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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!

10 Weekend Activities for Kids in Lisbon