29 Things to Do in Lisbon With Kids 2024

You are planning a trip to Portugal with the family and are concerned that those steep hills will become a nightmare for small children and you.

I can imagine it, but I want to put your mind at ease by saying that traveling to Lisbon with kids will be an unforgettable experience, given everything you can do there.

One thing is sure: the kids will not be bored, as there are many things to do and see. Think of Belem Tower, taking a cruise, riding the Santa Justa lift, and more.

1. Oceanario Aquarium

The Oceanario Aquarium in Lisbon offers family-friendly activities. Its collection of marine habitats includes sea otters, penguins, luminous jellyfish, and more.

The kids will love exploring the place, but it is a large building, and you will need a few hours to explore.

Four tanks are filled with flowers and fauna from Pacifica, Antarctica, the North Atlantic, and the Tropical Indian Ocean.

Children under three years old enter free, but purchasing tickets in advance is best. Another great thing is that there are many other things to do nearby.

There is an onsite garden with a green area found outside the cafe.

Hot Tip🔥: To cool down after a great time with the kids, head to any of these water parks.

2. Lisbon Zoo

For a family vacation in Lisbon, head to Lisbon Zoo. It is home to over 2,000 animals worldwide and offers many child-friendly activities.

They can see giraffes, tigers, lions, dolphins, elephants, and more. There are many shady picnicking spots, and the kids will have fun at the playgrounds.

Train rides to a petting zoo are available at Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa.

3. Lisbon Cable Car

Take the kids on a cable car ride along the Tagus River found outside the aquarium. They will have a perfect time with panoramic views of the Vasco da Gama Bridge in the far distance.

The family will enjoy a 3/4 mile journey taking 8 minutes, allowing enough time for some snaps. You can buy tickets at the ticket office, but buying them before the time here is best.

4. Tejo Power Station Museum

On the edge of the Tagus River, you find an old power station with many activities for kids and adults.

The body heat map is a favorite at the museum, and you will have great fun playing around with it.

There is an experiment section, and it is free for children and adults, paying €5.

5. National Museum of Science & Natural History

Another great place for indoor activities for the family is the Lisbon Science Museum. Here, children can enjoy an immersive experience with science and technology.

There is an area for kids up to 12 years old to learn about the world around them. You get hands-on exhibits, experiments, games, workshops, and more here.

With the variety of things to do, you will need plenty of time to explore everything.

6. Yellow Trams Family Trip

You can jump on one of the iconic yellow trams traveling along the narrow streets to see some of the best sites. It travels in a loop around the city.

Still, it can get busy during the summer months with the visitors. The best time is mid-morning to avoid all the crowds.

Still, if you want to use public transport in Lisbon, you can get there for free with the Lisbon City card.

Places you will see along the way on the tram ride:

• Ascensor da Bica
• Praça Martim Moniz
• Praça Luís de Camões
• Monastery of São Vicente de Fora
• Portas do Sol
• Lisbon Cathedral
• Baixa & Terreiro do Paço

7. A Tuk Tuk Tour of Lisbon

In Lisbon, you can find many tuk-tuks that are readily available to give you some sightseeing.

It is a great way to explore Lisbon with kids, but it is worth speaking to the drivers about the best offer.

So, instead of walking with the children up the cobbled streets and steep climbs, a tuk-tuk experience is a great way to see the city with kids.

For an organized tour, you can arrange a tuk-tuk tour with GetYourGuide and hotel pick-up and drop-off.

8. The Gloria Funicular

Enjoy the Gloria Funicular, which connects Lisbon’s lower and upper parts. This popular attraction dates back to 1885 and is seen on many postcards.

It takes around 5 minutes to travel up to the São Pedro de Alcântara Miradouro viewpoint. Once you reach the top, you find many restaurants and cafes to explore.

Sometimes, people refer to the ride as the Elevator Da Gloria.

9. Hippotrip

The kids will thank you for taking them on the Hippotrip on your family holiday. You will see the city from both land and water.

The fun part is when the bus turns into a boat and travels into the water. This activity is engaging for kids and fun for all when visiting Lisbon.

It is a fantastic way to travel the city and learn about Lisbon’s history. It lasts for 90 minutes, and you learn about the bridges, rivers, architecture, and monuments in a fun way.

10. Lisbon Parks

Lisbon has many green spaces where kids can have picnics. A popular one is Parque Eduardo Vll, one of the biggest parks in Lisbon.

You will have an elevated view of the Targus River and a hedge maze. A warning is that reaching the viewing point is a bit of a climb.

