17 best things to do in Lisbon with kids

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We love Lisbon it’s one of our favourite cities in Europe. We have been lucky enough to visit Lisbon twice now and it is a city that does not stop surprising you. It is always bustling with locals and tourists alike. Everywhere you look there are amazing and unique things to do in Lisbon with kids.

It only took us seconds to fall in love with everything about it. We love the people, the food is amazing and the scenery is gorgeous. I knew our Lisbon family holiday would be a success after only a few moments in the city of Lisbon.

What is there in Lisbon for kids to do?

So with the amount of love, we have for this beautiful city after our 2 visits, we have put together our list of things to do in Lisbon with kids so when you visit Lisbon you won’t miss out! Many of these activities will keep teenagers in Lisbon entertained as well as small kids on a Lisbon vacation. Let the Lisbon travel guide begin!

Playgrounds in Lisbon for kids

Playgrounds are always popular with small kids. Lisbon is no different. Playgrounds can also give us parents a few minutes to relax while the kids have fun. Lisbon playgrounds can be found all over and some popular parks can be found at:

  • Jardim Dom Luis, which is close to Commercial Square on the Tagus River. There is a little playground, benches and shady trees. there is a kiosk with tables and chairs where you buy drinks and food items.
  • Children’s Park of Neptune is located close to the Lisbon Aquarium. When visiting Lisbon with toddlers, a park is a great choice.
  • Rua de Santo Estêvão is in the Alfama. This is a small playground but it has play equipment for smaller and large children. The playground is sheltered by trees making it great for kids to play in Lisbon without being exposed to the warm Lisbon weather.
  • Jardim da Estrela is a big park lined with trees featuring landscaped gardens plant-filled greenhouses, waterfalls & a kids’ playground. This park is well worth a few hours of your time for kids to play in Lisbon. You will find the park at Praça da Estrela n°12, 1200-694 Lisboa, Portugal
  • Lisbon kids’ playgrounds can be found on this Google map for your reference and planning.

Things to do in Lisbon for kids – Riding the cable car

The Lisbon Cable Car runs along the upper Tagus River in the Park of Nations area of the city. The cable car was built for the World Expo in the 1990s. The cable car runs for 1.5 km, providing great views of the river and the Vasco Da Gama bridge. 

Lisbon cable car
The Lisbon Cable Car takes in river views

The trip lasts 8 to 12 minutes, hovering over the Tagus River at 30 meters high. Our kids love cable cars, and it gives you a unique view of Lisbon from above. The Lisbon cable car is a popular thing for kids to do in Lisbon activity.

The Lisbon Cable car and the Lisbon Aquarium are located just a few hundred meters apart. You can combine these two activities. The best way to reach these Lisbon attractions is on the Lisbon hop on hop off bus which has a stop nearby.

Holiday activities for kids in Lisbon – The Hippobus

Discover Lisbon by land and water on an amphibious (Hippobus) tour that explores historic neighbourhoods and the Tagus River. The Hippobus Lisbon is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

It is an amphibious bus that travels on water and takes in the main sites of Lisbon, including Cais do Sodre, Praça do Comercio, Rossio, and Avenida da Liberdade. It is one of the fun things to do in Lisbon for teens. Book your Hippobus tour on water and land today.

Portugal with kids – Oceanario de Lisbon

The aquarium is located right next to the cable car station. The Lisbon Aquarium is, without a doubt, the best aquarium we have ever been to. It is one of the best things you will do in Lisbon with kids. The Oceanario de Lisbon has over 450 different species, totalling 16,000 creatures on site.

The amazing water animals at Lisbon Aquarium
The aquarium was one of the amazing things to do in Lisbon Portugal with kids

This aquarium had some of the best exhibits we have ever seen and kept all four of us entertained for the entire time we were there. The penguin and puffin exhibition was absolutely brilliant and it is a must-see in Lisbon, as it is so different from any other aquarium.

The exhibits surround a massive inner glass tank that spans two stories of the aquarium and holds over 100 species. The sea otters were amazing and so cute! (They had the three Wyld women oohing and ahhing with the added so cute’s!)

The otters are that relaxed and happy, they just float on their backs. We spent what seemed like forever just watching them. This is a great attraction for Lisbon with a toddler, as there is plenty of room for a pram. If you are looking for things to do with the family in Lisbon then this should be at the top of the list in any season!

