Note: Please remember that Lisbon is arranged on the slopes and summits of seven steep hills. The scenery is breathtaking, but the climb is difficult, especially in summer heat. What appears to be a short, relaxing walk on a non-topographic map may be straight up! There is public transportation available for travel to most attractions. Visitors with children often prefer to traverse the hills via tram or bus, thereby conserving energy for the walks through museums, castles, etc. Children under 4 ride free on buses, trains and metro (subway). Children are not allowed to ride in the front seat of automobiles for safety reasons.
Hills Tour of Lisbon
363-2021
Leaves from the north side of Praça do Comércio 1:30 and 3:30
Admission is charged. Children under 4 free.
Covers the seven main hills in a charming refurbished tram.
Castelo de Sao Jorge
Tram 12,28 Bus 37
Children enjoy exploring the ramparts and towers.
Tagus Boat Trip
>From Terreiro do Paco ferry wharf
Fee charged
11am and 3pm daily. Two hour trip. This may be too long for small children
Museu das Crincas (Children's Museum)
Praca do Império, Belém, 1400. Top floor of the Museum
362-2828
fax 388-4235
Tram 15 Bus 27,28,29.43,49,51
Open 10-5 weekdays for school groups and to the public on Sat., Sun., school holidays
Children under 3 free. Adults 65 and over free. No credit cards accepted.
This is mainly a supervised interactive educational play experience for parents and children. Trained helpers guide families through the exhibits. Holds the interest of most children (6-12) from 11/2 - 2 hours.
Museu da Marioneta (Puppet Museum)
Largo do Rodrigo Freitas 19A
1st Floor, Moraria, 1100
886-5794
Tram 28 Bus 12
Open 10-1 and 2-7 daily
Admission charged. Children under 12 and adults 65+ are free.
This is a small museum that displays about 800 puppets and has a charming 40 seat theater which hosts puppet shows for school groups. Check on availability of seating for visitors.
Planetário Calouste Gulbenkian (Planetarium)
Praca de Imperio Belém, 1400.
362-0002
fax 363-6005
Tram 15 Bus 27,28,29,43,49,51
Telephone for schedule. Remember to enquire about shows in English.
Shows are entitled: The Universe; Stellar Evolution; Voyage of Vasco da Gamma
Admission charged.
Estufa Fría (Cold Greenhouse)
In Parque Eduardo VII
388-2278
Metro: Parque
Open daily 9-5:30. Admission charged.
The complex consists of a greenhouse displaying rare botanical plants arrayed around ponds. The hothouse area is filled with lush, colorful, oversized tropical plants of many species. An added diversion to playing in the park.
Oceanarium/Virtual Reality
Pavilion of the Future
Metro: Estacão de Oriente
Call tourist information at 346-6307 for details.
Built during Expo 98, just east of the city, this was one of the most popular attractions. Children and parents can enjoy an adequate collection of sea life as they view sharks, sting rays and large fish in a walk through the Oceanarium.
The virtual reality exhibit provides a simulated journey to the ruins of the fabled lost city of Atlantis. Visitors travel at the controls of their own virtual mini submarine.
At the pavilion of the future an IMAX type show requiring the use of 3D eye glasses features a film about earth's inhabitants and the environment.
Sintra Trip
Take a train from Rossio Station to the ferry to cross to Sintra or take the underground metro.
There are a number of opportunities there for low key, enjoyable family entertainment. Experience a step back into the past in this hilltop town of forests, picnic grounds, and even horse and carriage rides.
Museu do Brinquedo (Museum of Toys)
Rua Visconde de Monserrate 2710 Sintra
910-6016
Train to Cascais from Cais do Sodró, then bus 401.
10-6 Tues.-Sun.
Admission free.
A small collection of toys from the past and present.
Aquário Vasco da Gama
Rua Direita Algés from Casis do Sodré
Tram 15, Bus 23,29,50,51
Open daily 10-6
Admission 10-17 free 65+free, under 10 free
This quaint collection has a giant turtle, a pool of playful seals and a second floor display of stuffed mammals. Outside is a pond of giant carp.
Fairs and Zoos
Feira Popular
Avenida de la Republica
Campo Grande 1600
Metro: Campo Grande
Admission charged.
An amusement park with carousel and rides geared toward adults and older children.
(For younger children see Lisbon Zoo below)
Metro Jardim Zoológico (Lisbon Zoo)
Estrada da Benfica 158-160
Sete Rios 1500
Summer: 10-8 daily winter: 10-6
Admission charged. Children under 2 free.
Extensively upgraded in recent years through donations from corporate sponsors, the zoo is now comparable to others in major European capital cities. Favorite spots are the monkey village and the boating lake. There are rides designed especially for younger children.
Teatro Infantil Lisboa (Lisbon Children's Theater)
Avenida de Roma 1700
849-7007
Metro Roma
Admission charged
Stage plays, pantomimes, and performances for children. Delightful performances of well known children's stories with dance, humor, song. Audience participation encouraged.
Centro Artistico Infantil
Fundacão Calouste Gulbenkian
Rua Nicolau Bettencourt
Praca de España 1050
793-5131
Metro: Palhava
Open 10-5 daily.
Admission free.
In the gardens of the Gilbenkian Foundation the center has a display of toys and musical instruments and facilities for drawing and painting. During part of the year interactive exhibits for children ages 4-12 are offered. Call for details.
Beaches and Watersports
The best beaches are said to be in the area of Caparica which is about 15 miles outside of Lisbon. Take bus 75 from Metro Campo Grande. Change there (Easter -October) to the Transpraia Beach bus and get off at your favorite beach spot.
Surfing Club de Portugal
466-4516
Classes for all ages - 2-5 hours in length
Fee includes transport. English spoken.
Escola de Surf se Caparica
294-4039
Daily two hour classes. Fee includes wet suit and board.
English spoken.
Cascais Watersport Center
John David's Café at Cascais
Paddle boats, kayaks, rides on inflatable buoys pulled behind motorboats.
Parks
Alto de Serafina Adventure Playground
Monsanto Park 1500
774-3021
Bus 2, 13
Open daily 9-8 (winter: 9:30-6:30)
Admission free
Located in the NE part of the huge Monsanto Park, the playground has an area of tepees, as well as swings, slides and climbing equipment. It also features an extensive area of mock city streets for cycling and walking.
Parque Eduardo VII
Metro: Marqués de Ponibal
9-5:30 daily.
Free admission.
Small playground with a wooden ship placed there for children who love to climb and explore.
