In a nutshell
- Lisbon is a fantastic city for a family trip, with plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained.
- In this article, we put together a suggested 3-day itinerary in Lisbon with kids, plus practical tips for playgrounds, getting around, and places to eat.
- Our family favorites are the Science Museum, the Oceanarium, and a ride on the cable car at Parque das Nações.
- For a family-friendly stay, we love the boutique hotel The Felix 10 – the rooftop view is not to be missed!
Is it Worth Traveling to Lisbon with Kids?
After spending over a week exploring Lisbon with the whole family, we can definitely say: Lisbon with kids is an absolute blast!
We were a bit unsure at first—Lisbon has plenty of hills, it can get really hot in summer, and the streets are full of rattling trams. But it turned out to be perfect.
The locals are incredibly welcoming to children, and there’s so much to see and do that will excite kids of all ages—from toddlers to teens.
In this article, we share our top tips and a 3-day itinerary for Lisbon with kids.
Where to Stay in Lisbon with Kids?
Lisbon has plenty of family-friendly places to stay. Most hotels are happy to welcome kids, but here are a few we especially recommend.
The Felix 10
Not a typical kid-focused hotel, but our favorite! Family rooms have two large beds in separate rooms, and the staff is great with children. Parents can unwind in the evening on the rooftop terrace with a glass of wine.
It’s in a quiet area near the center. Tram line 25E stops just around the corner, so you can start your day with a ride on one of the classic trams.
Martinhal Lisbon Chiado
Right in the heart of the city and fully geared for kids. Spacious family rooms and the Kids Club are highlights—your children can play safely and be looked after by experienced staff while you explore Lisbon.
The Baby Concierge service is great for families. Need baby food, diapers, or a potty? They have it all covered.
Book Hotel Martinhal Lisbon Chiado
Moxy Lisbon City
A stylish city-center hotel with family rooms and a rooftop pool—perfect for families with older kids.
The Homeboat Company Parque das Nações
Want a unique stay with the kids? Try a houseboat on the former Expo grounds. Plenty of space for up to 6 people.
The only catch is that it’s not in the city center—about 30 minutes by metro.
To The Homeboat Company Parque das Nações
Itinerary for 3 Days in Lisbon with Kids
Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Lisbon with kids over 3 days. Before jumping into the itinerary, we’ve compiled a list of the coolest family-friendly activities in Lisbon.
- Up and down on the Elevator
- Explore the city on an old tram
- Playground at Jardim do Estrela
- Boat tour on the Tagus River
- Trip to the beach
- Science Museum
- Oceanarium
- Cable car at Parque das Nações
If you’re traveling with older kids and want to focus on classic sightseeing, check out our article about Lisbon in 3 days.
Now let’s continue with fun things to do in Lisbon with kids beyond the usual attractions.
Day 1: Lisbon City Center
Things to do in Lisbon on day 1
- Up and down on the Elevator
- Explore the city on an old tram
- Playground at Jardim do Estrela
Up and down on the Elevator
The elevators and funiculars are a must-do in Lisbon. They make it easy to get up the steep streets of the old town.
While older kids might not find it thrilling, younger children love a funicular ride.
We suggest the Elevador da Bica or the Elevador da Glória. You can also use the Navegante card for these rides.
Note: The Elevadores in Lisbon are currently out of service.
Discover the city with an Old Tram
Riding a tram was one of our kids’ favorite experiences. They were fascinated by the old, rickety trams!
The most famous is tram line 28E, which winds through the narrow streets of Alfama. But the 28E is always packed, which isn’t ideal with little ones.
We recommend hopping on at Campo Ourique (Prazeres) for a guaranteed seat. At the other end, Martim Moniz, you’ll find long lines of tourists.
Another option is lines 12E and 25E. They use the old trams too but are usually less crowded. And honestly, kids don’t care which line they ride.
Jardim do Estrela: the most beautiful playground in Lisbon
Playgrounds are rare to find in downtown Lisbon. The city is dense and open spaces are limited. A really big and fun playground can be found in Jardim da Estrela.
Jardim do Estrela is one of our favorite hidden gems in Lisbon. The park is not only beautiful but also perfect for kids.
There’s a pond where you can watch ducks and turtles, plus the largest and most exciting playground near the center.
You’ll also find restrooms and a couple of cafés, making it easy to spend a relaxed afternoon with the family. Tram 28E stops right at the main entrance, so you can easily combine it with a tram ride around the city.
Most other playgrounds in Lisbon are tiny, usually just 1-2 play structures. For instance, there’s a small one right next to the Time Out Market—a great place to grab a bite in Lisbon.
Day 2: Onto the Water
Things to do in Lisbon on day 2
- Boat tour on the Tagus River
- Trip to the beach
Boat trip on the Tagus River
Taking a boat ride in Lisbon is always a hit and a memorable experience for kids of all ages.
