Let’s hope you’re not having to read this post, but if you are, it looks like it might be raining in Lisbon… Unfortunately you can’t just hideaway in a tasca sipping on red wine and listening to Fado for hours on end with your little ones (unless they’re into it of course), so what are you going to do with the kids in Lisbon when it rains?
Lisbon sees an astonishing average of 280 days of sunshine a year, ideal for wandering the city’s labyrinthian streets and alleys, exploring the castle, enjoying al-fresco lunch, or simply playing on the beach. But a city so incredibly spoiled with sunshine does sometimes struggle when the weather turns. For ideas and our top tips on child-friendly indoor activities to do in Lisbon when it rains, keep reading, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Oceanário | Lisbon Aquarium
Lisbon’s Aquarium is one of Europe’s largest, and one of the best activities to do with children in Lisbon. Divided into two huge floors, with a giant central 5 million litre tank, the Oceanário is home to a vast collection of marine creatures including black tip sharks, sting-rays and the huge ocean sunfish. You’ll also be able to meet some friendly otters and penguins, and learn about protecting the Earth’s oceans. Find out more about visiting the Oceanarium with children, or pre-book your tickets.
How to get to the Oceanário:
The aquarium is located in Parque das Nações, where the Expo ’98 took place, at the edge of the city. The best way to get there is by metro (red line – exit Oriente, you can see the metro map here). You can also get a taxi, which will set you back considerably more, probably over €10 depending on where you are in the city.
What else to do in Parque das Nações:
If it’s raining you could also pay a visit to the amazing Science Museum (Pavilhao do Conhecimento), located a short walk from the aquarium, or do a spot of shopping at the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre. If the sun decides to come out, then you’re truly spoilt – from a cable car ride, to landscaped gardens perfect for little ones, your family is sure to have a blast here, and there’s enough to fill a day up.
MAAT (Museum of Art, Arquitecture and Technology)
The Electricity Museum has in the last decade been incorporated into the new breathtaking MAAT space – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. Located a short walk from Belém, the MAAT is one of our family’s favourite spots to explore in Lisbon. This extraordinary structure is home to Portugal’s best contemporary art, and all of it is fairly multi-sensory, so little ones will be entertained too.
How to get to the MAAT:
If you’re travelling by public transportation, tram 15 is your best bet to get to the MAAT. It’s a short walk (including having to go up an overpass – beware if you’ve got a buggy) from the stop, so if it’s raining a lot, I’d recommend picking up a taxi or an Uber.
Admission:
Entry prices is free for under 12s, €11 for adults and €8 for under 18s. You can find out more here.
The museum closes on Sundays & Tuesdays.
Estufa Fria | The Greenhouse
Lisbon’s Greenhouse is one of the city’s most beautiful (and a hidden gem) spaces. Located in Edward VII’s Park – next to one of our favourite playgrounds – the greenhouse is the perfect escape for a rainy day. Divided into the ‘cold room’ ‘hot room’ and ‘sweet room’, my son absolutely loves running around, learning about the wonderful collection of exotic plants and, well, playing hide and seek a lot!
How to get to the Greenhouse:
The Edward VII Park is located just by Marques de Pombal, the epicentre of the city. You can take virtually any metro line to get here, and many buses. If you’re pushing a stroller, or have limited mobility, get a taxi as the steep park can be difficult for those with walking difficulties.
Admission:
€3.25/adults | 50% for children over 6 / Under 6s go free
Summer schedule | Closed on Mondays
(begins on the last Sunday in March)
10h00-19h00
Winter schedule | Closed on Mondays
(begins last Sunday in October)
09h00-17h00
Estádio da Luz – Benfica Stadium
Footie fans at the ready – this is a good one. Spend two hours visiting the biggest football stadium in Portugal, home to the legendary Lisbon team Benfica (where Eusébio used to play for). The visit includes entrance to the stadium and a guided tour of the locker rooms, press boxes and if the rain allows – a walk on the pitch! A must for any football fan.
Pre-book your tickets to Benfica’s stadium
Carris Museum
Lisbon’s Tram Museum is a wonderful experience for the whole family. Located near Belém, the museum invites you to learn about the city’s transport history, before boarding a historic tram and going to see the real-life vintage trams and buses. Needless to say this is a massive winner with children! We have written about it already – find out why we think the Lisbon Tram Museum is a great experience for children.
How to get to the Carris Museum:
Take tram number 15 (the one that takes you to Belém) or 18E and exit at Largo do Calvário.
Admission:
€4.50 adults / Under 6s go free
Museu dos Coches: Coach Museum of Lisbon
Visiting the coach museum is one of the most vivid memories I have from my childhood. The museum has been recently moved to a brand new, modernist building, a stark contrast to its collections. The beautiful coaches range from the 17th century to the 19th century, with several types of vehicles – all of which will should keep the kids busy imagining what life was like before cars!
How to get to the Coaches Museum:
Take tram number 15 and exit at Palácio de Belém or Belém.
Admission: €6
Lisbon planetarium
Lisbon’s Planetarium is conveniently located in Belém, and offers a variety of sessions for children of aged 4 and above. For more information on the sessions, please go here.
StockPhotosArt / Shutterstock.com/
How to get to the Planetarium:
Take tram number 15 and exit at Palácio de Belém or Belém.
Admission:
Under 4s go free, €19 / adults / €10 / up to 13 years old
Closed on Mondays
Science Museum Lisbon – Pavilhao do Conhecimento
This science museum is fantastic for children aged 4 and above, full to the brim with exciting exhibitions and interactive displays perfect for curious minds. Located in Parque das Nacoes near the Oceanário, it’s ideal for keeping the little ones busy and fill them with curiosity, especially on rainy days!
How to get to the Pavilhao do Conhecimento:
The science museum is located in Parque das Nacoes, where the Expo ’98 took place, at the edge of Lisbon. The best way to get there is by metro (red line – exit Oriente). Click here to view Lisbon’s metro map.
You can also get a taxi, which will set you back considerably more, probably over €10 depending on where you are in the city.
Admission:
€14 adults | €9 12-17years / €8 3-11yrs | 2 and under go free (There is also a family ticket, which must be purchased at the ticket office on the day.
Closed on Mondays
TIP: The museum has free entrance on the 18 May (Intl Museum Day), 25 July (Museum’s birthday), 24th November (National Science Day) find out more about any discounts and free days.
I hope these ideas of indoor places to go with children in Lisbon will keep you and the kids busy on a rainy day! Do you live in Lisbon? Have any other recommendations?
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