Whether you’re on vacation or not, one of the best things to do as a family is to be close to nature and/or in contact with animal life. That’s why we want to dedicate this article to some of the zoos and zoological parks that exist near the city of Porto.
Dedicated to marine or exotic species, you’ll be able to soak up some of the world’s fauna and flora, but also gain a better understanding of our surroundings. So, if you’re looking for an activity to do with the kids, take a look at this article.
Table Of Contents
Santo Inácio Zoo
This is one of the best zoos near Porto, but also the largest in the north of Portugal. Located in Avintes, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, Zoo Santo Inácio offers a broad view of the animal world.
Lions, kangaroos, giraffes, lemurs, snakes, meerkats and deer make up the zoo’s range of more than 700 animals from 150 species. The space is undergoing an expansion process and by 2027 it is estimated that its visitable area will increase from 15 to 20 hectares.
Zoo Santo Inácio also promotes various educational initiatives, such as vacation camps for children and the breeding of endangered species. You can also sponsor one of the zoo’s animals.
📍Rua 5 de Outubro 4503, Avintes
👉Moreinformation: Zoo Santo Inácio official website
Lourosa Zoo
If instead of generic zoos, what you’re looking for is a more ‘specialized’ space. For example, one dedicated exclusively to birds. Then you really must visit Lourosa Z oo, as this is the only Ornithological Park in the country.
Located about 20 minutes from Porto, in the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira, Lourosa Zoo is home to more than 500 birds of 150 different species. The perfect place for kids and adults alike to learn more about these charming winged animals.
📍Rua do Parque, 4535-071 Lourosa
👉More information: Zoo Lourosa – Ornithological Park website
SEA LIFE Porto
This is the only space that is actually located within the city of Porto . Although it’s not a zoo, SEA LIFE Porto deserves a mention because it’s in direct contact with wild animals.
As its name suggests, and for those who don’t know, SEA LIFE Porto is an aquarium. In fact, it’s the second largest in Portugal, second only to the Lisbon Oceanarium. Here, you can find hundreds of species, such as sharks, penguins, rays, jellyfish, seahorses, turtles and more.
According to SEA Life Porto’s official website:
Many of its species are at risk of extinction, have been rescued and cannot return to the wild or were born and developed through one of the conservation projects.”
Located close to the iconic Castelo do Queijo and the City Park, you can also take the opportunity to visit its new attraction. That is, the Egg Village. A dynamic way to immerse yourself in the world of aquatic species (and more).
📍1st Rua Particular, Via do Castelo do Queijo, Porto
👉More information: SEA LIFE Porto website
Gaia Biological Park
Located in Avintes, just a few minutes’ drive from Porto, the Gaia Biological Park is the ideal place for those who love nature, exploring gardens (and more).
Covering 35 hectares, there are granaries and threshing floors, different types of woodland, farms with rural houses, windmills and, of course, animals. In all, there are more than 2100 identified species.
📍Rua Cunha, 4430-812 Avintes, Vila Nova de Gaia
👉Moreinformation: Parques de Gaia
Maia Zoo
Located about 15 minutes’ drive from Porto, Maia Zoo is one of the reasons to visit this municipality in the Metropolitan Area. Here you can meet more than 300 species for kids and adults alike.
Panthers, monkeys, zebras, camels, bears, tigers, lions, lemurs and birds are some of the animals to be found in this zoo. In addition, Maia Zoo offers a number of educational experiences.
📍Rua Estação, Maia
👉More information: Zoo da Maia website
Parque das Serras do Porto
Although it’s not a zoo, Parque das Serras do Porto can be a good alternative for families looking for outdoor activities and contact with nature.
Located just a few minutes from the city of Porto, it covers a vast area of mountains between the municipalities of Valongo, Paredes and Gondomar, and is perfect for hiking, observing fauna and flora, picnics and much more.
📍Main access in Valongo
👉Free entry and more information here