12 best activities in Lisbon with kids (+ tips)

Portugal’s capital, Lisbon has everything to appeal to families: a wealth of culture, historic districts and a gentle way of life. We’ve explored the city and think it’s a destination well worth a family detour.

Discover our ideas for what to do in Lisbon with children, illustrated with photos. Bonus: useful tips for organizing your family holiday.

This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Visiting Lisbon with children: a good idea?

What age range is this city suitable for?

Lisbon is suitable for a wide range of ages, but not in the same way for all profiles. For toddlers and children in strollers, the city presents real challenges: uneven cobblestones, steep streets, frequent staircases in historic districts. Families traveling with babies or young children will need to adapt their travel arrangements. Fortunately, public transport is well-developed: metro, bus, tuk-tuk, cable car, funicular and ferries. On the program: aquarium, interactive museums, castle, tramway, sound and light shows or a visit to the Benfica stadium.

Why visit Lisbon with your family?

Lisbon is full of advantages for families: a city on a human scale, a wide variety of cultural activities and favorable weather for most of the year. We’ve found that the diversity of activities makes it effortless to cater for several generations. With a European-class aquarium, interactive museums, streetcar rides and dolphin trips on the Tagus, there’s something for every member of the family. Moreover, the Portuguese have a real culture of fostering. Children are welcome in most restaurants and tourist attractions. The city is also compact enough that the days don’t become exhausting, as long as you choose your living quarters and activities carefully.

Our tips for families visiting Lisbon

Our first tip for visiting Lisbon with your family: get your Lisboa Card as soon as you arrive. This all-in-one card gives unlimited access to public transport (metro, bus, streetcar, Santa Justa elevator) and free or reduced admission to over 38 tourist sites, including the Hieronymites Monastery, São Jorge Castle, the Azulejo Museum and MAAT. Available in 24h, 48h or 72h versions, it considerably simplifies logistics with children, and represents a real saving for families who have to make one visit after another. Also, book tickets for major attractions in advance, especially the Oceanário. Bring comfortable, non-slip shoes: the white and black limestone cobblestones can be slippery, especially in wet weather. Adapt the pace to your own: Lisbon is best visited in themed half-days. Restaurants open late (12:30 to 1pm at lunchtime, 7:30pm in the evening), a time lag to be anticipated with young children.

1. Dive into the marine world of the Oceanário de Lisboa

Why visit with children?

The Oceanário de Lisboa is undoubtedly the most family-friendly activity in the Portuguese capital. Built for the 1998 World Expo, this aquarium is one of the largest in Europe. Its huge central pool, visible from several levels, is home to sharks, rays, sea turtles and schools of brightly-colored fish. We were impressed by the scenography, which recreates four distinct ocean zones: North Atlantic, Antarctic, temperate Pacific and tropical Indian. Each area has its own flora and fauna, with species as varied as sea otters, penguins and octopuses. More than 15,000 animals of 450 different species inhabit the site. Children can also take part in specially designed activities. The aquarium also offers guided tours based on children’s books.

Practical advice

• Length of visit: 2 to 3 hours for families
• Opening hours: daily from 10am to 8pm (last entry at 7pm)
• Access for wheelchair users and strollers possible.
• Prices: full €25, children aged 3-12 €15, babies aged 0-2 free, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) €67
• Access: red line metro, Oriente station, located in Parque das Nações
• Book your ticket now to save time!
• Visit the official website for more info here.

2. Fun and learning at Pavilhão do Conhecimento

Why visit with children?

The Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Centro Ciência Viva is Lisbon’s interactive science museum, located in the Parque das Nações district, right next to the aquarium. We consider it to be one of the most family-friendly activities in the whole capital, from ages 4-5 upwards. Designed by architect João Luís Carrilho da Graça for Expo’98, the building houses fully participatory exhibitions. Children can pedal on a suspended bicycle that crosses the high pavilion, handle dozens of scientific modules on energy, physics, the environment and biology, or take part in regularly changing themed workshops. The permanent “Explora” exhibition offers a total immersion experience, where touching, testing and observing are encouraged at every stage. We found that the children didn’t want to leave. In fact, it’s one of Portugal’s busiest museums, which says a lot about its family appeal. Easily combined with a visit to the Oceanário.

Practical advice

• Tour duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Opening hours: usually 10am to 6pm. Check on the official website
• Handicap access: accessible building, strollers allowed
• Prices: adults approx. 9 €, children 4-17 approx. 6 €, family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) approx. 24 €.
• Access: Metro red line, Oriente station, 2min walk from Oceanário
• Visit the official website for more info here.