You can stroll the walkways and enjoy a picnic in the afternoon. Alvito Recreational Park has a playground with splash pools, which the children will love if you visit during summer.

As the kids run around, you can also enjoy a picnic at Alvito Recreational Park. Also, bring along swimming togs.

11. Lisbon Maritime Museum

Lisbon has a rich maritime history, which you can explore on your family holiday at the Lisbon Maritime Museum.

It is located in the Belém district, which has a rich history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can explore exhibitions from different eras of Portugal’s maritime history at the museum.

Artifacts and art are showcasing the Portuguese sailors’ adventures. It is a great place to visit Lisbon with kids for hands-on experience and interactive activities.

12. Adventure Park Lisbon

As you know, kids are adventurous, and what better way to treat them than visiting The Adventure Park in Lisbon?

Here, they can partake in different outdoor activities, especially the treetop rope adventures.

There is canoeing, zip lines, and long treks throughout the forest. If your children are older, they can do a rope course or play laser tag.

13. Pastel de Nata

All love the custard-filled pastry tarts; they are a must-try on your family vacation. Lisbon city has many pastry shops where you can enjoy this treat. You can even find them available at places like Vegan Nata Compot if you are vegan.

Hot Tip🔥: For a vegan nata, check out some of these spots.

14. Day Trip to Sintra

Visiting Sintra makes for a fabulous day trip visiting Lisbon with kids. The fairytale town is 25 km from Lisbon and can be reached by bus, train, or car.

Some highlights are the Pena Palace, Sintra National Palace, Castelo dos Mouros, and more. The age of your child will determine whether you visit all the spots.

Still, leave enough time to explore the town for lunch.

15. Lisbon Beaches

For a family city break, head to one of many beautiful beaches around Lisbon.

Praia do Guincho, Praia de Carcavelos, and Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras are some that come to mind.

You can also travel to Cascais by train, which has incredible beaches and family-friendly activities, from shopping to surfing.

16. Navy Planetarium

Another fantastic place to visit in Lisbon with kids is the Navy Planetarium, also known as the Marine Planetarium or Planetario da Marinha, located in Belem.

You will find it next to the Maritime Museum. Here, you can look at the stars during shows in the dome. Furthermore, it is an excellent option for those rainy days.

Hot Tip🔥: You can buy combined tickets at the Maritime Museum to visit them both simultaneously, or you can buy tickets at the Planetarium.

17. LX Factory

The neighborhood is the coolest district beneath the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. It used to be the home of a prosperous fabric factory.

Here, you can explore the cafes, shops, and a fun place to wander around. I recommend visiting on a Sunday to walk through the LX Factory flea market.

18. Quake Earthquake Lisbon Museum

The Quake Museum is one place where kids will love to have an immersive experience. Here, you get a simulation of the Lisbon earthquake in 1755.

Older children will enjoy the rooms that shake, interactive displays, and in-character staff. Learning about the history of Lisbon is a unique experience for both young and old.

19. Lunch At Time Out Food Hall

At the Time Out Market, you have 24 dining restaurants and a foodie heaven to grab lunch.

In the center, long wooden tables are where everyone eats together. This area is busy at peak times, so it is best to go early.

The table setup for visiting Lisbon with kids is ideal, but no park or playground exists.

20. Castelo de São Jorge

Take the kids to explore this medieval castle overlooking Lisbon. The children can climb the towers, walk the walls, and enjoy panoramic views.

The kids can learn about Lisbon’s history and the castle at the archaeological site.

Then, head down to the winding streets of Alfama, where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese tascas.

21. Belem Tower

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great place to explore visiting Lisbon with kids. It dates back to the 16th century when it was built to defend the city from invaders.

The children will love climbing to the top of the tower to take in the views of the Tagus River.

Hot Tip🔥: A great option is to book the ancient Jeronimos Monastery with an audio guide nearby. Then, for a day trip, explore other attractions around Belem.

22. Elevador de Santa Justa

Another of Lisbon’s historical sites is the Santa Justa lift, part of the public transport system. Whether visiting Lisbon with kids or not, riding on the historic elevator is a great experience.

The Santa Justa connects the upper and lower parts of downtown Lisbon. Once at the top, you can head to the viewing platform to enjoy some beautiful views of Lisbon’s historic center.

23. Museu da Marioneta

The Puppet Museum is an unusual museum that focuses on the history of puppets. If you are on a family city break, visit this place.

The museum has many masks and puppets worldwide, including those from Africa and Southeast Asia.

Traveling from city theatres to fairs, you can learn how these puppets were used here.

