Visiting places with kids can be challenging, but it is also a great way to spend time together as a family and create lasting memories. It can be hard to keep kids entertained and engaged, especially when they are young. However, with a little planning and preparation, it is possible to make the most of your family trip. One way to make it more fun for kids is to involve them in the planning process. Give them a map of the city and let them choose the places they want to visit. Also, make sure to include activities that are tailored to their interests and age group. Pack some snacks and activities to keep them busy during downtime, and be prepared for unexpected events such as bad weather. Remember to take breaks and make time for rest and relaxation, and most importantly, have fun!
10 Ideas for visiting Coimbra with kids
1. Visit the Science and Technology Park (Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia)
2. Take a stroll through the Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico)
3. Explore the Science Museum of Coimbra University
4. Take a boat ride along the Mondego River
5. Visit the Machado de Castro National Museum
6. Take your kids on an Explorial adventure
7. Take a trip to the Portugal dos Pequenitos
8. Have a picnic at the Parque Verde do Mondego
9. Visit the Santa Cruz Monastery
10. Take a day trip to Conimbriga
1. Visit the Science and Technology Park (Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia)
The Science and Technology Park (Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia) in Coimbra, Portugal is a unique and interactive attraction that is perfect for families and visitors of all ages. The park features a wide range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that are designed to educate and entertain visitors about the latest advancements in science and technology. The park has several theme areas, such as the area of renewable energy, where visitors can learn about different forms of renewable energy, and the area of space, where visitors can learn about space exploration and the history of space travel. The park also features an area dedicated to the history of science and technology, where visitors can learn about the contributions of famous scientists and inventors throughout history. Additionally, the park has a planetarium, an outdoor playground and a number of workshops and activities. The park is a great spot to visit for those looking for an interactive and educational experience, and it’s perfect for families with children who are curious about the world around them.
2. Take a stroll through the Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico)
The Botanical Garden of Coimbra, also known as the Jardim Botânico de Coimbra, is a beautiful and tranquil garden located in the city of Coimbra, Portugal. The garden was founded in 1772 and it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Portugal. The garden is home to a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees from all over the world, including a large collection of succulents, cacti, and other plants from the Mediterranean region. The garden also features a number of greenhouses, including a tropical greenhouse with a collection of exotic plants and a palm house with a collection of palm trees. The garden also has a section dedicated to medicinal plants, where visitors can learn about the medicinal properties of different plants and how they are used in traditional medicine. Additionally, the garden also has a playground and a picnic area, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or a picnic with family. The Jardim Botânico de Coimbra is a great spot to visit for those looking to learn more about the natural world and enjoy a peaceful and tranquil environment.
3. Explore the Science Museum of Coimbra University
The Science Museum of Coimbra University is a museum located in Coimbra, Portugal. The museum is dedicated to the promotion of science and technology to the general public, it is based in the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe, and it is housed in an 18th-century building. The museum has a diverse collection that covers various scientific fields such as botany, zoology, geology, and mineralogy. The museum has several permanent exhibitions that showcase the history of science and the scientific discoveries that have been made over the centuries. It also has a section dedicated to the history of the University of Coimbra, and the role it played in the scientific development of the country. The museum also offers workshops and activities for children and families, where visitors can learn about science and technology in a fun and interactive way. The Science Museum of Coimbra University is a great spot to visit for those interested in science, technology and history, and it offers a great opportunity for visitors to learn about the scientific heritage of Coimbra and the university.
4. Take a boat ride along the Mondego River
Boat rides along the Mondego River in Coimbra, Portugal are a popular way to explore the city and its surroundings. The Mondego River is the longest river in central Portugal, and it runs through the heart of Coimbra, offering a beautiful and peaceful way to see the city. The boat rides usually depart from the city center, and they take visitors on a journey along the river, passing by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as the Santa Clara Bridge, the Coimbra University and the Convent of Santa Clara-a-Velha. The boat rides also offer a great opportunity to see the city’s nature, the Mondego river is surrounded by lush green landscapes, visitors can see different birds and other wildlife. The boat rides are usually guided and the guides provide information about the history and culture of the city and the region. The boat rides are a great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the city, and they can be a great addition to any visit to Coimbra. They are usually available during the summer months, and they are a great way to beat the heat and enjoy the fresh air.
