Best Things to do in Lisbon with Family

Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, seamlessly blends rich history with modern attractions, making it an ideal destination for families seeking memorable experiences. With a variety of family-friendly activities available, particularly through platforms like Viator, families can indulge in unique and engaging adventures tailored to all ages.

1. Private Family-Friendly City Tours

Exploring Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods becomes a captivating journey with private tours designed specifically for families. These excursions offer interactive experiences, ensuring both educational and entertaining outings for all family members.

Highlights:

  • Customized Itineraries: Guides tailor the tour to focus on attractions that captivate children’s interests, such as ancient castles, hidden alleys, and vibrant markets.
  • Interactive Engagements: Children participate in quizzes, treasure hunts, and storytelling sessions, making history come alive in an enjoyable manner.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Tours can be adjusted in duration and pace to accommodate the family’s preferences and energy levels.

Notable Tours:

Family Friendly Lisbon Private City Tour: This 3-hour tour offers a comprehensive overview of Lisbon’s highlights, with engaging activities for children.

Private Lisbon Like a Local Family Friendly Tour: Experience Lisbon through the eyes of a local, with child-friendly explanations and interactive elements.

2. Historical Tram Rides

Lisbon’s iconic trams offer a nostalgic journey through the city’s picturesque streets, providing a unique vantage point of its architectural marvels and cultural landmarks.

Highlights:

  • Scenic Routes: Tram 28 is renowned for its route through historic districts, including Alfama and Bairro Alto, offering panoramic views of the city’s landscapes.
  • Cultural Immersion: Riding the tram provides insights into Lisbon’s daily life, as it traverses bustling neighborhoods and serene avenues.
  • Family Bonding: The tram’s charm and the shared experience make it a delightful activity for families to enjoy together.

Tips:

  • Timing: Opt for morning rides to avoid crowds and ensure a more comfortable experience.
  • Tickets: Purchase a 24-hour public transport pass for unlimited rides, offering flexibility throughout the day.

3. Interactive Museum Visits

Lisbon boasts a variety of museums that offer interactive exhibits, making learning an engaging experience for children and adults alike.

Highlights:

  • Puppet Museum (Museu da Marioneta): Showcases a vast collection of puppets from around the world, with workshops where children can create their own.
  • Lisbon Story Centre: An interactive museum narrating the city’s history through multimedia exhibits, ideal for families to explore together.
  • National Museum of Natural History and Science: Features hands-on exhibits and a planetarium, sparking curiosity about the natural world.

Tips:

  • Workshops: Check the museum’s schedule for family-friendly workshops and activities.
  • Guided Tours: Opt for guided tours that cater to children’s interests for a more enriching experience.

4. Culinary Experiences

Delving into Lisbon’s culinary scene offers families an opportunity to bond over shared tastes and new flavors.

Highlights:

  • Pastel de Nata Baking Classes: Learn to make Portugal’s famous custard tarts in a hands-on workshop suitable for all ages.
  • Market Tours: Explore local markets like Mercado da Ribeira, sampling fresh produce and traditional delicacies.
  • Family-Friendly Restaurants: Dine at establishments offering traditional Portuguese cuisine with menus catering to children.

Notable Experiences:

  • Lisbon Cooking Class: A family-oriented cooking class where participants prepare a traditional Portuguese meal together.
  • Food and Cultural Walking Tour: Combine sightseeing with culinary delights, sampling local dishes while exploring historic neighborhoods.

5. Outdoor Adventures

Lisbon’s natural landscapes provide a backdrop for various outdoor activities that families can enjoy together.

Highlights:

  • Sailing Tours: Embark on a private sailing trip along the Tagus River, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline.
  • Bike Tours: Explore parks and waterfronts on guided bike tours designed for families, with routes suitable for all skill levels.
  • Beach Excursions: Visit nearby beaches such as Cascais for a day of sun, sand, and sea, with options for water sports and relaxation.

Notable Experiences:

  • Lisbon Family Sailing Tour: A private sailing experience tailored for families, complete with opportunities for swimming and dolphin watching.
  • Family-Friendly Bike Tour: A leisurely bike ride through Lisbon’s scenic areas, with stops at parks and viewpoints.

6. Day Trips to Sintra and Cascais

Venturing beyond Lisbon, families can explore the enchanting towns of Sintra and Cascais, rich with palaces, gardens, and coastal beauty.

Highlights:

  • Pena Palace: A fairy-tale castle in Sintra with vibrant colors and panoramic views, captivating for both children and adults.
  • Quinta da Regaleira: Known for its mystical gardens, underground tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well, offering an adventurous exploration.
  • Cascais Beaches: Pristine beaches ideal for family relaxation, with options for seaside dining and promenades.

Notable Tours:

  • Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip: A guided tour exploring the highlights of both towns, including palace visits and coastal views.
  • Private Family Tour to Sintra: A customized experience focusing on family-friendly attractions in Sintra, with engaging storytelling and activities.

7. Fado Music Shows

Experiencing Fado, Portugal’s soulful traditional music, is a must while in Lisbon. Families can enjoy a cultural evening filled with music, storytelling, and Portuguese cuisine.

