If you plan a trip to Vila Nova de Gaia with your kids, you don’t have to worry. Our region offers a wide range of places and activities that will not only excite the little ones but also fascinate the adults.
From the beautiful banks of the Douro River to the charming streets, Gaia is a perfect destination for family travelers. With numerous outdoor activities that focus on nature exploration and cultural experiences that highlight the local flavors and knowledge of the people, you can create unforgettable memories with your family.
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of 6 things that you must attend while visiting Vila Nova de Gaia with your children. So, get ready to explore the magic of Gaia and enjoy some quality time with your family!
1. Walk along the Atlantic coast
There are various ways to explore Vila Nova de Gaia, but one of the most exciting ways is to walk or cycle along the routes and cycle paths of the region. It is an experience that will stay in your memory, especially if you embark on an adventure with your little ones. Our recommendation is to take a journey along the Atlantic Ocean. You will be mesmerized by the sea breeze and the stunning scenery.
We challenge you to explore this extraordinary route, which includes the beautiful beaches of Gaia. Take the opportunity to stop along the way, refresh yourself, and enjoy a snack while admiring the breathtaking maritime landscape.
Walking or cycling along this route with your family is a great way to create beautiful moments and memories. You and your kids will surely enjoy feeling the sea breeze and witnessing the incredible scenery.

2. Marvel at urban art
Discover the vibrant creativity of Vila Nova de Gaia’s streets, where urban art adds color and emotions to the city. Take a stroll and explore the artworks contributed by both national and international artists.
Each creation will captivate the eyes of the little ones and inspire all who observe Gaia’s urban art.
Don’t miss out on Bordalo II’s Half Rabbit, located on the magnificent Gaia waterfront between Dom Afonso III Street and Guilherme Gomes Fernandes Street. This unique sculpture is divided into two halves, one displaying vibrant and cheerful colors and the other featuring a more sober and meaningful image.
The sculpture appeals to social and environmental consciousness. It provides an excellent opportunity for education about the importance of waste reduction. The grandeur of the piece and the liveliness of its colors will undoubtedly fascinate the younger ones.
Discover the best places for urban art experiences in the dedicated section!

3. Stroll and exercise in Lavandeira Municipal Park
Lavandeira Municipal Park is a true paradise for families visiting our destination!
Located in the parish of Oliveira do Douro, just 10 minutes from the iconic Morro Garden, this park is the perfect place to escape the busyness of urban life. Here, the greenery invites you to have picnics, offering tranquil shades for relaxation and incredible trails to explore, run, or simply take a leisurely walk. It is an excellent place to share memorable moments!
Inspired by the work of writer Jules Verne, “Around the World in 80 Days,” the park offers an impressive space dedicated to the little ones.
Here, the moral of the incredible story serves as a starting point: “Our dreams come true when we embark on a vehicle made of persistence and courage.”
Add Lavandeira Municipal Park to your itinerary and create unforgettable memories with your family. Come and experience the magic of this unique space!

4. Walk through the habitat of over 40 bird species...
Located in the parish of Avintes, just 15 minutes from the center of Vila Nova de Gaia, lies the Gaia Biological Park, a true treasure of nature. As you step into this incredible place, you will be greeted with a warm welcome by none other than a dinosaur, a Brachiosaurus, the Jurassic giant! This epic-scale welcome will undoubtedly captivate the young ones and fill their eyes with wonder.
The park is a sanctuary for animal life, with over 40 species of birds. You can explore the habitats of the wildlife that resides here, sharing the space with us. Take a stroll along the 3 km path through the park, connect with nature, create family memories, and rest assured that your children will be delighted observing the habits of the animals that call this place home!

5. Spend a day at one of our 19 Blue Flag Beaches
Vila Nova de Gaia is home to 19 Blue Flag beaches with over 15 kilometers of coastline that offer an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with your family. The rhythmic whispers of the waves as they lap the shore make these nature treasures the perfect place for a day out with your little ones.
From the rocks that protect the shore at Lavadores Beach located at the mouth of the Douro River to the spectacular scenery of Miramar Beach, where the Chapel of Senhor da Pedra rises between the sea and the golden sand, Gaia’s beaches offer an incredible experience that can create unforgettable moments with your family.
Did you know that iodine, which has excellent health benefits, is present in seawater and is also found in fish, legumes, and dairy products? The beaches of Vila Nova de Gaia, specifically Aguda Beach and Lavadores Beach, are rich in this micronutrient. Come to our shores and breathe in the sea breeze full of iodine while creating beautiful memories with your loved ones.
Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the breathtaking coastal area of Vila Nova de Gaia and create memories that will last a lifetime!

6. Discover marine life at Estação Litoral da Aguda
The Estação Litoral da Aguda, situated on Aguda Beach, is not only a museum dedicated to maritime culture but also an excellent place for a family-friendly and educational experience.
It is a cultural gem that can pique the interest of all visitors. The museum has three main areas that you must explore: the Aquarium, which offers an opportunity to observe the local aquatic life up close, the Fishing Museum, which displays ancient and modern fishing tools, and the Department of Education and Research, which is committed to promoting environmental awareness and exciting scientific projects.
This museum is a perfect blend of fun and learning, where children can explore the fascinating marine world. It is an ideal setting to stimulate the curiosity of young ones and create lasting family memories.
So, come and explore this knowledge sanctuary by the sea!

Are you and your family ready to visit Gaia?
There are endless possibilities for both children and adults to experience in Gaia. The safety of our destination ensures that we can let go and create unforgettable moments with our families. When you return home, no matter your age, you will always have incredible stories to share with your loved ones!