During a six week stay in Lisbon, our family explored the different parts of the city which often involved visiting playgrounds.  Often we choose an area of the city to explore based on the location of nearby parks. It is a great way to see the real Lisbon and gives kids a chance to have fun while being a tourist.

These are our picks for the best parks in Lisbon for kids:

Jardim da Estrela 

During our stay in Lisbon, the Jardim da Estrela was our favourite destination.  Nearly every day, we paid this park a visit, usually to have our morning latte.  Located one kilometre from downtown Lisbon, this park offers a stunning natural urban escape.

The main attraction for kids is the animal themed playground, which has play structures suitable for young and old. Located beside the playground are washrooms for children. These bathrooms are only for kids, if it is locked, ask the attendant to open them for you. The attendants also watch over the playground, making sure the kids (and, ahem, adults) follow the rules.

There are two wonderful cafes in this park.  A smaller cafe is located near the playground and specializes in easy snacks and sandwiches. The larger cafe has a decent size kitchen where you could order a proper lunch. We enjoyed popping into the bigger cafe when we were out and didn’t want to spend hours at the playground.   The adult washrooms are also located inside the larger cafe or across the pathway.

The Jardim da Estrela is a stunning urban oasis.  There are so many different nooks and crannies to explore through the various paths.  On weekends and evenings, the park is filled with families enjoying the park.

Parque Eduardo VII

Parque Edurdo VII is by far the largest park in downtown Lisbon which offers stunning views of the city and the bay. The park is easily found north of the main roundabout featuring the Marques de Pombal and a parking lot of tour buses.  

It is definitely worth making the trek up the gradual incline to take in the beautiful views of Lisbon.   Shortly after reaching the top, kids will quickly become bored.  Luckilly, there is a pretty fantastic playground with a cafe, located near the bottom on the right side (as you walk down the hill).

The playground is split into two sections with a section for bigger kids and another for toddlers and preschoolers.  The playground is quite nice and the zip-line is sure to be popular with the kids!

The cafe located at this playground is quite large. There are two sections to the cafe with plenty of seating.  One part of the cafe specializes in making fresh pizzas while the other building sells sandwiches and baked goods.  After trekking to the top of the park, this cafe offers a perfect place to rest with a coffee and custard tart!

Jardim Teófilo De Braga in Campo de Ourique

Located in a quiet residential neighborhood two kilometres from downtown, this park is spread across an entire city block, creating a town square feel to it.   This park is conveniently located a couple of blocks away from Lisbon’s second food market, Mercado de Campo de Ourique.

The playground has a pirate themed play structure within the fenced in playground.  The equipment is the perfect size for a toddler or preschooler.  On most days, the park was filled with grandparents and their grandchildren. Washrooms are located next to the playground that includes a small toilet for little bums perfect for potty training toddlers.

This park also features a fountain and pond with ducks, geese and fish that provided loads of entertainment.  There is also a cafe that specializes in delicious hamburgers. Yum!

Jardim Dom Luis

This downtown park  is located beside the Time Out Market. A perfect place for the kids to burn off some energy before or after a great meal.  This park has an aquarium theme that is great for young schooled aged kids. Naturally, there is a cafe right beside the playground for parents to enjoy a beverage and treat while the kids play.

Washrooms are across the road in the Time Out Market which even has a toddler washroom with a tiny toilet and sink perfectly sized for your potty training little one.

Jardim de Belém

Most people make a trek out to Belém to go to Pastéis de Belém.  But it is also worth taking some time to enjoy the beautiful Jardim de Belém that is located right across the road.  There is a small playground here that the kids will enjoy.  But the main attraction is just walking around the grounds. If you are spending the day in Belém, there will be lots of walking, so take some time to relax and enjoy how green this park is.

Looking for more fun things to do in Lisbon.  Check out Best Lisbon Attractions with a Toddler