Planning a trip to Lisbon with kids?

We recently spent 4 nights in Lisbon with our family, and it completely exceeded our expectations. Before visiting, I wasn’t sure how kid-friendly it would be,but Lisbon turned out to be one of the easiest European cities to explore with children.

From parks with cafés where parents can actually relax, to castles overlooking the city, delicious pastries, and scenic tram rides, this itinerary includes everything we loved (and a few things we’d do differently).

Here’s exactly how we spent our four days.

Where We Stayed

We booked a beautiful Airbnb in central Lisbon, and I honestly wouldn’t change a thing.

Being able to walk almost everywhere made traveling with the kids so much easier. We were close to restaurants, shopping, parks, and many of Lisbon’s biggest attractions.

Tip: Stay somewhere central if you’re traveling with children. Lisbon’s hills are no joke, so cutting down on transportation makes a huge difference.

Day 1: Parks, Pastries & Exploring Lisbon

One of the first things that surprised me about Lisbon was how family-friendly the parks are.

We started our morning at Parque Eduardo VII, where the kids ran around at the nearby playground (Parque Infantil).

One thing I absolutely loved? Many Lisbon playgrounds have cafés or bistros attached, so parents can enjoy a coffee, snack, or even a glass of wine while keeping an eye on the kids. Every city should do this.

Afterward we wandered down Avenida da Liberdade, admiring the beautiful mosaic sidewalks, luxury shops, and local street vendors.

By lunchtime everyone was ready for a break, so we headed back to our Airbnb for naps before dinner.

That evening we ate at Bonjardim, and it ended up being one of our favourite meals in Lisbon.

Before heading home, we made one essential stop…

The Best Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon

I know everyone recommends Pastéis de Belém…

But my favourite was actually Fábrica da Nata.

The pastries were warm, flaky, and perfectly creamy, and their milkshakes were incredible. We grabbed a table outside while the kids people-watched, and it was one of those simple travel moments we’ll always remember.

On our walk home we stopped by the famous Lisboa sign in Praça dos Restauradores and strolled through the beautiful gardens along Avenida da Liberdade.

Later that evening my husband and I met friends for dinner at Zazah.

It’s absolutely stunning, but I’d save this one for date night rather than dinner with little kids.

Day 2: A Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra deserves an entire blog post of its own.

Between the colourful palaces, castles, and incredible views, it’s one of the best day trips from Lisbon.

(Coming soon: My complete family guide to Sintra.)

Day 3: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Lisbon’s Best Views

We decided to explore more of Lisbon using the Hop-On Hop-Off bus.

My biggest tip? Buy the two-day pass.

Trying to squeeze everything into one day felt rushed.

Some of our favourite stops included:

Praça Marquês de Pombal
Santa Maria Maior
Waterfront area (the kids loved playing near the water while we grabbed drinks)
Time Out Market for lunch
Rossio Square

Time Out Market Tip

Go after the lunch rush.

It gets incredibly busy, and finding a table during peak hours can be difficult.

Belém

Later we visited the Planetarium and Museum before finally trying the famous Pastéis de Belém.

They were delicious…

But if I’m being completely honest, I still preferred Fábrica da Nata.

Shopping in Lisbon

Our kids were just as excited about shopping as sightseeing.

We stopped at the world famous Zara in Rossio Square where my daughter happily did some shopping of her own and then walked around the square where my son found a Ronaldo jersey! (His dream)

Don’t Miss St. George’s Castle at Sunset

If you only do one thing in Lisbon…

Make it St. George’s Castle.

Arrive about an hour before sunset so you have time to explore.

Then head up onto the castle walls before they close access in the evening. Watching the sun set over Lisbon from above the city was easily one of the highlights of our entire trip.

The entrance fee was around €15 per adult, and it was worth every euro.

The panoramic views are unforgettable.

Dinner & Dessert

After the castle we went back to Rosio square and wandered through the surrounding streets until we found a lively outdoor restaurant with live music called Marisqueira.

It was the perfect relaxed ending to the day.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without dessert.

