Wellness For Children In Lisbon

From pampering spa treatments to running riot in the woods, here’s how to keep young visitors happy in the Portuguese capital.

With rambling woodlands and verdant parks, unique cultural experiences and colourful culinary ones, the multifaceted allure of Portugal’s capital city ensures that its youngest visitors are very well looked after. And that’s not just on a physical level. Lisbon’s burgeoning wellness scene caters very well for children. From sweet pampering spa treatments to creative classes inspired by local traditions, here are some of the ways children can enjoy Lisbon while topping up their happiness levels.

Be Pampered

There is little more that promotes a deep sense of wellbeing than a spa treatment. With a menu of luxurious options tailored for little darlings, the Children’s Spa at Corinthia Lisbon is all about pampering its younger guests. Mini VIPs can enjoy an indulgent Doll Face Facial Treatment, or nod off with a soothing magical Unicorn Massage, while superheroes-in-training can settle back for a pedicure to relieve the tension of a day spent saving the world.

Let Off Steam

For a breath of fresh air and a walk on the wild side, Jardim Zoológico is home to a host of exotic animals – including everyone’s favourite, a troupe of lemurs from Madagascar. For an outdoor excursion that’s a little less structured, the former royal hunting grounds of the Tapada Nacional de Mafra is the place to go to encounter birds of prey, deer and wild boar.

Inspire A Sense Of Wonder

After dark, the Bats in the Castle event hosted by the Castelo São Jorge invites visitors to experience Lisbon’s thriving nightlife from a unique angle with its nocturnal wild residents. With the help of an expert biologist and an ultrasound detector, budding naturalists can search for different species of bat at the historic castle, and learn about winged mammals along the way.

Enjoy Your Greens

A stroll through the woodlands is beneficial to both physical and mental wellbeing, according to the Japanese principle of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Invite the family to tap into their inner zen, boosting happiness and health, with a stroll through the beautiful 50-hectare expanse of Monsanto Forest Park, just 10 minutes from Corinthia Lisbon.

Indulge In Creative Play

Engage your children creatively with a class to make and decorate a traditional tile at the National Tile Museum in Azeitão, just outside Lisbon. In addition to encouraging aspiring artists to express themselves creatively, it’s an educational foray into the traditional art of azulejos that define much of Lisbon’s aesthetic. Take the tile home as a unique souvenir.

Eat Well

Spending time at the dinner table together as a family is almost as important as what you choose to eat. With organic and seasonal ingredients, as well as gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, the pizzas at In Bocca al Lupo – Lisbon’s first organic pizzeria—are as delicious as they are thoughtfully crafted, and the laid-back ambience is more than suitable for a fun family gathering.