Planning a trip to Portugal with the little ones? Good choice! The relatively small size of the country makes it easy to get around by car or train, and the typical Portuguese friendliness to visitors means that you are more likely to be met with a smile than a glance, no matter what the kids do.
There are hundreds of activities suitable for kids of all ages, so it’s unlikely you’ll run out of ways to keep them entertained even on long vacations. These are some of the best options, spread throughout the country.
Douro river cruise
It’s hard to miss the Douro River when you are in Porto: it dominates the city center, separates Porto from Vila Nova de Gaia, and is spanned by several bridges, both old and new. These bridges are the focus of one of the most popular tourist activities in the city, the so-called “Six Bridges” river cruises offered by several companies that operate from docks in front of the bars and restaurants of the Ribeira district.
Small boats sail upstream and downstream all day, passing under half a dozen bridges of various architectural styles that give the route its name. The majestic two levels 1 metal Luis arch bridge dating back to the late 19th century is the most impressive, but all sections are interesting in their own right.
However, don’t just look up, there is also a lot to see along both banks of the river. Crumbling stone buildings, port wineries, steep cliffs, and even a view out to the Atlantic Ocean as the boat turns at the mouth of the river, there’s enough to make the 50-minute journey pass quickly.
Most tours offer a booklet or recorded commentary in a variety of languages, which provide a little historical context for what you are seeing.
Boats run all the time, so it’s just a case of going through a few reviews and choosing the company you’d like to go with. You can also stroll on the Gaia side of the riverbank from where the boats depart; You will likely be approached by multiple ticket sellers within minutes.
Many of the tickets also include a free port wine tasting at one of the wineries afterward, and are generally 12-15 euros for adults, and around half the price for children.
Lisbon Oceanarium
One of the must-see attractions in the Portuguese capital for children and adults is the Lisbon Oceanarium, the largest indoor aquarium in Europe, which is home to around 450 marine species and 16,000 individuals.
The highlight is definitely the huge 11,000 square foot central tank, visible from much of the oceanarium. With a myriad of corals, anemones, smaller tropical fish, sharks, rays, schools of barracuda, moray eels, and even a large sunfish floating around idly, it’s enough to keep the kids entertained for hours.
Much can also be seen in the rest of the permanent display area, such as a family of penguins, giant spider crabs, and sea otters always drawing crowds of spectators. Over the years, a smaller space near the entrance has housed a variety of temporary marine-themed exhibits – check the details of what’s on display beforehand to decide if it’s worth the small additional fee.
Getting to the Oceanario is easy, as it is within walking distance of Oriente, one of Lisbon’s main train, metro and bus stations.
Tickets for the permanent exhibition cost 15 euros for adults, 10 euros for children from 4 to 12 years old and free for children under three years of age. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs 39 euros. You will also pay an additional 2 to 3 euros per person to participate in the temporary exhibition.
Expect to spend at least two to three hours inside, although you could easily spend more time. If it takes longer than expected, there is a restaurant on-site to avoid hunger pangs, or choose one of several nearby food options.
Puppet museum
For something completely different, check out the Lisbon Puppet Museum, housed in a former convent in the historic downtown Santos neighborhood. It is one of those quirky museums often found in European cities, dedicated in this case to the culture and history of puppets and the marionette theater.
Sound a little unusual? It’s actually very well done, with quality curation and lighting that helps showcase a wide range of puppets and masks from Portugal, South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa at their best. Many of the exhibits are quite old and rare, but several of the newer are playable, there are many possibilities for an impromptu show!
Short videos are often used to illustrate puppets in action and to help put them in a cultural context. The Puppet Museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets cost 5 euros, but admission is free until 2:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. The museum is closed on Mondays and some holidays.
Information tags and audio guides are available in English. Expect to spend 60 to 90 minutes inside.
Castle of san jorge
One of Lisbon’s most prominent landmarks, the Castelo de São Jorge (São Jorge Castle) towers over the historic center from its perch atop one of the city’s famous hills. It’s worth visiting just for the unobstructed views of the city center and the Tagus River, but there’s more to this 11th-century castle than just postcard-worthy photos.
Once you have passed the lines at the entrance, there is plenty of room inside to explore. Cannons dot the walls, reminding visitors of the building’s original defensive purpose, and it’s easy to climb the walls and walk around much of the perimeter.
Relax in the gardens, learn about Lisbon’s history in the museum, explore the various ruined and restored buildings, then have a drink in the cafe to recover from it all! There is not much shade or shelter in many of the outdoor areas, so bring adequate protection from the weather.
Note that the hike up to the castle from the Alfama district is quite steep and can be strenuous for children (and adults!), Especially during the hotter months. Consider taking a taxi or Uber to the entrance, or combine your visit with a sightseeing trip on the # 28 tram that passes nearby.
Adult tickets cost 8.50 euros, and children under 12 are free. Family passes are also available, at € 20 for two adults and two children under the age of 18. The castle is open seven days a week, except some holidays. It opens at 9 am and closes at 6 pm in winter, at 9 pm in summer.
Aquashow Park
If you are on vacation in the Algarve, there is probably one main reason you are there: the weather. Blessed with over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s the beaches and blue skies that draw the crowds. However, if the heat is too hot and the kids don’t want another day at the beach or in the hotel pool, take them to Aquashow Park.
This water theme park covers a large area and is packed with dozens of attractions ranging from the lazy lazy river and wave pool to the adrenaline-pumping roller coaster and free fall. You will easily get most of the day there – food is available on site, but relatively expensive, so you may want to bring your own. There are no restrictions on what you bring, other than the ban on glass bottles.
Lockers are available (5 euros each, plus a 5 euro deposit), and there is plenty of room to spread out a picnic blanket on the lawn.
Aquashow is located in the popular resort town of Quarteira, about 15 miles from Faro and Albufeira, and is best visited by rental car or shuttle bus if you are not staying nearby.
Tickets cost 29 euros for adults, 19 euros for children from five to 10 years old and free for children four years old. However, you will get a 20 percent discount if you buy tickets online beforehand. The park is open between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week, from May 1 to September 30 of each year.
