The best things to do with kids in Portugal

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.

Where in Portugal is best for families and children?

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.

Brave walking the Arouca 516 suspension bridge

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. 

Drive south along Portugal's coast 

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 permitted in Portugal, but there is a huge network of budget-friendly campsites that offer all the basic infrastructure you could need – many even have playgrounds and cafes onsite. Prices and amenities vary: Peniche's municipal campground, for example, has standard amenities, a perfect location and a shockingly low rate, while Salema Eco-Camp in the Algarve, which boasts a huge pirate-ship playground, multiple restaurants and live music nights, is worth the higher nightly rate.

Travel to the end of the world at Sagres & the Costa Vicentina

Best for kids, tweens and teens

Once upon a time, the southwest corner of Portugal was considered the end of the continent, and thus of the civilized world. These days, while it's still pretty far out there, it's an absolutely amazing spot for active and outdoorsy families to spend their holidays.

In Sagres, you'll find Martinhal Resorts, one of the most family-friendly hotels in the country. Start your day with a surf lesson at the Algarve Surf School, then head back to town for an exceptional pizza at Arte Bianca, followed by ice cream at Alice Gelateria. After an afternoon relaxing, check out some live music in the evening at the Laundry Lounge or Three Little Birds, before an early bedtime so you can do it all over again.

Spend an art-filled afternoon at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Best for babies, tots, tweens and teens

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is one of the world's most important private art collections with works from Ancient Egypt to the early 20th century. Beyond its artistic importance, the Gulbenkian is a truly perfect place to spend an afternoon with the kids. This art-filled oasis in the middle of Lisbon has beautiful, rolling gardens where kids play while adults lounge in the sun, surrounded by koi ponds and some surprisingly friendly ducks. The onsite cafe serves simple, tasty food that's easy for picky eaters and for your wallet, too. It's a wonderful stop for cultural-minded parents of small children or families with artsy tweens and teens.

Let your worries float away at Tavira and the East Algarve

Best for babies and tots

The East Algarve is known for its quiet, warm beaches with nearly no waves and exceptionally fresh and inexpensive seafood. Stay in Tavira for more action, or Cacela Velha to escape the crowds, then hop on a little boat to cross the lagoon where endless white sand beaches await – just dont forget a beach umbrella and plenty of water and snacks.

When you've had enough sun, take a day trip to the nearby Rio Formosa Wetlands Natural Park for some bird and wildlife watching. Simply hop on one of the small ferries that run between the islands (Ilha do Farol is a favorite). For a few euros, kids can enjoy the boat ride and the view, and you can pop off at any of the islands for some beach time, snacks or an ice cream.

More great experiences for kids and families in Portugal

Hike among the stars

For mountain hiking, crystal-clear lakes, traditional cuisine and wintertime skiing head to Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela.

Peek into the past

Find Roman Ruins, cool city vibes and a gateway to the Alentejo countryside in Évora.

Go spelunking

Explore subterranean caverns with the family at Grutas de Mira de Aire.

Planning tips for family travel in Portugal

Public transport versus driving

In the cities, public transport is both easy and inexpensive, and there are plenty of rideshare and taxi drivers to make up for any shortcomings. Outside of the cities, however, you'll want a car to visit the best national parks and most breathtaking beaches; Driving in this tiny, safe country is nearly stress-free.

Pack plenty of layers

Portugal is a cold country with warm sunshine: days are hot, while nights and mornings can be quite chilly. To keep your little ones comfortable, pack easy layers that kids can peel off as the day warms up or throw on as the sun starts to set. Consider an extra-large day bag to carry it all.