How to get to Child-Friendly Beaches and Water Activities Near Lisbon
- tscheiman
- May 4
- 3 min read
Child-Friendly Beaches and Water Activities Near Lisbon
Safe Places to Splash, and How to Reach Them Without Hauling Strollers on Trains
Lisbon’s charm isn’t just in its tiled buildings and tram rides — it’s also in the sunshine. And when you’re traveling with kids, especially in summer, there comes a point when everyone just wants to cool off. We hit that point after one too many hot walks uphill in Alfama.
Thankfully, Lisbon offers easy access to several child-friendly beaches and splash zones — if you know where to go, and how to get there without breaking a sweat (or waking a sleeping baby). Here’s our guide to the best water-based family outings in and around Lisbon — plus tips on getting there without dragging beach bags across public transport.
Carcavelos Beach – Lisbon’s Best Bet for Families
If you’re looking for the easiest, cleanest, and safest beach within reach of central Lisbon, Carcavelos Beach is your spot. The water is shallow, the waves are usually gentle, and the beach is long — which means there’s always space for a family to spread out, even in high season.
There are several cafés with high chairs, changing toilets, and rental umbrellas — which we were very grateful for. You’ll also find ice cream stands, lifeguards, and soft sand (easy on little knees and beach toys).
We packed:
A pop-up sun tent
Swim diapers
Refillable water bottles
Snacks and fruit
A change of clothes and a wet bag
Small floaties and beach toys we bought at a local supermarket
How to Get There Without Meltdowns (or Carrying Gear on a Train)
🚖 Taxi with Child Seat: Our Best Beach Decision
You can take the train from Cais do Sodré to Carcavelos (around 30–40 minutes). But the train gets crowded, especially in summer, and the walk from the station to the beach with a stroller and two beach bags in 35°C heat? No thanks.
We booked a taxi with a child seat via TaxiBambino.com, and it was one of the best decisions of the trip. No stress, no missed naps, and we could bring our full beach setup without worrying about logistics.
💰 Cost: Around €25–35 one-way from central Lisbon⏱️ Travel time: 25–35 minutes depending on traffic
Bonus: We were dropped off right at the sand, instead of navigating sidewalks or stairs.
Praia da Conceição – A Calm Option in Cascais
If you want a more scenic and relaxed beach day, Praia da Conceição in Cascais is perfect for young families. The water is calm and shallow, and the beach is smaller and more intimate — great for keeping eyes on toddlers. The town itself is stroller-friendly, and there’s a promenade where kids can scoot or run around safely.
We arrived just before lunch, rented an umbrella, and had a seafood lunch steps from the beach at a casual, kid-welcoming restaurant.
Getting there?
Train from Lisbon to Cascais is an option, but again, crowded in summer
Taxi with a car seat took us ~35–40 minutes and allowed us to nap our toddler on the way there
💰 Cost: Around €35–45⏱️ Travel time: 35–45 minutes from Lisbon center
Splash Parks and Pools in Lisbon
Not up for a beach day? There are a few cool spots in Lisbon to splash without leaving the city:
Jamor Swimming Complex
In nearby Oeiras, this open-air pool has a kid-friendly section and shaded picnic areas. Clean, organized, and not overly crowded on weekday mornings.
Lisboa Camping & Bungalows (for families staying near Monsanto)
Guests have access to a pool, but you can also pay for day use. Quiet and surrounded by nature — a nice break from city chaos.
Taxi is again the easiest option for both, as bus links are patchy and long walks aren’t fun in the heat.
What to Watch for (and What to Bring)
Lisbon’s coast is family-friendly, but keep these in mind:
Most beaches have lifeguards and flag systems — always check before swimming
Jellyfish occasionally appear (ask locals or lifeguards)
Sun intensity is strong — pack high-SPF sunscreen, UV clothing, and hats
Strollers with large wheels or easy folding are ideal
Most beach cafés have bathrooms, but bring your own swim diapers and wipes
Final Thoughts: Water Days Done Right
Whether it’s a dip in the Atlantic or a shaded splash by the pool, water activities saved our sanity during Lisbon’s hot days. But it wasn’t just about the destination — it was about how we got there.
Booking a taxi with a car seat meant we could relax, pack properly, and actually enjoy the beach, rather than arriving flustered and already overheated. It let us focus on our toddler’s excitement instead of counting escalators.
🚖 Ready for your beach day? Book a family taxi with child seat at TaxiBambino.com — and let someone else handle the ride while you handle the sunscreen.
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