Our Top 15 Lisbon Picks for Kids:
- Lisbon Oceanarium | Oceanário de Lisboa
- Lisbon Cable Car at Parque das Nações | Telecabine Lisboa
- Natural History and Science Museum | Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência
- Lisbon Zoo | Jardim Zoológico
- São Jorge Castle overlooking the city | Castelo de S. Jorge
- A ride on the tram – Tram 28 | Elétrico 28
- Belém Tower | Torre de Belém
- Lisbon Story Centre | Lisbon Story Centre
- Santa Justa Lift | Elevador de Santa Justa
- A tour of Estádio da Luz | Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica
- Dolphin-watching cruise and sometimes whales too
- Lisbon Planetarium | Planetário de Marinha
- Earthquake Museum | Quake – Museu do Terramoto de Lisboa
- Wonderland Lisboa | Wonderland Lisboa – during the holiday season
- Day trips to Sintra and Cascais | Sintra – Cascais
Keep in mind that many of Lisbon’s kid-friendly attractions are not right in the city center, but around it.
To purchase tickets for the Lisbon Oceanarium on the date and time that suit you, click here…
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Where should you stay in Lisbon with kids?
Lisbon is a large and somewhat complex city, but it does have one very clear center: Baixa. Many of the attractions for kids are right in the center and can be reached on foot, while the rest are not far away, and the quickest way to reach most of them is by public transportation or taxi.
When traveling in a city with children, and especially in Lisbon, it’s worth building some breathing room into the day if you can. In other words, head back to the hotel in the afternoon or early evening before going out again later. That’s why we think the best areas to stay with kids are Baixa or the calmer Avenida da Liberdade. You’ll be within walking distance of many attractions, and there are plenty of public transportation options for the ones farther away.
Click here for our comprehensive guide to accommodations in Lisbon…
Click here for accommodations in Lisbon’s Baixa…
Click here for accommodations on the quieter Avenida…
What is the best season to visit Lisbon with kids?
Lisbon is very much a year-round destination, with plenty to do in every season, whether it’s raining or a little too warm. That said, the best time to visit Lisbon with children is in spring and early fall, when the city is pleasant for walking, which is the best way to experience it.
At the height of summer, the city can be hot and humid, though not unbearable. You can always begin your trip with two or three days in Lisbon, then treat the kids by continuing on to the Algarve region in southern Portugal, with its excellent water parks, just about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital.
Click here for our vacation and accommodation guide to the Algarve region…
Check out our guide on when is the best time to visit Portugal…
What to do in Lisbon with kids: the attractions list
1. The Lisbon Oceanarium | Oceanário de Lisboa
Without a doubt, Lisbon’s number one attraction for kids!
The Oceanarium is located in Parque das Nações, near Casino Lisboa. Parque das Nações is about a 15- to 25-minute ride from central Lisbon by car or public transportation, depending on where exactly you are staying in the center.
The Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the best aquariums in southern Europe, with an exceptionally rich collection of fish and marine mammals presented in a pleasant, easy-flowing layout. The central tank features a wide variety of fish, including sharks and manta rays. Beyond the fish exhibits, there is also a section with seabirds, including penguins, another with marine mammals, including seals, and a display of aquatic plants.
Click here to purchase tickets to the Lisbon Oceanarium…
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2. Lisbon Cable Car | Telecabine Lisboa
The southern cable car station is right by the exit from the Oceanarium, also in Parque das Nações. The ride itself is part of the fun, with fairly spacious cabins. The cable car line stretches for 1,200 meters, and the northern station is near the iconic Vasco da Gama Tower.
You can board at either station and buy a one-way or round-trip ticket. Along the way, you’ll get views of the Tagus estuary and the Vasco da Gama Bridge, with Parque das Nações on the other side.
Click here for more information and cable car hours…
3. Natural History and Science Museum and the Botanical Gardens | Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência
The science museum sits beside the botanical gardens in the heart of Lisbon’s Avenida district. It is part of the University of Lisbon’s research complex and makes for a very enjoyable stop with children. The museum features collections on geology, zoology, and of course botany in the adjacent gardens. Among the exhibits are also many explanations of special research projects conducted here.
After your visit, you can top it off with ice cream from the wonderful shop opposite the garden entrance, or a meal at one of the many restaurants on the pleasant nearby streets running parallel to Avenida.
4. Lisbon Zoo | Jardim Zoológico
Lisbon’s large zoo is north of Avenida and even has its own metro station. The station is on the central Blue Line, which comes from Baixa, and it’s right at the zoo entrance, making the zoo especially easy to reach. You can start the day there, return to your hotel downtown for a rest and refresh in the afternoon, then head back out to explore the center later in the day, all quickly and efficiently.
