The 12 Best Things to Do with Family in Portugal
Portugal has everything you and your family could wish for on holiday — beautiful beaches, stunning nature, enchanting architecture and themed amusement parks for fun days out. From bookworms to adrenaline-lovers, there really is something for everyone. Here’s our pick of top family-oriented activities.
Spend the day at the beach
Natural Feature
The whole country stretches along the coast, which means there’s a wide range of stunning beach options. Which beach you choose will depend on your kids’ ages and temperaments. Favourites among local families include Tavira Island Beach, Comporta Beach at the base of the Troia Peninsula, Praia da Franquia and the Praia da Mira, between Figueira da Foz and Aveiro. From gathering seashells to trying watersports like surfing and kitesurfing, there are activities for everyone.
See local marine life at Lisbon Oceanarium
Aquarium, Building
Come to face to face with wildlife at Jardim Zoológico
Zoo
Stroll through Portugal dos Pequenitos
Park, University
Go castle-hopping in Sintra
Natural Feature
Walk along the city walls of Óbidos
Historical Landmark
Go hiking in the Serra da Arrábida
Park, Natural Feature
Explore the twisting caverns of Grutas de Mira
Natural Feature
Buy a book from the Harry Potter bookstore
Bookstore
Go whale watching in the Azores
Natural Feature
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
Architectural Landmark
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).
Zoomarine Algarve
Park
This list only scratches the surface, and it’s best to decide which area to visit first before making a plan. Here are more suggestions in the Algarve, parks to see around Lisbon and country-wide road trip ideas.