Are you planning a trip to Portugal with your children? Then you have arrived to the correct place. Portugal is an incredibly beautiful and sunny nation with plenty of activities for both children and adults. If you look at Portugal as a tourist, you will notice that it has a diverse range of attractions. These include sandy beaches, ancient castles and other amazing adventures for families. With an incredible history, landscapes that are stunning to watch and a culture that is welcoming, Portugal becomes the perfect destination for a memorable holiday with kids. So, let’s look at some wonderful things to do in Portugal with kids for the perfect family vacation!
7 Unforgettable Things to Do in Portugal with Kids
Explore the Oceanarium of Lisbon (Oceanário de Lisboa)
If you want to kickoff your family vacation in Portugal with a bang then there is no better place than the largest indoor aquarium in Europe – Oceanarium of Lisbon.
One of the first things that you will get amazed with about the oceanarium are the number of sea creatures. The oceanarium has more than 8,000 sea creatures from around 500 different species.
When your kids visit here they will be pleasantly amazed by the graceful manta rays and the sunfish. Apart from that, the sea otters have always been a top attraction for the kids. Also, another place that you and your family shouldn’t miss is the penguin habitat.
In addition, the oceanarium also has several interactive exhibits. These are wonderfully creative and will help your kids learn more about life in the ocean and its conservation.
If you want an even more special kind of experience then try joining a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oceanarium. These are guided visits which will allow you and your family to see how the aquarium operates. Apart from this, you can also learn more about the care that is being taken for the species there and even get to see a feeding session. All that you will require to enjoy this wonderful place is a Portugal Visa from UK!
Beach Fun in Algarve – Top Things to Do in Portugal with Kids
A family holiday in Portugal cannot be fully complete without visiting the charming Algarve region full of gorgeous beaches.
One of the most popular things about Algarve is its stunning coastline. The place is known for some of the best beaches in Europe for families.
One of the wonderful beaches that you will love seeing, exploring and having lots of fun with your kids is the Praia da Rocha. The beach is a well-equipped one with all the modern amenities that a family would need. These comprise restaurants, options for dining and establishments that are family-oriented. When you visit the beach, you will see that it is pretty wide and has golden sand that is perfect for building sand castles with your kids. The waters are also calm and safe which is perfect for your little ones.
Praia do Barril is another excellent beach in the Algarve that is an amazing choice for families. When you visit the beach, the first thing you will be happy about is the cleanliness of the water. Families will also have a great time enjoying the safe swimming conditions of the beach. You will be pleased to know that the beach has been awarded the status of the Blue Flag. This status means that the beach maintains high environmental and quality standards. So, these are some family-friendly beaches where you have lots of fun with your kids.
Visit the Magical Sintra on Your Family Trip to Portugal
Sintra is a gorgeously charming town that is located just 24 kilometres away from the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon. When you first look at what Sintra is all about, you will be pretty impressed about its landscapes which are stunning to see as well as the historic architecture. Apart from this, the culture is a treat to experience which awarded Sintra the tag of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
As for kids, they will be mesmerized by the colourful palaces and lush gardens spread across Sintra. One of the major attractions to see in Sintra is the Pena Palace. The fancy architecture and beautiful colors of palace make it look like a castle from the storybooks.You can dress up your kids as prince or princesses so that they can get a true feeling of being in a fairytale.
Next up is the charming Quinta da Regaleira. This wonderful place is also a UNESCO World Heritage site that is mostpopular for its mystical gardens & underground tunnels. One interesting fact about this place is that it is often referred to as “The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire”, a name after the former owner. Don’t miss out on exploring the PoçoIniciático or the initiation well which is a unique inverted town that goes into the ground. It has a spiral staircase with a mystical place at the bottom called the Knights Templar cross. Simply book a Portugal visa appointment to explore such magical places across Portugal with your kids!
Discover Porto’s Harry Potter Connection
If your family loves Harry Potter then one of the best places to visit in Portugal would be Porto!
One of the biggest reasons for this is that the author of Harry Potter lived here while writing the first book. So, naturally, many wonderful places inside the city inspired her book on the world of wizarding.
So, when you start searching for the places, head over to the LivrariaLello. It is a charming bookstore that has grand staircases which are said to have inspired the ones at the fictional school of Hogwarts in Harry Potter. Another wonderful place to see is the Café Majestic. The author used to frequently visit this amazing café while writing the book. The atmosphere of this place is similar to that of the magical DiagonAlley which is a wizarding street in the Harry Potter series.
One of the best places that you must not miss out on is the São Bento train station. When you visit this place you will quickly understand that it surprisingly resembles Platform 9 ¾ of the Harry Potter series.