An affordable option is the ferry to Cacilhas. Just use your Navegante card, and the crossing takes about 10 minutes. This is especially good for younger children, as you can sit inside and stay out of the sun.
For older kids, a sailboat tour along the Tagus is an unforgettable experience. Trips last 1–3 hours and offer stunning views of the city and the iconic suspension bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril.
And when else do kids get to ride a real sailboat?
Book a sailboat tour in Lisbon
Trip to the beach
If your kids need a break from the city, head to the beach. Especially if your trip is longer than 3 days in Lisbon, it’s definitely worth it.
Lisbon is just a short train ride from the ocean. In about 20 minutes, you can reach beautiful Atlantic beaches to enjoy an afternoon with your family.
A top pick is Praia do Tamariz near Cascais. The water is calm and perfect for kids. Even closer is Praia de Carcavelos.
Read more about the most beautiful beaches in Lisbon
Day 3: Modern Lisbon
Things to do in Lisbon on day 3
- Science Museum
- Oceanarium
- Cable Car in Parque das Nações
Science Museum: Pavilhão do Conhecimento
Let’s start with the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, Lisbon’s science museum. It might sound a bit boring at first, but for us it was the ultimate highlight for kids.
The museum is designed entirely for children and it’s amazing! Set aside plenty of time—your kids will want to explore every corner.
It’s fully interactive. Instead of static exhibits, children can experiment, press buttons, and try out hands-on activities.
It’s just as exciting for toddlers from age 3 as it is for older kids and teens.
Older children can tinker with robots or build circuits, while toddlers have a room full of fun interactive games. Our favorite spot? The construction site, where kids 3–6 can control a crane or load a train.
When we asked our 3-year-old what he loved most about Lisbon, he said: “the construction site!”
How to get there
The Science Museum is outside the city center on the former Expo site. Plan for about 30 minutes to get there. Take the metro to Oriente station and then a 10-minute walk.
You can also take bus 728 from Cais do Sodré or other stops—about 30 minutes to the museum.
Oceanarium
Next to the Science Museum is the Oceanário de Lisboa, a must for kids.
This huge aquarium, Europe’s largest, is exciting for children of all ages. The centerpiece is a massive tank with sharks, rays, and colorful fish.
Smaller tanks feature reptiles, jellyfish, and seahorses, plus penguins and sea lions.
Plan 2–3 hours to explore. There’s also a large restaurant with tasty food at good prices, including kid-friendly options.
Expect a crowd at the main tank. Don’t worry—just keep moving along the circular path, and you’ll find plenty of spots to watch the fish without jostling.
Our tip: Buy tickets online in advance. When we arrived, there was a long line. With online tickets, we went straight in. Prices are the same as on-site.
To the ticket for the Oceanarium
Cable car in Parque das Nações
The third highlight in modern Lisbon is the cable car near the Oceanarium. It takes you and your kids gliding over the Expo’s modern buildings.
The Teleférico do Parque das Nações spans 1,230 meters and takes about 5 minutes per ride. It’s a perfect addition to a visit to the Oceanarium.
You can pick a one-way or round-trip ticket. During our visit, there were no long lines, but tickets are also available online.
Get your tickets for the cable car Lisbon
General Tips for a Family Trip to Lisbon
Here are some tips to make your Lisbon family trip stress-free.
Lisbon with baby
Lisbon is great for visiting with a baby. But you might want to skip the stroller—the city has a lot of steep streets.
You can manage with a stroller, but it’s a hassle. A baby carrier is a much better option.
Breastfeeding in public is completely normal and accepted everywhere.
You’ll find diapers, baby food, and other essentials at supermarkets. Pingo Doce is particularly well stocked, though there aren’t many downtown locations.
For kids’ gear, check the streets around Jardim da Parada in Campo de Ourique (there’s also a playground there). You’ll find plenty of shops with toys, clothes, and other items for little ones.
Getting around Lisbon with kids
Lisbon has an excellent public transport system with metros, trams, and buses that get you and your family wherever you need to go—quickly and cheaply—even to Lisbon Airport.
Kids under 3 travel for free. From age 4, children need their own ticket and pay the full fare.
On regional trains, like trips to the beach or Sintra, children 4–12 pay half price on Comboios de Portugal (CP) trains.
Our tip: get a Navegante card for the whole family.
You can load credit onto the card and tap it on buses and trains. Simple, convenient, and cost-effective.
Another option is hop-on hop-off buses in Lisbon. More info in a separate article.
Eating and Drinking in Lisbon with Kids
Lisbon restaurants are generally very family-friendly. Kids’ chairs are usually available everywhere.
A top spot is the Time Out Market, a huge food hall with stalls for every taste. Kids can get pizza or burgers, while you enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes.
Keep in mind, it’s almost always busy, which some kids might find overwhelming.
And don’t miss the famous Pasteis de Nata, little custard tarts available on every corner. We indulged in at least one per day—vacation calories don’t count, right?
