Visiting Lisbon with Children: An Unforgettable Adventure

At a glance

A family trip to Lisbon has everything to please young and old alike. Discover some unforgettable activities for your children.

Lisbon is full of wonders to discover, even for the youngest visitors!
If you're planning a family trip, this warm and welcoming city has everything to please young and old alike. Between fun visits, surprising discoveries and tasty treats, everyone will find something to enjoy.

In this article, the writers of Bonjour Lisbonne share a few ideas for activities in Lisbon with young children, such as riding Tram 28, the Oceanarium, São Jorge Castle, the cable car, and dolphin watching.

Riding Tram 28: a retro adventure the whole family will enjoy

You can't visit Lisbon without hopping aboard the famous Tram 28! This little yellow tram, full of old-world charm, takes its passengers through the city's old neighborhoods, on a journey that's as fun as it is informative. Children love this quirky mode of transport, which winds through the steep, narrow streets of Alfama, Baixa and Chiado.

The ride quickly turns into a real game: between the sharp turns and the breathtaking views, it's impossible not to enjoy the adventure, whatever the age of the passengers.

The tram runs every day from 6 am to 11 pm. To avoid the crowds, we recommend setting off early in the morning from Martim Moniz square. A ticket on board costs €3.20 per person, or €1.66 if you have a Viva Viagem card.

Diving into the underwater world at the Oceanarium

If you're after a fun and enriching outing, head to Lisbon's Oceanário! This impressive aquarium is one of the largest in Europe, and on its own offers a genuine dive into the mysteries of the oceans.
And while children are fascinated by the huge central tank, home to sharks, majestic rays, tropical fish and playful otters, adults won't be left unmoved either!

Around this tank, four environments recreate the ecosystems of the world's different oceans. These exhibits help visitors better understand the richness and diversity of marine life.

What makes the visit even more appealing for younger children? Fun activities, interactive trails and even an unusual experience: sleeping among the fish, just a few meters from the sharks!

The aquarium is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm and is located in the contemporary Parque das Nações district. Prices are €15 for children aged 3 to 12, and €25 for adults. Allow two to three hours to explore all the areas at your own pace.

Discovering São Jorge Castle: history and breathtaking views

São Jorge Castle overlooks Lisbon and, perched on its hilltop, has always captured the imagination of young and old alike. With its towers, ramparts, gardens full of peacocks, and 360° views, it's the perfect place to dive into history without forgetting to have fun.
Good news for families: a free elevator makes it easy to reach from the Baixa district. Once there, children are free to run along the paths, climb the bastions and imagine themselves as brave knights.
The castle is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm (and until 9 pm in summer). As for prices, children and students can enter the fortifications for €5, while adults pay €10.

A tasty break at Time Out Market: a feast for the whole family

In the former Cais do Sodré market, Time Out Market has become a must-visit address. It's the perfect place to introduce your children to the richness of Portuguese cuisine (and beyond!) in a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
With more than 30 food stalls, everyone will find something they like: seafood, pastéis de nata, ice cream, burgers or vegetarian dishes… And while the adults enjoy their meal, the little ones can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the place. You'll easily find high chairs, a safe play area and a terrace overlooking the Tagus.

Open every day from 10 am to midnight, Time Out Market is easily reached by tram or on foot from the city center.

Lisbon Zoo: animals from around the world within reach

For a day that will delight younger children, head to Lisbon Zoo! This historic animal park is home to more than 2,500 animals and offers many fun and educational activities.

All children love the dolphinarium, the cable car flying over the park, and the mini farm where they can pet the animals. A little train lets you calmly visit the different areas. Finally, a special museum for children features educational games suited to all ages.

The park is open every day from 10 am to 8 pm in summer and until 6 pm in winter. You can reach it directly from Jardim Zoológico station. Admission costs €18.50 for children (ages 3-12) and €30.50 for adults.

5 other unusual family activities in Lisbon

In addition to the must-see visits already mentioned, Lisbon is full of other original activities that will delight children looking for adventure. If you still have some time left, or want to mix things up, here are a few more ideas to include in your trip.

Lisbon amphibious bus: a must-do family experience

This is an activity as funny as it is unexpected: an amphibious bus that starts its tour through the streets of Lisbon before... literally plunging into the Tagus! This unusual experience delights children and lets you (re)discover the city from a truly unique angle.

Dolphin watching from Lisbon with the kids

If your children love marine animals, why not go dolphin watching by boat? Several excursions depart from Lisbon. You'll sail on the Tagus estuary or along the Atlantic coast, often with lovely surprises along the way.

Funiculars and cable car: fun transport for children

And if you and your family loved Tram 28, know that Lisbon has other original modes of transport not to be missed! Among them, Elevador da Glória is a small funicular that children love. You could also take the Parque das Nações cable car for a breathtaking view over the Tagus (or Tejo) river and the Vasco da Gama bridge.

Adventure Park: zip lines and treetop challenges

Adventure Park is a treetop adventure park located in a pine forest north of Lisbon. You'll find trails suited to all ages, with zip lines, suspension bridges and balance games. Enough to delight the most daring among you.

Sintra with the family: fairy-tale palaces and secret gardens

Less than an hour from Lisbon, set off to discover Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage city. It's a truly magical adventure! Everything is there to delight your little ones, including:

Pena Palace, voted one of the 7 wonders of Portugal,
Quinta da Regaleira, with its gardens and network of secret caves.

This city has everything to delight young explorers.

Tips for a successful family trip to Lisbon

Lisbon is a family-friendly city. With its trams, metro elevators and kid-friendly restaurants, you can explore the city with your children with peace of mind. In hot, sunny weather, remember to bring comfortable shoes for the cobbled streets, along with sunscreen and hats!
Each neighborhood has its own charm and activities: plenty to turn your trip into a truly memorable family experience.

Article written in collaboration with "Bonjour Lisbonne".
"Bonjour Lisbonne" is a travel blog that shares good tips for Lisbon and gives practical advice.