Planning to visit Portugal during the summer? Bring the whole family and have a blast with these fun summer kid-friendly activities in Portugal! We’ve rounded up a series of cool things to do and places to visit that will surely make kids and adults alike happy. Have a great time!
01 | Trail in Gerês and Ride a Canoe in the Caniçada Dam
Most dams have serene waters where you can chill in a canoe or a paddleboard, and the Caniçada Dam is no different. If you and your family are fans of outdoor activities, we recommend heading to Gerês for a fun day in nature – the kids will love it and spend all that extra energy in a healthy way. There are countless beautiful trails, spots perfect for canoeing, and amazing waterfalls to freshen up after a long walk under the sun.
02 | Go on a Rafting Adventure in the Paiva River
This one is for the adventurous! There are several tour companies offering amazing rafting and canoeing rides through the Paiva River, Arouca area. The itinerary has calmer and more lively waters, which allows for a cool adventure with moments for nature sightseeing, and teamwork to keep the raft on the right path. Cool, right? There are other activities besides rafting, such as canoeing and canyoning.
03 | Take a Ride in Aveiro’s Iconic Moliceiros
If you’re visiting Aveiro, you can’t miss a ride on the traditional Moliceiros. These wooden boats were created to carry moliço, an algae very common in the area, and that was used in agriculture. Hand-painted in bright colors and fun expressions, they’re now a tourist attraction that allows you and your family to see Aveiro while having fun! If you get hungry, we recommend heading to Costa Nova, a beach area with cute and unique houses painted with bright-colored stripes. You can snap a few photos with the whole bunch before trying a chocolate “tripa” – a sweet delicacy traditional to this area. They are sold in kiosks along the beach.
04 | Become a Kid Again at Portugal dos Pequenitos
Did you know there’s a whole village in Coimbra built on a small scale, just for children? Portugal dos Pequenitos was a politician and professor Fernando Bissaya Barreto’s idea, and the idea was to give children the opportunity to enjoy an urban landscape their size. However, it isn’t just about buildings the little ones can explore; there is also a Costume Museum, and other attractions. Portugal dos Pequenitos is made of replicas of traditional Portuguese houses, but also of some of the country’s iconic monuments, and more.
05 | Go Back to Prehistoric Times at Dino Parque
We bet there are a few tiny dinosaur enthusiasts out there! If so, a visit to Dino Parque, in Lourinhã, is a must. Don’t worry, unlike Jurassic Park, this one doesn’t feature actual dinosaurs – or does it? It’s an open-air area with replicas of 180 different species that will teach both kids and adults how prehistoric times were, what these animals ate, how they lived, and much more. There are also fun activities and workshops.
06 | Visit the Quaint José Franco Village-Museum
The José Franco Village-Museum was created by the talented potter José Franco and his wife, Maria Helena, who loved arts and crafts and always dreamed of building something that reflected the region’s history and culture. The village is located in Sobreiro, close to Mafra, and features cute constructions depicting old traditional homes and workshops. This village replicates the lives of people from bygone days, recreating a barber and dentist’s shop (yes, believe it or not, both trades were done by the same person), an old grocery store, and a classroom. There’s also a shop where you can buy nice souvenirs and toys, a restaurant, and a fabulous chorizo bread you can munch on while visiting this fun place.
07 | Up Your Culture Game in Sintra
This one might make more sense for families with older kids who are into history and culture. Sintra is known for its mystical vibe, with ancient castles, palaces, and villas. Castelo dos Mouros and Palácio da Pena are two unmissable venues that will leave you mesmerised by the architecture and interiors. And because both the castle and the palace are situated on high ground, you’ll be able to snap great family photos that will last a lifetime! Afterwards, head down to the centre and relax at Café Saudade while relishing on freshly baked scones and the best apple tart you’re ever going to have. If you still have some time left, we suggest taking the historic Sintra tram that takes you from the village centre to the beach, offering a scenic adventure.
08 | Ride the Hippotrip
Ever wondered how it would be to ride a bus that’s also a boat? In Lisbon, you can! Lisbon’s Hippotrip is a family-friendly hybrid transport that takes you on a tour around the city, and the Tagus River – yes, that’s right. After showing you the most interesting spots in Lisbon, it heads to Belém and transforms into a boat that takes you on a fun journey across the river, from where you’ll be able to see both sides of the Tagus. It’s an amazing experience for both kids and adults!
09 | Enjoy a Cable Car Ride
If you’re planning to visit Parque das Nações there are a lot of kid-friendly activities in Portugal, that are based there, such as the Lisbon Oceanarium, the Knowledge Pavilion, or the cable car ride connecting the Oceanarium to the Vasco da Gama Tower. Inaugurated during the major EXPO 98, it makes for a very pleasant experience that enables everyone to see that side of the city from above. Each car fits eight passengers, and there are wide glassed windows from where you can enjoy the views and take nice pictures.
10 | Go for a Safari Adventure in Badoca Park
Located close to Santiago do Cacém, Badoca Park is a paradise for safari and wildlife fans. Featuring more than 600 animals from 80 different species, this is the go-to place if you’re travelling with kids who love animals and all that has to do with them. Badoca Park isn’t a zoo at all. Most animals roam free, and visitors can check them from a jeep, really close. From zebras to giraffes, birds, reptiles, flamingos, and exotic animals like lemurs, coatis, wallabies, and more, there’s surely your kids’ favorite buddy! You can do a family safari, but also have a meal and visit the exhibitions about wildlife.
Vacationing with kids doesn’t have to be stressful or tiring. You can travel across Portugal, try amazing food, visit unique places, and still give your kids the chance to have lots of fun. This article highlights a few kid-friendly activities in Portugal and places to visit that will surely keep your little ones busy – and happy! Be it a cable car ride, a canoe adventure, or a day out with wild animals, start planning your Portugal trip.
