Sun's out and that doesn't have to mean splurging out so that your little ones can enjoy the Spring! Here's our roundup of fun for the whole family and all for FREE! 

1. The Market

In each Lisboetan neighbourhood you'll find a market run by the council where you can buy a large range of local produce. Don't we all love a market? Many Mercados have play areas for children. We particularly love Mercado de Arrois which has a lovely mini market with wooden fruit and vegetables, scales and shopping trollies. Open Mon-Sat 07:00-14:00.

2. The Library

Also managed by the city council, Lisbon has a network of 18 libraries - many of which have excellent facilities for little ones. Biblioteca Palácio Galveias is our local and favourite (so far), its interior is stunning and the children's room is complete with board games, books and bean bags (minutes from metro Campo Pequeno).  

3. Quinta Pedagógico dos Olivais

This is an inner-city ranch by metro Olivais and home to many different farm animals including a horse, donkey, cow, sheep as well as peacocks and chickens strolling around. Although you can see the surrounding apartment buildings, you feel completely disconnected in this little paradise which enables families to access animals and nature without leaving the city, and all for free. 

4. The Park

Lisbon has many pretty parks spread out across the city, perfect for relaxing and bonding with family. Our favourites are Monsanto (a large pine forest accessible by bus), Jardim da Estrela by Rato metro, and Bela Vista which is our local, full of beautiful trees and it has a new outdoor gym there too.

5. The Beach 

Lisbon is the only European city to have as many sandy beaches so close by, many accessible by train which leave from Cais do Sodré every 12 minutes during the day. The beaches along the coastline to Cascais - a small beach town 45 minutes away - are family-friendly with great facilities as well as water sports. But let a toddler dip their tootsies into the (cold!) Atlantic and that's hours of entertainment right on your Lisboetan doorstep. 

6. The Museums

We believe in culture-immersion over consumerism every time! On the first Sunday of every month most museums in Lisbon boast free entry (check the museum's website prior to your visit). Many museums also open their doors free of charge every Sunday for residents of Lisbon (proof of address is required). There are a lot of museums to go at and we particularly love the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) and neighboring Power Station museum Central Tejo. There is also a great space outside these museums to enjoy the sparkling waters and the dazzling 25 do Abril Bridge.