Best Things to Do in Lisbon with Kids – Ultimate Holiday Guide
Portugal’s vibrant capital Lisbon offers plenty of family-friendly attractions to delight kids of all ages. From cable car rides offering stunning views to exciting museums bringing history alive. Lisbon promises a memorable holiday for the entire family. So, sit back, relax and check out this ultimate holiday guide for best things to do in Lisbon with kids!
Top Things to Do in Lisbon with Kids & Children’s
Lisbon offers an exciting mix of interactive museums, rides with breathtaking views, beaches, parks, castles, and scrumptious local treats to delight little ones. Families can admire beautiful azulejo tiles, go back in time to ancient castles, learn surfing, or relax at sandy beaches. With temperate weather, family-friendly attractions, and mouthwatering food, Lisbon is one of Europe’s top family holiday destinations. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Portugal Visa appointment today to get started!
When is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon with Kids?
Lisbon enjoys pleasant weather all year round making any season ideal for a family holiday. However, the spring and early fall months from March to June and September to October tend to be the best times to visit Lisbon with kids.
The weather is sunny and mild without being too hot or rainy. Crowds are smaller as compared to the peak summer tourist season. With comfortable temperatures, lower prices and hotel availability, kids can make the most of Lisbon’s outdoor playgrounds, parks and beaches before the crowds descend. Key family events also take place over the Easter and June summer break adding to the fun!
Also see, Easter in Portugal 2024 with Unique Easter Traditions & Celebrations
Fun Things to Do in Lisbon with Kids
No family trip to Lisbon is complete without enjoying a tram ride. Tram 28 offers a fun ride with hop-on, hop-off access. This allows families to explore Lisbon’s pretty neighbourhoods with cobbled plazas, ancient ruins and miradouros offering stunning vistas.
Younger kids will enjoy getting hands-on at the National Museum of Natural History and Science. Budding scientists can explore giant dinosaur skeletons, volcanic rock exhibits, botanical gardens and more. An onsite planetarium adds to the educational fun.
At Belem, must-visits include:
- The 16th-century Belem Tower providing scenic views from its observatory.
- The fascinating Maritime Museum detailing Portugal’s naval history.
- The iconic Pasteis de Belem custard tarts.
1). Things to Do in Lisbon with Kids During Winter
While Lisbon enjoys mild winters, its rainy weather calls for plenty of indoor entertainment for the young ones. Families can admire unique artworks at the interactive MAAT Museum. Or gaze at dazzling gems at the Museum of Design and Fashion!
The National Azulejo Museum brings Portuguese history alive through vivid tile murals spanning centuries. At KidZania, kids can roleplay adult jobs from being a firefighter to sushi chef!
Rainy winter days are also perfect for enjoying a magical performance at the hilltop 19th-century St. George’s Castle. Its intriguing passageways will inspire many imaginary adventures!
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2). Things to Do in Lisbon with Kids During Summer
Summers bring sunshine and perfect beach weather to Lisbon. Little ones will love frolicking in the gentle waves. Better yet, let kids build sandcastles on the golden sandy beaches of Estoril and Cascais. These locations are seamlessly accessible via a short train ride.
At Parque das Nações, families can enjoy splash parks, playgrounds with zip lines, and pedal boating at Vasco da Gama Tower. Marvel at dancing fountains synchronized to music at the Oceanarium Water Show.
Teenagers will enjoy learning to surf at Carcavelos Beach while the family enjoys local snacks at beachfront cafes nearby. End your day with a cable car ride up the hill for dinner with scenic sunset views.
Top Family-Friendly Attractions in Lisbon to Visit with Kids
Oceanarium
One of the world’s largest aquariums housing thousands of marine creatures in vast underwater habitats perfect for fish lovers of all ages to discover.
- Parque das Nações
This vibrant modern neighbourhood offers family-friendly parks, events, dining and entertainment options including the impressive Oceanarium.
- Sintra
A quick day trip to Sintra allows families to tour the fairy tale Pena Palace with dazzling interiors and sprawling gardens for magical memories.
- Planetarium Calouste Gulbenkian
Experience the mysteries of the universe via fascinating astronomical shows at this planetarium. The planetarium is equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual technology that will let you enjoy mind-blowing experiences!
- Lisbon Zoo
This amazing zoo boasts well-maintained enclosures. These provide an opportunity to observe exotic creatures like red pandas and lemurs up-close much to the delight of kids.
So, don’t wait anymore! All you need is a Portugal Visa from UK. Then simply head over to Portugal for a memorable vacation with your kids!
Also see, Portugal Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Things to Do in Lisbon with Toddlers
Lisbon offers plenty of parks where toddlers can run around playing games or enjoy rides and animal exhibits suitable for their age.
Outdoor Things to Do in Lisbon with Kids
The central Eduardo VII Park offers pony and toy train rides along with a well-equipped playground. Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa has a petting zoo where little ones can gently touch and feed adorable farm animals and birds.
Indoor Things to Do in Lisbon with Kids
For indoor entertainment, choose from interactive exhibits at the National Museum of Natural History and Science or vibrant workshops perfecting arts and crafts skills at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum’s educational centre.
