9 Family-Friendly Things To Do in Lisbon

Built for the Expo 98 World Fair, the eastern district of Parque das Nações remains a hub for family gatherings. Start with the Lisbon Oceanarium, one of Europe’s largest indoor aquariums, and book tickets in advance for ease. Next, head to the Pavilhao do Conhecimento, a museum filled with interactive science exhibits, or take a short gondola ride that hovers over the Tagus River. If you have more time, explore the gardens, playgrounds, a skate park, and a flat waterfront promenade that offers a welcome respite from those steep Lisbon hills.

Wandering through Alfama feels like traveling back in time. You’ll hear the rattle of vintage trams, spot ancient monuments such as Lisbon Cathedral, and watch the city unfold beneath you from one of its numerous miradouros (viewpoints). Explore the Castelo de São Jorge, where kids can climb up and down its towers and spot the resident peacocks parading alongside them. Alfama is not exactly stroller-friendly, but you could easily save your legs by jumping on a tram or booking an electric tuk-tuk tour. Or, explore the neighborhood on a family scavenger hunt while learning about the myths and legends of old Lisbon.

Related: 11 of the Best Views in Lisbon and Where To Find Them

On November 1, 1755, Lisbon was hit by an earthquake, a fire, and a tsunami all in one go. Pretty crazy, right? Head to the Quake - Lisbon Earthquake Museum for a glimpse of the city before and after this tragic event. Inside, you’ll find a series of immersive exhibits and an earthquake simulator that will shake you to the core (children under 5 will sit on a static bench and experience the visual show only).

The museum is just one of the many family-friendly attractions in the Belém district, which include two UNESCO Heritage sites: the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery.

Insider tip: While in Belém, don’t miss the chance to sample Lisbon’s original custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém.

Cooking classes or food tours are great things to do in Lisbon with kids. You can learn to whip up a batch of Portuguese custard tarts or sample a round of petiscos, small dishes that you can share with the whole family. If your children are picky eaters, try dining in one of Lisbon’s food markets, where you can pick and choose from different stalls; there’s the Ribeira Market—aka Time Out Market—which serves anything from donuts to pasta and steak sandwiches, or the quieter alternative Campo de Ourique Market.

Exploring the city’s parks and gardens is among the top things to do in Lisbon for families. You can unwind with a coffee at the Estrela Garden, as you watch your little ones run around in the playground; explore the lush surroundings of Estufa Fria, a hidden greenhouse inside the Edward VII Park; or have a picnic at Jardim do Torel. If you have a bit more time, head up to Parque Florestal de Monsanto—Lisbon’s largest park—where you’ll find a variety of sports courts, cycling lanes, and even a camping ground.

Insider tip: In summer, the Jardim do Torel turns into an urban beach with a small pool ideal for children.

Visiting the Museu da Carris is a must if your family is fascinated by the city’s vintage trams. This Alcântara museum houses miniatures of Lisbon’s funiculars, and real-scale models of the double-decker buses and trams that once traveled through the city’s streets. The visit also includes a ride in a refurbished 1901 tram: This is just one thing that makes it one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Lisbon, as kids can ride in one of Lisbon's signature streetcars without the crowds.

If you’re looking for fun Lisbon activities for children, try a boat trip. You can take the short ferry ride to Cacilhas, a small town famous for its seafood restaurants, and climb aboard the 19th-century frigate Dom Fernando II e Glória, Portugal’s last sailing warship. Wildlife fans will love dolphin-watching tours, where you’ll sail along the Portuguese Riviera and hopefully spot some pods of dolphins along the way.

A short train ride from Rossio station in Lisbon takes you to the heart of Sintra—a small town surrounded by lush mountains that was once a summer getaway for the Portuguese royals. You can easily fill a day here touring fun family attractions, including a Moorish castle, a Romantic palace befitting a Disney film, and Quinta da Regaleira, a park filled with fountains, grottoes, and an 88-foot (26-meter) initiation well with a striking spiral staircase. Alternatively, take a tram ride from Sintra to Praia das Maçãs and combine your visit with a beach day, or enjoy a full-day tour around Sintra and the coast.

The coast of Lisbon is surrounded by wonderful beaches, which you can easily reach by public transport. The closest stretch is Estoril and Cascais—accessible by train from Cais do Sodré—where the many family-friendly beaches include Praia do Tamariz, Praia da Rainha, and Praia da Duquesa. Sure, the water may be a little chilly, but it can be pretty refreshing on those hot summer days. Beyond swimming, you can try surfing with a family-friendly surf lesson, or follow the relaxing promenade connecting São João do Estoril to Cascais. Then, wrap up the day with an ice cream from local favorite Santini.

Insider tip: Rent a bike and cycle from Cascais to the unique rock formation of Boca do Inferno or Praia do Guincho, another popular surfing spot.