Lisbon with Kids: The Best Family Things to Do

Lisbon is a fantastic city for families, as long as you plan around the hills! Kids love the yellow trams, the aquarium, the castle walls and the riverside, and Portuguese people are wonderfully warm with children. Here’s what to do, from a family that lives here.

Quick answer: don’t miss the Oceanarium, a tram ride, São Jorge Castle, pastries in Belém and the hands-on Pavilhão do Conhecimento science centre. Stay somewhere flat like Parque das Nações or Avenida da Liberdade, and bring a baby carrier rather than relying on a buggy.

Top things to do with kids

Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa)

One of Europe’s best aquariums, with a giant central tank of sharks, rays and huge sunfish, plus sea otters and penguins. Tickets are around €25 for adults and €15 for children aged 3–12 (under-3s free), with family tickets available. Go early or late to avoid school groups.

Pavilhão do Conhecimento

A hands-on science centre next to the Oceanarium, perfect for curious 5–11 year olds, and a lifesaver on rainy or very hot days.

Parque das Nações

The former Expo site: flat riverside promenades for scooters and bikes, fountains, playgrounds and a cable car along the river.

Lisbon Zoo

Over 300 species, a petting farm and its own cable car over the enclosures. Tickets are around €31 for adults and €19 for children.

São Jorge Castle

Real castle walls to climb, cannons, peacocks wandering the gardens and the best views in Lisbon. Hold little hands near the walls!

Trams and the ferry

A ride on a yellow tram is a highlight. Avoid the packed tram 28 at busy times and try quieter routes like 12 or 24. Kids also love the short ferry across the river to Cacilhas from Cais do Sodré.

Belém

Wide open spaces, gardens, the Monument to the Discoveries, the boats on the river and, of course, warm pastéis de Belém.

Parks and playgrounds

The Gulbenkian Garden (ducks, turtles and shade), the playgrounds of Jardim da Estrela, and the big green Monsanto park for picnics.

Day trips families love

• Cascais: calm town beaches and a seaside promenade. See our Cascais day trip.
• Sintra: palaces like real fairy-tale castles. Pena and the Moorish Castle are big hits. See Sintra in one day.

Practical tips from parents

• Buggies: Lisbon’s hills, stairs and cobbles are hard work. A baby carrier is much easier in the old town, and a sturdy buggy works in Belém and Parque das Nações.
• Where to stay: flatter areas like Parque das Nações, Avenida da Liberdade, Belém or Cascais. See where to stay in Lisbon.
• Getting around: the metro has lifts at most stations. Uber and Bolt rarely have child seats, so pre-book transfers with seats from the airport. See our Lisbon airport guide.
• Priority queues: families with babies are legally entitled to priority service in shops and public services.
• Eating out: restaurants are very welcoming to children, and half portions are common.
• Sun and heat: plan indoor activities like the Oceanarium for summer afternoons.

More family tips in our Portugal with kids guide.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.