Those who think museums are inappropriate for children should be discouraged. From north to south of the country, with many creative activities in the mix, there is no shortage of options that can contribute to the little ones acquiring new knowledge, in a very fun way. We have selected for you the ten best museums for children.
Interactive Museum of the Chocolate Factory, Viana do Castelo
As the name suggests, in a building where chocolate was once made, the experience is totally interactive. Through sensory activities, visitors can get to know the history of cocoa and chocolate better. On the other hand, they can walk through the fascinating production circuit of chocolate and transformation of cocoa into a chocolate tablet. In the end, after having “worked” at the factory, it is possible to collect the confectioned chocolate and customize it with a label.
World of Discoveries, Porto
In a fun and didactic way, the little ones can take a trip through the Discoveries. The children will be able to enter a 17th century ship, have meetings with Adamastor and contact with elephants from the rainforests.
Puppet Museum, Porto
In the heart of Porto's historic center, the small but charming Puppet Museum is the ideal place to let the imagination run free. Full of plays aimed at children and youth audiences, with the possibility of having a guided tour by an actor of the company, children can see the collection of puppets that are part of the Puppet Theater of Porto up close. Thanks to a kit, the little ones will still be able to assemble their puppet and experiment with manipulation and scenic construction techniques.
Toy Museum, Seia
In total, there are eight thousand national and international toys that are exhibited at the Toy Museum of Seia. The museum space presents toys from various eras, remembering how important they were and are for the development of a child. Between dolls, strollers, tricycles, puzzles, cuddly toys, board games and much more, here, adults will be able to review the common toys of their childhood and make them known to kids.
Soap Museum, Gavião
The Soap Museum, in Gavião, is one of the four museums on this theme in the world. In an old school, in the village of Belver, it reveals the memories of the land, fundamental in the development of the national soap industry, and tells the story of the beginning of soap production. Due to the activities and live demonstrations for the young ones, more than a lively discovery, this visit can be an unforgettable experience.
Dino Parque, Lourinhã
In Lourinhã, there is Dino Parque, one of the museum centers of the Lourinhã Museum. Opened since 2018, it is the largest theme park entirely dedicated to the history of dinosaurs and the largest open-air museum in Portugal. Divided by the four most important periods in the history of the earth and the evolution of life, the park hosts 180 full-scale models of dinosaur species.
Sintra Myths and Legends Interactive Center, Sintra
You can get to know mysticism, romanticism and the secrets that encompass Sintra crossing reality and fiction using scenography, multimedia techniques and sensory experiences. Through history, music and literature, you can access a route that has 17 different spaces. Throughout the tour, you can get to know the mysticism, romanticism and the secrets that surround Sintra. At the Sintra Myths and Legends Interactive Center, you can experience the feeling of entering the Regaleira Initiation Well and even come face to face with the fearsome Adamastor.
Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, Lisbon
The space is one of the most appealing cultural proposals in the Portuguese capital, perhaps due to its imposing structure, signed by the British Amanda Levete, which draws the attention of all ages. In addition to hosting diverse exhibitions, reflecting major themes and trends today, this EDP Foundation project offers family workshops and an educational program of activities on art, technology and architecture.
Portimão Museum, Portimão
Located on the riverside area of Portimão, the museum was erected in the former facilities of the canning plant Feu — Hermanos. With activities intrinsically linked to the sea, canning and fishing, not forgetting the presence of Roman and Islamic notes in the region, we are led by the origins and histories of the city. The cultural program of the Museu de Portimão presents a permanent exhibition and a variety of temporary exhibitions.
Museum of Ceramics, Caldas da Rainha
The Museum of Ceramics is the reflection of an ancient desire of many Caldenses, given that Caldas da Rainha is a ceramic center of recognized tradition. Located in Quinta Visconde de Santarém, the cultural space proposes an immersion in the history of Portuguese ceramics. Throughout the exhibited collection, the work and name of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro stands out. The little ones can participate in the workshops organized by the museum and can also learn about the ancient art.
