10 Weekend Activities for Kids in Lisbon
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The weekend has arrived and the age-old question returns: "What are we going to do with the kids?" If you live in Lisbon, the answer is simple — there's always something fantastic to do as a family. From outdoor adventures to cultural programmes, the Portuguese capital offers an incredible variety of activities for children of all ages.
We've compiled 10 of the best weekend activities for kids in Lisbon — tested and approved by families.
1. Explore Lisbon's Parks and Gardens
Lisbon has some of Europe's most beautiful parks, perfect for family mornings or afternoons.
Highlights:
- Jardim da Estrela — Renovated playground, duck pond, café with terrace. Perfect for all ages
- Parque das Nações — Riverside gardens, cable car, Oceanarium nearby
- Monsanto — Lisbon's green lung with adventure trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds
- Lisbon Zoo — Over 2,000 animals, educational presentations, and guaranteed fun
Tip: Bring a picnic — it's more affordable and kids love eating outdoors.
Cost: Free (parks) | Zoo: 20-27 EUR/person
2. Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium
The Oceanarium is one of Lisbon's most popular family attractions — and with good reason. It's one of Europe's largest aquariums and offers an immersive experience that captivates both children and adults.
What to expect:
- Giant central tank with sharks, rays, and fish from around the world
- Penguin, otter, and seabird habitats
- Interactive temporary exhibitions
- Special weekend activities for children
Tip: Buy tickets online to avoid queues, especially on Saturday mornings.
Cost: 16-25 EUR/person | Free for under 3s
3. Creative Workshops
Lisbon is packed with spaces offering weekend workshops — from ceramics to cooking, science, and art.
Popular workshop types:
- Ceramics and pottery — Moulding clay is therapeutic and fun for any age
- Cooking for kids — Learning to make biscuits, pizza, or chocolate
- Fun science — Experiments and labs adapted for children
- Visual arts — Painting, collage, sculpture with recycled materials
Cost: 15-35 EUR per child (materials included)
4. Indoor Play Spaces
On rainy days — or when you simply want controlled energy — indoor playgrounds are a lifesaver.
What they offer:
- Multi-level play structures
- Ball pits
- Adapted climbing walls
- Separate baby areas
- Cafés for parents to relax
Advantages: Children burn energy, make friends, and parents can relax with a coffee. Everyone wins.
Cost: 8-18 EUR per child (2h to full day)
5. Family Bike Rides
Lisbon has been investing in cycle paths and the riverside area offers fantastic routes for families.
Best routes for families:
- Belém to Cais do Sodré — Flat, alongside the river, with interesting stops (Monument to the Discoveries, Tower of Belém)
- Parque das Nações — Riverside path, flat and safe, with playgrounds along the way
- Monsanto — For more adventurous families, with trails through nature
Tip: Rent bikes with child seats for the little ones. Several companies offer family bikes near Belém.
Cost: 5-15 EUR/hour per bike | Free with your own bike
6. Interactive Museums for Children
Lisbon has several museums that are anything but boring for kids.
Recommended museums:
- Pavilhão do Conhecimento — Interactive science for all ages. Children can touch everything
- Maritime Museum — Ships, navigation, and maritime adventures
- National Coach Museum — Impressive carriages that fascinate little ones
- Children's Museum (Museu da Criança) — Space entirely dedicated to children with interactive activities
Tip: Many museums have free entry on Sunday mornings or reduced family prices.
Cost: 4-12 EUR/person | Many free options for children
7. Beach Activities
Even in cooler months, Lisbon's beaches offer fun for families.
Popular beach activities:
- Surf for kids — Lessons available from age 5 (Costa da Caparica, Carcavelos)
- Building sandcastles — The classic activity that never fails
- Seaside walks — Collecting shells, observing nature
- Bodyboarding — More accessible than surfing for beginners
Best beaches for families:
- Carcavelos — Wide, with good access and lifeguards
- São João da Caparica — Quieter, with easy parking
- Praia da Torre — Near Oeiras, with good infrastructure
Cost: Free (beach) | Surf lessons: 25-40 EUR per session
8. Outdoor Markets and Fairs
Lisbon's markets are fantastic sensory experiences for children.
Recommended markets:
- LX Market (Sundays) — Vintage, crafts, street food. Relaxed and kid-friendly atmosphere
- Feira da Ladra (Tuesdays and Saturdays) — Lisbon's most famous flea market. Kids love exploring
- Mercado de Campo de Ourique — Excellent for a family lunch with varied options
- Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) — Diverse food, lively atmosphere
Cost: Free (entry) | Budget for food and shopping
9. Sports Classes and Activities
The weekend is ideal for trying new sports activities.
Popular weekend activities:
- Indoor climbing — Climbing walls adapted for children (from age 4)
- Gymnastics — Open classes and Saturday workshops
- Swimming — Many pools offer weekend lessons
- Martial arts — Saturday trial sessions at many academies
- Skating — Beginner classes in parks and rinks
Cost: 10-30 EUR per session (trial class)
10. Shows and Theatre for Kids
Lisbon has a vibrant cultural offering for little ones.
Where to find shows:
- Teatro Politeama — Musicals and family-adapted shows
- São Luiz Teatro Municipal — Regular children's programming
- Teatro Tivoli — Seasonal children's shows
- Municipal libraries — Story times, puppet theatre (free)
Tip: Check weekly schedules — there's always something happening, especially at weekends.
Cost: Free (libraries) to 15-25 EUR (theatre)
Practical Tips for Family Weekends
Planning
- Don't overload the schedule — One main activity per day is enough
- Have a Plan B — Lisbon weather can change quickly
- Book online when possible — avoids queues and guarantees a spot
Budget
- Take advantage of free activities — Parks, beaches, markets, libraries
- Look for family discounts — Many venues offer family packs
- Picnics > restaurants — More affordable and more fun for kids
Timing
- Early morning is the best time for popular attractions (fewer queues)
- Respect nap time for younger children
- Save energy for Sunday — Don't try to do everything on Saturday
Discover More Activities
On KidsToGo, you'll find hundreds of activities for children in Lisbon, organised by type, age, and area. Plan your perfect weekend in minutes.
Explore activities for kids in Lisbon
The best family weekend doesn't need to be expensive or complicated — it just needs to be experienced together. Have a great weekend!
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KidsToGo is the leading platform for discovering kids activities in Portugal. We help families find the best experiences — from creative workshops and sports to outdoor adventures — so every child can learn, play, and grow.