3. Explore Castelo São Jorge and its camera obscura

Why visit with children?

Perched on the Alfama hill, Castelo São Jorge is a family favorite. We were seduced by its medieval fortress character: slender towers, battlements, shady gardens where peacocks roam freely and exceptional panoramic views of the capital and Tagus. Built in the 5th century, this Moorish castle has survived centuries and invasions to become a Portuguese royal residence. What may appeal particularly to children, in addition to its medieval character, is the camera obscura: an optical instrument composed of mirrors and lenses that projects a moving image of Lisbon onto a concave mirror in real time. The effect is surprising for all ages.

Practical advice

• Tour duration: 1h30 to 2h
• Opening hours: daily from 9am to 9pm (closes at 6pm in winter)
• Difficulties and PRM access: steep terrain, physically demanding access for baby carriages and people with reduced mobility. Busy high season
• Rates: adults 17€, 13-15 years 8,50€, children under 12 free
• Access: minibus 37 or streetcar 28
• Visit the official website for more info here.
• Book your ticket now to save time!

4. Dreaming at the Musée des Carrosses

Why visit with children?

The Museu Nacional dos Coches houses a collection of royal carriages considered one of the finest and most complete in the world. For children, these vehicles may look like something out of a fairy tale. Gilding, relief carvings, painted decorations, red velvet and ornate wheels. The museum occupies a large-scale contemporary building in the Belém district, close to the Hieronymites Monastery and the Tower of Belém. We find this tour particularly suitable for children aged 6-7 and over, who can easily immerse themselves in Portugal’s royal history. Teaching aids are available on site to guide their curiosity. The visit lasts between 45 minutes and 1h15 for families, a reasonable format to keep the attention of younger visitors.

Practical advice

• Tour duration: 45 min to 1h15
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Mondays and public holidays.
• Handicap access: accessible to strollers
• Prices: adults €15, children under 12 free. Family ticket (minimum 1 adult + 2 children) at half price for young people. Free admission on the first Sunday of every month
• Access: tramway 15E, buses 727, 728, 729, Belém stop
• Visit the official website for more info here.
• Discount with Lisboa Card.

5. Discover art and industry at MAAT

Why visit with children?

MAAT, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, is one of Lisbon’s most unique family attractions. It consists of two very different buildings, linked by a waterfront that runs along the Tagus in the Belém district. The first is the MAAT Gallery, designed by British architect Amanda Levete. An undulating structure clad in high-gloss ceramic, with a rooftop belvedere offering a view of the river. Inside, giant installations occupy double-height spaces. During our visit, an installation by Ernesto Neto had transformed the hall into a forest of suspended nets for children to climb and swing on!

The second building is the Centrale Tejo, an old red-brick thermoelectric power station built in 1908. We loved its industrial atmosphere: preserved high-pressure boilers, dynamos, steam turbines. An interactive area is specifically dedicated to younger visitors, with modules on the history of electricity. MAAT also offers workshops and guided tours for children.

Practical advice

• Duration: 1h30 to 2h for both buildings
• Opening times: check official website (opening times vary according to exhibition)
• Difficulties and PRM access: two wheelchairs available on request from the ticket office. Children must be accompanied by adults at all times
• Prices: general ticket from €12, €9 for children aged 13 and over, free for children under 12.
• Access: tramway 15E, bus 728, 729, Belém stop or on foot from Pavilhão do Conhecimento (10 min.)
• Book your ticket now!
• Visit the official website for more info here.

6. Board streetcar 28 and the Santa Justa elevator

Why visit with children?

Taking streetcar 28 and the Santa Justa Lift is one of Lisbon’s most emblematic experiences. We had a lot of fun testing these two means of transport. Tramway 28, a small bright yellow carriage with a wood-panelled interior dating from the 1930s, winds its way through the city’s narrowest and steepest streets: Alfama, Chiado, Bairro Alto. The Ascenseur Santa Justa, designed by Gustave Eiffel’s pupil Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, is an ornate metal tower reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower. It takes passengers up to a belvedere with panoramic views over the rooftops of Baixa.

