Lisbon with Children: Oceanário and Monsanto Park – A Complete Guide for Families

History and Context

Lisbon is a city of hills, trams, and pastries—not necessarily the most obvious choice for a family trip. The narrow streets of Alfama, the rough cobblestone pavement that even adults find exhausting, and the summer heat can make it challenging. But two places in the city completely change the experience: Oceanário de Lisboa and Parque Florestal de Monsanto.

The oceanarium opened in 1998, built in preparation for the Expo'98 world exhibition dedicated to the oceans. Designed by the American architect Peter Chermayev, it cost 60 million euros and was the largest indoor aquarium in Europe at the time of its opening. Its central tank can hold 5 million liters of water—children stand in awe as giant fish swim by.

Parque Florestal de Monsanto is a very different story. Covering 900 hectares, this forest was established in the 1930s during dictator Salazar’s rule. Locals call it a “green oasis” within the city. For children, there are several play areas, a rope park, and panoramic viewpoints that offer a stunning view of the entire city, right up to the Tagus River.

How to Get There

Telecabine Lisboa—8 minutes of ride over the waterfront, with views of the Vasco da Gama Bridge.

How to Get to Oceanário de Lisboa

The Oceanarium is located in the Parque das Nações area in the east of Lisbon. The easiest way to get there is by red metro line to the Oriente station. From the city center (Alameda or Saldanha stations), the ride takes 7–10 minutes. A one-way metro ticket costs 1.65 EUR; you may also need the Viva Viagem card, which costs 0.50 EUR (if you haven’t purchased it already). Children under 4 years old enter for free.

From the Oriente station, it’s only a 10-minute walk along the waterfront to the Oceanarium. The route is pleasant, featuring modern architecture, fountains, and sculptures along the way. It’s also easy to walk with a stroller since the path is flat and has no steps.

Another option is to take buses #725, 728, 744, or 759; all of them stop at the Oceanarium. If you started from Belém, take bus 728; it travels along the waterfront and the ride takes about 40 minutes, but the views are definitely worth it.

How to Get to Parque Monsanto

Getting to Parque Monsanto is a bit more complicated because it’s huge and has multiple entrances. For families with children, the best starting points are:

• Parque Infantil do Alvito (main children’s area): Take bus #724 from Marquês de Pombal, getting off at “Alvito”. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
• Parque Recreativo do Alto da Serafina (rope park and café): Take bus #770 from Marquês de Pombal, getting off at “Alto da Serafina”. The ride takes around 20 minutes.

Taking a taxi from the city center to the park costs 6–9 EUR; Bolt or Uber are usually 20–30% cheaper than regular Lisbon taxis. If you rent a car, there are free parking lots in the park.

What to See

Oceanário de Lisboa

Oceanário de Lisboa {GOOGLE=38.7636,-9.0939} is far more than just “fish behind glass.” The building is actually located right on the water, and entering it requires crossing a long bridge—children start jumping with excitement as soon as they approach it.

The main attraction is the central aquarium tank, which can be viewed from two different levels. From above, you see the water’s surface; from below, it feels like you’re “at the bottom of the ocean.” The tank is home to sharks, rays, barracudas, tunas, moonfish, and thousands of smaller fish. The sense of being there is incredibly immersive—the glass separating you from the sharks is only 15–20 centimeters thick.

The four areas surrounding the central tank recreate ecosystems from different oceans:

• North Atlantic – reefs, rocks, and rugged vegetation
• Antarctica – Magellan penguins (everyone’s favorite)
• Pacific Ocean – sea otters called calans, which swim on their backs and crack open mollusks
• Indian Ocean – tropical fish, coral, and the clownfish (yes, “Nemo” is here too)

Temporary exhibits change every 1–2 years. In 2024–2025, the exhibition “ONE — The Ocean as You’ve Never Felt It” was on display—a multimedia show suitable for all ages.

Parque das Nações – right next to the oceanarium

Don’t leave right after visiting the oceanarium. The Parque das Nações area is perfect for families:

Telecabine Lisboa {GOOGLE=38.7680,-9.0935} – A cable car runs along the waterfront at a height of 20 meters. The route is 1.2 kilometers long, and the ride takes about 8 minutes. Round-trip tickets cost 9.90 EUR for adults and 5.90 EUR for children aged 3–12. It operates daily from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm (until 8:00 pm in summer).

Pavimento dos Oceanos (Fountain Area) {GOOGLE=38.7629,-9.0922} – A square in front of the oceanarium where fountains spray water from the ground in summer. Children love running through the sprays—make sure to bring extra clothes.

Jardins da Água (Gardens of Water) {GOOGLE=38.7653,-9.0931} – A network of canals and waterfalls that can be walked through for free.

Parque Florestal de Monsanto

Parque Florestal de Monsanto {GOOGLE=38.7396,-9.1868} – A real forest right in the city, with pine trees, eucalyptus, and oaks. A refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Parque Infantil do Alvito {GOOGLE=38.7280,-9.1817} – The best free children’s playground in Lisbon. It has wooden slides, swings, rope structures, and sandboxes, suitable for kids aged 2 to 12. There are toilets, shaded benches, and drinking fountains. Lisbon families often bring blankets and picnics baskets to spend the whole day here – and they’re doing absolutely right.

