How To Keep Your Cool This Summer

Summertime in Lisbon can be brutal, but there are ways to systematically beat the heat. From closing the shutters on the sunny side of your home to adopting an evening shower routine, it doesn't have to be dreadful indoors. But what about going out and about? We've got a few tips for summer activities that are fun for the whole family and will shield you from the scorch.

For Little Ones

For phenomenal food and plenty of diversions for the kids, check out APF Cafe in Lapa. There's outdoor patio dining under umbrellas and breezy indoor seating next to a large window to let parents check on their kids playing below in a huge playspace outfitted with a mini-climbing wall, a trampoline, a stilted playhouse, and tons of toys. Bring your kids and let them play while you enjoy a banging iced latte while they work up an appetite for lunch.

Looking for something a little more dramatic? The Oceanarium presents: Concerts for Babies! Played against the dreamlike fantasy setting of the ocenarium, bring your early risers (up to 3 years old) to experience live music that is sure to stimulate your child’s imagination white the fish (and sharks!) do their own interpretive dance in the tank. Concerts take place every Saturday and the 3rd and 4th Sunday of the month at 9h. Kids get in free, and it's 54 for two parents. Stay after and walk around! Pro tip: The otters are usually playful at around 10h30. Previous reservation is required.

For Tweens, Teens, and Adults

A cool (and new!) indoor activity that just opened in Expo is this virtual reality place called Another World (brought to LX by VR Arena) whose aim is to make VR accessible to everyone. Since 2018, the company has been developing free-movement team games suitable for both kids and adults. They prioritize easy and straightforward game mechanics, eliminating cords and restraining wires to allow for free movement within the play area. Their games are designed with a spot-on tracking system that captures every body movement in the virtual world. Players can engage in teams of 1 to 12, exploring various genres that deliver unique and exhilarating experiences. This is great for groups, parties, or just you and your kid. Booking and game info can be accessed here.

If you're not an advance-booking type, there's a cool place you can just show up and have fun: the UBBO Shopping Center in Amadora is once again hosting a fun event that all children will love— a ball pit pool with thousands of white balls. This play area, which joins the numerous playgrounds installed in this shopping center, is already considered a classic for little ones and grown-ups alike for 20 or 40 minute increments that range from 5€ to 8€ respectively. The only requirement is that you wear non-slip socks. Note to your teen: They did not specifically stipulate that doing cannonballs is illegal.

Something for Everyone

What better way to tire them out than going for a roped climb at Escala25 in Alcântara? Even though it's outdoors, it's always in the shade, it's super breezy, and there's a cafe on site with ice cream and cold drinks (and even açai bowls). For the little ones (or for nervous adults) there's a bouldering area where you can fall into comfy mats and even try your best Simone Biles moves when you're giving your climbing arms a break. Once you're done, you can even check out the Pilar7 elevator experience and visit the bridge museum (on-site) that's fully air conditioned and surprisingly fascinating!

You can also opt for a hop-on hop-off boat tour that won't break the bank and can shuttle you around the Tejo between Terreiro do Paço and Belém. Lisboat is a great option as it offers dependable timetables and a friendly staff. You can even take things up a notch and book a sunset cruise on the company sailboat called "The Blue One." Highly recommended for larger families (or romantic date nights).

Looking for some more ideas? We're here to help! From birthday party recommendations to Sunday stroll locations and shady playground sites, we're here to get you sorted. Reach out and let's get organized!