9 Amazing Day Trips From Porto with Kids
*This post features the best day trips from Porto with kids. It may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you.
Planning a family trip to Porto and wondering how to add a bit of fun to your itinerary? We’ve got you! Choose among these 9 best day trips from Porto with kids to complete your trip in the perfect way!
Porto is a beautiful city, the second largest in Portugal. The city is filled with fun family-friendly activities, making it an ideal family destination. During a stay in Porto, you will admire breathtaking landscapes and be charmed by the richness of the history and the beauty of the architecture. On the other hand, Porto is also surrounded by several cities rich in history and with enchanting scenery that are absolutely worth visiting.
In this article, you will discover 9 amazing day trips from Porto with kids. From a beach escape to a more historical tour, these towns will allow you to discover Portugal in a different way.
In this article, for each day trip, we share the must-sees as well as how to get there from Porto.
➡️ Read Next: 15 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN PORTO WITH KIDS
Is Porto a good destination for kids?
Like its big sister Lisbon, Porto is an excellent family destination that will appeal to children and adults alike. This historic city boasts a number of family-friendly activities and attractions. You’ll have no trouble finding something to occupy your days – there’s something for young and old alike.
The Portuguese are very welcoming and love kids. When we were in Porto with our children a few months ago, many Portuguese stopped to say hello and welcome us to their city.
The city is bustling and teeming with tourists. The tourist areas are safe and attractive for families. You’ll find plenty of grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants nearby, no matter which area you stay in during your trip. These are all important elements when visiting a new city with your family.
The only thing to bear in mind when travelling to Porto, as with Lisbon, is the large number of hills and staircases. Depending on the age of your kids, plan to bring a good, comfortable baby carrier to carry your child easily from one place to another. Plan ahead and opt for a baby carrier to avoid having to go down stairs with a stroller.
Despite this small geographical challenge, Porto remains one of the best European destinations to visit with kids.
What’s more, several towns of great interest to families are within easy reach of Porto. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet day at the beach or discover more historical treasures, Porto gives you easy access to a number of family-friendly destinations. You’ll find all the relevant details about these day trips from Porto with kids in the next sections.
9 amazing Day Trips from Porto with Kids
1- Douro Valley Day Trip with Kids
Day trips to the Douro Valley are definitely the most popular and well-known day trips from Porto. Indeed, the Douro Valley is known for its many vineyards and impressive green landscapes. A large part of this region is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guided wine tours and port tasting sessions are obviously the most popular activities in the Douro Valley. However, it is not only wine and port lovers who will enjoy visiting this region of Portugal. The whole family will be fascinated by the landscapes that the valley has to offer.
Its proximity to Porto and easy access by boat make the Douro Valley one of the best day trips from Porto with kids.
➡️ Read Next: The BEST Douro River Cruise: 5 Amazing Options for Families
Things to do in the Douro Valley with kids
Vineyards and wine tasting
At the top of the list of things to do in the Douro Valley is obviously visiting vineyards as well as Porto tasting. Although this activity does not seem family-friendly at first glance, several vineyards are kid-friendly. Indeed, some vineyards have a more relaxed, less classy atmosphere, which allows families to enjoy a beautiful experience without worries. Some vineyards even offer family picnic spots.
The children can thus walk freely in the vineyard while the parents taste the local wines. At most wineries, employees provide glasses of orange or grape juice as well as small snacks for the kids to enjoy while the parents sip the wine.
If you’re traveling with young children, these two wineries are great options:
– Quinta da Pacheca: this vineyard has a large garden where children are free to run around and have fun. For parents, the tastings are of high quality and the guides are well experienced.
– Quinta do Pôpa: this vineyard has a section for children where they can draw and play during the tasting.
Boat Ride
Boat tours are generally very popular with children. It is therefore an ideal activity to do with the family in the Douro Valley. Several companies offer different types of cruises on the Douro. Some last several hours and include stops in certain vineyards, while others are short and allow you to enjoy breathtaking views of the vineyards of the valley.
Some excursions leave directly from Porto, allowing you to visit the Douro Valley without thinking about transportation. This one is particularly popular with tourists and has good reviews.