Aventura Park – Rope Park {GOOGLE=38.7437,-9.1799} – Rope courses suspended from trees and zip lines. There are routes designed for children over 4 years old (height: 1–2 meters) and those suitable for kids over 8 years old (up to 8 meters in height). The cost is 15 EUR for children’s routes and 20–25 EUR for adult routes. It’s best to book online in advance.

Miradouro de Monsanto {GOOGLE=38.7362,-9.1908} – A panoramic viewpoint with views of the 25 de Abril Bridge and the statue of Cristo Rei. You can get there by car or on foot (about 30 minutes from Alvito). It’s an excellent place to take photos at sunset, but be careful if you have young children – there are no railings in some areas, so make sure to hold their hands.What else is there for children in Lisbon?

Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Museum of Knowledge {GOOGLE=38.7631,-9.0968} – An interactive science museum located just 5 minutes from the Oceanário. Children can touch, operate, and build things. Admission fees: 11 EUR for adults and 7 EUR for children aged 3–11. A combined ticket with the Oceanário costs 31 EUR for adults and 20 EUR for children, saving about 20%.

Practical Information

Oceanário de Lisboa

Opening Hours:	Daily 10:00-19:00 (last entry at 18:00). Summer (June-September): 10:00-20:00
Tickets:	Adults — 25 EUR, children 4-12 years old — 17 EUR, children under 3 years old — free. Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) — 67 EUR
Temporary Exhibition:	Included in the regular ticket price
Online Tickets:	Available on the oceanario.pt website — 5-10% cheaper and no queue at the entrance. During peak seasons, you can save 30-60 minutes

Monsanto Park

Opening Hours:	The park is open 24/7. Alvito Children's Area: daily 09:00-19:00 (winter hours extend to 17:00)
Admission:	Free (except for the Aventura Park)

Best Time to Visit

For the oceanarium, it's best to go on weekdays in the morning (10:00-12:00). On weekends and during school holidays, queues at the ticket counter can last up to 45 minutes. If you visit on a Saturday, purchase your ticket online in advance.

For Monsanto Park, visit in the morning or in the late afternoon. In summer, the areas become too hot during lunchtime (12:00-16:00), and there is little shade in open areas. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are the ideal times: temperatures range from +22 to +26°C, the weather is pleasant, and the park is less crowded.

Tips for Visitors

What to Bring

• For the Oceanarium: A change of clothes for your child (the fountains can get wet), some snacks (the cafe inside is expensive – coffee costs 3.50 EUR, sandwiches 6–7 EUR), and a bottle of water. Strollers are no problem; there are elevators accessible to all levels.
• For Monsanto: Sunscreen, a head covering, comfortable shoes (no slippers, as the paths can be rocky), and water (fountains are available, but not everywhere). Also bring a blanket for picnics. For food, the nearest Pingo Doce is located near the Campolide metro station, on the way to the park.

What to Avoid

• Do not try to visit both places in one day if you have very young children (under 5 years old). The Oceanarium and Parque das Nações take a whole day; Monsanto should be visited on a separate day.
• Avoid visiting the Oceanarium on Saturdays in the morning – many Lisbon families do the same. It’s better to go around 2:00 PM, when the early visitors have left.
• Do not feed ducks in the park – a fine of up to 250 EUR may be imposed (this is taken seriously).
• Do not try to take the tram number 28 with a stroller – it’s physically impossible, and pickpockets often target tourists with children. Uber is cheaper and more convenient.

Where to Eat Nearby

Near the Oceanarium (Parque das Nações):

• Restaurante Ponto Final – Across the river by ferry; if you don’t have babies, you can enjoy fresh grilled fish for 12–15 EUR. The view of the city is incredible.
• Food court in Centro Vasco da Gama {GOOGLE=38.7676,-9.0939} – A shopping center 3 minutes from Oriente metro station. Pizzas cost 6–8 EUR, sushi 9–12 EUR; most restaurants offer children’s menus. Perfect when kids are hungry and fussy.

Café do Rio — located on the waterfront near the cable car. Pasteis de Natá cost 1.50 EUR, sandwiches range from 5 to 7 EUR. The terrace offers beautiful views.

Near Monsanto Park:

• Ponto de Encontro (Monsanto Kiosk) — a coffee kiosk near the Alvito area. Offers coffee, juices, and light snacks. Prices are reasonable: coffee 1.20 EUR, toast 3 EUR.
• Restaurante Monsanto — a full-service restaurant inside the park, open for lunch. The daily special costs 9 to 12 EUR. Portions are large; children can share one meal between two people.

One-Day Budget

Here’s a rough budget for a family of 2 adults and 2 children (ages 5 and 8):

• Round-trip metro ticket: 6.60 EUR
• Family ticket to the aquarium: 67 EUR
• Cable car for family: ~27 EUR
• Lunch at a food court: 25–35 EUR
• Pasteis de Natá for 4 people: 6 EUR
• Total: ~130–140 EUR

A day at Monsanto Park will cost almost nothing—only transportation and food.