Lisbon is one of Europe’s most family-friendly cities — colorful, safe, and full of fun things to do with children. From old trams climbing the city’s hills to big aquariums and fairy-tale castles, the Portuguese capital has something special for every age.
Lisbon is a city that mixes history, sunshine, and a relaxed way of life. It sits on seven hills, looking over the wide Tagus River, and is famous for its bright tiles, narrow streets, and friendly people. For families, it’s an easy city to visit: small enough to explore in a few days, yet full of interesting sights and parks.
To write this guide, we looked at local tips and advice from Adventourely, a niche EU travel blog that covers many destinations. Here are the 10 best things to do in Lisbon with kids, plus some great day trips and practical tips for parents.
1. Discover the City with a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
The best way to start your visit is by taking a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. You can sit back, enjoy the views, and get a first idea of the city without walking too much. You can get off and on whenever you like to visit places such as Alfama, Belém, or Bairro Alto. It’s comfortable, easy, and fun for children.
2. Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa)
The Oceanário de Lisboa is one of the biggest aquariums in Europe — and one of the most popular attractions for families. It has more than 8,000 sea animals, including sharks, rays, otters, and tropical fish. The large central tank feels like walking inside the ocean. Kids can also see creative art displays under the water. It’s smart to book tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.
3. Explore the Alfama Neighborhood
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district and one of its most colorful areas. Families can walk safely through its narrow cobblestone streets, see tiled houses, and listen to local musicians playing Fado. There are many small shops and cafés, and from some points, like Santa Luzia Viewpoint, you can enjoy wonderful views of the river.
4. Visit the Tower of Belém (Torre de Belém)
The Tower of Belém is a famous symbol of Lisbon. Built in the 1500s, it was once a defense tower and later a starting point for explorers sailing to new lands. Climb to the top for beautiful views over the Tagus River. Children usually love exploring its stairs and learning about the age of discoveries. You can also see it from the water by taking the Yellow Boat Tour nearby.
5. Walk and Shop in Chiado
The area of Chiado is full of life — stylish shops, cozy cafés, and small theaters make it a perfect place for a family stroll. Parents can enjoy window shopping or a cup of coffee, while kids can have an ice cream and watch street artists. Some venues here also offer early evening Fado music shows that welcome families.
6. Ride the Historic Tram 28
The old yellow Tram 28 is one of Lisbon’s most famous sights. It travels through many of the city’s best areas, including Graça, Alfama, and Baixa. Kids love sitting by the window and watching the tram climb steep streets and pass close to buildings. It’s both a fun ride and a great way to see the city. Try to go early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds.
7. See the Animals at the Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoológico)
The Lisbon Zoo is always a hit with children. You can see animals from all over the world — lions, elephants, giraffes, and monkeys. There’s also a dolphin show and a cable car that goes above the animal areas, offering a great view from above. Book fast-track tickets to save time, especially on weekends.
8. Relax at Estufa Fria (Cold Greenhouse)
When you want to rest from walking, visit Estufa Fria, a peaceful greenhouse full of plants and small waterfalls. It’s located in the center of Lisbon, inside Eduardo VII Park. Children enjoy exploring the paths and spotting unusual tropical plants. It’s also a good place for a quiet family picnic.
9. Visit Fun and Interactive Museums
Lisbon has several museums that are perfect for kids:
- Pavilion of Knowledge (Museu de Ciência Viva): A hands-on science museum with experiments, games, and exhibitions that explain how things work.
- Puppet Museum (Museu da Marioneta): Full of puppets, masks, and costumes from around the world — a fun visit for creative children.
- Banksy Museum: A colorful and modern art space that shows the famous street artist’s work and message in a way older kids and teens will enjoy.
These museums are excellent options for rainy or very hot days.
10. Fly Over the River on the Cable Car (Telecabine Lisboa)
For amazing views, take the Telecabine Lisboa, a cable car that runs over the river at Parque das Nações. The ride is calm and beautiful, showing the city’s skyline and the Vasco da Gama Bridge. Try to go at sunset when the light is golden — and then enjoy dinner by the waterfront afterward.
Bonus Day Trips from Lisbon
There are also some great places to visit just outside Lisbon:
- Adventure Park: Less than one hour from Lisbon, this park has zip-lines and tree-top courses for active kids.
- Badoca Safari Park: About 90 minutes away by car, families can ride through open areas to see zebras, giraffes, and ostriches.
- Sintra: Only 40 minutes by train, Sintra looks like a fairy-tale village with colorful palaces, gardens, and castles. Visit Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira for a magical day trip.
Useful Tips for Families
- Get the Lisbon Card: It includes free public transport and discounts at many attractions.
- Book ahead: Especially for the Oceanarium, Belém Tower, and the zoo.
- Plan breaks: Mix busy sightseeing days with relaxing moments in parks or cafés.
- Use public transport: Trams, metros, and trains are easy and fun for children.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Lisbon has many hills and cobblestone streets.