Lisbon for kids – Yellow Bus hop on hop off tour

Let’s be honest most kids don’t like walking, especially in a city as hilly as Lisbon. There is often some complaining and moaning involved when it is even mentioned. A hop on hop off bus tour of Lisbon with kids will take that all away. The Yellow bus has 2 different routes. The Olisipo and the Tagus tour.

The Olisipo Tour takes in Lisbon city, the old and the new parts of the Portuguese capital. The Tagus tour takes you out the river to Belem where you can explore Monastery Jeronimos, Belem Tower, and the Discoveries Monument.

Things to do in Lisbon with kids -Pilar 7 Bridge experience

Located on the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge is the Pilar 7 bridge experience. Not for the faint-hearted, if you have a daredevil kid then this experience is for them. The experience allows you to stand in a glass box that hangs off the side of the bridge.

To be honest, the Pilar 7 Bridge Experience is a little more than just a glass box experience, it is also an interactive multimedia museum devoted to one of the most picturesque bridges in the world. Kids in Lisbon will love this experience. Book your experience today.

Read more: You can easily visit Evora on a day trip from Lisbon

Pasteis de Belem – the best custard tarts on earth!

No trip to Lisbon is complete without trying a famous custard tart. These custard pastries have been made in the same shop with the same recipe in Belem since 1834. The world-famous Pasteis de Belem is a must-try when in Lisbon.

Custard tarts in Belem
Custard tarts at Belem Portugal

Make sure you take your time and enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate while you are out there. It is a great activity to do in Lisbon with children, especially on a hot day. You can go inside and cool off while enjoying these amazing treats! No Lisbon family holiday is complete without eating your share of these.



Activities in Lisbon for kids – Muse de Marinha

Wow, wow and wow again! That is what we thought about this museum and I am pretty sure we spent a lot of time saying that too as we wandered around. It would have to be one of the best museums in Lisbon if not the whole world that we have visited.

It is one of the top places not to miss when you are in Lisbon for kids or even by yourself. This amazing Museum of Portuguese boating history is right from the Age of Discoveries in the 1500s through to today, and it is absolutely amazing.

boat at Lisbon
The Maritime Museum is one of the amazing places in Lisbon

Models and artefacts explain the history only for you to finish up in only what I can call a big auditorium that houses full-size boats. I just can’t explain how amazing this part of the museum is. It is really a must-see Museum and you can easily take 3 hours to visit this museum.

I can’t rave enough about it being one of the best museums in all of Europe for the whole family and we can’t believe so many people have not heard of it. Put this on your list of things to do in Lisbon.

Lisbon with kids travel tip:

The Lisbon Card provides many discounts to the sights of Lisbon. This flexible Lisbon Card is your key to the city of Lisbon, with free and unlimited travel on city transport and admission to 23 museums and historic buildings. The discounts can sure add up quickly when visiting multiple sights in Lisbon with teenagers and children. The Lisbon card will get you a 30% discount off entry into Muse de Marinha.

Buy your Lisbon Card here

Visit Lisbon with kids – fun on the water

Having fun on a Lisbon family holiday

Looking for a warm weather activity that the whole family can enjoy in Lisbon? Why not try riding a banana boat at the Peniche Marina? Banana boats are inflatable rafts that are shaped like bananas and are towed behind a boat. They are great for spending time on the water and the kids will love them! Book your Banana boat experience

Little Lisbon Tours – a tour made for kids

A tour company doing tours, especially for kids? Talk about things to do in Lisbon for families! Our guide Mariana took us on their Great Lisbon Earthquake tour.

We learnt about what the city looked like before the earthquake and tsunami destroyed it. We were told about the history behind the tiles and had taste tests of foods that were being eaten to feed the population after the quake.

Lisbon with kids tour
Learning history with Little Lisbon Tours

All this combined with some activities and worksheets for the kids added up to a great experience for our girls and one of the only tours designed specifically for kids we have ever come across.

Our girls learnt so much on this tour and we can’t recommend it enough as a brilliant way to learn about Lisbon with kids. It was one of their favourite Lisbon experiences.

Little Lisbon Half day tour with kids

Discover Lisbon through the eyes of a child on a half-day sightseeing tour designed especially for families. Learn the mysteries and quirks of the Portuguese capital as you get to know its most popular neighbourhoods, traditions and featured characters. Little Lisbon is unique and at the forefront of tours designed for kids. This is one of the fun things to do in Lisbon for the whole family.

