I personally believe that holidays are the perfect way to combine learning through play and experiences, with having tons of fun - and when children are enjoying themselves, they retain information so much better!
For that reason, we always try to see and do as much as possible when we're on holiday. We've never really been the kind to lie on beaches all day and much prefer to get out there, see the sights and soak up the culture - but with young children in tow, visiting new places can be a bit of a worry.
Will they be child friendly? Is there suitable food on offer? Is there stroller access? There's always so much to think about when traveling with small children which is why I find blog guides so helpful. So today I thought I'd share my own tips for our Top 5 Things To Do In Lisbon With Kids.
We've visited Lisbon twice now - once before we had the boys, and once with them - and both times we thought it was a beautiful city with so much on offer. The cobbled streets and beautiful architecture make Lisbon a postcard of perfection, and there really is an incredible amount to see and do there.
1) Visit Oceanario - Europe's Largest Aquarium
This was recommended to us by a Waitress on a cruise, and we were amazed that we hadn't heard about it prior to our visit.
It's unlike any other aquarium we've ever visited and really is a fun and immersive experience for children. You enter the aquarium along a suspended bridge and gradually become immersed in the sights and sounds of the ocean as you walk deeper inside the building. The enormous central 5 million liter tank is a sight to behold and is home to a plethora of creatures including black tip sharks, sting-rays and the huge ocean sunfish.
Split into various zones, there is so much to see and do here that you could easily fill an afternoon.It's best to book tickets online before you visit to avoid the long queues at the ticket desk and to take advantage of the best price too. Tickets cost 14 Euro per adult on the door, and under 4's go free.
You can find out more HERE
2) Explore The Best City Has To Offer With A Local Guide!
There really is no better way to learn about somewhere than directly from a local guide, but I have to admit that I find the idea of most walking tours and tour buses on offer a little off putting when traveling with little ones purely because I know they're likely to get bored quite easily, or need a lot of toilet breaks.
But I have recently discovered Withlocals who operate a frankly AMAZING sounding service offering a variety of tours specifically designed to be family friendly. They operate a number of tours in Lisbon in many cities such as
Paris, London, Rome, Amsterdam, & Barcelona (and also many more both in Europe and in Asia, too!)The tours are private - which means you never need to worry about anyone else, and they are 100% customisable around you and your children. They even include little games and regular breaks, too! Withlocals insist that they are dedicated to making children feel included and special, which is something that really appeals to me as far too often on holidays children can be made to feel like mere tagalongs or an inconvenience when surely they deserve to be as much a part of the experience as anybody else.
Withlocals encourage parents to discuss their childrens likes and dislikes with their tour guide, so that the perfect tour can be planned for them!
There are a huge selection of tours on offer, but I have my eye on the Family Friendly Lisbon tour which sounds like the perfect starting point to exploring the city and learning about it's history.I also love the sound of the Make Your Own Portugese Figurine tour which is run by a local guide who is passionate about art and the city, and offers the chance for the children to get creative and hands-on - making a figurine of Saint Anthony, Amalia Rodrigues or others. The tour information assures me that children will leave with a new knowledge of the local history and culture...perfect!!
3) Try The Local Delicacies
Of all the things Lisbon is famous for, it's probably best known for it's Pasteis De Nata - a delicious sweet pastry loved by adults and children alike. No visit to Lisbon would be complete without trying one!
Of course, Lisbon has much more to offer when it comes to cuisine so perhaps a tour with a local would the best way to try the best of everything.
4) Ride The 28 Tram
A ride on the iconic 28 tram would be sure to become a highlight of the trip for any little explorer. The classic Remodelado trams were first in operation back in the 1930s and they haven’t changed much since. They begin at Praรงa do Martim Moniz and go through Baixa, Graรงa and Alfama, ending at Prazeres Cemetery, before turning around and going back again. If you sit behind the driver you get the best view in the place, watching as the tram weaves and winds through the narrow streets. You need a Viva Viagem card to ride, which are available for around 50 cents at any Metro station.
5) Visit Jardim Da Estrela
This is one of the most popular parks in Lisbon and with its open green space, large playground, garden library and hidden treasures it's easy to see why!
This is the perfect place to let the little ones run off some steam while you sit and relax, and take in the beautiful oasis of serenity in the middle of a bustling city. Bliss!
I hope you've found this guide helpful, if you have any suggestions of your own I'd love to hear them! Happy travels!
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