26 Amazing Things To Do In Lisbon With Kids By A Travel Family
Looking for fun things to do in Lisbon with kids?
We are a travel loving family of four who recently visited Portugal as a digital nomad family. As part of our visit we took a month long road trip through Portugal with our baby and toddler. During our trip we spent a week camping outside of Lisbon which was amazing fun. What we loved about Lisbon was that there was absolutely loads on offer for kids of all ages and we got to try them all. We’ve used our experience to create our list of the 26 most amazing things for kids to do in Lisbon.
Quick Guide To Things To Do In Lisbon With Kids?
Best for young kids – Lisbon Zoo, Oceanário De Lisboa & Tram 28
Free things to do in Lisbon with kids – Explore Belem District, walk the Alfama neighbourhood, search for some street art and hit the beach
Best day trips from Lisbon with kids – Explore Caiscais
Most fun historical attractions for kids – Castelo de São Jorge, travel in Elevador de Santa Justa & walk around the Alfama neighbourhood
Best for culture: Walk around Alfama and see a Fado show.
1. Ride Tram 28
One of the best ways to explore the city of Lisbon is by taking a ride on the iconic Tram 28. This historic tram route takes you through the city’s narrow streets. And up its steep hills, offering a fun way to see the sights. Kids will enjoy the adventure of riding this classic yellow tram through different neighbourhoods. You can take it from from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique. Durring the journey the tram line passes through the popular tourist districts of Graca, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela. It’s a wonderful way to see Lisbon.
This was one of Cam’s favourite things that we did in Lisbon. Which is why it’s at the top of the list. We sat right behind the driver and he enjoyed watching him drive the tram. Whilst we (the adults) had a chance to enjoy the city scenery. We had the 24 hour travel pass which works out as great value. You can jump on and off public transport for a day without worrying about paying for individual fares. Plus it worked out a lot cheaper. You can also buy the Lisboa card which covers transport and museum entry.
Top tip from travel family: There can be a very long queue for the tram in the city centre where it starts. If you have young children like we did, then you can head straight to the front of the queue. This is because there is always a young children/older person reserved seat that you can ask for. We did that with the boys and Carl stood until a seat became available a few stops later.
2. Take a cable car ride
Carrying on with the transport theme, for a bird’s eye view of the city, hop on a cable car ride on Telecabine Lisboa. It starts in Parque das Nações (near the Science Museum and Aquarium). This leisurely ride offers stunning views of the Tagus River and the city streets below. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery while taking a break from exploring on foot. Kids will love the unique perspective of Lisbon from above – Cam really enjoys an up high view!
It was was built for the World Expo in the 90s and runs for around a mile along the river at Parque das Nações. Just a heads up that the cable car just goes from one end of the park to the other. However, if still makes for a fun hour.
You can buy a joint ticket for the Telecabine and Oceánario de Lisboa.
3. Travel in the Elevador de Santa Justa
An iconic landmark in Lisbon, the Elevador de Santa Justa is a historic elevator that connects the Baixa and Bairro Alto neighbourhoods. Taking a ride on this ornate elevator is a fun way to move between the city’s different areas. And at the same time enjoy panoramic views from the top. It’s a good idea to include this unique experience in your itinerary to add a touch of old-world charm to your family vacation.
You should definitely be there earlier or later in your day to avoid the worst queues as it is a popular tourist attraction. When we went we queued for almost an hour. In hindsight the queue for the short ride up perhaps wasn’t worth the wait. Especially when we realised there were steps next to it would would have taken minutes to walk. It’s and make time to stop and enjoy the views from the small viewing platform too.
4. Ride on a Funicular
These historic cable cars offer a unique way to travel between the city’s different levels. They also provide panoramic views along the way. Experience a thrilling ride on one of Lisbon’s funiculars, such as The Ascensor da Glória which takes you to Bairro Alto or the picturesque Ascensor da Bica. Kids will love the excitement of riding the funiculars and seeing Lisbon from a different perspective.
All three were designed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, who was same man that designed the Santa Justa Elevator. They usually have shorter queues than the Elevador de Santa Justa. And are just as much fun to ride, plus they also make for a great fun photo taking opportunity! Tickets for them can be bought onboard.
5. Take a walking tour with locals
Explore Lisbon like a local by joining a walking tour led by a local guide. These tours offer an insider’s perspective on the city’s history and culture. Plus they include insider knowledge like hidden gems which allows families to discover the best-kept secrets of Lisbon. From historical sites to charming neighbourhoods, a walking tour is a great way to immerse yourselves in the local culture and connect with the heart of the city.
