18 Best Things to Do in Lisbon with Kids: A Guide to Kid-Friendly Adventures
Lisbon, a city of wonders, is a playground for families looking to mix adventure with a dash of history and culture. In this guide, I’ve gathered 18 fantastic activities that are perfect for kids, ensuring your family vacation is filled with joy and discovery. From castles that bring fairy tales to life to enchanting gardens ideal for a leisurely day out, I’ve got you covered.
So, let’s embark on this exciting journey through Lisbon, where each corner turned is an opportunity for fun and learning for your little explorers. Whether you are having a day trip, two days in Lisbon or a longer holiday, hopefully you will find something you want to do here.
5 Best Historical Sites and Museums
Lisbon’s rich history comes to life in its fascinating historical sites and museums, perfect for sparking young minds’ curiosity. In this section, we explore five must-see destinations where history is not just something to be read about but experienced.
Let’s dive into a world where past and present meet, and every corner tells a story waiting to be discovered by your family.
1. Castelo de São Jorge
What kid wouldn’t think a castle is the coolest thing they’ve ever seen? They grow up reading about them in fairytales and now can experience one in real life. Castelo de São Jorge is in the Alfama neighbourhood in Lisbon and just a tram ride from the centre.
The castle walls and towers are visible throughout the city and date back to the Moorish occupation of Lisbon in the 10th century. Visitors can walk along the castle walls and feel what it would have been like to be back in medieval times while also learning about the history of Lisbon.
The best part? Entrance is free for children under 12 years of age.
2. Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the most popular places in Lisbon and for a good reason. Located in the Parque das Nocaoes neighbourhood in Lisbon, it is home to 15,000 creatures from over 450 species. It is one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe!
Some things that the kids will love here are the penguins, sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays. The aquarium will leave you and your kids in awe while learning all about sea life.
Kids under 2 get in free, and an adult ticket costs only €25. Another tip for parents is to buy your tickets online and skip waiting in line for an hour. Your family will thank you.
3. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
This monastery was built in the 15th century by King D. Manuel and looks just as incredible from the outside as it does inside. It’s located in the neighbourhood of Belém. It is also just walking distance from famous landmarks like the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) and the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos).
Don’t miss the chance to explore the enchanting cloisters of Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a real-life ‘hidden garden’ with its beautiful arches and columns – a perfect spot for a family photo! Kids will love the intricate designs resembling ropes and sea monsters, a nod to Portugal’s maritime adventures. And here’s a quirky tidbit: the monastery’s construction was partly funded by the spice trade, so it’s literally built on a foundation of flavours.
Another fun fact is that this is where the 18th-century Catholic monks invented the famous pastel de nata. So, after you are done visiting, go to Pastéis de Belém for the best pastel de nata in Lisbon that uses the original recipe from the monks themselves.
4. Museu da Marioneta (Puppet Museum)
The Museu da Marioneta is sure to be a hit with the kids. This museum was founded in 1987 by a puppet company called Companhia de Marionetas de São Lourenço. The puppet museum is inside a 16th-century monastery, the Convento das Bernardas. There are more than a thousand pieces in this museum from all over the world and in all different styles and designs.
Check their website to see if there will be a puppet show or another family activity you can attend while in Lisbon.
5. Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência
The Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência (or the National Museum of Natural History and Science) was originally a college built in 1857 and, in 2011, became the museum it is today. It’s the number one natural history museum in the entire country of Portugal.
Here, you and your family can view collections over 250 years old from various topics like anthropology, botany, geology, and zoology. Kids will love this museum’s dinosaur and planetarium sections, so leave time for these exhibits.
4 Best Outdoor Activities and Parks
Lisbon’s outdoors is a playground of fun and nature, perfect for families. This section showcases four great outdoor activities and parks in the city, ideal for a day of exploration and relaxation.
And for families looking to explore beyond the city’s bounds, don’t forget about day trips. The fairytale palaces of Sintra, the surf beaches of Ericeira, and the natural beauty of Arrábida are just a short journey away, offering even more outdoor wonders.
6. Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa (Lisbon Zoo)
The Lisbon Zoo has been around since 1884 and has over 2,000 animals and 300 species. You can find birds, reptiles, mammals, and even amphibians here. The Zoo is not too big, which makes it easy to see all the animals reasonably quickly.
Some top attractions for families are a 20-minute cable car ride over the zoo, a twice-a-day animal show featuring birds and other animals, and the children’s farm where kids can pet and interact with the animals. This is another one of Lisbon’s most popular spots, so buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid the lines.
7. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum has art from around the globe and is one of the world’s most important private collections. There are theatres, concerts, and tours made just for kids. A quick tip: you can get into the museum for free on Sundays after 2 p.m.
One highlight of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is the garden. You can enjoy Gulbenkian’s beautiful gardens without paying for the museum’s admission. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends, wander around with your kids, or have a mid-day picnic. Don’t miss this little oasis in Lisbon.
