Education Center.
This means that, as well as relaxing, the younger ones can actually enjoy educational activities related to the environment. There is also sports equipment and a dog park.
📍Rua de Bolama, 4200, Porto
Playgrounds
One of the best answers to the question “What to do with the little ones in Porto?” is a classic – take them to a playground. In all, Invicta has 39 such spaces and plans to create 13 more by 2028.
Surrounded by green areas or by the sea, from the most traditional to the most modern, there is something for everyone. In fact, this is one of the best free activities for children.
A trip to the park is synonymous with many physical, psychological and social benefits. Away from the screens, kids can play, imagine adventurous scenarios and navigate to other dimensions.
We’ll soon be creating a guide to the best playgrounds in Porto. But until then, we’d like to highlight a few:
- Parque Infantil dos Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, in Rua de Dom Manuel II;
- Parque da Praia do Homem do Leme, on Avenida de Montevideu, 88;
- Campo Alegre Residents’ Park, in Rua de Campo Alegre;
- São Roque Children’s Park, in Rua de São Roque da Lameira, among others.
📍Various locations in Porto
Free museums
Museums are always a good idea for free time, whatever your age. What’s more, in Porto there’s almost a museum space for each of us, including futuristic and three-dimensional places.
In fact, in this Secret Porto guide you can find several museums that are perfect for children. As for the free options, we’d like to highlight the Serralves Foundation and the Biodiversity Gallery – Live Science Center.
Despite the fact that you have to pay to enter these spaces, there are specific times when you can enjoy them without spending a penny. So all you need to do is keep this information to hand and enjoy it to the full:
- Serralves Park and Museum – admission is free on the first Sunday of each month, from 10am to 2pm for residents of Portugal;
- Galeria da Biodiversidade – Centro Ciência Viva – free admission on the second Sunday of each month, from 10am to 1pm.
📍Serralves Foundation – Rua de Dom João de Castro 210; Rua do Campo Alegre, 1191
Outdoor labyrinth
Located in Campanhã, Parque de São Roque is a refuge in the middle of the city. Known for being a camellia paradise in spring, this green space is also an excellent place to take the kids without paying.
In addition to the playground, the garden contains a labyrinth which is a real treat for the little ones. There, they can run, hide and imagine lots of fun scenarios.
📍Rua de São Roque da Lameira, 2040
Free theme parks
Now it’s time to take a look at the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia; after all, it’s right next door.
So, we recommend two more free activities for children, namely visiting the following theme parks:
- “Around the World in 80 Days” – with play equipment and sculptures alluding to Jules Verne’s literary work;
- “Pinocchio” – where you can climb, slide and even reach a viewing platform, in a space that aims to demystify the famous character.
📍The first is at the entrance to Lavandeira Park, while the second is in the Soares dos Reis Garden in Gaia
And an extra tip: Quintinha Pedagógica de Canelas
Finally, this is not a place where admission is free. However, the prices are quite affordable, given the variety of activities included. But here we go. First, it’s time to get to know the Quintinha Pedagógica de Canelas.
Located in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, this space is perfect for family time. There, the youngest (and not only) can enjoy different experiences, such as:
- Feeding farm animals;
- Learning about and handling exotic animals;
- Taking care of a horse;
- Riding a pony, among others.
In addition, the Quintinha Pedagógica de Canelas has archery, a trampoline, inflatables, a children’s playground and a picnic area that invites you to enjoy a picnic on warm, sunny days.
As far as opening hours and prices are concerned, the park opens its doors to the public on weekends and public holidays, from 10am to 6pm (in winter). These are the entrance fees:
- Babies up to 2 years old: free;
- Children aged 2 to 12: €7.90;
- Adults: €8.90.
📍Rua das Pereiras, 52 – Canelas, Vila Nova de Gaia
Each of these activities is not only synonymous with leisure, but also with creating unforgettable memories that strengthen family ties in an atmosphere of relaxation, joy and discovery!