Many vacation rentals also offer kids’ playrooms filled with toys, games, books, movies and gaming consoles, providing hours of entertainment for toddlers and young children alike.
Tips for Visiting Lisbon with Children
- Make the most of hop-on, hop-off tickets on Tram 28 allowing kids to explore at their own pace
- Pack light strollers and baby carriers instead of bulky prams for Lisbon’s characteristic cobblestoned streets
- Carry snacks, water, spare clothes and essential medication to avoid being caught unprepared
- Use early morning or late afternoon hours for sightseeing to avoid peak afternoon heat
- Let older kids use public transport independently to build confidence while staying safe
- Pre-book kids’ shows and workshops at museums for guaranteed engagement
Where to Stay in Lisbon, Portugal with Kids?
- Parque das Nações is a top area to stay with families thanks to spacious apartments, parks, playgrounds and easy metro access to downtown Lisbon.
- Families also love the Belém district for its wide range of accommodation options from Airbnbs to hotels like Tivoli Oriente offering kids’ suites and play areas.
- Cascais is perfect for beach holidays allowing easy access to sandy beaches, parks, zoo and museums. Family-friendly hotels here feature kids’ pools, playgrounds and entertainment.
- Sandy beaches with kid-friendly waves make Estoril or Sintra ideal for surf-loving teens too.
Best 3 Day Itinerary for Kids in Lisbon – For a Quick Trip
- Day 1
- Start with exploring downtown Lisbon’s vibrant Baixa neighbourhood via the Tram 28 looping through the city. Admire viewpoints at Miradouros São Pedro de Alcântara and Portas do Sol.
- Next, take the Santa Justa lift transporting you to the scenic ruins of the Gothic Convento do Carmo and the archaeological Rua dos Correeiros site underneath.
- Enjoy a hearty Portuguese lunch before spending the afternoon at the National Museum of Natural History and Science.
- Day 2
- Dedicate the second day to reliving Portugal’s naval history starting at the Discoveries Monument facing the Tagus River.
- Next stop, have kids’ imaginations run wild touring the 16th century Belem Tower with its vast chambers.
- Take a ride west on the quaint tram 15E to explore the Maritime Museum’s exhibits of vintage vessels and globes.
- Enjoy a break at Antiga Confeitaria de Belem’s sunny patio trying out Portugal’s iconic custard tarts.
- Day 3
- On the final day, head west by train to tour majestic Sintra’s fairy tale Pena Palace perched atop the hills.
- Next, explore magical labyrinths and secret grottos scattered across the sprawling palace gardens.
- On returning, spend the afternoon enjoying spray parks, zip lines and pedal boats around the modern Parque das Nações neighbourhood.
- End the day watching the mesmerizing Oceanarium Water Show.
Is Lisbon Safe for Families?
Yes, Lisbon is very safe for families!
While petty crimes like pickpocketing may occur in crowded tourist spots, violent crime levels in Lisbon are extremely low. Most attractions have security making them perfectly safe for parents with young kids.
Locals are also very welcoming of children and happy to provide help navigating Lisbon’s hilly terrain with strollers.
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Choose family-friendly neighbourhoods like Parque das Nações, Belém or Alfama which have playgrounds, open spaces and plenty of dining options for hassle-free family holidays!
Conclusion
With world-class museums, rides with stunning views across its pastel hued cityscape and gentle sandy beaches just a short train ride away, Lisbon offers non-stop family fun. Whether you are looking for fairy tale palaces, hands-on marine exhibits or adventures in historic castles, Lisbon appeals to travellers of all ages.
Its charming trams make sightseeing exciting for kids while interactive museums and oceanside aquariums promise intriguing discoveries for young curious minds.
As one of Europe’s safest and most family-friendly cities, Lisbon must be on the itinerary whether you are planning a quick sunny getaway or an action-packed week of culture and coast for the whole family!
With a bit of planning, Lisbon delivers an effortless family holiday allowing you to bond over new experiences while creating amazing memories to last a lifetime. Apply for Portugal Visa today to get started on your Lisbon vacation with kids!
FAQs
The vintage Tram 28 offering hop-on, hop-off access across Lisbon’s hilly neighborhoods is the most convenient and fun way to explore the city’s top attractions with kids and strollers in tow.
Estoril and Cascais, about half an hour by train from Lisbon, offer gentle waves perfect for toddlers along with seaside parks, playgrounds and cafes suitable for families. Carcavelos, closer to Lisbon city, allows trying water sports like surfing for teens.
The National Museum of Natural History and Science, the Oceanarium, the Maritime Museum and MAAT Museum with its cutting-edge art displays rank among Lisbon’s must-visit museums providing education as well as entertainment for young travelers.
The modern Parque das Nações has splash parks, adventure playgrounds with ziplines and lakes for pedal boating that children of all ages will love. The central Eduardo VII Park offers pony and toy train rides along with a well-equipped playground.
Parque das Nações is perfect for staying with kids thanks to the range of children’s attractions, entertainment and dining options in the area along with green spaces and playgrounds. Other top areas include Belém, Alfama, Baixa and riverside districts like Estoril and Cascais.