By exploring off-the-beaten-path locations and engaging with passionate local guides, you can gain a deeper appreciation for Lisbon’s heritage and vibrant community spirit. Remember to wear comfortable shoes. And for kids bring some good kid style transport with you. We don’t go anywhere without a scooter for Cam our three year old!
Tip tip from a travel family: When we book local walking tours we use the GuruWalk. You don’t pay for the tour. Instead you’ll need to tip your guide at the end of the tour what you think the tour is worth. They’re usually independent tours guides such as students. We love them as you’ll get some great local characters as your tour guides!
6. Walk around the Alfama Neighbourhood
The Alfama neighbourhood offers a glimpse into Lisbon’s past. Because of its narrow streets and traditional architecture preserving the city’s rich heritage. As you walk through its enchanting maze of lanes, you’ll encounter quaint cafés, historical sites, and panoramic viewpoints that showcase the beauty of this ancient district. This charming district is known for its cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and lively atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll through the winding alleyways, discover hidden squares, and soak in the local culture. It’s a great way to experience the authentic charm of Lisbon.
The neighbourhood was originally a Moorish place todays name “Alfama” is derived from their Arabic name for it which was Al-hamma. This translates as ‘hot fountains’. Many of todays residents have been living there for decades. As you walk around you’ll probably spot locals selling Ginja from their doorsteps. Ginja is the local liquor! This is also the place to head to if you’d like to eat some traditional food and also listen to some musicians playing Fado music.
Top tip: You should reserve a table at a Fado restaurant. There’s usually a minimum spend of 50 Euro per customer. If you’d like to learn about this traditional Portuguese music then you can visit the Museo de Fado in Alfama.
7. Explore the Historical Belem District
Belem is a lovely district on the outside of Lisbon which you can easily reach by public transportation. There are several tourist attractions there that you can visit. However, if like us, you’re travelling with young kids then you might want to skip entering the monastery. Instead choose to wander or scoot around the area and stop to eat some pasteis de nata.
The Jerónimos Monastery
This a UNESCO World Heritage Site is possibly the most popular attraction in the whole of Lisbon. It was built to celebrate the return of Vasco de Gama, who was a famous Portuguese explorer and the first European to travel by sea to India. Construction on the monastery began in 1501. However, it wasn’t completed for another 100 years as designs for the monastery became more elaborate as the country’s wealth grew. This is a very popular tourist site if you’re into history. However, it might not be the top on the list for families with young kids.
Pastéis de Belém
There’s lots to enjoy about Portugal! And one of the things that we really love as a family are the pasteis de nata, custard tarts. You’ll find pasteis de nata pretty much everywhere in Portugal. However, for the very best and real deal you’ll have to go to the world-famous Pastéis de Belém which is a pastry shop found near the Jeronimos Monastery.
Did you know that the pasteis de nata actually originated from the monastery itself? The story is that in 1834 the monasteries were closed by the state and one of the monks from the monastery sold the pasteis de nata recipe to a family who owned a bakery in the Belém district . The family then became this famous (and tasty) bakery in Belem where you’ll find the original tarts are still being made today. They use the exact same recipe that is still a closely kept secret!
This should be your number one food “thing to do” on your Portugal bucket list!
Torre de Belém and Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Near to The Jerónimos Monastery are two very special landmarks built to celebrate Portugal’s special role in the Age of the Discoveries. On the banks of the river Tagus, directly opposite the monastery, is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries). This celebrates the 33 prominent figures in the country’s special age of exploration such as Vasco da Gama. Further along the riverfront is the Torre de Belém (Belém Tower). It was built by King John II to help defend the Lisbon coast from foreign attacks.
8. Eat at the Time Out Market
When hunger strikes, head to the Time Out Market in the Mercado da Ribeira. This food market is a great place to sample a variety of Portuguese and international dishes. It has over 40 restaurants and bars on offer, with options to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s a great way to experience the local food scene while accommodating the whole family’s tastes. What we loved the most as a family is that there are long communal eating tables. Which was fun as Cameron soon got chatting to a local family next to us which kept him entertained. It does get busy so be prepared to have a short wait for seats.
