8 Things You Can Do With Kids in Portugal
A little bit of planning makes a visit to Portugal an unforgettable experience for the whole family. There is plenty to see and do for every age group. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, spending days beachside is a no-brainer but there are plenty more activities perfect for kids, as well as waking up the inner child inside the rest of us.
1. Lisbon Zoo
Forest, Park, Zoo
Known in Portuguese as the Jardim Zoológico, visitors can spend a full day discovering every animal and exhibit inside the park. Over 300 species come from all around the globe, bringing the world to Lisbon. General tickets cost 20,50 €, with reduced prices for children under 13 and seniors, and include access to the dolphin show, bird forest, and reptile house.
Summer Hours 10 AM – 8 PM
Winter Hours 10 AM – 6 PM
Praça Marechal Humberto Delgado, 1549-004 Lisboa +351 217 232 900
2. Lisbon Oceanarium
Aquarium
Lisbon is home to Europe’s largest indoor aquarium, located in the ultra-modern Parque das Nações neighborhood. The permanent exhibit is the main feature, which circles around a 5 million liter salt water tank. Exhibits showcase mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates in addition to many species of fishes and flora. Children will also love the extra activities, like “sleeping with sharks” where adventurous overnighters can sleep under the blue lights of the main tank.
Summer Hours 10 AM – 8 PM
Winter Hours 10 AM – 7 PM
Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisboa +351 218 917 002
3. Visit the palaces and castles in Sintra
Castles and palaces have a way of making most people feel young again. Sintra’s mountains are full of majestic views; the three most popular sites are the Castle of the Moors, the Pena Palace, and the Quinta da Regaleira. Spend a day hiking from one castle to the next. The kids will have fun pretending that they are kings and queens while walking through the castle and palace entryways.
Pena Palace and Castle of the Moors Hours 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Quinta da Regaleira Hours 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM
4. Livraria Lello & Irmão
Bookstore
Hours 10 AM – 8 PM
Book a whale watch in the Azores
Kick the maritime experience up a notch with a boat ride in the Atlantic Ocean and search for whales. Most of the islands have their own companies offering boat tours varying in times and prices.
Cable car ride
The Tele-Cabine is a fun way to see Lisbon’s Parque das Nações from above. The ride extends from the Vasco da Gama Tower at one end to the Oceanarium at the other. Although it only lasts about 10 minutes, this small ride is unforgettable and can pair nicely with other attractions in the area (like a visit to the Oceanarium).
Hours Approximately from 11 AM to 7 PM
5. Portugal dos Pequenitos
Park
Coimbra has plenty to see and do but the kids may especially like Portugal dos Pequenitos, a theme park that shrinks the country’s major landmarks to a child’s size. Not only does it offer a unique way to learn a bit of history, but kids (and adults) can have fun running through the miniature buildings. Prices range from 5,95 € for children between 3 and 13, and seniors, to 9,95 € for older kids and adults.
Hours 10 AM – 5 PM
Largo Rossio de Santa Clara, 3040-256 Coimbra +351 239 801 170
6. Zoomarine Algarve
Park
Hours 10 AM – 7:30 PM
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.