Travelling with kids sometimes poses a problem and trying to find the middle ground and compromise when travelling with your young ones is often a feat in itself. So here’s 5 things to do if you’re planning a trip to Lisbon with the family.
Finding a hotel that has the necessary facilities and is close enough to attractions is usually a great start towards making the best out of your holiday so make sure to do a bit of research beforehand. Many hotels in Lisbon have outdoor and sometimes indoor pools and some also offer child care facilities for when you want to get some time alone with your other half.
Photo: Pedro Moura Pinheiro
The Oceanario, the biggest attraction in Parque das Nacoes is the second largest aquarium in the world and holds an impressive selection of aquamarine species. The Zoo or Jardim Zoologico also promises fun-times for all the family with facilities that include a train, an open-air cable car, reptile houses and dolphins and sea-lion shows.
Why not take the family roller skating ice skating or even skateboarding. Lisbon is filled with ramps and rinks that allow you to do this, with the best ones being the Avenida Brasilia by the Alcantara Docks and another in Parco das Nacoes. In winter Largo de Santos is transformed into an outdoor icerink.
If your kids enjoy science especially if it’s presented in hands-on fashion then the Knowledge pavilion-Ciencia viva is the way to go. This museum is full of intriguing contraptions and ingenious devices illustrating important fundamental laws of nature and other scientific phenomena which might be slightly more out there. Either way time flies in here for both young and old so get there early and plan to stay for the day, as this is quite a sought after attraction. If Physics is more your kids’ thing, then you can check out the ‘Museu de Ciencia’ housed in the old Polytechnic College.
Last but not least make sure to visit Lisbon’s largest wooded area situated also on its highest hill, Monsanto. This is the best place in Lisbon to go for a stroll whilst your kids can play tennis, or play in the secure children’s parks. Monsanto also comprises of a rugby pitch, a shooting range and if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous a sizeable campsite.