9. Lisbon’s cool neighbourhood called the LX Factory
Discover Lisbon’s creative hub at the LX Factory, a vibrant complex of shops, galleries, restaurants, and street art. You’ll find it in a disused industrial area under the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. During industrial times it was home to Lisbon’s wealthiest fabric factories. However, they were eventually abandoned, and this former industrial site has been transformed into a cultural hotspot, offering a different experience for families to explore. From browsing unique boutiques to admiring colourful murals, there’s plenty to see and do in this artistic neighbourhood.
Whilst there isn’t anything specifically for kids there it is a fun are to walk around.
Top tip: Make sure to arrive in the afternoon when all of the vendors are open. And if you go on a Sunday you’ll be there for LX’s flea market.
10. Search for some street art
Lisbon is renowned for its vibrant street art scene, with colourful murals and graffiti adorning the city’s walls. Take a stroll through neighbourhoods like Bairro Alto and Alfama to discover hidden art gems. We love to encourage our kids to search for unique artworks,. We then discuss their meanings, and capture memorable photos of Lisbon’s urban artistry.
Cameron really enjoys “art hide and seek” as we call it. We use the game as a chance to channel his naturally inquisitive nature towards hunting out the art works.
Top tip from a travel family: We have a very cool app that we use called Street Art Cities. It helps to guide you to the street art. And then it gives you the name of the piece and the artist as well an overview of what the piece represents.
11. Make Portuguese bracelets
Immerse your family in Portuguese arts culture by participating in a hands-on activity at Missangas & Co. by creating a traditional Portuguese bracelet with your kids. You’ll get to learn about the art of jewellery-making and the significance of these intricate accessories. It’s a fun and creative way to connect with local traditions and take home a unique souvenir from your family vacation.
12. Visit the Praça do Comércio
The Praça do Comércio, also known as Commerce Square, is a must-visit when in Lisbon with kids. This grand square in the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was where Portugal’s royal palace was until the Great Earthquake of 1755. The Arco da Rua Augusta – the impressive Triumphal Arch – now stands where the palace was. And was built to commemorate the city’s rebirth after the earthquake. If you love views then you can climb to the top of the arch for a view over the Baixa neighbourhood and the river.
Praça do Comércio offers a great place for families to stroll around, taking in the beautiful architecture and enjoying the views of the Tagus River. The area is bustling with activity and is a perfect place to start your exploration of the city.
13. See the views from the Castelo de São Jorge
For breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon, head to the Castelo de São Jorge one of the main attractions in Lisbon. This historic castle perched atop a hill offers stunning views of the red rooftops of the city, the Tagus River, and beyond. There isn’t much left of the castle itself, the interest is in the view and enjoying the space around you.
Kids will love exploring the castle walls, discovering hidden corners, and imagining life in medieval times. Or, in our son’s case, he spent half an hour pretending to chase away imaginary dragons and then insisted we play endless games of hide and seek – it was definitely well worth visiting and was his favourite castle on our trip.
You can also get a close up in the Black Chamber where these is a camera obscura which gives you a 360 degree look at the city in real time, from the monuments to the people.
Top tip from a travel family: There can be a long lines to get into the castle, however, if you have young kids then you can head straight to the front of the queue and they’ll let in without queueing.
14. Visit the oldest bookstore in the world
Livraria Bertrand, located in Chiado, holds the title of the oldest bookstore in the world. If your kids love books then it’s worth a visit to this historic shop with your kids to browse through its vast collection of books and soak in the literary atmosphere.
Livraria Bertrand was first opened in 1732 as a hub for the city’s intellectual scene. Since then, (and to help put this into perspective) it has witnessed two world wars, sixteen presidents and six coups.
Despite its fantastic heritage, the store does feel like a modern day bookstore with a kids’ section at the back and a small cafe.
15. The Lisboa Story Centre
For a fun and educational experience, head to The Lisboa Story Centre. This interactive museum takes you on a journey through the history of Lisbon, from its early days with the arrive of Ulysses through to the present day. Kids will love the engaging exhibits and multimedia displays that bring the city’s past to life, the 60-minute audio guide is very good and works well for both adults and kids. It’s a good idea to include this stop in your itinerary, especially if it’s your family’s first time in the Portuguese capital.
There is also one room that focuses on the 1755 earthquake and does involve a film that some children might find overwhelming, though there isn’t anything too graphic. You may choose to skip this room if you like.
16. Get hands-on at the Science Museum
If you’re looking for a hands-on experience, then Lisbon’s Science Museum is the best place. You can visit with kids and it is just a short walk from the Lisbon oceanarium if you’re there already.
