The best things to do with kids in Portugal

12.12.2024 - 18:53 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 12, 2024 • 6 min read

Portugal is one of the most family-friendly countries in Europe. Children are an integral part of daily life, and they're happily welcomed anywhere, from museums and restaurants to town squares and theaters. Cities are rife with parks and playgrounds, while the rest of the country is a perfectly preserved natural paradise.

With 300 days of sunshine a year and the mildest weather on the old continent, Portugal is the ideal destination for family adventure. The only part you'll struggle with is deciding where to go! Read on to find out more about the best destinations to travel to in Portugal with your kids.

Families hold an important place in Portuguese society, so they're well-treated across the country. Parents who are pregnant or have small children in tow are given priority in supermarket lines and on public transportation, and you'll never get side glances for breastfeeding in public. Plus, Portuguese cities are generally pretty safe; Even in Lisbon, tweens and teens ride public transport alone.

Perhaps the only drawback for parents are the sidewalks, which thanks to steep hills, bumps and their narrow size, are very far from being stroller- or toddler-friendly. However, all is redeemed by a family-centric local culture which welcomes you to bring your kids – be they babies, tots or teens – literally anywhere.

Some entirely reasonable Portuguese excursions with kids include surf lessons or a coastal hike along the Costa Vicentina; a road trip along the coast; or a river cruise, vineyard tour and a horseback ride with your children by your side. While the options are endless, here are a few of the coolest experiences for families in Portugal.

Best for kids, tweens and teens

Just outside of Porto in the Arouca Unesco Global Geopark hangs the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, a 516 meter-long (1693ft) bridge situated 175m (574ft) over the Paiva River.

Challenge your kids to see if they're brave enough to cross (or if you are!), but don't fret – even if someone is afraid of heights, the park is still worth the trip. Below the bridge, find the Passadiços de Paiva, an 8 kilometer-long  (5.5mi) route of wooden walkways that follows the Paiva River, offering a scenic hike – albeit with a lot of stairs – that's safe and fun for children with energy to burn. 

Best for all ages

Renting a caravan or RV to road-trip Portugal with your family is one of the best ways to explore this beautiful land. The country is small, the roads are uncrowded, the scenery is breathtaking and it's relatively safe. If you've got little ones, the convenience of on-hand snacking and napping is unbeatable; while older kids will love the adventure and instant access to nature.

Wild camping is no longer