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Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, is rich in history and culture and a fantastic destination for families travelling with children. With its mild climate, scenic views, and abundant activities designed for all ages, Lisbon offers an unforgettable experience for young explorers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best things to do in Lisbon with kids, ensuring a stress-free and fun-filled family trip. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, interactive museums, or family-friendly dining, we’ve got you covered.
Why Lisbon is a great city for families
Lisbon is one of the most family-friendly cities in Europe. The locals are warm and welcoming, and children are embraced in public spaces, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Here’s why Lisbon is perfect for families:
Safe and walkable: The city is easy to navigate, with pedestrian-friendly streets and plenty of parks.
Public transport: The metro, buses, and iconic trams make it easy to get around with kids.
Plenty of outdoor spaces: Lisbon boasts beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and beaches.
Babysitting services: Parents can enjoy some alone time or a little help during the trip with professional babysitting services.
Outdoor activities for kids in Lisbon
Explore Lisbon’s beautiful parks
Lisbon has numerous green spaces where kids can play and parents can relax. Some must-visit parks include:
Parque Eduardo VII Park: The largest park in central Lisbon, offering stunning views, playgrounds, and open spaces for kids to run around.
Jardim da Estrela: A peaceful retreat with shaded areas, a duck pond, and a playground.
Monsanto Forest Park: A vast natural reserve, perfect for picnics, hiking, and exploring nature.
Ride the historic Elétrico 28
One of the most exciting ways to explore Lisbon with kids is by hopping on the famous tram 28. This iconic yellow tram takes you through the city's most picturesque neighborhoods, including Alfama and Graça. Kids will love the ride, and parents will enjoy the scenic views.
Tip: Take the tram early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Be aware of pickpockets.
Enjoy a boat trip on the Tagus River
Seeing Lisbon from the water is a fantastic experience for kids and adults alike. Families can take a ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas or book a sightseeing boat tour for breathtaking views of the city's landmarks, including the Torre de Belém and the Bridge over the Tagus, also known as 25 de abril Bridge. Many tours offer child-friendly experiences with interactive storytelling and activities onboard.
Best museums & indoor attractions for children
While Lisbon offers plenty of outdoor adventures, it also has fantastic indoor attractions where kids can learn and have fun.
Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium)
Lisbon is home to one of Europe’s best aquariums, the Oceanário de Lisboa, located in the modern Parque das Nações district. Kids will love seeing marine animals up close, including sharks, penguins, and colorful fish from around the world.
Why visit?
One of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe.
Interactive exhibits and educational activities.
A great activity for both sunny and rainy days.
Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Science Museum)
For little scientists and curious minds, the Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Pavilion of Knowledge) is a must-visit. This interactive science museum offers hands-on exhibits where kids can experiment, play, and learn in a fun environment.
Highlights:
A variety of STEM-related activities.
Kid-friendly exhibitions designed for all ages.
Perfect for escaping the midday sun or rainy days.
Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coches Museum)
The National Coches Museum is a unique and fascinating place to visit with children. It showcases an impressive collection of historic royal carriages, some of which look like they belong in a fairytale!
What makes it special?
Stunning, well-preserved carriages used by royalty.
Engaging storytelling that makes history fun for kids.
A short visit that fits well into a busy sightseeing day.
Family-friendly beaches near Lisbon
If your family enjoys the sun and sea, Lisbon has several beautiful beaches within easy reach. These spots offer shallow waters, soft sand, and plenty of family-friendly facilities.
Cascais beaches
The charming town of Cascais, just 40 minutes from Lisbon, has some of the best kid-friendly beaches.
Top picks:
Tamariz: Calm waters and nearby cafés.
Carcavelos: Perfect for sandcastle building and beginner surfing lessons.
Costa da Caparica
A long stretch of sandy beach just across the Tagus River, Costa da Caparica is ideal for families looking for space to play and relax. The coastal line goes in continuos till the Algarve, so you just need to pick one.
Why visit?
Shallow waters are perfect for young swimmers.
Plenty of beachfront cafés with kid-friendly menus.
Great for a day trip from Lisbon.
Fun theme parks and zoos near Lisbon
For families looking for a fun-filled day, Lisbon offers great theme parks and animal experiences.
Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa)
A visit to the Lisbon Zoo is a great way to see animals from all over the world. Kids can watch dolphins perform, ride a cable car over the zoo, and even take part in feeding sessions.
Highlights:
A large variety of animals, including elephants and lions.
Dolphin and sea lion shows.
A petting zoo area for younger children.
KidZania Lisbon
For a unique indoor adventure, KidZania Lisbon is an interactive city designed for kids. Here, children can try out different professions, from firefighters to doctors, in a safe and educational environment.
Why it’s great for kids:
Encourages creativity and problem-solving.
Over 60 role-playing activities to choose from.
Fun and educational experience.
Badoca Safari Park
Located about an hour from Lisbon, Badoca Safari Park offers an African safari experience where families can see zebras, giraffes, and antelopes in an open setting.
What makes it special?
Safari-style tour with real wildlife.
Interactive feeding experiences.
A mix of nature and adventure.
Babysitting services in Lisbon: a helping hand for parents
While Lisbon is a family-friendly city, parents may still want a few hours to explore on their own. That’s where babysitting services come in.
Why book a babysitter in Lisbon?
Enjoy a romantic dinner or night out worry-free.
Explore museums or attractions that may not be kid-friendly.
Get some downtime while your child is in safe hands.
Finding a trusted babysitter in Lisbon
Several professional babysitting services in Lisbon cater to travelling families. Many offer experienced, multilingual babysitters who can care for your children at your hotel or Airbnb.
What to look for in a babysitting service:
Verified background checks.
First-aid training.
Positive reviews from other families.
Tips for visiting Lisbon with kids
Best ways to get around with children
Public transport: Trams, metro, and buses are convenient and affordable.
Uber or Bolt: Easy to use for quick trips around the city.
Walking: Lisbon is pedestrian-friendly, but bring a lightweight stroller for little ones (some streets have steep hills).
Essential items to pack
Comfortable shoes for walking.
Sunscreen and hats (Lisbon is sunny year-round).
A small backpack with snacks and water.
Avoiding tourist traps & finding local gems
Visit popular attractions early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Explore less touristy areas like Campo de Ourique or Alfama’s hidden streets for a more local experience.
Ask locals for restaurant recommendations — they know the best spots!