Far from being a normal museum this one is different as it’s home to the Circus of Science Experience that showcases some cool experiences and games in a fun child orientated way. They also have an exhibition on pets and art design. It offers a range of interactive exhibits and experiments that make learning about science fun and engaging. It’s a good option for families with younger children who are curious about the world around them. The perfect place if you need somewhere indoors on a rainy day.
17. Meet Lisbon’s seafarers at the Maritime Museum
Calling all wanna be pirates!
Dive (no pun intended) into Portugal’s maritime heritage at the Maritime Museum in Lisbon. This fascinating museum houses a vast collection of nautical artefacts, ship models, and historical exhibits that trace the country’s seafaring legacy. Kids will be captivated by tales of explorers, pirates, and sailors as they immerse themselves in the world of maritime history.
It’s a great opportunity to learn about Portugal’s naval prowess and global influence starting its seafaring history that dates from the 1500s, the Age of Discoveries, through to now. You can see items that belonged to famous discovered Vasco Da Gama. And also see the royal barges plus whole armadas of made of model boats as part of the 2,500 items that are in the museum.
18. See stars in Lisbon’s Planetarium
Head on a cosmic adventure at Lisbon’s Planetarium, where you can explore the wonders of the universe through immersive shows and exhibits. Kids will be mesmerised by the night sky projections, interactive displays, and educational programs that offer insights into astronomy and space exploration. It’s a great way to spark curiosity about astronomy and inspire young minds to reach for the stars.
If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Lisbon on a rainy day then this is a great choice!
19. Go for a walk in the Jardim da Estrela
This large landscaped park sits in front of the Baroque Basilica da Estrela and is one of Lisbon’s biggest and best parks. It is home to duck ponds and a fantastic kids playground.
There’s also a cafe in the middle that has a wonderful kids’ area that, in the summer months hosts regular child-friendly activities. Summer weekends in the park also see craft fairs spring up in the park and live music performances too.
20. Have an adventure at the Adventure Park
For families seeking outdoor thrills or with kids that need to burn off excess energy, then Adventure Park in Lisbon is a great place to escape to. This park offers a range of activities, including zip-lining, tree climbing, and obstacle courses, providing a fun and exciting experience for kids of all ages. It’s a great way to enjoy the city’s natural beauty while engaging in thrilling outdoor adventures.
You can also find a playground for younger kids and a mini golf nearby if you’re looking for something a little less adrenaline-fuelled.
21. Meet the animals at Lisbon Zoo
For an enjoyable wildlife experience you can visit Lisbon Zoo with your kids. This family-friendly attraction is home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world, such as the rare white tigers as well as huge mountain gorillas. You’ll discov er that at the Jardim Zoologico kids of all ages will love interacting with the animals, attending feeding sessions, and learning about conservation efforts. It’s a great way to combine education with entertainment while exploring the wonders of the natural world.
As well as the animals themselves, there are also fun shows on at various times during the day. There is also a cable car that takes you above the forest, and a zoo train that will take you up alongside their reptile house.
22. Go underwater at the Oceanário De Lisboa
For a unique and educational experience, visit the Oceanário De Lisboa in Parque das Nações. This oceanarium is one of the largest in Europe and is home to a diverse range of marine species, including the adorable sea otters. Kids of all ages will be fascinated by the underwater world and have the opportunity to learn about different species through interactive exhibits. It’s a great option for a family day out, especially on rainy days when indoor activities are a must. A huge central tank is the centrepiece of the aquarium and holds a whopping 5 million litres of sea water and hundreds of different fish as well as sharks – we literally couldn’t get Cam to leave he was enjoying it so much.
Top tip from a travel family: Book your tickets in advance online as the queue at the aquarium to buy tickets can be very long.
23. Join a dolphin spotting boat tour
For an amazing marine experience, enjoy a boat tour from Lisbon to go dolphin spotting in the waters of the River Tagus. A boat tour to try to see dolphins probably isn’t the top thing you’d put on your list of things to do in Lisbon, however, it’s location along the River Tagus makes it easy to head out on a boat to see if you can spot dolphins.
Most tours promise a 95% chance of spotting wild dolphins plus these excursions offer a chance to observe dolphins in their natural habitat, learn about marine conservation, and enjoy the thrill of being out at sea. Kids will be excited by the opportunity to see these playful creatures up close.
24. Hit the beach
Lisbon is super close to the coast makes it an ideal destination for beach lovers like us. You can head to one of the city’s beautiful beaches, such as Carcavelos or Cascais, which are less than half an hour from the city centre, for a day of sun, sand, and sea.
