Traveling or living with kids in Lisbon? This is quite a family-friendly city, but if you want to focus on the little ones, and give them a really good time, these are the activities, and places we recommend.
Kid-Friendly Museums & Activities In Lisbon
MAAT Museum
Besides amazing architecture and contemporary exhibitions, maat Museum frequently hosts workshops for children – some are directly related to the exhibitions, while others focus on specific areas of expertise, like robotics, science, and climate change. If your kid is a true fan of all things artsy and “sciency”, you’ll be glad to know maat also hosts birthday parties in the form of workshops. Another interesting activity is the museum’s night at the electricity factory for children: the little ones will have the chance to experience an entire night at this spot and learn all about it while making friends.
Azulejo National Museum
Azulejo (painted wall tiles) are a very traditional element in Portuguese construction and design, so besides visiting the museum that tells its story, you can also participate in workshops for the whole family and paint your own tiles to take home – don’t buy azulejos at local flea market, as they’ve usually been stolen from buildings walls across the city.
Quake – Lisbon’s Earthquake Museum
Lisbon suffered a major earthquake in 1755 that devastated a vast part of the city, especially downtown. This was a catastrophic event followed by a tsunami and several fires that destroyed key areas of the city, including buildings in Rossio and Baixa. This forced the government to take real action, develop plans, and renovate the city in terms of urban planning. Quake recounts very interesting details about this phenomenon with entertaining activities, imagery, videos, and 3D experiences, among other things.
Hippotrip
If it’s sunny outside, we recommend visiting the city by land and by sea at the same time. Yes, you read that right! The Hippotrip is a bus that transforms into a vessel – or it is the other way around? – to take you on a fun journey into the city center, and then into the Tagus for panoramic views of the Belém and Algés areas. Kids will surely be amazed by this experience, so be sure to try it out.
Quantum Parks
It’s pouring, and the kids are getting impatient? We’ve got a solution! Take them to Lisbon’s Quantum Park, a place where the only way is up: besides a free-entry trampoline area for babies aged three years old or less, there are several activities – a ninja-like obstacle course, parkour, climbing walls – that will not only be super fun but be a good use of your kid’s energy. Running, jumping, and meeting new people – what else can a child want?
Kidzania
Perfect for kids aged between three and 14 years old, Kidzania is a whole world designed just for the little (creative) ones. Located 20 minutes away from Lisbon, in the UBBO shopping mall, this is a town for kids, where they have more than 60 different professions, and be a doctor, an airplane pilot, a pharmacist, a teacher, a firefighter, and so many other things! It’s the perfect chance for them to let the creativity flow in a very playful way amongst other like-minded children.
Lisbon Oceanarium
The Oceanarium was inaugurated during Expo 98, and it’s a great place to visit with the whole family. Coined as the “world’s best aquarium” more than once, it holds more than 500 water species, from colorful fish, turtles, seals, sharks, and many others. Perfect for children of all ages, the Oceanarium is sure to keep them busy for a whole afternoon. A trip on the cable car is also nice, as it allows for beautiful views over the Tagus and the city. After this, take them on a stroll through Parque das Nações area, go for ice cream, or have dinner by the river.
Science Museum – Knowledge Pavillion
Also located in Parque das Nações, the Science Museum (Knowledge Pavillion) offers the whole family the chance to explore various areas of science and do cool and fun experiments. Nature phenomena, mirror labyrinths, musical floors, and many other surprises await children and adults alike!
Planetarium (Belém)
Set in Belém, close to the Belém Cultural Center, the Planetarium is a must, especially for people fascinated by space. The round amphitheater is designed for a realistic view of stars, planets, and galaxies, almost like you were traveling through the universe yourself. Entrance is free on June 1, Children’s Day.
Out of Town
Quinta do Pisão
Set in the Sintra-Cascais Nature Park, Quinta do Pisão is a paradise for nature lovers. Besides allowing for long walks in the wilderness, there are several activities the whole family will enjoy, like riding a bike, activities with the farm’s donkeys and horses, visits to the organic garden, workshops about nature, and so much more. If you’re feeling to need to disconnect and get away from the city, head to Quinta do Pisão – make your way home through the Cabo da Roca route, a road offering breathtaking views along the coastline.
Sintra
It will take you a 40-minute drive to arrive at Sintra, a cute village where mystery and history go hand in hand. This is where, for centuries, the royal family would go on holidays to cure illnesses because of the “healthy air”.
It’s preferable to go on weekdays as it’s less crowded with tourists. Must-visit spots include Quinta da Regaleira, the Pena Palace, and the Moorish Castle. The recently reopened Biester Palace is also a very interesting place. “Saudade” cafe (near the Sintra train station) has delicious scones and an unforgettable apple pie with condensed milk. There’s also a colorful tram running from the village to Praia das Maçãs, and that can also be a fun activity to do with the whole family.
You can easily spend a day exploring, and even discover the rugged beaches along the Sintra coastline. If you’re looking for panoramic views, Cabo da Roca is a good option – just keep your eyes on the little ones, as there are cliffs from where people can slip into the water.
José Franco Village
Have you heard of a village museum? That’s what you’ll find in Sobreiro, a town between Mafra and Ericeira. Created by the late potter, José Franco, this eponymous village is his life project and the way he found to keep the area’s history alive and kicking. The place is made of replicas of old houses, stores, workshops, and even people, depicting the activities and trades that were popular at the time, like carpentry, farming, and winemaking. The José Franco village has many interactive activities where kids can learn how to operate agriculture machines and play around. Before you leave, have a sip of their homemade wine, and take a chorizo bread home with you – they’re very popular!
Dino Parque Lourinhã
Set in Lourinhã, the Dino Parque is exactly what you’re thinking: a dinosaur-themed park! It’s mostly visited by parents who want their kids to have fun, and the adults won’t admit it, but they love it too. It’s a given that children adore those pre-historic creatures, and at the Dino Parque, they’ll be able to see more than 200 species in full size. This open-air museum features different routes with themes. For those who like history and science, there’s lots of scientifically proven information to peruse through.
Badoca Park
Did you know Portugal too has its own safari park? Badoca is located in Santiago do Cacém (1,5 hours from Lisbon) and offers entertainment and knowledge for everyone. There are many different animals to see, like porcupines, snakes, rare birds, hyenas, kudus, giraffes, buffalos, sheep, turtles, flamingos, you name it. Different areas provide different entertainment. Besides visiting the safari itself – riding a tractor across the land – visitors can do rafting, do nature walks, and check out designated animal zones. The VIP ticket includes a scrumptious dinner on a jeep that takes you on a sunset tour across the property.
