No ideas for entertaining the kids on fine weather days? Don’t worry, there’s no shortage of attractions… And we’re not just talking about beaches and water parks. In fact, one of the best ways to have a good time as a family is to take the kids to visit educational farms.
Even in the center of Lisbon or just a few kilometers from the city, there are several places “connected to the land” that offer very enriching educational experiences. In addition to their fun side, they even offer activities such as feeding animals, riding ponies or horses and even bathing the farm animals.
By allowing children to have fun while learning more about nature and animals, these educational farms are authentic sources of knowledge about the countryside that exists outside urban areas. Take a look at our itinerary and book a rural getaway… without leaving the city.
Table Of Contents
Quinta Pedagógica dos Olivais
The countryside in the middle of the city. For more than 20 years, Quinta Pedagógica dos Olivais has been transporting kids and adults to a countryside environment with vegetable gardens and lots of animals, such as donkeys, goats, chickens and pigs, among others.
As well as watching (and petting) the animals, visitors can also take part in farming activities and even help make bread. This is another of the educational farms where admission is free.
Address: Rua Cidade do Lobito (Olivais Sul)
Zé Pinto Farm
An old abandoned plot of land in Campolide gave way to Lisbon’s first cornfield. In this little farm , open since 2009, you’ll learn more about the life of cereals, from planting to eating. It also has a vegetable garden and, of course, the inevitable scarecrow.
It usually welcomes school visits, but once a month it opens its gates for free visits and activities for the general public.
Address: Quinta do Zé Pinto Urban Park (Campolide)
Quinta do Pisão
Workshops and rides on woolly donkeys, birdwatching, hiking and guided tours of the beehives are just some of the activities you can enjoy at this farm run by Cascais Municipal Council. We’ve been there and loved it!
Located at the foot of the Sintra mountains, in the heart of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, it has more than 380 hectares of pure nature and even a cave where remains from the Chalcolithic period and the Bronze Age have been found. Admission is free.
Address: EN9-1 road (near the Rio da Mula dam in Cascais)
Quintinha de Monserrate
Located in the heart of the Sintra mountains, three kilometers from the town and right next to the Monserrate Palace, this is one of the educational farms that challenges children (and others) to play farmers and discover the world of animals. They can take part in the daily and seasonal tasks, as well as getting to know the water lines and native trees on the site.
During the week, visits are reserved for schools, but at the weekend there are various activities (by appointment) for the whole family. The quintinha’s birthday parties, themed Aniversário Saloio, are also great fun.
Address: Estrada de Monserrate (Sintra)
Pony Corner
As well as offering direct interaction with the animals, especially these little equines, Cantinho dos Póneis promotes rural life in an educational way.
The main highlight of this educational farm is the various dwarf animals, offering a unique and distinctive experience.
The farm is prepared to host birthday parties for both children and adults.
Quinta Pedagógica da Granja
Located in the Benfica area, Quinta da Granja is another place to consider if you’re looking for direct contact with animals in an environment reminiscent of rural life. It is currently divided into two parts: Granja de Cima (with the main building and farm machinery) and Granja de Baixo (where the Quinta da Granja Urban Park is located with free access).
The Quinta directs its educational programs, in particular, to school communities, offering contact with farm animals, an organic vegetable garden, an orchard and practical workshops. At the moment, it’s not open to free family visits, but it does organize birthday parties for the younger ones at weekends and on public holidays.
Address: Travessa da Granja, 1500-335 Lisboa