For those who want a more sporting experience, it is possible to rent kayaks, take a speed boat ride on the river or take a Rabelo boat ride in Pinhao.
How to get to the Douro Valley from Porto
Getting to the Douro Valley from Porto by car
The most convenient way to reach the Douro Valley from Porto is to drive. Having a car will allow you to visit the region most freely. Indeed, it is very easy to get to this region from Porto. It will take you a little over an hour to get to the Douro Valley by car.
On your way, you’ll see magnificent landscapes along the Douro River while driving on a winding road (the N222).
Once there, the car gives you greater freedom of movement. Only a few vineyards are easily accessible by public transport. So, if some vineyards interest you more than others – or if you would like to visit more than one in the same day – it is definitely easier to drive to the Douro Valley from Porto.
Please keep in mind, however, that the Douro Valley is very vast – although it takes just over an hour to reach the region, some vineyards are located almost three hours from Porto by car.
Finally, if you choose this option, you can easily rent a car for a day in Porto. If you are traveling with kids, it is also possible to add child car seats to the reservation.
➡️ Read Next: LISBON WITH KIDS: THE GREATEST 4-DAY ITINERARY FOR FAMILIES
Getting to the Douro Valley from Porto by train
A few towns in this region are served by the rail network – so taking the train to the Douro Valley from Porto is another option.
However, the journey time is a little longer than by car. For example, it will take around 2h15 minutes to get to Pinhao by train – one of the most popular stops.
Trains to the Douro Valley leave daily from Porto’s two train stations (Sao Bento and Porto Campanhã).
Depending on the activities you want to do during your day in the valley, you’ll need to figure out the logistics: will you need a taxi (there are only a few on site) to get from the train station to the location of your activity? If you are traveling as a family, will you be able to walk to get around once you get there? These are a few things to think about if you opt for the train.
Getting to the Douro Valley from Porto by boat:
If you want to enjoy the full experience, you can book packages that include a cruise from Porto to the Douro Valley. Depending on the type of package chosen, a tasting and a lunch can be served on board. The return is sometimes done by bus or train, but all trips are included in the package.
2 – Day trip to Aveiro with kids
Thanks to its many charming canals and its pretty gondolas (the moliceiros), it is easy to understand why Aveiro is often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal”. The colorful buildings, the canals and the bridges charm the tourists who are visiting Aveiro. This colorful and unique town ranks high on the list of the best day trips from Porto with kids.
Things to do in Aveiro with kids
Boat Ride
In Aveiro, hopping aboard a moliceiro (gondola-like boat) for a canal ride is a real must. Children and adults will certainly enjoy this activity.
This 45-minute moliceiro boat tour is perfect for families visiting Aveiro with kids of all ages.
Visit the Costa Nova district
Technically, Costa Nova is not part of Aveiro. However, it is easy to get there by bus or taxi from Aivero. You will find pretty colorful houses by the ocean. The beach is also easily accessible in Costa Nova.
Excursions and guided tours
There are several excursions and guided tours to discover the historic center and the canals of Aveiro. This highly rated guided tour is a good example.
Eat a local pastry
Stop in one of the many pastry shops to taste an ovos moles. It is a local pastry made from egg yolks and sugar. A true delight!
How to get to Aveiro from Porto
Getting to Aveiro from Porto by train
The easiest way to get to Aveiro from Porto is by train. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. A train leaves approximately every hour from Porto’s two train stations: Sao Bento and Porto Campanhã. Aveiro is a walkable city – it can easily be visited on foot. You will therefore have no difficulty in getting around to visit the city from the Aveiro train station.
Tours and packages to get to Aveiro from Porto
Several day or half-day tours are offered to visit Aveiro from Porto. In these cases, transport to Aveiro is included.
For example, this 4-hour tour includes transport between Porto and Aveiro, a moliceiro cruise and a walking tour of Costa Nova. It is ideal for families who want to get away from Porto for a day without having to think about the day’s logistics.
3 – day trip to braga with kids
Braga, one of the oldest cities in Portugal, is a very popular destination for day trips from Porto with kids. With an incredible historical richness, this city is particularly recognized for its great religious heritage.