Highlights:

  • Authentic Fado Performances: Many Fado houses in Lisbon host family-friendly shows with shorter durations to suit younger audiences.
  • Dinner and Fado: Combine a delicious Portuguese meal with the enchanting sounds of live Fado music.
  • Cultural Insight: Learn about the history of Fado, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Notable Experiences:

  • Fado in Chiado Live Show: A cultural performance that introduces families to traditional Fado music in an accessible way.
  • Fado and Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a three-course Portuguese meal while listening to live Fado music.

8. Lisbon Oceanarium

The Lisbon Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, is a fascinating attraction for families. Located in the modern Parque das Nações, it features marine life from various ecosystems around the globe.

Highlights:

  • Central Aquarium: A massive tank showcasing a variety of species, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish.
  • Themed Zones: Explore habitats like the Arctic, Antarctic, and Indian Ocean, each recreated with stunning detail.
  • Interactive Displays: Learn about marine conservation through engaging exhibits designed for kids and adults.

Why Families Love It:

  • The Oceanarium offers an educational yet fun way to spend a day, appealing to children with its colorful displays and exciting marine life.
  • Nearby attractions in Parque das Nações, such as cable cars and the Knowledge Pavilion, add to the experience.

9. Private Tuk-Tuk Tours

Lisbon’s steep hills and narrow streets make tuk-tuk tours a fun and efficient way for families to explore the city. These eco-friendly vehicles offer a unique perspective and are perfect for families who want to see a lot in a short amount of time.

Highlights:

  • Scenic Routes: Tuk-tuk tours take you through Lisbon’s most picturesque neighborhoods, including Alfama, Graça, and Chiado.
  • Personalized Stops: Families can pause for photo opportunities, snacks, or a quick visit to a local landmark.
  • Knowledgeable Guides: Friendly drivers share fun facts and local stories that keep kids entertained.

Notable Experiences:

  • Private Family Tuk-Tuk Tour of Lisbon: Explore the city’s highlights with a family-focused guide.
  • Tuk-Tuk and Sunset Tour: Perfect for families who want to enjoy the golden hour views of Lisbon from Miradouros (viewpoints).

10. River Tagus Sunset Cruises

A sunset cruise on the Tagus River is a relaxing and scenic activity for families. This experience offers breathtaking views of Lisbon’s landmarks, including the Belém Tower, Christ the King Statue, and the 25 de Abril Bridge.

Highlights:

  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Enjoy calm waters and the stunning Lisbon skyline at sunset.
  • Snacks and Drinks: Many cruises offer complimentary drinks and light snacks for an enhanced experience.
  • Perfect for Families: Spacious boats ensure a comfortable trip, and kids love being on the water.

Notable Experiences:

  • Luxury Catamaran Cruise: A high-end experience offering private seating and premium service.
  • Family-Friendly Sunset Sailing Tour: A relaxed boat ride perfect for families with younger children.

11. Tile Painting Workshops

Lisbon is famous for its azulejos, the colorful ceramic tiles seen throughout the city. A tile painting workshop lets families try their hand at this traditional art form while creating a unique souvenir.

Highlights:

  • Hands-On Fun: Each family member can design and paint their own tile.
  • Learn History: Discover the significance of tiles in Portuguese culture and architecture.
  • Take Home Your Creation: Your painted tile becomes a one-of-a-kind keepsake from your trip.

Why Families Love It:

Tile painting workshops are creative and interactive, making them a hit with children and adults alike.

12. Belém District Adventures

The Belém District is rich with history and home to some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. Families can spend an entire day exploring the area and learning about Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

Highlights:

  • Belém Tower: A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the river.
  • Jerónimos Monastery: A breathtaking Gothic-style monastery with ornate architecture.
  • Pastéis de Belém: Stop at this legendary bakery to sample the original custard tarts.

Notable Experiences:

  • Guided Tour of Belém: Explore the district with a private guide who tailors the experience to family-friendly activities.
  • River Walks: Enjoy the scenic riverside paths perfect for family strolls or cycling.

13. Lisbon Zoo

The Lisbon Zoo offers an exciting and educational experience for families, featuring a wide variety of animals from all over the world.

Highlights:

  • Animal Shows: Watch entertaining dolphin and sea lion performances.
  • Cable Car Ride: Get a bird’s-eye view of the zoo and its surroundings.
  • Children’s Farm: Kids can interact with farm animals, including goats and chickens.

Why Families Love It:

With a mix of wildlife and interactive exhibits, the zoo offers something for every age group.

14. Escape Rooms for Families

For families who love puzzles and teamwork, Lisbon’s escape rooms offer a thrilling and interactive adventure.

Highlights:

  • Themed Rooms: Choose from various themes, including mysteries, history, and treasure hunts.
  • Team Bonding: Work together to solve clues and escape within the time limit.
  • Safe for Kids: Many escape rooms offer family-

Notable Experiences:

  • Lisbon Treasure Hunt: A pirate-themed escape room suitable for families.
  • Historical Lisbon Escape Adventure: Solve puzzles based on Lisbon’s rich history.

Final Thoughts

Lisbon is a treasure trove of family-friendly experiences that cater to every interest. From interactive museum visits and cultural workshops to thrilling tuk-tuk rides and serene sunset cruises, there’s something for everyone. These activities ensure that your family trip to Lisbon will be both memorable and enriching.

Ready to plan your Lisbon adventure?  

 Book your favorite experiences now and create unforgettable memories with your family!