Dans un registre différent, la Télécabine du Parque das Nações est une troisième expérience aérienne à ne pas manquer avec des enfants. Ce téléphérique, inauguré pour l’Exposition universelle de 1998, relie en 9 à 12 minutes la gare Sud (côté Oceanário) à la Tour Vasco da Gama au nord, en survol de l’estuaire du Tage à une trentaine de mètres de hauteur. Les 40 cabines vitrées offrent des vues panoramiques sur le pont Vasco da Gama, le fleuve et le quartier moderne du Parque das Nações. Nous trouvons ce trajet particulièrement adapté aux enfants, sans contrainte d’âge, et facilement combinable avec la visite de l’aquarium ou du Pavilhão do Conhecimento qui se trouvent à quelques minutes à pied des stations.

Practical advice

• Duration of visit: 30 min per trip for the tramway and elevator, 9 to 12 min for the gondola.
• Timetable: streetcar 28 from 6am to 10.30pm, Santa Justa elevator from 7am to 9pm. Gondola: 10.30am to 8pm in high season, 11am to 6pm in low season
• Difficulties and PRM access: frequent queues for the streetcar and elevator in high season. The tramway is not very stroller-friendly.
• Rates: streetcar and elevator included in the Lisboa Card.
• Access: streetcar 28 from Martim Moniz or Praça da Figueira. Santa Justa elevator in the Chiado district.
• Find timetables and streetcar stops here.
• More information on the Ascenseur on the tourist office website here.

7. Enjoy pastéis de nata with your family

Why visit with children?

The pastéis de nata, caramelized cream tarts, lightly puffed and sprinkled with cinnamon, are a must-taste. Why not share this tasting experience with the whole family? We were astonished to learn that the original recipe, kept secret, came from the monks of the nearby Hieronymite Monastery. The best-known address is the Pastelaria de Belém, with long queues early in the morning. Other establishments offer excellent versions: Pastelaria Alcôa on Ivens Street or Confeitaria Nacional on Figueira Square, where the queues are generally shorter. For families, we recommend combining this gourmet stop with a visit to the Belém district, which boasts several must-sees within walking distance. Why not extend this tasting experience with a family pastry class?

Practical advice

• Tour duration: 15 to 30 min
• Opening hours: vary according to location, generally from 8 a.m.
• Difficulties and PRM access: long queues at the Pastelaria de Belém. Prefer other addresses to avoid the wait
• Prices: between €1.50 and €3 per pastel
• Access: tramway 15E for Belém. Alcôa and Confeitaria Nacional are within walking distance of the center.
• Book a family baking class.

8. Take a gondola ride over the city

Why visit with children?

The Parque das Nações Gondola is an aerial experience not to be missed with children. This cable car, inaugurated for the 1998 Universal Exhibition, links the South Station (on the Oceanário side) to the Vasco da Gama Tower to the north in 9 to 12 minutes, overflying the Tagus estuary at a height of some 30 meters. The 40 glass-enclosed cabins offer panoramic views of the Vasco da Gama Bridge, the river and the modern Parque das Nações district. We find this route particularly suitable for children, with no age restrictions, and easily combinable with a visit to the aquarium or the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, which are just a few minutes’ walk from the stations.

Practical advice

• Tour duration: 8-12min one way.
• Opening hours: May to September 10.30am to 8pm, October to March 11am to 6pm.
• Prices: €7.50 for over-13s, €5.50 for 3-12s.
• The gondola is wheelchair accessible.
• Access: South station on Passeio de Neptuno, north station on Passeio das Tágides.
• Book your ticket now!
• 10% discount with Lisboa Card.
• Find out more about the Télécabine on the official website here.

9. Cruise along the Tagus and meet the dolphins

Why visit with children?

Take your family on a dolphin-watching excursion along the Tagus River. Outings lasting a few hours allow you to observe them in the company of a multilingual marine biologist, who explains their behavior, species and conservation issues. On the way, the boat passes under the April 25th Bridge, in front of the Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. A fun activity for kids!

Practical advice

• Visit duration: 3h for the dolphin excursion, 1h to 2h for a classic cruise.
• Schedules: morning or afternoon departures depending on service provider
• Difficulties and PRM access: semi-rigid not recommended for very young children (under 4) or people with reduced mobility. Sailboats and catamarans are more suitable for these profiles
• Rates: vary according to provider and duration
• Access: Santo Amaro pier for dolphin excursion. Cais do Sodré for ferries and classic cruises
• Book your boat trip now to save time!

10. Unlocking the secrets of the Royal Treasure Museum

Why visit with children?

