Ice Skating in Lisbon: Where to Take the Kids

Few activities combine fun, exercise, and a touch of magic quite like ice skating. For children, gliding across the ice feels like stepping into a movie — and in Lisbon, even without snow, there are several ways to give your kids this experience.

In this guide, we've gathered everything you need to know about taking your children ice skating in Lisbon: the best venues, prices, beginner lessons, and essential safety tips.

Best Ice Skating Spots in Lisbon

Parque das Nações Seasonal Rink

The Parque das Nações area typically hosts one of Lisbon's largest seasonal ice rinks, usually between November and February. With a prime location along the river, it's the perfect setting for a family afternoon.

What to expect:

Generous outdoor rink
Skate rental included in the ticket
Support aids (penguin stands) for beginner children
Warm-up area and bar with hot drinks

Shopping Centre Rinks

Several Lisbon shopping centres set up ice rinks during the festive season. Colombo, Vasco da Gama, and Dolce Vita Tejo are usually the most popular.

Advantages for families:

Controlled, heated environment
Easy parking
Food and additional entertainment in the same location
Generally accessible for children from age 3-4

Campo Pequeno Arena

Campo Pequeno occasionally hosts ice skating events, especially during the Christmas period and winter holidays. The arena offers a spacious, safe setting ideal for families with children of different ages.

Prices and Schedules: What to Expect

Prices vary by venue and season, but as a general reference:

	Child (up to 12)	Adult	Family (2+2)
30 min session	€6-8	€8-10	€25-30
60 min session	€8-12	€10-15	€35-45
Skate rental	Included	Included	Included

Typical schedules:

Weekdays: 2pm-8pm
Weekends and holidays: 10am-10pm
Special morning sessions for groups and schools

Money-saving tip: Many rinks offer discounts for weekday morning sessions and family packages. Always check the official website before you go.

Beginner Skating Lessons

If your child has never skated on ice, don't worry — most venues offer options for beginners:

Private lessons:

Duration: 30 minutes
Average price: €15-25 per session
Ideal for more anxious children who benefit from one-on-one attention

Group lessons:

Duration: 45-60 minutes
Average price: €10-15 per session
Small groups (4-8 children) organised by age and level
More fun and social

What's taught in the first lesson:

How to put on skates correctly
Getting up from the ice safely
Basic balance and posture
First steps and gliding
How to stop

Most children can skate independently after 2-3 sessions.

What Equipment You Need

Provided at the venue:

Skates (in various sizes, including children's)
Support aids for beginners (penguin or seal stands)

What to bring from home:

Gloves — essential to protect hands from cold and falls
Warm but flexible clothing — layers are the best approach
Thick socks (not too bulky, so they fit in the skates)
Hat or head protection
Change of clothes — because falls happen and clothes can get damp

Safety note: Some venues provide helmets free of charge for children. If your child is under 6, we strongly recommend wearing a helmet even if it isn't mandatory.

Safety Tips for Children

Ice skating is a safe activity when you follow some basic rules:

Choose the right skate size: Skates that are too big cause instability. They should fit snugly but comfortably.
Teach them how to fall: It sounds counterintuitive, but knowing how to fall is the best protection. Instruct your child to bend their knees and fall to the side, never backwards.
Avoid the walls: Clinging to the barriers creates a false sense of security and prevents learning. Support aids are a much better alternative.
Respect the flow direction: All rinks have a direction of circulation. Teach your child to follow it.
Hydration and breaks: The cold can mask thirst and tiredness. Take regular breaks for water and rest.
Constant supervision: For children under 8, an adult should be on the ice or very close by.

Alternatives Near Lisbon

If you're willing to drive a bit further, there are interesting options outside the city:

Cascais: During the winter months, Cascais town centre frequently hosts a seasonal ice rink by the sea. The combination of skating and a stroll through the town is unbeatable.

Sintra: Sintra also occasionally hosts seasonal rinks, especially during Christmas. The magical mountain setting makes the experience even more special.

Évora and the Algarve: During the festive season, several Portuguese cities set up temporary rinks. It's worth checking local programmes if you're planning a family getaway.

Complementary Activities Nearby

Turn the ice skating trip into a complete family programme:

In Parque das Nações:

Oceanário de Lisboa
Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Science Museum)
Cable car over the Tagus
Cycling along the river

At shopping centres:

Family cinema
Indoor playgrounds
Bowling

Plan Ahead for Next Season

Lisbon's ice skating season typically runs from November to February. If you're reading this outside that window, don't worry — it's the perfect time to plan ahead.

How to prepare:

Follow the social media pages of the venues mentioned to be the first to know about opening dates
Book lessons in advance — the first weeks sell out quickly
Consider a multi-session package to save money

While you wait for ice season, explore other sports activities for kids on KidsToGo. From swimming to gymnastics, there's always something fun to keep them active.

Discover More Activities on KidsToGo

Ice skating is just one of many adventures you can offer your children. On KidsToGo you'll find hundreds of activities for kids in Lisbon and across Portugal. Explore, compare and book — all in one place.