Summer has already started (and you’re not reading it wrong)…. In Europe the hottest season of the year will last until mid-September and will attract tourists from all over the world who want to enjoy its different countries and attractions. There are those who go for the famous beach clubs and lots of excitement, but there are also those who seek more relaxed programs that bring together the whole family.
And one of the most sought-after destinations for Brazilians who are looking at the second option is Portugal. Whether because of the language or cultural ties, the country receives thousands of family groups during Brazilian school holidays.
The capital Lisbon, the country’s main gateway, offers countless possibilities. Its gastronomic scene is one of the best in the world, with award-winning restaurants serving traditional and bold cuisines; its hotel structure is extremely well-designed, with luxurious hotels offering impeccable service; and, of course, its entire historical and cultural area, with monuments even listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
But, given this world of options, if you don’t know how to specifically entertain the children in the group, don’t worry: as soon as the plane lands, you’ll already have a list of what to do!
Check out 10 options for trips with children in the Portuguese capital:
- Lisbon Oceanarium
With over 8,000 marine animals including sharks, rays, otters, penguins, jellyfish, starfish and more, the Lisbon Oceanarium was opened in 1998 and is one of the largest aquariums in the world. Its permanent exhibition houses a large central tank with 5 million liters of salt water, symbolizing the Global Ocean. Four marine habitats surround it, creating the illusion of there being just one aquarium. The place offers guided tours that explore its species and facilities.
Lisbon Oceanarium: Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisbon, Portugal/Opening hours: every day, from 10am to 7pm/Tickets available at this link.
- Lisbon Zoo
Lisbon Zoo will celebrate its 140th anniversary in 2024. Over time, it has gone through several phases and reinvented itself, changing addresses and taking an active role in protecting and conserving nature. Today, it is home to 2,000 animals from a group of approximately 300 species, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The space, which is five minutes from the city center, offers different educational activities and experiences involving its inhabitants. Among the attractions, visitors can get to know its most emblematic facilities by taking a train ride or taking a cable car ride.
Lisbon Zoo: Praça Marechal Humberto Delgado, 1549-004 Lisbon, Portugal/Opening hours: every day, from 10am to 8pm/Tickets can be purchased at the box office or on the official website of the place.
- Kidizania
Kidizania is a theme park where children up to 15 years old can try their hand at various professions. You know that famous question: what do you want to be when you grow up? There, the little ones can choose! There are more than 60 activity options with specific missions for each profession, giving them a taste of what it’s like to be an adult for a day. Some of the options can be found at this link.
Replicas of the most representative establishments of a real city, such as the airport, factories, shops, motor racing circuit, police station, fire station, press, TV studio, and even a stadium, are found in the structure.
The activities were designed to be both fun and educational. The content aims to teach children values and rules of citizenship.
Kidizania: Av. Cruzeiro Seixas, 7 2650-504 Amadora, UBBO Shopping Center, Store 1054/Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 2pm; from 3pm to 7pm/More information can be found here at this link.
- Cooking Classes – TimeOut
The Academia Time Out cooking school is a place to learn, improve and share your love of food. There are workshops and classes for all levels, from those who don’t know how to do the basics to those looking to improve their skills.
In this project, led by chef Miguel Mesquita, children are not forgotten: there is always a workshop dedicated to them. The next one will take place on July 27th and will teach children how to prepare a classic Korean dish, Japchae. Made with glass noodles and sautéed vegetables with a beef bulgogi topping, it is very colorful and easy to make.
For the class, which lasts 1 hour and a half, the child must be accompanied by an adult. The ticket has a single price valid for both and costs €40 (around R$217), including the prepared dish, drinks and dessert. More information can be found here on the official TimeOut website – which always updates the schedule of upcoming events.
TimeOut Lisbon: 24th of July Avenue 49, 1200-479 Lisbon, Portugalgal/MasterKids Korea Schedule: July 27, 2024, 12:00 p.m./More information at this link.
- Knowledge Pavilion – Living Science Center
The Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Centro Ciência Viva is located in Parque das Nações, in the former Expo 98 site, in Lisbon. With 4,000 square meters, it is the largest science and technology center in the country, offering themed and interactive exhibitions. The idea of the place is to encourage the public to explore the physical world through experimentation.
The entrance ticket to the Knowledge Pavilion allows you to visit all the exhibitions and take part in some scientific activities. The average duration of the visit is 1 hour and a half.
Knowledge Pavilion: Largo José Mariano Gago nº1, 1990-073 Lisbon, Portugal/Summer opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 10am to 7pm/More information can be found on the space’s official website.
- Dino Park
Dino Parque is located in Lourinhã, approximately 45 minutes from the center of Lisbon, and offers visitors the chance to see 200 full-scale models of dinosaurs and other animals. The park is entirely open-air and is divided into the most important periods in the history of the Earth and the evolution of life.
There are six routes where visitors can learn about everything from the time of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals, not only about their passages through Portugal, but throughout the world. Recently, a new wing dedicated to the “Ice Age” was opened.
Dinos Park: Rua Vale dos Dinossauros, 25 Abelheira, 2530-059 Lourinhã/Opening hours: every day, from 10am to 7pm (last entry at 5:30pm)/Tickets can be found on the space’s official website or directly at the venue’s box office.
- Alto da Serafina Children’s Park
Opened in 1992, Alto da Serafina Park is located within the Monsanto Forest Park. With an area of 5.6 hectares, the park has several recreational facilities for different age groups. Surrounded by woods and greenery, many choose it as a destination for picnics with their little ones. There are courts, swings, slides, wooden toys and plenty of space to run around safely. Admission is free and the park also has a café and restaurant.
Alto da Serafina Park: Estrada de Monsanto, Lisbon 1500-462 Portugal/Opening hours: 9am to 8pm.
- Puppet Museum
The Puppet Museum invites children, young people and adults to discover the fantastic universe of puppet theater. It is located in the Madragoa neighborhood, in the Convento das Bernardas, founded in the 17th century. The collection includes the largest collection of traditional Portuguese puppets, as well as African and Asian masks from the Francisco Capelo collection. The objects in their various forms are documented and explained here, from popular representations in the world of fairs to contemporary classical theater.
Puppet Museum: Rua da Esperança, n° 146, 1200-660 Lisbon/Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm/More information can be found on the space’s official website.
- Adventure Park
Adventure Park is a place for children and teenagers who enjoy activities involving nature and adrenaline sports. The space offers two types of tree climbing circuits. The first is more complete and accepts participants from 1.40m tall. There are 44 obstacles at 14m high divided into four rounds, with an average duration of 2 hours. The second is recommended for younger children, with fewer obstacles at 8m high — it lasts about 1 hour. Zip-lining, rock climbing and canoeing can be found there, in addition to the possibilities of exclusive group activities.
Adventure Park: Centro Desportivo Nacional do Jamor, 1495-751 Cruz Quebrada, Portugal/Opening hours: every day, from 10am to 6pm/More information can be found on the space’s official website.
- HippoTrip
The Hippo Trip is a different kind of tour, done on a bus that is also a boat (yes, you heard that right!). It includes a route on land and water, starting on the streets of Lisbon and its main attractions, such as the Belém Tower, Praça do Comércio, Jerónimos Monastery, among others, until reaching a boat trip on the Tagus River. During the 90-minute “trip”, several myths, legends and regional curiosities are told by guides with lots of games and interactivity. More information about tickets and departure point can be found here on the tour’s official website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