5. Visit the Machado de Castro National Museum
The Machado de Castro National Museum is a museum located in Coimbra, Portugal. The museum is housed in the former bishop’s palace, which is a beautiful 18th-century building. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of the art and cultural heritage of the region. The museum has an extensive collection that includes Roman, Visigothic, and medieval artifacts, as well as art and decorative objects from the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum also has an important collection of Portuguese ceramics, furniture, and sculptures. The museum has several permanent exhibitions that showcase the history of the region and the artistic and cultural heritage of the city. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. The Machado de Castro National Museum is considered one of the most important cultural institutions in the city, and it is a must-see destination for those interested in art, history, and culture. The museum is located in the historic city center, and it is a great spot to visit for those who want to learn more about the rich heritage of Coimbra.
6. Take your kids on an Explorial adventure
What is the goal?
Explorial is an interactive and challenging game in which the objective is to collect as many points as possible as a group.
You explore the city on foot and get points for solving different types of tasks.
Whether you know your way around the city or are just visiting, with Explorial you are guaranteed to get to know the city in a new way.
What is needed?
To start a trail, you will need a smartphone with an active internet connection, the free Explorial app, and a valid ticket for each player.
A ticket can be purchased right here on the website. With the ticket you can start the game immediately. No reservation is necessary.
You can explore the city at your own pace. The game is not limited in time (perfect when going with kids). Typically, it takes about 1-2 hours.
7. Take a trip to the Portugal dos Pequenitos
Portugal dos Pequenitos (Portugal of the Little Ones) is a theme park and a cultural and pedagogical center located in the city of Coimbra, Portugal. The park was created in 1940 by Dr. José Alberto de Oliveira Bello, who wanted to create a place where children could learn about the history, culture, and architecture of Portugal. The park is a miniature representation of the most important monuments, buildings, and landmarks of Portugal, all scaled down to a size that is suitable for children. The park is divided into several areas, each representing a different region of Portugal. The park also includes a playground, a restaurant and a gift shop. The park also has a section dedicated to the Portuguese discoveries, where visitors can learn about the voyages of the Portuguese navigators and the discovery of new lands. The park is a great spot to visit for families with children, it is an interactive and educational place where children can learn about the history and culture of Portugal in a fun and engaging way.
An INCREDIBLE place for the little (and even the bigger) ones! 🙂
8. Have a picnic at the Parque Verde do Mondego
The Parque Verde do Mondego (Mondego Green Park) is a large public park located in Coimbra, Portugal. The park is situated alongside the Mondego River, and it offers a wide range of recreational activities and beautiful natural scenery. The park has several walking and cycling trails, which allows visitors to explore the park and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are also several playgrounds and sports facilities, such as a soccer field, a basketball court, and a skatepark. The park is also home to a number of animals, including ducks, geese, and swans, which can be found on the park’s lake. The park also has several picnic areas, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack while taking in the beautiful views of the river. The park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike and it’s a great place to go for a walk, a bike ride, or a picnic with friends and family. The park also hosts several events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and outdoor cinema screenings.
9. Visit the Santa Cruz Monastery
The Santa Cruz Monastery, also known as the Monastery of Santa Cruz, is a historic monastery located in Coimbra, Portugal. The monastery was founded in the 12th century by King Afonso Henriques and it was the first royal monastery in Portugal. The monastery has a rich history and it is an important architectural and cultural landmark in the city of Coimbra. The monastery’s church, which is dedicated to the Holy Cross, is a beautiful example of the transitional style between the Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The church has a nave with a ribbed vault, and it features a beautiful cloister, with a central garden, which is one of the best examples of the Gothic architecture in Portugal. The monastery also has a museum, which houses an important collection of religious art, including sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts. The Santa Cruz Monastery is a great spot to visit for those interested in history, architecture and art, it is also a great place for those who are looking for a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
10. Take a day trip to Conimbriga
Conimbriga is an archaeological site located near the city of Coimbra, Portugal. The site is the ruins of a Roman city that was founded in the 1st century BC and was occupied until the 5th century AD. The site is considered one of the most important Roman archaeological sites in Portugal and it is open to the public. The site features the remains of several Roman buildings, such as houses, public baths, and an ancient forum. Visitors can also see the remains of a Roman bridge and an aqueduct that were used to bring water to the city. The site also features a museum which houses a collection of artifacts that were found at the site, including pottery, jewelry, and mosaics. Conimbriga is a great spot to visit for those interested in Roman history and archaeology, and it offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Romans during the Roman Empire. The site is well preserved, and visitors can see the remains of the houses, streets, and public spaces that were used by the inhabitants of the city.
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