To fully enjoy the Harry Potter experience, you can book a themed walking tour of Porto. These tours generally include trivia games and photo opportunities which your kids will totally love!
Go on a Tram Ride in Lisbon during Portugal Family Vacation
You will most likely land in Lisbon if you are taking international flights from various parts of the world. One of the first and perhaps most enjoyable things to do in Portugal with kids is boarding the iconic yellow trams for a fun city tour. These are essentially vintage trams that have stood the test of time and take you through the charming narrow streets to offer great views of the city.
Which tram route should you preferably go for? It is the Tram 28 route!
When you board the tram, you will be taken across some of the most popular sights of Lisbon. As for your little ones, they will have a wonderful time through the exciting climbs uphill and turns that are sharp. Although it is not a roller coaster, your kids will feel as if they are riding a gentle roller coaster through the city.
Want to go to places where the crowds are less in Lisbon? Then take the tram 12. This amazing route takes you through the fascinating Alfama district. Try to take a tram early in the morning as it will be less busy. You will also get a chance to see the beautiful city slowly waking up as you move through it.
Don’t miss out on the Portuguese espresso also known as “bica” and a pastry. They are the perfect start to a wonderful day in Lisbon with your kids. With a Portugal visa from UK, you can enjoy all these engaging things in Portugal with your little ones and family!
Check out the Castelo de São Jorge with Your Kids
The Castelo de São Jorge is a beautiful castle that is located high above Lisbon. It is a medieval castle that enables visitors to sneak a peek into the rich past of Portugal. The castle is a wonderful place to explore with kids. They can easily climb the towers or walk along the walls. If they are up for it, you can dress them in a princess or knight dress so that they will feel as if they are one while visiting the castle.
You and even your kids will be surprised to see peacocks roaming the castle grounds. Another wonderful attraction that your kids shouldn’t miss out on is the Camera Obscura. It is basically a periscope that will allow you and your kids to get a 360-degree view of Lisbon.
If you want to get the best experience of the castle then take a guided castle tour with the help of experts. These tours will usually have wonderful sessions of storytelling about the history of the castle. Your will kids would love to know more about the fascinating place which made them feel like a knight or a princess. Don’t forget to add this wonderful place to yourPortugal itinerary with kids.
Visit Popular Water Parks – Fun Things to Do in Portugal with Kids
Portugal is well-known for its warm climate which makes it ideal for families to go to water parks. It is a wonderful way for you and your kids to cool off and have amazing fun as a family. If you are looking for some great places to go to water parks then look no further than the Algarve region.
One of the best water parks for kids in the region of Algarve is Slide & Splash, Lagoa. This wonderful attraction has around 25 water slides for visitors of all ages. These include gentle ones for kids and thrilling rides for older kids and adults. When you visit there, you will be taken aback by the size of the water park because it is one of the largest water parks in the country.
The Aquashow Park in Quarteira is another excellent water park in the Algarve. This water park has various water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers where you may relax. When you travel to Portugal with kids, be sure to include a visit to a water park on your travel agenda!
Conclusion
Portugal is a beautiful country with many attractions for families and children. Portugal has it all, including water parks, beaches, medieval castles, and tram excursions.
Portugal is perhaps one of the best destinations that your kids will love exploring and creating memories in. If you are thinking about “how to plan a trip to Portugal with kids” then these are some wonderful things that you can add to your family holiday itinerary. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Portugal visa appointment and get your visa so that you can easily go to Portugal for a delightful vacation with your little ones!
FAQs
What is the best time to go to Portugal with the kids?
You can go to Portugal during Late Spring i.e., May & June or Early Fall i.e., September-October. Both of these seasons are ideal as the weather is pleasant and the tourist places during this time are generally less crowded.
Are the beaches of Portugal safe for children?
Yes, Portugal offers numerous lovely beaches that are safe and family-friendly, thanks to their calm waves and contemporary amenities. Check for safety flags put by local authorities and supervise your children to ensure a worry-free holiday.
What should I pack for a family vacation to Portugal?
When you plan to travel to Portugal for a family holiday make sure to pack sunscreen, hats and comfortable walking shoes. Apart from this, you need to also have light clothing and swimwear for those beach outings.
Are there any family-friendly festivals in Portugal?
If you are going to Portugal during the shoulder seasons then the family-friendly festivals that you should check out are the Flower Festival, Queima das Fitas, Festa do Avanta and Festa do São Pedro.
What unique experiences will kids love in Portugal?
Kids will have a wonderful time riding in tuk-tuks across cities like Lisbon and Porto. Apart from this, they will totally love relishing the popular Pastéis de Nata. Apart from this, the tram 28 ride in Lisbon and exploring the colorful town of Costa Nova are some other amazing things that kids will cherish.
