Traveling with children can be a challenge and a priceless memory, especially when exploring a country as rich in history and natural beauty as Portugal. This 7-day itinerary offers a perfect balance of history, nature, and fun activities designed to keep kids engaged while allowing parents to enjoy the charm of Portugal. Starting in Lisbon and ending in Porto, this route covers some of the most family-friendly spots, ensuring your trip is memorable and stress-free.

Kid-Welcoming Restaurants Offering Half Portions (Meia Dose)- Chicken and fries

When dining out with kids, finding restaurants that offer half portions can make meals more enjoyable and manageable. Here are some options that cater to families:

• Local Food Stores: Intermarché and Continente stores offer smaller portions, perfect for kids. Look for places that have a "meia dose" option on their menu. These stores also offer complete meals, which include soup, an entrée, a drink, and dessert.

• Family Diners: Classic diners often have a variety of kid-friendly meals in smaller sizes, making it easy to share or order just enough. Note: dinners in Portugal are large portions.

• Tapas Bars: Portuguese tapas bars offer a variety of small dishes, allowing kids to try different flavors without feeling overwhelmed by large portions.

• Casual Cafés: Look for cafés that serve breakfast or lunch items in half sizes, ideal for little appetites.

Tips for Dining with Kids

• Pack Comfy Shoes: Cobblestone streets can be tough on little feet, so ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes that have gripping soles.

• Plan: Check restaurant menus online to see if they offer meals your kids will eat or kid-friendly options. Grilled chicken with French fries is on most menus.

• Engage Kids: Involve children in the menu selection to make them more excited about the meal. Most restaurants offer free wifi.

• Timing is Key: Try to dine during off-peak hours to avoid long waits and crowded environments. Breakfast is 7-10 am. Lunch is 12-3 pm. Dinner is 7-12 midnight.

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With these tips and restaurant suggestions, you can enjoy a family-friendly dining experience without the stress of oversized portions.

Traditional Lisbon trams on cobblestone streets

Day 1: Discover Lisbon’s Kid-Friendly Highlights

7 Days of Kid-Friendly Adventures in Portugal

Lisbon welcomes families with open arms. Begin your adventure in the city’s historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto. Kids will love riding the iconic yellow trams, especially Tram 28, which winds through narrow streets and past famous landmarks.

Must-visit spots for families:

• Oceanário de Lisboa: One of Europe’s largest aquariums, it offers interactive exhibits and a chance to see sharks, rays, and colorful fish up close. This aquarium can be slow-moving with people huddling around the glass. This facility is stroller-friendly.

• Waterfront: Enjoy strolling along the river: the park by Vasco da Gama Bridge is especially popular on weekends. It doesn’t appear in any guidebook, but it boasts a pleasant boardwalk over the water, crossed by many locals jogging or riding bikes. In contrast, others stand admiring the views and taking pictures of the bridge and Vasco da Gama Tower. This is also where many go birdwatching, as there are several aquatic species. Check out the Monument of the Discoveries near the Belem district. It is my favorite statue in Portugal.

• Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery: These UNESCO World Heritage sites provide a glimpse into Portugal’s maritime history. The open spaces around Belém Tower are perfect for kids to run and explore.

• Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Science Museum): Hands-on science exhibits make learning fun for children of all ages.

  
  

For meals, try kid-friendly Portuguese dishes like grilled fish, mild stews, or the famous pastel de nata for dessert.

Day 2: Magical Sintra and Its Fairy-Tale Palaces- 7 Days of Kid-Friendly Adventures in Portugal

A short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra feels like stepping into a storybook. The colorful Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira will captivate children’s imaginations.

Tips for families:

• Wear comfortable shoes; the hills can be steep.

• Visit the Moorish Castle for panoramic views and a bit of adventure.

• Pack snacks and water, as some areas have limited food options.

  
  

Sintra’s gardens and forests offer plenty of space for kids to explore safely, making it a perfect day trip for families traveling in Portugal with children.

Day 3: Exploring Tomar’s Knights and Castles

Tomar is a smaller town with a rich history tied to the Knights Templar. The Convent of Christ, a UNESCO site, is fascinating for older kids interested in knights and medieval stories. The small gift shop offers unique trinkets for kids. Walking the narrow cobblestone streets, shopping at small local stores, and visiting the 15th-century synagogue, now a Jewish Museum, is family-centered.

Family-friendly activities:

• Explore the castle walls and towers.

• Walk through the town’s charming streets and enjoy local pastries.