Things do in Braga with kids
Visits Historical Sites
Braga’s Sé Cathedral and Bom Jesus do Monte are two of the must-see sites to visit in Braga. To access the Bom Jesus do Monte site, you will have to climb 600 steps! However, a cable car is also available.
Stroll in the City Center
The heart of the city of Braga is filled with picturesque little streets. On your way, you will come across several Baroque churches and be impressed by the architecture testifying to the historical richness of the city.
Discovery tours
If you want to discover the city and its history with the help of a guide, several options are available to you. For example, you can opt for a Tuk Tuk city tour. The duration of this visit varies from 30 minutes to 1h30 – depending on the package you chose. However, it should be noted that children under the age of four are not allowed to board a Tuk Tuk.
A half-day guided tour in Braga is also available. Lasting four hours, it includes transport between Porto and Braga and visits to the main tourist sites.
How to get to Braga from Porto
Getting to Braga from Porto by train
A day trip from Porto to Braga is easily done by train. The journey takes just under an hour – making Braga a very accessible destination. Trains to Braga depart from Sao Bento station, but also stop at the Campanhã station.
Braga’s train station is a 500m walk from the historic center – so you can easily explore the city on foot.
Tours and packages to get to Braga from Porto
Several circuits and packages are offered to discover Braga from Porto. This half-day tour includes a guided tour of the main sites of interest as well as transportation between Braga and Porto.
Some other tours last a full day and combine visiting Braga and another city. This is the case with this package which allows you to visit Braga and Guimarães in a single day, transport included. However, in our opinion, this type of package is more suitable for families traveling with older kids given the duration and the intensity of the activity.
➡️ Read Next: WHERE TO STAY WITH KIDS IN LISBON
4- Day trip to Coimbra with kids
Coimbra is another city totally worth visiting. With its rich history, impressive architecture, beautiful landscapes, and fascinating culture, you will be charmed by Coimbra. It is also in the heart of this city that it is possible to find one of the oldest universities in the world – after moving from Lisbon, it was established in Coimbra in 1537. It is the oldest university in Portugal.
Things to do in Coimbra with kids
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Coimbra (Jardim Botanico) is the largest in Portugal. Dating back to 1772, the botanical garden has more than 1,200 varieties of plants spread over a sprawling 32-acre lot. Young and old will admire plants from the four corners of the globe. It’s also a great place to let little ones stretch their legs more freely. A playground as well as a picnic area have also been set up in the botanical garden. Bonus: you can visit this place for free.
Boat Ride
Again, boat rides are always very popular with children. In Coimbra, you can take a guided boat tour on the Mondego River. During your ride, your guide will tell you Coimbra’s history while you admire the magnificent architecture of the city.
Museums and Historic Site Visits
Museums are always great places to visit as a family. In Coimbra, a few options are available: the Science Museum located at the University of Coimbra, the Machado de Castro National Museum which focuses on the cultural and artistic heritage of the region and the Santa Cruz Monastery.
In addition, throughout your walk in the heart of Coimbra, you can observe and visit many historical sites such as the old cathedral (Se Velha) and the new cathedral (Se Nova).
Verde do Mondego Park
This beautiful public park is located on the banks of the Mondego River. You’ll find several picnic areas, bike paths and hiking trails there. There are also several playgrounds as well as sport areas (soccer field, basketball court, skateboard, etc.). It is the ideal place to have a good time with the family while admiring the landscape of Coimbra.
Guided tours
Finally, there are several options for guided tours to discover Coimbra and its historical sites. This self-guided audio tour of Coimbra’s historic sites is ideal for families as you are free to explore at your own pace. This makes it easy to stop along the way to let kids stretch or grab a snack.
How to get to Coimbra from Porto
Getting to Coimbra from Porto by train
The fastest and easiest way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by train. Trains from Porto to Coimbra leave daily at the Campanhã station. In Coimbra, trains stop at Coimbra-B, approximately a mile from the city center. From there, you can take a taxi and get to the city center in about five minutes.