Inaugurated in 2022 in a new wing of the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, the Museu do Tesouro Real houses Portugal’s crown jewels. Children will be able to admire crowns, scepters, medals, ceremonial crockery and over 1,000 pieces of jewelry that belonged to Portuguese royalty over nine centuries. The staging is designed for visual impact. The space itself is spectacular: a vault 40 metres long and 10 metres high, accessed through two steel doors, each weighing 5 tonnes and 40 centimetres thick. The museum also offers themed workshops and guided tours for families, as well as a treasure hunt that children can do on their own. A family ticket is available. Special “parents and children” tours explore the jewels from the perspective of family ties in Portuguese royalty.

Practical advice

• Tour duration: 1h to 1h30
• Opening hours: daily from 10 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5 pm)
• Access for wheelchair users
• Prices: adults 10 €, children 7-24 7 €, children under 6 free, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) 32 €.
• Access: buses 760, 742, 771, 729. Located in Ajuda, next to the Ajuda National Palace
• Catering: 4th floor cafeteria with views of the city, bridge and Tagus river
• Visit the official website for more info here.

11. Explore Lisbon by tuk-tuk

Why visit with children?

A tuk-tuk tour is a fun and practical way to discover Lisbon with children, especially in steeply sloping areas like Alfama or Bairro Alto. These little three-wheeled vehicles thread their way through alleyways inaccessible to cars. Depending on the itinerary chosen, the tuk-tuk can serve the main miradouros, historic districts or the banks of the Tagus. Drivers are usually informal guides who comment on the route. We enjoyed touring the city in this little means of transport!

Practical advice

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours depending on the tour
• Opening hours: available all day
• Access: departures from the main squares in the city center
• Book your tuk-tuk now to save time!

12. Paint your own azulejos in a family workshop

Why visit with children?

The earthenware painting workshop is a fun activity to do with the whole family, so you can leave Lisbon with a handmade souvenir. Azulejos, the painted tiles that adorn the city’s facades and interiors, are an integral part of the Portuguese identity. We believe this activity is suitable for children aged 5-6 and over, with adult supervision for younger children. It’s both an introduction to local craftsmanship and a shared creative moment outside the traditional tourist circuit. The tiles are fired on site and handed over to participants at the end of the session.

Practical advice

• Tour duration: approx. 2 hours
• Book your painting workshop now to save time!

Other ideas with children in Lisbon

Here are a few other places and activities that may appeal to your children’s interests.

• Visit Estádio da Luz, the stadium of Sport Lisboa e Benfica: the guided tour takes children and their parents behind the scenes of the club. You’ll discover the changing rooms, trophy gallery, press room and pitch exit. The souvenir scarf included in the ticket is much appreciated by young fans. Book your stadium tour now to save time!
• Lisbon Zoological Garden, founded in 1884, one of the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula. Metro blue line, Jardim Zoológico station. Visit the official website for more info here.
• Musée de la Marine, housed in a wing of the Hieronymites Monastery in Belém, this museum traces Portugal’s maritime history with over 400 ship models and objects from the great discoveries. To be combined, of course, with the monastery next door. Family ticket available, 20% discount with Lisboa Card. Visit the official website for more info here.

• The Puppet Museum, housed in a 17th-century convent in the Santos district, displays puppets from all over the world, from Japanese bunraku masks to commedia dell’arte figures. Educational activities are offered on a seasonal basis, suitable for children aged 5-6 and over.

• Excursions to Sintra and Cascais: Sintra impresses with its fairytale palaces, including the Palácio da Pena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Cascais offers a relaxed seaside atmosphere with its beaches. We recommend an organized tour to combine the two in one day. Book your Sintra and Cascais excursion now to save time!

Where to eat in Lisbon with children

Lisbon is a city where we enjoyed every meal. Portuguese restaurants are very family-friendly, even if their opening hours differ from those in other European countries: kitchens generally open at 12:30 or even 1:00 pm at lunchtime, and at 7:30 pm at night at the earliest. With young children, it’s best to plan ahead to avoid late meals. Here are our favorite family-friendly addresses for different occasions.

The Time Out Market is a great option for families. We loved this large covered market in the Cais do Sodré district, with dozens of stalls offering Portuguese and international specialities. Each member of the family can choose as they wish, the tables are shared and the atmosphere is lively without being formal. We enjoyed the variety and atmosphere!