We stopped at PAUL Patisserie, ordered far more pastries than we needed, and ended the night walking through Lisbon with tired kids and very happy stomachs.

Sometimes those are the best vacation memories.

Is Lisbon Worth Visiting With Kids?

Absolutely.

Lisbon surprised us in the best possible way.

It has beautiful parks, amazing food, incredible history, walkable neighbourhoods, and plenty of opportunities for both kids and adults to enjoy themselves.

It’s one of those destinations that feels exciting without feeling overwhelming.

We’ll definitely be back.

Save This Lisbon Itinerary

If you’re planning a family trip to Portugal, save this itinerary for later.

And if you have questions about traveling to Lisbon with kids, leave me a comment or send me a message on Instagram @MommaInTraining.

family travel, Uncategorized

Top 5 All-Inclusive Caribbean (and Pacific!) Resorts for Families (Tested by a Travel Blogger Family!)

July 4, 2025July 4, 2025 mommaintraining

Before you head off on your next family getaway, don’t miss our list of must-have Amazon travel essentials 🇨🇦— Amazon travel essentials 🇺🇸everything we pack to make traveling with kids smoother, easier, and more fun! No matter which resort you choose to go to you’ll need these essentials trust me you won’t want to leave without them! (The following reviews reflect my personal opinions and experiences—please do your own research to ensure each resort is the right fit for you and your family.)

As a full-time family travel blogger and mom, I’ve had the joy (and challenge!) of traveling to over 30 destinations with our adventurous 7 and 9‑year‑old in tow. Along the way, we’ve discovered which resorts truly cater to families — not just with kid-friendly amenities, but with the kind of comfort, food, and fun that make everyone happy. If you’re planning your next tropical getaway, here are our top 5 favorite all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean (and beyond!) that have earned our family’s seal of approval: if you’re looking for more details visit my Instagram page where I have highlights of all the resorts we’ve visited ! Mommaintraining

1. Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe
This resort checks all the boxes — stunning beachfront views, great food, and an activity-packed kids’ club. It’s elegant without being stuffy, which means parents can relax while kids stay entertained. It’s a small property which I love and the beach is fantastic!

2. Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa
We loved this one so much! The water park, spacious family suites, and nightly entertainment make it a standout for families. It’s also beautifully laid out so everything is easy to access — even with tired little legs. The two story villa in the Indigo Preffered club was such a dream however their regular rooms are also beautiful! The resort has amazing amenities and great service so no matter what part you stay in you’ll have the best time ! Make sure you try their passion fruit daiquiri and margaritas – they are the best I’ve ever had.

3. Bahia Principe Grand Coba
A great value for families who want the full resort experience without breaking the bank. We have visited this resort twice and have zero complaints. The kids loved the splash park, and we appreciated the variety of dining options and shaded areas around the pool. The property is huge and stunning and depending on which property you stay on you may have access to the other two! There is also an option to purchase a daily wristband if you decide to stay at Coba but want access to the other resorts!

4. Grand Riviera Princess Resort & Spa
Huge property, great beach, and lots of family activities. We’ve actually been here twice as well and loved it both times ! It’s perfect if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and plenty of things to do. The kids’ club here was a big hit, and the nightly shows were surprisingly impressive. I highly recommend the upgrade to the family princess club- the rooms come with bunk beds, access to their waterpark and a ton of other perks !

5. Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Though technically on Mexico’s Pacific coast, this gem deserves a spot. Another resort we have visited twice and it’s definitely one of our family favourites! With its sprawling infinity pools, incredible private beach (I explain more about how it’s “private” in the story highlight on my Instagram page daily kids’ activities, and beautiful Pacific sunsets, it’s a wonderful addition — and a great option if you want to mix it up outside the usual Caribbean routine. It’s a more quiet resort without a kids waterpark but the views are breathtaking, the property is immaculate and the food was incredible. They also have a kids club with a ton of activities throughout the day. The only thing lacking was evening entertainment so if that’s your jam then this probably isn’t the place for you!

These resorts have given our family some of our best vacation memories — and hopefully they’ll do the same for yours!