While the children cannot get hands-on with them, you get some puppets they can play with.

24. Pavilhão do Conhecimento

Pavilhão do Conhecimento is one of the largest emblematic science centers in Portugal. Visiting the Living Science Museum is a great interactive museum for kids.

Here, you will find various exhibitions and activities for children to explore different themes. Children can get hands-on science experience with the gravity on the moon, defy the laws of gravity, and construct electric circuits.

25. Buddha Eden Garden

Take the kids to the Buddha Eden Garden to see the terracotta army copies of the ones buried in China around 2,200 years ago.

Here, you can also see the largest collection of Buddhist statues scattered around the garden.

Another highlight of the garden is the huge golden Buddha and a Japanese-style lake with sculpted dragons and fish.

26. Quinta Pedagógica dos Olivais

Quinta Pedagógica dos Olivais is ideal for children who want to escape the city. The farm has many activities for kids to do, including:

• Bread Making
• Cake Making
• The production of cheese and butter
• Working with clay
• Tending to a vegetable garden

27. Kidzania

Take the kids to Kidzania, a unique indoor theme park in Lisbon, for a fun and educational day out.

Here, the children can explore and try out various careers, all in a controlled environment.

The kids can be whatever they want, from a doctor to a firefighter, as each activity makes it as realistic as possible to give them a taste of work life.

The best part is they can earn an income by receiving a salary for the jobs they complete and spending it on other activities in the park.

28. Grutas de Mira de Aire

The Grutas de Mira de Aire caves are worth exploring if you have older kids. They date back 150 million years and were formed by water erosion and limestone.

Here, you can see intricate rock formations, strange limestone shapes, stalagmites, and stalactites. The cave’s 90-minute tour includes colored lights to enhance its beauty.

You can climb the 600 steps or take an elevator.

29. Lisbon Water Parks

Another great attraction for visiting Lisbon with kids is the many water parks in the city. Children can enjoy themselves from spring to summer on water slides and more. Some standout water parks are:

• Green beans Sintra – São Pedro de Penaferrim
• Parque Aventura Sniper – Bucelas
• Slide & Splash – Algarve
• Santarem Piscinas de Ondas – Santarem

Things to Know Visiting Lisbon With Kids

Visiting Lisbon with kids is exciting, but it helps you know a few things when planning your vacation.

Always Plan Ahead

Before you take a day trip, do some research about activities and attractions that your children will enjoy. Book a Lisboa Card to simplify things if you plan to use the public transport system a lot. The card includes tickets for up to 38 attractions that include:

• Torre de Belém
• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
• 28 Tram
• Free transport around Lisbon and beyond.

You can book the Lisbon card for 24, 48, or 72 hours – so it’s the ideal way when visiting Lisbon.

Public Transportation

Lisbon’s public transportation is affordable and accessible for kids. You can take the metro or tram to avoid traffic, giving them a unique experience. The best part is that kids under six can travel free.

Hot Tip🔥: If you are unsure about public transport, you can use a ride-sharing app to travel to the main attractions.

Lastly, always be mindful of crowds, as Lisbon can get busy during the peak tourist season.

Where to Stay Visiting Lisbon With Kids

When finding accommodation in Lisbon for children, you have several options based on your budget and preferences.

One of the prime areas for families to stay in Lisbon is Baixa-Chiado. You find it situated at the heart of the city; this neighborhood offers easy access to popular tourist attractions such as:

• The Santa Justa Lift
• Praça do Comércio
• National Museum of Contemporary Art

With numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops and convenient access to metro stations, Baixa-Chiado is an ideal base for exploring the city.

Another appealing neighborhood for families in Lisbon is Alfama. Known for its charming winding streets, historical tiled buildings, and bustling local taverns, Alfama provides an authentic Lisbon experience.

There are plenty of family-friendly dining options and cafes, and the area is perfect for a leisurely exploration on foot, although caution is advised around the tram lines.

For a more luxurious experience, consider staying in the upscale Avenida da Liberdade area.

As one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Lisbon, it boasts high-end hotels and restaurants and is near main attractions like the Botanical Garden.

Wrap-Up: Visiting Lisbon With Kids

Visiting Lisbon with kids will be a memorable family vacation. The city is beautiful, engaging, and safe.

The city caters to all budgets, and you can enjoy many free and affordable activities.

While all tips should be considered to keep your holiday kid-friendly, the most magical experience is when you take a wrong turn and find a new viewpoint, street art, or delicious cafes.

So, in Lisbon, it helps to get a bit lost.

Frequently Asked Question