Getting to Coimbra from Porto by bus
The bus is another option for families who want to get to Coimbra from Porto. The journey time is similar to the train – just over an hour (1h25). You can take the bus from Campo 24 de Agosto in the center of Porto. In Coimbra, the bus station is a ten-minute walk from the city center.
Tours and packages to get to Coimbra from Porto
Some tours depart from Porto to visit Coimbra. Depending on the age of your children, this may be an attractive option. For families traveling with older children, teenagers for example, this full-day tour is a great option. It includes the visit of Fátima and Coimbra. Transportation to and from Porto is also included on this 10-hour tour.
5 – Day trip to Guimarães with kids
Guimarães, Portugal’s historic cradle, is one of the best day trips from Porto with kids. Guimarães was founded in the 9th century and became the capital of Portugal in the 12th century. This magnificent city will amaze the whole family.
Things to do in Guimarães with kids
Visit the Historic City Center
The historic center of Guimarães has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval architecture has been well preserved despite the modernization of the city. Stroll through the historic center and immerse yourself in the whole history of Guimarães. It is also the ideal place to grab a bite!
Visit Historical Sites
Given the rich history of Guimarães, there is no shortage of historical sites to visit with the family. Children will especially love visiting Guimarães Castle (Castelo de Guimarães – a medieval fortress) and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (Parco dos Duques de Braganca). The Nossa Senhora da Consolacao E Santos Passos church is also worth a visit. In front of this church, you will find majestic gardens.
Cable car
Board the Guimarães Cable Car which will take you to the top of Montanha. From there, you will have panoramic views of the city and its fabulous medieval architecture.
How to get to Guimarães from Porto
Getting to Guimarães from Porto by train
The train journey from Porto to Guimarães takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Several trains leave daily from Sao Bento and Campanhã stations in Porto. This is the easiest and fastest way to get to Guimarães.
Tours and packages to get to Guimarães from Porto
Some tours allow you to visit Guimarães without having to worry about transport – transport is included in the packages.
For example, this tour allows you to visit Braga and Guimarães in one day. In our opinion, this type of tour is more suitable for families traveling with older children or teenagers given the length of the activity.
➡️ Read Next: 7 INCREDIBLE DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON BY TRAIN FOR FAMILIES
6 – Day trip to Matosinhos with kids
Due to its proximity to the city, Matosinhos is also one of the greatest day trips from Porto with kids. This is a very popular beach destination for families staying in Porto. Indeed, the city of Matosinhos, which is only a twenty-minute drive from Porto, is right next to the Atlantic Ocean.
Things to do in Matosinhos with kids
Beach
The beach is without a doubt the main attraction of this region. If you have young kids, this is the perfect place to spend a day playing in the sand and building sandcastles. For the older ones, enjoy the sun and relax by the ocean!
There’s also a boardwalk that runs along the beach – it’s the perfect place to stroll around and take in the gorgeous ocean views.
SeaLife Porto
The SeaLife Porto aquarium is a must for families visiting Matosinhos. You will see more than 3000 marine species that will captivate young and old.
Marés Swimming Pools
The Piscina da Marés are saltwater pools located on the edge of the Leça da Palmeira beach. This magnificent complex is accessible to the public during the summer period. The whole family will enjoy a swim in these unusual pools with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
How to get to Matosinhos from Porto
Getting to Matosinhos from Porto by metro
The metro is the easiest and fastest way to get to Matosinhos from Porto. Line A (or blue line) goes to the center of the city, to the Senhor de Matosinhos station. All stops from Camara de Matosinhos are located near the town.
Getting to Matosinhos from Porto by bus
The bus is another fast and efficient way to get to Matosinhos from Porto. Take the 500 bus, which will take you to Matosinhos. Get off at one of the following stops: Castelo do Queijo, “Edificio Transparente”, Matosinhos Beach or Matosinhos Market (last stop).
To get to the “Piscina da Marés” swimming pools, take the 507 bus.
7 – Day trip to Espinho with kids
Espinho is a less known destination which is often overlooked by tourists visiting Porto. However, it has many white-sand beaches and a lively beachfront. In our opinion, this beach destination is among the best day trips from Porto with kids. We absolutely loved spending a day there with our children – we took a stroll and relaxed by the ocean. Our kids played in the sand and dipped their toes in the waves.