Lisbon Zoo is large, with a good variety of animals, beautiful gardens, and spacious grounds in between. Its big idea is to offer a journey around the world without leaving the city. There’s an emphasis on African and tropical animals, and somewhat surprisingly, dolphin shows as well. Lisbon Zoo is a wonderful experience for the whole family, and its accessibility makes the visit especially easy.
Click here for more information and opening hours for Lisbon Zoo…
5. São Jorge Castle | Castelo de S. Jorge
Castelo de São Jorge is the huge castle that has become one of the defining landmarks of Lisbon. From its commanding position, it looks out over the streets of Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood, as well as Baixa, western Lisbon, and all the way toward the Atlantic.
To get to the castle, you can take tram 12 from Martim Moniz Square to the S. Tomé stop, which is about a 3-minute walk from the castle. Or you can walk uphill in roughly 15 minutes or so from almost anywhere in Baixa.
The site was fortified as far back as the Phoenician period, but the layout of the present structure was established by the Moors in the mid-12th century. In the early 20th century, it underwent a reconstruction that was not especially meticulous, but the castle still delivers plenty of medieval atmosphere.
It’s considered one of Lisbon’s must-see sights and the kind of place almost anyone can enjoy. Kids will especially love the walkways along the walls and wandering through the gardens tucked inside the fortifications. The climb up to the fortress is a great outing that burns off energy and works well for the whole family. The sweeping views and cool, refreshing breeze are the bonus.
Click here for more information and opening hours for the castle…
6. Riding Lisbon’s tram – especially Tram 28 | Elétrico 28
Lisbon, a city built on hills, has been threaded with tram tracks for more than a century. The tram helps locals tackle the city’s steep inclines on their way home, and for visitors it offers an unforgettable urban ride through some of Lisbon’s most character-filled streets. Several lines run through central Lisbon and Alfama, the old quarter, and kids will enjoy at least a short ride on any of them.
More than any other, Line 28 is the classic choice, crossing the city and passing many of Lisbon’s main highlights. The best place to board is at Martim Moniz Square, a few minutes’ walk northeast of central Figueira Square. This is the first stop, so you’ll have the best chance of getting seats. Later on, you’ll probably need to stand, and from there it’s much harder to take in the streets and views.
Depending on the kids’ patience, you can ride the full route, or just do the first half with the ups and downs and get off near Commerce Square.
The trams are part of Lisbon’s public transportation system, so rides are included with the Lisboa Card. You can also buy a ticket in cash directly from the driver.
7. Belém Tower | Torre de Belém
The tower is the central landmark of Belém, in western Lisbon, and one of the icons of the Portuguese capital. It was built on a small island in the western part of Lisbon’s harbor in 1520 and became the clearest symbol of Portugal’s maritime empire at the time. To this day, it remains an especially impressive structure.
For kids, the highlight will be climbing the stairs to the top of the tower. From the rooftop, there are wonderful views over the river and the surrounding area. West of the tower, you’ll find a small green promenade, the Monument to the Discoveries, and more sights in Belém.
8. Lisbon Story Centre
The Lisbon Story Centre is located on central Commerce Square, so it’s very easy to reach. With its modern, interactive exhibits, the museum tells the story of Portugal’s capital from its founding to the present day. Even though the displays are light and colorful, historical accuracy is preserved, so adults can learn plenty here about the city’s past as well.
The museum is designed as a one-hour journey through a series of galleries and rooms, divided into six main themes. Thanks to its central location, it’s an ideal light break from the noise of the city when it’s too hot outside, or when it’s raining.
Click here for more information and opening hours for the Lisbon Story Centre…
9. Santa Justa Lift | Elevador de Santa Justa
The unique and iconic Santa Justa Lift serves two main purposes. The first is practical: connecting the main streets of Baixa with the Bairro Alto district above it. The second, of course, is tourism. Beyond the experience of riding the old elevator itself, its design, inspired by Gustave Eiffel, is what turned it into such a popular attraction. The lift rises 45 meters, and at the top there is a viewing platform with spectacular city views.
Lines for the Santa Justa Lift can be long, so with children it’s best to prepare them for a bit of patience. The ride is included in the 24-hour public transportation ticket, but that does not include access to the observation deck. In most cases, it’s worth buying a separate ticket for the Santa Justa Lift.
Check out our full Lisbon accommodation guide…
10. Stadium of Light Tour | Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica
This one is especially good for soccer-loving kids, though not only for them. At worst, if one child in the family loves soccer and another doesn’t, the famous shopping mall just across the road, Centro Comercial Colombo, is right there, along with a Primark store. That can make it easier to convince everyone else to come along.
Benfica Lisbon’s “Stadium of Light,” Estádio da Luz, is north of the city center and has 66,000 seats. It’s also served by the Blue Line metro, so even though it’s farther out, it’s very easy to reach—about 20 minutes by metro from Baixa. Get off at Alto dos Moinhos Station or Colégio Militar Station near the mall.
