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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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