8. Jardim da Estrela
Another unique garden in Lisbon is the Jardim da Estrela. It’s right across from the Basílica da Estrela and has plenty of space for kids. There’s also a craft and design market in this park on the first weekend of each month.
This park is the perfect place to wind down after a long day of travelling and give your kids time to get their wiggles out. There is also a British cemetery in the park with hundreds of beautiful tombstones that kids will find incredible.
9. Telecabine Lisboa (Lisbon Cable Cars)
Give your kids the ride of their lives with the Telecabine Lisboa. This 1.2 kilometres (0.75 miles) cable car is 8 minutes long and goes from the Passeio das Tágides Station (which is near the Oceanário de Lisboa) to the Torre Vasco da Gama Station (which is near the Myriad Hotel).
It reaches a height of 30 meters (98 feet) and has views of the Vasco da Gama Bridge, the Tagus River, and the skyscrapers of the Parque das Nações neighbourhood. It’s free for kids under 2, €5.50 for children 3-12, and €7.50 for adults.
3 Interactive and Educational Experiences
Lisbon isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s a city where learning and fun go hand in hand. In this section, we focus on three interactive and educational experiences that are perfect for curious young minds.
10. Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Science Museum)
Let’s get into some interactive and educational experiences for the kids. The Pavilhão do Conhecimento (The Pavilion of Knowledge – Living Science) is an interactive museum that teaches kids about science and technology.
There are exhibits specifically made for little kids, like a building project where they can build a small house or climb up a frog’s tongue using Velcro. And for the older kids, they have the light, sound waves, tornadoes, and vision exhibits. You can check out their website here to learn more about all the activities and fun things at this museum.
11. Planetário Calouste Gulbenkian (Planetarium)
If you and your family love learning about the stars, planets, and the galaxy, visit the Planetário Calouste Gulbenkian. This planetarium has a 25-meter (82ft) dome with over 9,000 stars and shows the Milky Way Galaxy up close, letting you and your family feel like astronauts hurtling through space.
There are Portuguese, English, and French shows – even one show made just for kids. However, kids under three are prohibited from entering the planetarium. Check their website to find out when the kids’ or the English show is.
12. KidZania Lisboa
KidZania Lisboa is a replica city theme park made for kids that features an airport, TV studios & shops, plus play career choices. What does that mean exactly? At KidZania, children can play adult roles in a super realistic environment.
They can choose from over 60 professions in different fields, including firefighter, news reporter, pilot, and racecar driver. This will help your kids experience living in a society with rules and laws while having the time of their lives!
Kids aged 3-15 will love this kid-sized city that lets them pretend to be part of the grown-up world, at least for a little bit.
3 Cultural Experiences and Workshops
Dive into Lisbon’s rich culture with our handpicked selection of cultural experiences and workshops. These activities are entertaining and offer a deep insight into the city’s artistic heritage. Perfect for families seeking to immerse themselves in local traditions, from Fado music to the art of azulejo tile painting. Each workshop is a unique opportunity for hands-on creativity and cultural connection
13. Fado Workshops for Kids
Let your kids experience something exceptional in Lisbon with a Fado workshop. Fado is the traditional folk music of Lisbon that has been around since the mid-1800s. In these workshops, your kids will hear fado music, see the fado dances, and even participate in the festivities.
Some places with Fado workshops in Lisbon are the Oceanirum, Museu do Fado, and many other places around the city. These workshops will be a fun and educational activity for the whole family.
14. Portuguese Tile Painting Workshops
Portuguese tile painting workshops are another great family-friendly workshop experience in Lisbon. Portuguese tiles (or azulejos) are found all over Lisbon. They were introduced to Portugal in the mid-16th century and can now be seen everywhere, from apartment buildings to ancient churches. If you want to see the best azulejo collection in Portugal, head to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo.
I recommend booking a tour if you want to do a tile painting workshop with your family.
15. Cooking Classes for Traditional Portuguese Dishes
Last on the list is a traditional Portuguese cooking class. Cooking classes are fantastic for kids because they get to eat what they create.
Lisbon is known for having fantastic seafood dishes like grilled sardines, octopus, and clams. However, what Lisbon is famous for is pastel de nata. You can find pastel de nata baking and traditional cooking classes all over the city.
Remember that these classes rarely allow children under the age of 6 to participate, so check with your guide before booking.
Final Thoughts: Things to do in Lisbon with Kids
It’s clear that Lisbon, with its unique blend of history, culture, and fun, is a fantastic destination for families. Keeping kids engaged and entertained in a new city can be challenging, but Lisbon rises to the occasion with its kid-friendly activities.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Imagine taking a boat trip down the Tagus River, where the city’s history unfolds along the banks, or hopping on a tuk-tuk to navigate the charming cobblestone streets. Each corner of Lisbon offers a new adventure, from its bustling markets to serene parks.
Your trip to Lisbon will be filled with laughter, learning, and memories to last a lifetime, proving it’s a place where family adventures turn into cherished stories.