Whether you’re into building sandcastles, swimming in the ocean, or simply relaxing on the shore, the beaches of Lisbon offer a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the coastal scenery. Which is especially nice after a long few days of sightseeing. When we visited Lisbon we stayed by Praia Guincho rather than stay in the city as we prefer to head to the beach at the end of a busy day (and we also chose to camp and this was the nicest campsite near to the city and a beach!
24. Take a surf lesson at Praia Guincho
Experience the thrill of surfing at Praia Guincho, a renowned beach for water sports near Lisbon. Sign up for a surf lesson with experienced instructors who will guide you through the basics of catching waves and riding the surf. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, the waves at Praia Guincho offer a great way to enjoy the ocean and the sunshine with your family.
Our campsite was right by Praia Guincho and we would enjoy watching the surfers and kite-surfers playing int he waves. There is also a cool wooden broad walk that you can walk on through the sand dunes.
25. Enjoy a day trip to Sintra
Only a little more than an hour by train is the beautiful town of Sintra. You can catch the train from the railway station close to Rossio Square called Estação de Rossio.
The main attraction is the Pena Palace a fairytale palace that can’t be missed its beautiful colourful towers and stunning intricate decoration. There is also the ruins of the Moorish Castle that used to defend the regions and still hangs onto the hillside. It’s perfect for igniting the imagination of very young kids (and for fighting more imaginary dragons like our son did!)
There is also the Quinta da Regaleira which was built the beginning of the 20th century. The gardens have lots of caves, grottos, twisting paths and ruins, as well as the infamous Initiation Well.
If you’ve only got one day in Sintra during your family holiday then you can still fit plenty in, however, families will struggle to see everything in one day as it’s particularly spread out and public transport between castles can be slow. We’d recommend that you plan ahead and pick which Sintra castles and attractions you want to see before you go.
Top tip from a travel family: If you decide to go to Pena Palace you should book your timed ticket in advance. However, if for whatever reason you’re early for or miss your time slot – don’t panic. The security team let families with young children enter outside of their tickets time slot. Which was great for us when we arrived an hour ahead of our time).
26. Explore Caiscais on a day trip from Lisbon
One of our favourite day trips from Lisbon is Caiscais. This seaside town is an effortless combination of a chic town with a seaside resort and makes for a fantastic day trip from Lisbon. It has a fun mixture of shopping, beaches, viewpoints, museums, and restaurants. And the great thing is that it’s only a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon.
You can wander through the Old Town, eat delicious Portuguese food and then relax on the picturesque beaches. The best beaches in Caiscais include Praia da Ribeira, Praia da Rainha and Praia da Conceicao.
If you’re feeling energetic then you can take walk around the marina and along to the Santa Marta Lighthouse. And then continue along the coast to visit Boca Do Inferno (Mouth of Hell), a massive sea cave with crashing waves.
If you have children that like to scooter or skateboard then you have to stop by the Caiscais Olympic skate park, at the weekends it is the “go-to’ place for families. This was one of the best and most fun things that we did with Cam in Lisbon (in fact we went twice he loved it so much!).
FAQ’s About Things To Do In Lisbon With Kids
Yes, it is an incredible capital city that has something to offer for children of all ages. Exploring Lisbon with kids is easy as the city is walkable (it also has plenty of fun public transport options for smaller kids), safe, and endlessly fascinating. Lisbon is a must on any family trip to Portugal!
Yes, our son was 2 years old when he went and he really enjoyed it. We took his scooter and carrier so that he could use those to get around – just be careful of the cobbles with they use a scooter.
We’ve been to both and we’d say that they’re both great for kids, and that one isn’t particularly better than the other. The cities are very different to each other, and you would ideally want to visit both.
The spring and autumn tend to be the perfect time to visit Lisbon as the weather is not too hot or too cold. Lisbon in March, April, September and October are the best months with lows of 17°C and highest of 26°C. However, for this reason they tend to also be the busier months.
Belém and Príncipe Real are two of the most popular and best areas for families to stay in Lisbon as they are reasonably near to all of the tourist attractions without being too noisy or busy.
Final Thoughts On Things To Do In Lisbon With Kids
We really enjoyed our time in Lisbon with our kids. Some of our sons favourite things were trying out the different public transport, seeing the fish at the Oceanarium and eating lots of tasty food at Time Out food market. There really are lots of great things to do in Lisbon with kids of all ages!