The stadium tour is very interesting, and the highlight is going all the way down to pitch level. There’s also a museum in the stadium complex, and outside you’ll find the statue of Eusébio, the legendary striker of Benfica and the Portuguese national team. You can buy a combined ticket for the museum and the tour, or separate admission for just one of them.
You can visit the stadium year-round for a tour, except on match days. Still, if there happens to be a game while you’re in town, it’s absolutely worth going—especially if it’s a Champions League or Europa League match, competitions Benfica takes part in almost every year. The club’s fans are known for being particularly passionate. About five minutes from Benfica’s Estádio da Luz is Sporting Lisbon’s stadium, the club where Ronaldo spent his youth. Similar tours are available there as well.
Click here to purchase tickets for an excellent tour of Estádio da Luz and Benfica’s museum…
11. Dolphin-watching cruise – and whales too, when in season!
These boat tours depart from the small marina below the 25 de Abril Bridge. Most tours last about 3 hours. The cruise begins along Belém, with its famous tower standing at the edge of the Tagus estuary. After that, the boats head out into the ocean, where dolphins are usually first spotted.
Tour operators say that dolphins are seen on 95% of tours. Naturally, you may encounter other fish along the way, and sometimes even sharks. On occasion, whales show up too, which makes the outing even more exciting—several species pass through, some in summer and some year-round. All in all, it’s a wonderful family experience and not the sort of thing you automatically expect when visiting such a large, layered metropolitan city.
Except in the height of summer, it’s very important to dress warmly, because it’s always cold out on the water.
12. Lisbon Planetarium | Planetário de Marinha
The Lisbon Planetarium is another important institution located within the grounds of Jerónimos Monastery in western Belém.
The venue features fascinating exhibits on the stars and the solar system, and it’s certainly a pleasant place to visit with children. The explanations are also available in English, though a large part of the institution’s purpose is educational within Portugal itself. As you leave the planetarium, you’ll find the Maritime Museum, and further downhill toward the river are the wind rose and the Monument to the Discoveries.
The planetarium is an excellent refuge on a rainy day or one that’s simply too hot.
Click here for more information and opening hours for the planetarium…
13. Earthquake Museum | Quake – Museu do Terramoto de Lisboa
On the other side of Avenida Brasília, diagonally across from the major modern art museum (MAAT), stands the famous National Coach Museum, and beside it the Earthquake Museum. In 1755, Lisbon was struck by a powerful and catastrophic earthquake that destroyed the city and, in hindsight, also helped bring an end to Portugal’s globe-spanning empire. The Earthquake Museum first presents that historic disaster, but also explains earthquakes more broadly.
The museum, which opened in 2022, is completely new and fully interactive. It leads visitors through a “time machine” into the Lisbon that existed before the quake, making it possible to “walk” its streets.
For kids, the high point will be sitting down to watch the effects-driven film that recreates the earthquake itself.
Click here for more information and opening hours for the Earthquake Museum…
14. Wonderland Lisboa – during the holiday season
This event takes place during the month before Christmas and continues until after New Year’s in Parque Eduardo VII. It’s a relatively new tradition in Lisbon, inspired by the Christmas market culture of northern Europe.
At Wonderland Lisboa, the focus is on children, especially younger ones. Alongside the stalls, the site includes an illuminated amusement area that brings everyone into the spirit of the approaching holiday season.
15. Day trips from Lisbon with kids – Sintra and Cascais | Sintra – Cascais
The two most popular day trips from Lisbon for adults also happen to be the ones that work best with kids. For both Sintra and Cascais, the most convenient way to get there is by train. From central Lisbon, the journey to either town takes about 30 to 40 minutes by train or car.
Click here for comprehensive information on the most popular day trips from Lisbon…
Sintra
Sintra is a town and region half an hour northwest of Lisbon, famous for its palaces. A trip to Sintra is a perfect blend of nature walks and visits to monumental buildings and historic sites. Set on hills among forests, Sintra’s palaces provide a refreshing break from the urban buzz of Lisbon.
It’s hard to fit everything into a single day in Sintra, but almost no one skips Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, with a walking trail connecting the two. Sintra will be less interesting for very young children, and walking between the sites can be difficult. For older kids and teenagers who also enjoy nature, though, it makes for a wonderful day out.
In the town itself, near the train station, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés, so there’s no need to bring food with you.
