If you’re about to start your summer vacation if you haven’t planned your next family vacation yet, then you’ll enjoy reading this article. In and around Porto there are some theme parks where you can take the kids. But we wanted to take advantage of this and extend our suggestions to other places in the north and center of Portugal.
After all, on vacation and/or weekends the summer season is more than ever about exploring new places, having fun experiences and, above all, creating sweet family memories. Immerse yourself in the world aquatic the opportunity to visit the dinosaur era and travel back in time are just a few of the many possibilities.
Previously, we presented some of the best activities for things to do with children in Porto indicating up to museums suitable for children. However, nothing beats the fun of a day well spent in a theme park. In the end, all you have to do is choose your favorite spot and enjoy an evening with the family. Let’s go?
World of Discoveries
To start the list of theme parks, how about an experience in Porto? Located in the historic part of the city, the World of Discoveries is not only a museum where you can take the kids, but also a theme park with 20 permanent areas.
In a large space, the World of Discoveries portrays the odyssey of the Portuguese at the time of the Discoveries in an interactive way. There are performances, full-scale recreations and even replicas of old Portuguese caravels.
Where: Rua de Miragaia 106, Porto
Prices: free admission for children up to three years old; from 4 to 12 years old tickets start at €9.35 (online); adults pay from €14.45 (online); and senior tickets start at €14 (online)
Where to buy: world of Discoveries website
Magikland
We don’t have a Disneyland here, but you don ‘t have to leave the country, or even the district of Porto, to find a place where fun is the watchword. About 30 minutes’ drive from the city of Invicta, there’s a theme park waiting for you: Magikland.
Belonging to municipality of Penafiel this space is divided into six different thematic areas, such as:
- Far-West – among other amusements, there’s a rollercoaster to get your adrenaline pumping;
- Pirates’ Refuge – where there is a giant boat and lagoons all around;
- Medieval Village – in this themed area you can visit a Ghost Castle and dream of fairy tales in the Princess Tower;
- Africa – here you can go on a short Dakar-style safari;
- World of Confusion – there are merry-go-rounds with elves, a flying elephant and more;
- Souk – a kind of Arab market where you can celebrate your birthday in a different and original way, to say the least.
With many merry-go-rounds and other amusements, Magikland is not only one of the best theme parks near Porto, but it also deserves the designation of water park. Because around here, there are various swimming pools where you can bathe and escape the heat.
Where: Rua de Santo André nº 1279, Marecos – Penafiel
Prices: free admission for children up to three years old; from 4 to 12 years old the ticket is 12.50€; from 13 to 64 years old admission costs 19€; from 65 to 75 years old 15€; individuals over 76 years old enter for free.
Where to buy: magikland website
Portugal dos Pequenitos
Now, it’s time to get away from Porto for a while and do some getaway to the center. More specifically, the next suggestion takes us to Coimbra, where you can visit nothing less than the first Portuguese theme park.
Built in the 1940s, Portugal dos Pequenitos is especially aimed at children and stands out for its historical and architectural nature. For those who don’t know, this theme park faithfully represents several typical villages, portuguese monuments and much more.
Designed by the modernist architect Cassiano Branco, Portugal dos Pequenitos covers five different themed areas and is a real delight for children. The space offers guided tours, educational workshops and other activities for families and schools.
Where: Largo do Rossio de Santa Clara, Coimbra
Prices: free admission for children under three years old; from 3 to 13 years old the ticket is €9.95; from 14 to 64 years old the ticket costs €14.95; seniors pay €11.95; other modalities can be consulted here.
Dino Parque Lourinhã
Of all the theme parks on this list, Dino Parque Lourinhã is the furthest away, being more than two hours’ drive from Porto. However, with summer in full force, he believes it’s really worth taking a family getaway there.
After all, it’s the largest open-air museum in Portugal, promising to delight kids and adults alike with an unparalleled immersion in the world of dinosaurs. In all, there are around 200 replicas of the animal that once dominated planet Earth.
Where: Rua Vale dos Dinossauros 25, Lourinhã
Prices: free admission for children under four; other tickets available on the Fever app