For more information about the amazing Little Lisbon tours click here!

A Lisbon tour for kids? Read our review of the Little Lisbon tour for kids here

What to do in Lisbon with kids – Tuk Tuk Tour

Lisbon and Portugal, in general, seem to be channelling their inner Asian. Lisbon Tuk Tuks seem to be plentiful around Portugal right now. We have used them in Lisbon and in the Algarve in Faro.

This amazing Tuk Tuk tour takes in all things along the Tagus River from Commercial Square, Arc Rue Augusta and everything in between till it arrives at the foot of the Monument of Discoveries in Belem.

The Tuk Tuk was a novelty to our kids not quite a motorbike not quite a car but definitely full of fun! If you want an easy way for the kids to see Lisbon then this is definitely for you!

Make sure you negotiate on your Lisbon tuk-tuk price before you hop in and start your journey. Don’t accept the first offer to make a counteroffer on your tuk-tuk in Lisbon ride. No family vacation in Lisbon is complete without a tuk-tuk ride

Benfica Stadium and Museum tour

Sports Lisboa Benfica, more universally known as Benfica, is a Portuguese football (Soccer for us Australians and Americans) club based in Lisbon.

Benfica is best known as the professional football team playing in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, which is the top flight of Portuguese football. A Benfica stadium tour is a great experience for football fans visiting Lisbon with older kids.

Benfica football stadium
Football in Lisbon is highly popular

For your little football fans, you will walk through the field, visit the locker rooms and press room, and take a photo of yourself with the eagle mascot of Sports Lisboa and Benfica. You can visit the Benfica shop and buy merchandise and purchase Benfica tickets. For families that are into sports, this is one of the best things to do in Lisbon.

Luz Stadium Tour and SL Benfica Museum Ticket

Retrace the footsteps of SL Benfica’s legendary players and victories on a 2-hour tour of the Luz Stadium, Lisbon that is perfect for football fans. Enter the stage of the 2014 Champions League final, and visit the museum to learn about SL Benfica. This is an amazing Portuguese Football tour.

See all your Benfica football tour options here!

Make your own money

The Money Museum may not sound like one of the best things to do in Lisbon for kids, but you could be wrong. Visiting Lisbon with kids can head to the museum and make a coin free of charge with their own likeness printed on it.

You visit temporary exhibitions, learn about money from around the world and take part in Saturday family activities in Lisbon

Family things to do in Lisbon – Kids surfing lessons

Surfing is something close to our hearts being Australian. The beach and water activities play a huge part in Australian and Portuguese life. Cascais Beach Portugal is one of the most famous beaches near Lisbon. There are some amazing coastlines in Portugal for surfing.

The beaches are some of the biggest waves in the world down to perfect learning waves for kids. Surfing is one of those great things for kids to try where they can become one with nature.

It is a unique experience especially if you don’t live on the beach in your everyday life. This is a great activity when visiting Lisbon with Teenagers.

direction signs in Lisbon
Attractions in Lisbon are everywhere

Things to do around Lisbon with kids – Bike hire and tour

Feel the freedom as you cycle independently around the city of Lisbon. Explore this fantastic city and take in the sights at your own pace.

Go where you want to go and do what you want to do as you enjoy this beautiful city by bike. The area by the river is flat which would suit a Lisbon with kids bike riding experience.

What to do in Lisbon with kids? On a sunny day, there is nothing better than being by the river in Lisbon riding a bike and enjoying the sun! Stops for ice cream, lunch, snacks and playgrounds are a must for families on holiday in Lisbon.

Explore Lisbon by the Hop on hop off tram

The Tram 28 Lisbon connects Martim Moniz with Campo Ourique and passes through the popular tourist districts of Graca, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela. For visitors, the tram 28 Lisbon route, is the classic Lisbon tram experience.

The classic yellow tram thumps bumps and rattles its way through the narrow streets of the city. A word of warning the Tram 28 Lisbon route is notorious for pickpockets who work the tram. It is a great experience for families in Lisbon but makes sure your valuables are fastened tight.

The Lisbon tram to Belem
Lisbon trams are an easy transport option

Explore Lisbon on the one thing Lisbon is really famous for, an old-style tram. The kids will love these rattling old cable cars from a bygone era as they ply their way through the city. Lisbon is known as the city of 7 hills and the trams go up, down and around in this city.