Attractions in Sintra that kids may enjoy:
- The colorful, spectacular Pena Palace | Palácio Nacional da Pena
- The Moorish Castle and a walk along its walls high on the hill | Castelo dos Mouros
- Quinta da Regaleira – the palace, gardens, and stairways | Quinta da Regaleira
- A tuk-tuk ride – you can also get between the palaces with tuk-tuk drivers
Click here for a comprehensive guide to Sintra – the palace region near Lisbon…
Cascais
Cascais is essentially Lisbon’s westernmost seaside suburb. It first developed as a summer retreat for the European aristocracy. Today, Cascais still holds on to its status as a place of glamour and luxury. Especially on weekends and in summer, it feels lively and full of energy, with Lisbon’s stylish crowd heading there to spend time around the marina, restaurants, and galleries.
There are museums and culture. There are plenty of restaurants, street food spots, and even a market. There are beaches, nightlife, and a dramatic rocky coastline stretching westward, with natural rock pools and large dunes that can also be explored by bike. In other words, just about everyone can find something in Cascais that appeals to them, or try a little of everything.
More than anything, though, Cascais is a day-trip destination from Lisbon that also works beautifully for families. It’s easy to reach by train, which takes you right into the center of town. You can easily spend a full day here, have lunch at one of the excellent restaurants, and enjoy an atmosphere that feels more like a Greek vacation island than a suburb of Portugal’s major capital.
Attractions kids will enjoy in Cascais:
- The train ride to Cascais is an experience in itself, since toward the end of the route the train runs right along the waterfront
- Boca do Inferno – the “Mouth of Hell” | Boca do Inferno – a viewpoint over waves crashing powerfully against the distinctive rock formation
- Bike rides westward along the coastline
- The beaches of Cascais
- Viewpoint by the statue of King Dom Carlos I | Cidadela de Cascais – Dom Carlos I overlooking the fishing boats
- Santini ice cream | Santini – in Cascais, it’s considered the best in Portugal
Click here for a comprehensive guide to Cascais – the Lisbon Riviera…
5 tips for visiting Lisbon with kids
Traveling with children is completely different from traveling with adult friends or as a couple. Naturally, the kids will be at the center of the trip, and the experience should be shaped with them in mind. Every parent knows their children best and understands what suits them and what doesn’t. Some kids love science and connect with cities, while others just want nature and open space. Some can get through an archaeological or art museum, while others only really feel satisfied after water slides and pool time have helped them burn off their daily energy.
The right approach to planning a trip to Lisbon with kids is to combine what you want to do and see in Portugal’s capital with what the children want as well, which is why clear communication with them matters. Talk to them beforehand and prepare them for the day ahead. Try to understand what each child expects from the upcoming day of sightseeing, and build a loose framework that aims to work for everyone.
Here are a few basic rules for planning an itinerary with children that are very worth following:
- A comfortable flight – Found a flight to Lisbon at a good price? Great. Now take a close look at the flight times and whether they also work for the little ones. When flying with children, it’s usually much better to leave around midday and arrive at the hotel in the evening. Very early flights that require waking up at 3:00 a.m. are less suitable for kids, and so are arrivals at 2:00 a.m. A layover with children is an even bigger challenge. Try to find comfortable, reliable flights with airlines you trust, ones that are less likely to suddenly reschedule the flight.
- Hotel location – A family vacation in Lisbon should feel fun and enjoyable, not exhausting. That makes hotel location an important part of the trip. If your hotel is in Baixa, meaning the center, there’s no problem walking back in the middle of the day for a couple of hours of rest after lunch. That break will help both you and the kids reset for the afternoon and evening. So yes, there’s a trade-off: either you pay more or you compromise a bit on hotel quality, but with kids, a central hotel is a must.
- A child-friendly daily rhythm – It’s a good idea to create a clear but relaxed framework for each day in Lisbon with kids. At the same time, leave some room to adjust within that framework. Start the day with one main attraction, then let the rest of the day unfold more lightly, with plenty of fresh air, food options, ice cream, and snacks.
- Don’t overload the schedule – Maybe you thought you could do the Oceanarium and then return to the city and climb up to São Jorge Castle all in one day. But on a trip with children, even older ones and certainly younger ones, it’s very important to plan a daily rhythm with some breathing room between attractions. Don’t try to fit in everything, and don’t keep thinking about FOMO. Most children care less about how much they managed to “cover” and more about how the day felt. If you miss one major sight, it will probably bother you more than it bothers them.
- No excessive improvising – itinerary planning – Traveling abroad means moving through unfamiliar territory, and even if this isn’t your first time in Portugal, there are always surprises. Make sure the main attraction for that day is actually open and operating, because arriving at closed gates may be frustrating for parents, but for kids it can completely drain their patience. It’s important to know exactly where you’re going and, just as importantly, where you’ll eat and rest afterward!!
Read our complete guide to Portugal family travel…
Click here for our comprehensive guide to Lisbon…
Click here for our guide to where to stay in Lisbon and hotels in Lisbon…