If you have any questions feel free to visit me over on Instagram where I share more detailed reviews and send me a DM ! Thank you for reading 💕

Visit me over on Instagram by clicking here

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Why you need to choose Chicago for your next getaway!

January 17, 2022January 19, 2022 mommaintraining

Chicago is one of my favourite cities in the world and for good reason. Chicago is constantly evolving and every time I visit I fall in love with the city more than I did during my last visit. There’s so much to do, explore , eat, see and did I mention eat? So here are my favourite things about Chicago and all the places you need to see, things to eat and what to do.

Fly Porter

We flew from Toronto to Chicago at the end of November and the flight was great as always. We have flown Porter many times before and this time was no different. Check in was a breeze , the staff was friendly and kind and the entire experience was really enjoyable. I love flying and I love flying with an airline who really cares about its passengers. Complimentary snacks, beverages and ample legroom, are the things that make me the happiest. They offer a wide range of amenities. Porter is committed to effortless travel, great onboard services and offers travel focused on comfort and style. Book your next flight here!

Where to eat- Deep Dish Pizza

Hands down the best deep dish pizza in Chicago has to be Lou Malnati’s. Founded in 1971 there are over 50 locations across Chicago and for good reason. We couldn’t get enough. The classic deep dish was mouth watering. The crust is not too thick and is crispy even with the heavy toppings. The calamari was just right and the staff were friendly and kind. We let the server know it was our first time eating there and she was quick to help us make a choice, answer all our questions and give us her recommendations. It did not disappoint!

Where to eat-The best breakfast

If you like mouth watering pancakes and the most delicious waffles you’ve ever had then Wildberry Pancakes and Café is the place for you and before you ask, yes it’s worth the wait! With two locations in Chicago it is definitely something you don’t want to miss. The endless menu has an incredible selection of the most scrumptious breakfast, lunch and brunch items and the service is so welcoming ! The portions were huge, the prices were great and honestly we wish we had more time during our trip so we could have gone more than once. The photos don’t even do the food justice, it was so good.

Where to get the best view

The best views-The Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower. If you’re looking for 360 degree views of the city from the top of the world that are unbeatable then the Skydeck is where you need to go. Formerly known as Sears Tower , this 108 story skyscraper even has a glass ledge. At 1,353 feet in the air the ledge is a glass boxes that extends out 4.3 feet from the Skydeck, so stepping into the box makes you feel like you are floating above the city. We also had the pleasure of checking out the brand new interactive Chicago experience. A huge indoor experience sharing all of Chicago’s best and most well known history included with your ticket to the Skydeck.

Where to stay

Steps from the Chicago River and Magnificent Mile the Swissotel was the perfect hotel for us and one I would highly it recommend if you want to be near all the action and right where the river meets the lake. The Swissotel is the perfect combination of European style and contemporary Swiss elegance and breathtaking views. It has a glass triangle shape designed to look like the sail of a ship and it stands out for its beautiful style and central location. The perfect place to stay wether you’re looking to be right in the middle of all the action or if you’re looking for a rest and relaxation.

Chicago Architecture Boat Tour

If you didn’t go on a boat tour did you even visit Chicago? We were lucky enough to grab a seat on one of the Wendella 90 minute Chicago River Architecture boat tours, and it did not disappoint. We got unbeatable views of Chicago and it’s 130 year old architectural history. They also had a full service bar located right on board so you can fully enjoy your on board experience! The tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and funny which made for the perfect tour and the boat itself was stunning. The tour goes right through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago river. A must-see on any visit to Chicago. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time here.

Luckily for us, this trip was right before Christmas so we got to take in all the stunning Chicago Christmas sights and they did not disappoint. We visited the Bean, took a stroll through millennium park , grabbed a coffee and watched the buskers. We spent a full day at the park, we just sat near the Christmas tree and watched everyone skate on the stunning rink. All in all it was the perfect trip and we can’t wait for our next one !

Tag: explore

4 Days in Lisbon With Kids: Our Family-Friendly Itinerary (That We’d Do Again!)