Let’s face it – if you’ve brought your children to the undulating capital of Portugal, there’ll likely be plenty of complaints about sore knees and tired legs as you soar up and down the historic centre. The kids might start complaining, too. But don’t worry, Lisbon has plenty of fun family attractions to keep them muito feliz e tranquilo (very happy and calm).
It’s a cool and trendy city, with crumbling vestiges draping the hills of the Bairro Alto and exclusive restaurants nestled beneath cave-like portals. But there are also plenty of things to do in Lisbon with kids, and we here at Plum Guide have done all the hard work (you're welcome) and put them together in this post just for you. The kids will love visiting the beaches outside neighbouring Sintra, checking out the historical highlights, and stuffing their faces with Portugal's famous pasteis de nata (custard tarts). Take a look at our favourites below.
Visit the attractions of Parque das Nações
Aerial photo of cable car and Vasco da Gama tower in Parque das Nações, Lisbon, Portugal
You could spend an entire day in this modern part of town, making it the perfect option for fun things to do in Lisbon with kids. It's where you’ll find the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe. It’s got all sorts of fish and sharks and weird squiggly things from the bottom of the oceans that you were never supposed to see with human eyes. Go even deeper (into the minds of your kids) with a trip through the mind-bending exhibits of the adjacent Knowledge Pavilion. Then, browse the shops of the Centro Vasco da Gama mall and watch a film in the cinema. Dine at one of the restaurants in the open-air part, then hop on the cable cars at Telecabine Lisboa and ride above the water.
Nova Inspirada, Plum Guide home in Lisbon
Enjoy the unique LX Factory
Something a little different from the historic relics of the city centre, the LX Factory is another fascinating destination that shows off part of Lisbon’s modern, trendy side. Made up of a range of converted warehouses, the fun and outlandish art exhibits here will mesmerize the kids. And if they’re not the arty types, they won’t mind picking up a few pastéis de natas or brigadeiros (chocolate balls) in one of the cafés.
Take in a match of futebol
Aerial view of the Benfica stadium, Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal
Have a football fan in your midst? Lisbon is home to a fierce futebol rivalry. Benfica and Sporting Lisbon have shops spread out across the city, sporting (see what we did there) their teams’ colours and memorabilia. For the real game experience, head to Benfica’s Estádio da Luz or Sporting’s José Alvalade Stadium – no doubt one of the most memorable things to do in Lisbon with kids.
Amor, Plum Guide home in Lisbon
Let the little ones loose at KidZania Lisboa
Don’t worry, we’ll get to the typical city centre stuff soon. For now, we want to keep you privy to the best-kept secrets, including this children’s paradise. If you take your kid to this mini-city for little ones, you won’t have to do anything else for them all holiday. It lets little ones play at being adults for the day, so they can flip burgers and spend the money they earn from a hard day’s work. If only they had as much fun doing chores at home.
Restelo Muse, Plum Guide home in Lisbon
Explore the Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa
Again, this is fancy Portuguese speak for Lisbon Zoo. And it’s another of our favourite things to do in Lisbon with kids. You can take a trip around the world in just one day, without having to leave the grounds. See the Sumatran tigers in the rainforest, watch giraffes and lions in the African Savannah, and then catch the show in the Dolphinarium. The miniature train and cable car offer respite for aching ankles, too. There's a big focus on conservation here, with research and education being a key part of the zoo's messaging. So parents, rejoice – your little ones will learn about endangered species and other animal facts, all while having fun.
Travel on the traditional trams
Lisbon Tram, Bairro Alto
The hilly historic centre of Lisbon is a no-go zone for grumpy and tired children. At least, it would be if it weren’t for the charming old-world trams. Get on board the Eléctrico 28 and meander through the Bairro Alto, taking in the sights and laughing at your partner, who stubbornly decided to walk and is struggling to keep up. The tram system dates back to 1873, so it’s as old as you’d feel if you had to walk through this bumpy district. It has six lines, helping you navigate the city with ease.
Framed, Plum Guide home in Lisbon, Portugal
Take a day trip to one of the sunny beaches
Lisbon may be Europe’s westernmost capital, but just when you thought things couldn’t get any more western, you found out about Sintra, a magical place replete with castles and…more hills and even mountains in the city’s western peripheries. Kids might love some of that stuff, especially if you pretend the Sintra National Palace and the National Palace of Pena belong to Disney characters. But the main draw will be the beaches spread along Portugal’s golden Atlantic Coast. Sunbathe on the Praia das Maçãs, the Praia Grande and the Praia da Ursa among others – all lovely options for things to do in Lisbon with kids.
Related Articles
Find a remarkable stay with Plum Guide
