Top family-friendly destinations near Lisbon (within 1h30 by car)

Lisbon is a city that offers so much to families but sometimes a change of scenery is just what you need. Whether you're looking for scenic beaches, lush gardens or historical wonders, the areas surrounding Lisbon are perfect for a quick getaway that everyone in the family will enjoy.

Sintra with kids

Sintra is a magical destination perfect for families. Whether you're planning a 1-2 night stay or a quick day trip, here’s how to make the most of it.

  

Transportation options:

• Private driver or tour: Personalized comfort and no stress about navigation.
• Public transport: Accessible by train or bus from Lisbon.
• Self-driving: Offers flexibility but parking can be tricky. Recommended: park near A Volta do Duche and use local buses.

Top attractions:

• Monserrate Palace and Pena Palace
• Moorish Castle
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Traditional pastries like travesseiros and queijadas

Tips:

• For Pena Palace, you can book tickets to see just the outdoors (called Park of Pena) or both the outdoors and the Palace (called Park and National Palace of Pena). Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid queues and for the palace interiors you’ll need to select a time slot, as there is no tolerance for delays.
• Strollers are not allowed inside Pena Palace (bring a carrier) but the staff will keep it for you.
• Check the weather forecast for Sintra the day before your trip.
• Bring snacks, water and comfy walking shoes
• Start early and consider visiting Cabo da Roca and Cascais on your way back.

Additional activities:

• Praia das Maçãs beach: Great for family fun.
• Azenhas do Mar: A picturesque village with a natural pool for photos.

Consider mobility: Some areas involve uphill walks, so plan accordingly for young kids or those with limited mobility.

Cascais with kids

A charming coastal town known for its beaches, parks and activities.

Transportation:

• Private driver or tour: Enjoy a relaxing, stress-free ride with door-to-door service.
• Public transport: Conveniently reached by train from Lisbon, with a scenic journey along the coast.
• Self-driving: Offers freedom to explore at your own pace but parking can be limited in the town center. Recommended: park near the marina.

Things to do:

• Beaches: Praia da Rainha, Praia da Conceição
• Boca do Inferno: Fascinating natural rock formations.
• Marina de Cascais: Stroll along the marina and enjoy nearby family-friendly cafes.
• Museums: The Museum of the Sea and Casa das Histórias Paula Rego.
• Parks:
  • Parque Marechal Carmona: Perfect for picnics and playtime.
  • Parque Urbano da Ribeira dos Mochos: Great for outdoor activities.

Outdoor exploration:

• Sintra-Cascais Natural Park: Hiking, Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of mainland Europe) and historical sites like the Convent of the Capuchos.
• Quinta do Pisão: Learn about wildlife and sustainable farming.

Additional activities:

• Lagoa Azul: Ideal for nature exploration between Cascais and Sintra.

Costa da Caparica with kids

Perfect for a beach day or weekend getaway.

Transportation tips:

• Traffic is heavy from 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM daily and worse on Fridays. Depart early or late. On weekends, especially during good weather, traffic becomes heavy after 9:00–10:00 AM.
• For a fun alternative, take a boat from Belém to Trafaria or Porto Brandão and then a taxi to Costa da Caparica.

What to do:

• Beaches: Wide golden sands, calm waters and safe environments for kids.
• Surfing lessons: For young surfers, local surf schools are available.
• Family meals: Delicious seafood by the beach.

Family-friendly parks:

• Parque Urbano da Costa da Caparica: Features playgrounds and picnic areas.
• Parque Infantil do Parque Desportivo do Atlântico: Located within a sports complex.

Top tips for a family-friendly visit:

• Visit Praia da Saúde

In Costa da Caparica, don't miss Praia da Saúde, a beach with a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Once home to old fisherman houses, this picturesque spot has now been transformed into a charming area with local accommodations.

• Beach clubs with facilities

Certain beaches, like Praia do Castelo, have beach clubs with facilities such as bathrooms, changing rooms and shaded areas. These are convenient for families with younger kids.

• Witness the fishermen’s tradition
  

Don’t miss the unique experience of watching the fishermen arrive on the beach with their catch. This traditional activity, known as Arte Xávega, usually happens in the morning or late afternoon.

Ericeira with kids

A coastal gem offering a mix of beaches, surf culture and charm.

Transportation options:

• Private driver or tour: Comfortable and convenient, perfect for a relaxed visit with no worries about driving or parking.
• Public transport: Accessible by bus from Lisbon, though it can take a bit longer and might not be as frequent.
• Self-driving: Ideal for exploring at your own pace but parking in the town can be limited. 