If the kids are struggling with the hills it is a great and easy way to see Lisbon with kids. There are 6 stops on the route with each stop featuring something special including Castelo St George. Just between us, one of the finest views of all in Lisbon is from Castelo St George, so don’t miss it!

Family things to do in Lisbon – The Lisbon Story

Lisbon has a long long history dating back 2700 years. The Lisbon story centre is part history, part culture and part entertainment. The Lisbon story explores 6 different themes, Myths and Realities, which cover the Rio, the Earth, the sea, the sky, mythological beginnings, settlers and conquerors and the City Walls, Lisbon Global City, which features the Cosmopolitan City, the Warehouse of the World.

The Lisbon story features interactive displays including a 4d theatre that shakes rattles and rolls as the earthquake of 1755 hits and destroys the city. This is a great attraction for families in Lisbon. It mixes a learning opportunity with fun and adventure.

Family holidays in Lisbon – Kidzania

Kidzania may be the best thing to do in Lisbon with kids. This one activity is totally designed to immerse kids in the activity at hand. If you have one day in Lisbon spare, go to Kidzania. This is a place where kids can play at being adults.

There are over 60 professions for kids to choose from. There is a whole town for kids to work in. The Lisbon Kidszania town includes an airport, factories, a theatre, shops, a police station, a fire station, and a football stadium.

For more information and tickets check the Kidzania website

Head skyward in Lisbon

Santa Justa Lift is a fun attraction for kids in Lisbon. It is the oldest of its kind in Europe, and it was built back in 1902. The Santa Justa lift takes you up to the top of the hill, where you can enjoy the view of Lisbon and its surroundings.

Late afternoon is the best time to ride the lift to the top floor before climbing a short set of steps to the viewing platform.

Travelling in Portugal with older kids? Check out one of the famous Bone Chapels

Places to Eat with Kids in Lisbon

The downtown Lisbon area has streets lined with restaurants, cafes and takeaway food shops. The food in Lisbon is very good and ranges from Portuguese to just about any international cuisine you can think of. We know kids can be fussy, in Lisbon you will find good pastries and local snack food specialties which are codfish cakes and churros.

A Beirense is located at Calçada do Carmo 49, 1200-090 Lisboa. You will find it just near the top entrance to the Rossio Trains station. It is a small local cafe selling amazing coffee, pastries, local foods and ice cream. We highly recommend A Beirense

Faca & Garfo is located at Rua da Condessa 2 1200 -122, Lisbon. This is a small family-run restaurant featuring traditional Portuguese foods. There was an emphasis on fresh seafood at affordable prices. The Creme Brulee was to die for. 

Portugalia is located at Rua da Cintura do Porto de Lisboa. Portugalia is a national chain of restaurants. Much like many chain restaurants around the world such as Vampiro or Wetherspoons. They will have someone to suit everyone.

How to get to Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital and biggest city in Portugal.

Humberto Delgado Airport is located 7km from Lisbon City Centre

It is the 24th largest airport in Europe in terms of passenger volume, having served 22.4 million passengers in 2016

Lisbon Airport is served by 121 destinations with 47 airlines

Lisboa is serviced by many international airlines and budget carriers. The airport is a hub for TAP Portugal. Lisbon is a focus city for EasyJet, Ryanair, Vueling and Azores Airlines. You can check the prices of international flights to Portugal with CheapOair. Domestic flights can be booked with Expedia 

The airport and the city are connected by the metro. The Aeroporto Saldanha line takes approximately 20 minutes to reach downtown Lisbon

The Aerobus is accommodating for travelling with large luggage. The departures are available at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 between 7:30 and 23:00 daily and connect the airport with a number of major destinations in the downtown area.

Santa Apolonia and Lisbon Oriente are the two major trains station for domestic and international arrivals by train. Check your train prices here.

Most international buses arrive at Lisbon’s Estação do Oriente bus station. Check your bus prices here. 

You can book an airport transfer with Suntransfers who we have personally used on many occasions.

You can book a rental car with Rentalcars.com and have it waiting for you at Lisbon Airport.

Getting around Lisbon

The Lisbon public transport system is a great way to get around the city. The Lisbon public transport system is easily accessible for families and consists of metro, trams and Lifts

The metro is the easiest way to cover point-to-point destinations in Lisbon with kids. The Lisbon metro connects the airport to the city centre. We found public transport to be reliable, on time and inexpensive.