Things to do in Espinho with kids
Beach
The main attraction of Espinho is its many beaches. Bring sunscreen, towel and sand toys and you will have a great family time! During our last stay in Porto, we spent a whole day in Espinho, playing in the sand with our kids and walking on the sidewalk along the ocean. Several restaurants have terraces that offer magnificent views of the ocean.
Market
Feira Semanal de Espinho is an open-air market that is very popular in the region. It is actually the largest weekly market in Portugal. The market takes place every Monday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to traditional Portuguese products in terracotta.
How to get to Espinho from Porto
Getting to Espinho from Porto by train
We particularly liked Espinho because it is one of the most accesible day trips from Porto with kids. The easiest and cheapest way to get to Espihno from Porto is by train. 2 to 3 trains per hour leave Porto daily from Sao Bento and Campanhã stations in the direction of Espinho. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
8 – Day trip to Nazaré with kids
Nazaré is a fishing village that is also one of the greatest destinations for day trips from Porto with kids. The city, located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, is particularly known for its surfing conditions. Due to an underground canyon, this is where you can find some of the highest waves in the world.
Things to do in Nazaré with kids
Beach and Surf
Take advantage of a sunny day to visit the Nazaré’s beaches. If your children are older, you can also take surf lessons. During the summer, the waves are smaller, which allows even beginners to give it a try.
On the promenade along the main beach of Nazaré, you will find several cafes, restaurants and shops.
How to get to Nazaré from Porto
Getting to Nazaré from Porto by car
The best way to get to Nazaré from Porto is by car. The journey takes approximately two hours.
9 – Day trip to Peneda-Gerês with kids
Finally, if you are looking for outdoor activities, the Peneda-Gerês National Park is the best option in terms of day trips from Porto with kids.
Things to do in Peneda-Gerês with kids
Outdoor activities
In addition, to admire the great beauty of the national park, several outdoor activities are available. For example, it is possible to go for a hike, swim in turquoise waters, observe the fauna and flora, go kayaking and much more.
Tours and packages
Several interesting circuits are offered to make the most of your experience in the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
For example, this 4×4 park tour allows you to tour the park along beautiful trails, swim in turquoise water lagoons, and visit remote villages. This activity is great for kids ages 7 and up.
A canyoning package in the national park is also a great option. Transportation from Porto is also included in this package. Given the nature of this activity, it is also suitable for older children.
Finally, a guided tour of the park in small groups is also available. Given the duration of the activity (9h – including transport between Porto and the national park), this activity is more suitable for families traveling with older children.
How to get to Peneda-Gerês from Porto
Getting to Peneda-Gerês from Porto by car
Peneda-Gerês is one of the furthest day trips from Porto with kids. The easiest way to get to the national park from Porto is by car. The journey is approximately 1h15 – only to reach the park’s entrance. You may have to drive for a longer period if you have a specific spot in mind. Having a car also allows you to freely visit the park once there.
Wrapping Up the Best Day Trips from Porto with Kids
Porto is a fantastic base for exploring northern Portugal, and these day trips offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for families. Whether you’re visiting the historic towns of Guimarães and Braga, taking in the stunning scenery of the Douro Valley, or enjoying a beach day in Aveiro, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—kids and parents alike.
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful, especially with these easy-to-reach spots just a short drive or train ride from Porto. Pack your snacks, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, and get ready for memorable family outings that mix culture, nature, and fun!
Planning a family trip to Portugal? Read these posts next:
– 5 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN PORTO WITH KIDS
– The BEST Douro River Cruise: 5 Amazing Options for Families
– The Best Time to Go to Portugal: Your Family-Friendly Guide
– LISBON WITH KIDS: THE GREATEST 4-DAY ITINERARY FOR FAMILIES
– 7 INCREDIBLE DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON BY TRAIN FOR FAMILIES
– WHERE TO STAY WITH KIDS IN LISBON
– 11 Absolutely Great Things to do in Cascais with Kids
– The Ultimate Family Guide to Cascais Beaches