Top activities:

• Family Beaches: Foz do Lizandro (safe, shallow areas for kids).
• Surfing: Surf schools cater to young beginners.
• Charming town: Explore cobblestone streets, traditional Portuguese houses and cozy cafes.
• Cultural sites: São Pedro Church and Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Chapel.
• Santa Marta Park: This small but charming park in the heart of Ericeira is perfect for kids to run around. It features a playground, a cafe and plenty of green space for a picnic or relaxing break.
• Visit 58 Store: Take a ball, a bicycle, roller skates or a skateboard and spend a couple of hours at 58 Store which offers a great space for families. Don't hesitate to enjoy a snack or a full meal at the restaurant inside the store, Maikai which has an outdoor terrace.

Nearby attractions:

• Visit Jardim dos Bichos at Viveiros da Batalha: A delightful spot for kids to meet and feed animals like pygmy goats, ducks and exotic birds. Children will love interacting with animals such as Rosinha and Amora, making it a fun and educational experience in a beautiful garden setting.
  

• Explore the Mafra National Palace: A short drive from Ericeira, this impressive UNESCO World Heritage site will captivate kids and adults alike with its grandeur and history. Don’t miss the beautiful library and the adjoining convent.
  

• Check out local events: Depending on the time of year, you may find kid-friendly events like local festivals, markets or outdoor concerts. Keep an eye out for the annual Sea Festival and its family-oriented activities as well as the cultural agenda.

• Visit Tapada de Mafra: Tapada de Mafra is a large, lush park ideal for families. Kids can enjoy walking or cycling along scenic trails, spotting wildlife like deer and peacocks. The park also features playgrounds, picnic areas and a small pond, making it a perfect spot for outdoor fun and relaxation. Don’t miss the chance to explore the historic surroundings and enjoy a family-friendly day out in nature.
  

• Visit Aldeia da Mata Pequena: A picturesque village with charming, traditional houses that families can explore along its small, cobbled streets. It’s a wonderful place to take a stroll, admire the lovely houses and experience rural life. Afterward, families can enjoy a snack or a meal at the only restaurant in the village, offering a cozy, local atmosphere.
  
  

Portugal's hidden gems: Exclusive family-friendly places to visit 

Aldeia Típica de José Franco in Mafra (45 minutes from Lisbon)

• Why visit: This open-air museum captures the essence of a typical Portuguese village. It's a charming place for families to explore, offering a peek into traditional life through carefully crafted homes, a windmill, a school and even a castle.
• Kid-friendly: Children can engage with the history and enjoy the scenic surroundings, making it an educational yet fun experience.

 

Bacalhôa Buddha Éden in Bombarral (1 hour from Lisbon)

• Why visit: Europe's largest oriental garden, this 35-hectare wonder is both visually stunning and thought-provoking. Created as a tribute to the destruction of the Giant Buddhas of Bamyan, the garden is home to colossal Buddhas, pagodas and a sculpture garden featuring works from renowned artists.
• Kid-friendly: It’s a mesmerizing and peaceful place for kids to explore, with lush greenery and large statues that will captivate their imaginations.

  

Dinosaur Park in Lourinhã (1 hour from Lisbon)

• Why visit: Perfect for little explorers, this park lets you step into the prehistoric world of dinosaurs with lifelike replicas and fun exhibits.
• Kid-friendly: Kids can roam among life-sized dinosaur models and the park offers a memorable birthday party experience.

  

Óbidos and its Castle (1 hour from Lisbon)

• Why visit: A medieval village brimming with charm, Óbidos is full of history and beauty. The castle provides spectacular views and the quaint streets are perfect for a family stroll.
• Kid-friendly: Kids can enjoy castle reenactments and local festivals, with plenty of interactive activities like trying Ginja in chocolate cups.

Badoca Safari in Vila Nova de Santo André (1h30 from Lisbon)

• Why visit: A wildlife park in the heart of the Alentejo coast, this safari experience offers a chance to see giraffes, primates and more in their natural habitat.
• Kid-friendly: The private jeep tours and playgrounds will keep kids entertained, plus there’s a jungle-themed atmosphere that children will love.

 

Vila do Gin in Santiago do Cacém (1h30 from Lisbon)

• Why visit: A fun, family-oriented gin distillery experience with a focus on nature and education.
• Kid-friendly: Kids can explore the educational farm, meet free-roaming animals and enjoy the playground, while adults enjoy learning about artisanal gin production.