In and around Porto, there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained, such as free theme parks, immersive experiences, aquariums and zoos. At the same time, there are some museums for children, with educational and interactive activities that promise to create beautiful memories.
After all, the days when taking kids to museums could be as difficult as explaining the benefits of broccoli and fish are long gone. In these places, the youngest will find a world of knowledge, but also of play, in an evening for the whole family.
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Wondersense: an immersive museum
The new Wondersense immersive museum, located in downtown Porto, promises a unique experience for all ages.
Spread over five floors and more than a thousand square meters, the space invites visitors to immerse themselves in themed rooms, including art and technology installations, a ball pool and a balloon room.
The museum’s aim is to disconnect from the digital and experience the world through tactile, visual, taste, smell and sound stimuli.
Where: Rua das Carmelitas, 130
Great Dolls’ Houses Museum
The Dolls’ Houses Museum is well worth a visit, and will particularly appeal to the girls in the house and beyond.
Since April, this former garage ‘turned’ museum has been taking visitors into the world of Victorian houses, with a total of 60 replicas.
In addition, there is a clear focus on sustainability, recycling and rehabilitation in this project, which is why various initiatives are being promoted, especially aimed at young people.
Where: Rua do Alferes Malheiro, 128
Electric Car Museum
Created in 1992, this museum allows children and adults to learn more about the history of the rails, for example by visiting the collection of electric cars. Today, these vehicles are a real tourist attraction, but in the past they were one of Porto’s main means of public transportation.
In addition, it’s important to note that the Electric Car Museum often promotes many themed activities and guided tours, combining theater, entertainment and more. So pay attention, because it can be unforgettable to experience a Halloween night or meet Santa Claus on board an electric car.
Where: Alameda de Basílio Teles, 51
Neonia
Open since April, Neonia is an interactive museum that promises to please kids and adults alike. Located in the heart of downtown Porto, it stands out for its innovative concept, where a retro-futuristic atmosphere dominates .
With a total area of 1500 m2 and 18 rooms, there are plenty of art installations, projections, sound design and much more. All this is centered on an alternative Porto, where visitors are invited to interact from the first minute to the last.
The youngest (and not only) will be pleased to know that there are games, a slide, lights and other attractions that make this an immersive journey. As well as having fun, you can (re)visit some of the most emblematic places (and moments), such as the Clérigos Tower, Bolhão Market and São João.
Where: Rua de Ceuta, 116
World of Discoveries
Located in the historic area of Porto, the World of Discoveries is not only a museum for children, but also a kind of theme park. With ample space, it offers kids an interactive journey through the history of the Discoveries, in the course of 20 permanent areas.
To make things even more fun, there are performances with 15th century actors and full-scale recreations. However, the icing on the cake is the chance to board replica caravels and navigate a nine-meter channel that represents the Cape of Good Hope.
Where: Rua de Miragaia, 106
3D Fun Art Museum
Operating since the end of 2023, as its name suggests, the 3D Fun Art Museum is a three-dimensional museum where the desire to take lots of photos is common to all generations. After all, there’s no shortage of optical illusions and images, capable of creating memories and fun moments.
In all, the space has several rooms and 40 different scenarios. With no works of art on this list of museums for children, this space stands out because nothing is as it seems and you can climb a wall, become a superhero, levitate, surf and even shrink in size.
Where: Rua de Faria Guimarães, 712
Puppet Museum
The Puppet Museum may not be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. In fact, in this more ‘traditional’ space, the very motto brings a smile to children’s faces.
Filled with puppets of the most varied shapes and forms, here you can learn more about this art form, but also create, thanks to themed and educational workshops where the little ones are called upon to ‘get their hands dirty’.
Where: Rua de Belomonte, 61
In this list of museums for children, the order presented is random and is intended to serve as a starting point for a different family evening out!