Activities for rainy days with children

A visit to an aquarium, such as Sea Life Porto, is always exciting, for parents and children alike. It invites you to “dive” into the depths of the Ocean, getting to know more than 3000 marine creatures. The highlight of the visit is the underwater tunnel, where we can have closer contact with a turtle named Mariza, Paulo, the octopus, sharks and rays. If the rain gives a little break, enjoy the playground, right in front of the friendly penguins.

Traveling through space, between stars and planets, is the proposal of the Porto Planetarium - Centro Ciência Viva, curiously located on Rua das Estrelas (Star Street). It has a 12.5 m diameter dome and an immersive digital projection system that transports children and adults to the moon. The sessions dedicated to the youngest have such appealing names as “Vítor and Sofia go to the moon”, “There are shapes in space” and “Vítor discovering the solar system”.

Created in 1988 to bring to life old forms of puppet theater, Teatro de Marionetas do Porto later inaugurated, in 1992, Teatro de Belomonte, where we can watch the company's plays. Behind its red doors, it hides the unforgettable magic of the puppet theater, which enchants children and sends adults back to their childhood. Take the opportunity to discover, right next door, the Puppet Museum, with the exhibition “Contemporary Puppets: Creations and Discourses”.

Dedicated to the Portuguese Discoveries, World of Discoveries is located in the former warehouses of Real Companhia Velha, in Miragaia. This is an Interactive Museum and Theme Park that recreates the odyssey of Portuguese navigators, who crossed oceans to discover a new world. A very appealing space for youngsters, which will allows them to learn through interactive rooms and even boat trips with real-scale scenarios. All aboard!

As the name implies, Jumpers - Trampolim Parque is ahuge trampoline park, suitable for all ages, from 1 to 101 years old. If your goal is to spend your children's energy, this is the right place. There is a Toddler Zone, for children between 1 and 7 years old, another area for children between 5 and 7 years old, and several areas for adults too. Fun and physical activity for the family, there's no better way to spend a rainy day with the kids!

In the middle of Parque das Nações, the Lisbon Oceanarium was one of the main attractions of Expo 98 and since then has become a reference aquarium in the country. With an impressive size, where 8000 sea creatures live, from 500 different species, it provides an unforgettable day for children, and beyond. A great family trip to the bottom of the sea, where rainy days with children will no longer seem so long and gray.

In terms of activities with children, KidZania Portugal is a must-see place, or else it combines fun with learning, teaching children rules of citizenship, instilling them with values and preparing them for a life in a healthy and positive society. Basically, it recreates a small size city, with more than 60 different professions, allowing children to play in an airport, stadium, theater, shops, police station, television studio, among others.

Located in Parque das Nações, the Knowledge Pavilion - Centro CiênciaViva is an interactive science and technology museum that aims to encourage exploration and experimentation of the physical world. In addition to exhibitions, debates, colloquiums and conferences, it offers educational and recreational activities for all ages. Encourage the youngest with activities such as “Doing: Explore, Create and Imagine”, “The Kitchen is a Laboratory” and “Let's program?”.

Quantum Park Lisboa allows kids and adults to spend their energy in a closed space, being perfect to combat a sedentary lifestyle on rainy days. Ideal for entertaining the whole family, it has trampolines, climbing walls, a ninja path and a covered skate park with three wooden half pipes. You can also take skateboarding and other sports lessons. A great option for a more radical day between parents and children!

Our last suggestion for rainy days with children is the Navy Planetarium, housed in the same building as the Museu da Marinha. Here, under a dome measuring 23 meters in diameter, children and adults are invited to observe the universe and star constellations, with some sessions specially designed for children. Don't miss out on sessions with such appealing names as "The moon gets angry", "Camping with the stars" and "The mystery of the fireball".