Be aware that like most European Metro Systems this one was built many years ago. This sometimes makes it difficult if you are travelling Lisbon with a stroller or small kids as there may be stairs involved in accessing the system.

Buses and trams are another good way to travel across Lisbon and one kid can enjoy it. The two trams you may use is the tourist tram E28 which does the loop around the Lisbon Old Town area. The E15 travels from Praco Commercial to Belem. Both these trams will be packed.

Lisbon is home to lifts and cable cars for your convenience. Lisbon is known as the city of 7 hills and walking them can be problematic for families. Some of the most useful lifts are Santa Justa Lift which takes people from Lisbon Old Town to Square Largo Do Carmo and the magnificent Carmo Convent.

Another lift is Elevador Castelo which will take you halfway to the amazing Castelo St George and the greatest views of all in Lisbon. The lifts are great when travelling to Lisbon Portugal with a stroller

TICKET OPTIONS TO USE THE LISBON PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM WITH KIDS

  • You can buy tickets at the stations. You can purchase a rechargeable metro card for the duration of your stay or a single ticket. A single ticket on the metro is €1.90 without a rechargeable card, €1,40. Lisbon with a toddler under the age of 5 travel free when accompanied by an adult.
  • Carris / Metro single tickets: these can be bought in advance and are the perfect solution if you need the occasional hop on a bus, tram or metro. These tickets have a validity of 1 hour from the first use.
  • Maybe the easiest way is to buy a Lisboa Card. The Lisboa Card entitles you to free use of the lifts, Elevators and Public Transport.

Take a look HERE at the Lisboa Card, buy online to hit the streets of Lisbon running.

Where to stay in Lisbon with kids

Booking.com

Accommodation in Lisbon has options for every budget from Hostels, to apartments and hotel rooms.

Hostels in Lisbon can start from as little as 15 euros a night for a shared dorm room.

Many families are looking for where to stay in Lisbon, loved staying at As Janelas Verdes – Lisbon Heritage Collection, Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa, and Lisbon Wine Hotel. Some of the best hotels in Lisbon near Rossio Square include Duque´s ApartmentsRodamon Lisboa Hostel and Madalena City Center.

Hotels in Lisbon generally start at around $70 a night for a double room and increase incrementally as the luxury rating rises towards 5 stars. Google states that 3-star average $92, and 5-star averaging $226 for a night stay.

You can compare and book your stay on Trip Advisor and Priceline

Lisbon with Kids is one of the great cities in Europe to visit. Did you know Lisbon Portugal has more sunny days than any other European capital? You really should visit Lisbon now, this summer, before too long it will lose its charm as it’s getting more and more visitors every year.

We hope this Lisbon guide for kids gives you some great ideas. Find your best kids’ activities in Lisbon with our 11 things to do in Lisbon!

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit Lisbon. There are so many things to do in Lisbon with kids that will have you entertained for your family’s whole stay in Lisbon.

For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Lisbon click through to our Portugal Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.


More travel inspiration for your trip to Portugal


12 thoughts on “17 best things to do in Lisbon with kids”

  1. I can’t tell you how much I want to get to Portugal in the next year! Thanks for this, it is really helpful.

  2. Great list! I’m just back from Lisbon and I fell for the city too. To add another item to your list: I did an awesome photo tour with Lisbon photo. They also offer a a family photo challenge for kids.

  3. I’ve never been to Lisbon but it looks beautiful

  4. Oh how I loved this city, you’ve reminded me all the great reasons to go back

  5. Lisbon looks like an incredible city! I would love to ride the city cable car 😀

  6. Great post! I wrote something along the lines of ’10 things to do in Lisbon’ once – amazingly, the only things that crossover are the trams and (of course) the custard tarts! If I ever return with kids, I’ve now got now loads more ideas.

  7. Didn’t realize they had a cable car there. I would love to hop on that.

  8. Tuks Tuks in Lisbon….unbelievable……do they demand high prices as in Bangkok 😀

  9. I love your blog. My family will be in Lisbon this summer and we are looking to rent an apartment for 2 weeks. I have 3 young children. Can you recommend a neighborhood that is kid-friendly, centrally located and has a playground?
    Thanks so much!!

  10. Can´t wait to try these tips in Lisbon soon!
    Such an amazing post!

    Happy Monday,
    Anna

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