• Visit the nearby Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes, a peaceful park ideal for picnics and playtime.

• The Levada de Tomar is a historic industrial complex located along the Nabão River in Tomar, Portugal. Originally built in the 12th and 13th centuries by the Knights Templar, this complex of water-powered mills was used for grinding grain and, later, for producing olive oil. 

  
  

Tomar offers a quieter pace, giving families a chance to relax while still soaking in Portugal’s history.

Day 4: Beach Day and Waves at Nazaré

Nazaré is famous for its giant waves, but it also has calm beaches suitable for children. Spend the day building sandcastles, swimming, or watching surfers tackle the waves from a safe distance.

What to do with kids:

• Ride the funicular to the Sítio district for breathtaking views. (elevator on the mountain). Visit Northern Canyon to see the xxl waves.

• Visit the local fish market to see fresh catches and try seafood snacks.

• Enjoy playgrounds and open spaces near the beach.

• Shop until you drop. The prices in Nazare are the best in Portugal.

  
  

Nazaré combines natural beauty with kid-friendly activities, making it a highlight for families traveling in Portugal with children.

Day 5: Serenity and Nature at Buddha Eden Garden

Located near Bombarral, Buddha Eden is Europe’s largest oriental garden. It’s a peaceful place where kids can roam freely among giant statues, bamboo groves, and water features.

Why families love Buddha Eden:

• Wide open spaces for running and exploring.

• Educational opportunities about different cultures.

• Picnic areas and shaded spots for breaks.

  
  

This garden offers a calm contrast to the bustling cities and is a great way to introduce children to nature and art.

Day 6: Medieval Fun in Óbidos

Óbidos is a charming walled town that feels like a medieval playground. Walking the castle walls is a thrilling experience for kids, and the narrow streets are lined with shops selling sweets and crafts.

Family activities:

• Try the local cherry liqueur (ginginha) in chocolate cups, a treat for parents and a fun souvenir.

• Visit the Óbidos Chocolate Festival if your trip coincides with it.

• Explore the town’s small museums and artisan shops.

  
  

Óbidos is compact and easy to navigate with children, making it a stress-free stop on your journey. Check for the many festivals held in Obidos. My favorite is the chocolate festival.

Day 7: Coimbra and Porto – History Meets Modern Fun

On the way to Porto, stop in Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. The university’s botanical garden is a lovely spot for kids to explore.

In Coimbra:

• Visit the Joanina Library for a glimpse of ancient books.

• Walk along the Mondego River and enjoy playgrounds nearby.

• The tallest Eucalyptus tree is the Karri Knight (Eucalyptus diversicolor), located in the National Forest of Vale de Canas, reaching around 73 meters (239 feet) in height, making it a designated Monumental Tree and a symbol of Portugal's impressive introduced eucalyptus stands. 

• Portugal dos Pequenitos park in Coimbra- the goal of the park was to become “a living portrait of what it is to be Portuguese and the Portuguese presence throughout the world.

• Visit Jardim Botânico, the Botanical Gardens in Coimbra.

Arriving in Porto, the city offers a mix of old and new. Take a river cruise on the Douro, explore the Ribeira district, and visit the World of Discoveries museum, which brings Portugal’s explorers to life through interactive exhibits. Porto is famous for its 6 iconic bridges spanning the Douro River, connecting 2 large cities, Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, including the historic, Eiffel-designed Dom Luís I Bridge (metal arch) and Maria Pia Bridge (railway), alongside the modern Arrábida, São João, Infante D. Henrique, and Freixo bridges, all offering distinct architectural styles and panoramic views. Walking around Porto is ideal and fun to do. Shopping is diverse. You can buy merchandise made in Portugal. Our favorite stop is the Lello Library Bookstore. Rumor has it that J.K. Rowling developed the theme for the Harry Potter books based on the mystical Bookstore during the time she lived in Porto.

Kid-friendly trips can be a challenge, but worth the time. Planning is key. My advice is to think about what you and your family like to do. If you enjoy water sports and the beach, then go to the Algarve, Cascais, Sintra, and Nazare. If your family enjoys history, then go to Tomar, Coimbra, and Sintra. If your family enjoys churches, then go to Fatima, Bom Jesus, Obidos, and Batalha. For adventurous families, go to Sintra, Nazare, 516 Arouca bridge, Porto, Tomar, Wooden Walkways, and kayaking in Penacova and Coimbra. If it is your first trip to Portugal, I recommend going in the Fall or Spring because the weather is pleasant. July and August in Portugal are hot, very hot.

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