Restaurant Com Certeza offers traditional Portuguese cuisine in a warm, authentic atmosphere. It’s a great way to introduce children to local cuisine. Try bacalhau (cod), octopus and stewed meats. We ate well!

Brunch Break Sé, close to the Cathedral da Sé in Alfama, is a good address for a late lunch or brunch. The setting is relaxed and the cuisine varied, ideal if you’re visiting the area in the morning.

Finally, the Restaurant Casa Tradiçao is, in our opinion, a good place to discover traditional dishes in a typical setting. A family-friendly gourmet restaurant!

For more good addresses and ideas for activities, see our article on what to do in Lisbon.

Where to stay in Lisbon with your family

Book well in advance between April and October, the peak season. For more details on all the city’s districts and hotels, see our complete article on where to stay in Lisbon.

Here’s a selection of accommodations with family rooms or suitable for families:

• Hotel Dare Lisbon House, apartment-hotel ideal for families: studios and apartments fully equipped, kitchenettes, location in the heart of Baixa, a few steps from the Santa Justa Lift – Check photos, photos and availability.
• Hotel Epic SANA Lisboa, pool and family rooms: rooftop infinity pool, open seasonally, as well as a year-round heated indoor pool, family rooms, childcare available, spa, three restaurants and upscale service, good transport links, slightly set back from the tourist center – Check prices, photos and availability.
• Hotel Lisboa Carmo, central and family-friendly: ideally located between Chiado and Bairro Alto, family rooms and suites, childcare available. Its terrace, a convenient base for sightseeing – Check photos, photos and availability.

Visiting Lisbon with children in season

Spring

In our opinion, spring is the best time to visit Lisbon with your family. Temperatures are pleasant (17 to 22°C), the sites are less crowded than in summer and purple jacarandas bloom in the streets. In June, the Festas de Lisboa liven up the streets with colorful block parties, a lively cultural experience for families.

Summer

Summer is high season. The city is very busy, with long queues and temperatures that can exceed 35°C in July and August. We recommend that you book all tickets in advance and organize your visits in the morning. In the afternoon, an indoor activity (aquarium, museum) or a boat trip on the Tagus can help you escape the heat. The beaches close to Lisbon(Cascais, Carcavelos) also offer a good alternative to relax in the middle of your stay!

Autumn

Autumn is a pleasant and often underestimated time of year. We’ve struck a good balance. Mild temperatures (18 to 24°C in September-October), less crowded sites and more affordable accommodation. Rains start to become more frequent in November.

Winter

Winter is still mild compared to the rest of Europe (12 to 15°C on average), and we think it’s a great season for a family holiday. Museums and indoor sites are less crowded, making for a more relaxed visit. In December, Christmas lights and seasonal markets add a festive atmosphere that children love. Accommodation rates are considerably lower.

Frequently asked questions about Lisbon with children

Is Lisbon stroller-friendly?

Lisbon is a very steep city, and several historic districts – Alfama, Bairro Alto, Graça – are not easily accessible by stroller due to uneven cobblestones and stairs. The Baixa district, Parque das Nações and Belém, on the other hand, are more accessible and flatter. We advise families traveling with young children to take the metro, bus or tuk-tuk to difficult areas, and to choose accommodation in a flat area.

How many days will it take to visit Lisbon with children?

We recommend a minimum of 4 days to enjoy the city without rushing around with children. This pace allows us to cover the must-sees (aquarium, castle, Belém, historic center) while maintaining a program adapted to their energy levels. An extra day can be devoted to an excursion to Sintra or Cascais. Beyond 5 days, you’ll have time to explore more specific activities such as workshops, the Benfica stadium or the Royal Treasure Museum.

What to do in Lisbon with children if it rains?

Lisbon offers a wide range of rain-sheltered activities. TheOceanário, Pavilhão do Conhecimento and MAAT Museum are pleasant refuges for a rainy day. Museums (Azulejo, Royal Treasure, Carrosses) and workshops(earthenware painting, pasteis de nata cooking workshop) also make for a sheltered day out. The Time Out Market is also an excellent option for lunch and an extended outing in a lively indoor setting.

Is the Lisboa Card suitable for families?

Yes, the Lisboa Card is particularly advantageous for families who visit one place after another. It provides access to public transport (metro, bus, streetcar, elevators) and to numerous museums and monuments, including the Hieronymites Monastery, the Azulejo Museum and São Jorge Castle, often with free or significantly reduced admission. It is available in 24h, 48h or 72h versions. We highly recommend it!