A parent recently posted in our community asking for recommendations on things to do in Lisbon and Porto with kids, and our wonderful Bébé Voyage members came through with fantastic suggestions! If you’re planning a Portuguese adventure with your little ones, here’s a roundup of the best family-friendly activities recommended by our community of traveling parents.
Lisbon Highlights
São Jorge Castle
Multiple parents recommended exploring São Jorge Castle with kids. This medieval fortress sits on a hilltop overlooking Lisbon, offering breathtaking views and plenty of space for children to roam. One community member mentioned their kids were completely enchanted by the ancient walls and towers, making it a perfect spot for little ones to burn off energy while soaking in some history.
Oceanário de Lisboa
The Lisbon Aquarium received glowing reviews from several parents in our community. One member called it “one of the biggest highlights for kids in Lisbon” and “truly wonderful.” This world-class oceanarium features a massive central tank surrounded by different ocean habitats, with colorful fish, graceful manta rays, and other marine creatures that captivate children of all ages.
Science Museum
While the aquarium gets a lot of attention, several parents actually preferred the Science Museum! One community member mentioned that their children (ages 4 and 10) loved the science museum even more than the aquarium. With plenty of hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, it’s a perfect educational yet fun experience. The best part? You can visit both the aquarium and science museum back-to-back since they’re not far from each other.
Tuk-Tuk Adventure
One exciting recommendation that came up multiple times was taking a tuk-tuk ride through the city’s hills. Several parents mentioned this was a highlight for their children, offering a fun way to see parts of the city without endless walking. The open-air experience makes it exciting for kids who might otherwise get bored with traditional sightseeing.
Sweet Treats
Several community members mentioned Portugal’s pastries as a highlight for families. Making a daily pastry stop became an adventure in itself for many families, with several parents noting that Portuguese eateries were accommodating even for those with food allergies.
Porto Experiences
Streetcar Rides
Parents in our community highly recommend the vintage streetcars in Porto. These charming trams offer a perfect opportunity to rest tired legs while seeing the city. One member mentioned their children thought riding the rattling old cars up and down Porto’s hilly streets was an attraction in itself!
Ribeira District
Multiple parents suggest walking through the colorful Ribeira district along the Douro River. With its narrow winding streets and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a delightful area to explore with children. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants where you can enjoy a meal while watching boats pass by on the river.
Livraria Lello
For families with older children or book lovers, community members recommended visiting Livraria Lello, often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Its grand staircase and neo-Gothic style are simply magical, though parents did warn about potential lines.
Day Trip Recommendation
Several parents recommended a day trip to Sintra if time allows. Just a short train ride from Lisbon, this UNESCO World Heritage site features colorful palaces and castles that seem straight out of a fairy tale. As one parent put it, “If you have time, you can take a day trip to Corovafel—I’m not sure how to spell it, but it was beautiful in August.”
Getting Around
Community members shared that the transportation system in both cities is quite family-friendly. Parents recommended mixing walking with occasional trams, tuk-tuks, and cable cars to keep everyone’s energy levels up. One parent mentioned enjoying the funicular up the steep hills in Porto—another novel experience for children.
Restaurant Tips
Several parents recommend Bairro Alto in Lisbon for family-friendly dining options. One community member specifically suggested Bairro do Avillez as being “great and family friendly.” Parents noted that Portuguese restaurants generally were very accommodating to children.
Final Thoughts
From our community’s recommendations, it’s clear that both Lisbon and Porto offer wonderful family experiences that go beyond the typical “kids’ attractions.” The blend of history, culture, and beauty keeps both adults and children engaged, and the walkable nature of both city centers (despite the hills!) makes it easy to explore at your own pace.
For families visiting Portugal, our community suggests allowing plenty of time to wander and discover—some of the best memories come from unplanned adventures and spontaneous stops when little legs get tired!
This blog post was created from community discussions at Bébé Voyage, where parents share real experiences and tips for traveling with little ones.
If you liked this post about things to do in Lisbon and Porto with kids, you might also be interested in the following posts:
Kids Are a Trip: Portugal Travel Guide for Families
Perfect Family Vacation in Portugal
