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Spring 2026: Local Activity Tips + Summer Camps
Welcome to the Spring edition of Lighthouse Kids!
Sunshine, longer days and more reasons to get out and explore. This edition is packed with local events, family hikes inspiration and activity ideas. And mums, take note—Mother’s Day is on Sunday 3rd May, so consider this your official nudge to start dropping hints 😉
Also see below for our latest list of summer camps, with more being added as they’re announced.
🎒 Our Favourite Spring Hikes 🌲
Spring is one of the best times to get outside with kids, before the heat really kicks in and while everything is still green. See below our handpicked list of family-friendly spring hikes, focusing on circular routes that are easy with children. They are mostly bike/stroller friendly, not too long, and actually enjoyable rather than an endurance test disguised as a walk.
🥾 Easy Charneca Circular — A short, easy circular walk in Charneca that is a good option when you want a simple outdoor plan without too much effort. Best on cooler days or earlier in the day, as there’s very little shade. Extension possible to Guincho.
At a glance: 1.5 km | ~ 45 minutes with kids | Food / snack stops: Lagariça · União Recreativa da Charneca
🥾 Quinta do Pisão Circular — A peaceful circular walk through the historic Quinta do Pisão that passes through woods and open fields, with signs of old agricultural life along the way. Highlights for children is spotting the farm animals, including the Mirandese donkeys. A lovely option for an easy nature walk with a bit of local character.
At a glance: 3.5 km | ~1–1.5 hours | Food / snack stops: Food truck by the visitor centre (if open) in Quinta do Pisão or bring a picnic.
🥾 Pedra Amarela — A short circular walk with a fun local legend at its heart. This easy route leads to the Pedra Amarela monument, a landmark linked to a story about hidden treasure and a boulder that refused to move. A nice option for families who want a quick walk with a bit of character and something interesting to tell the kids along the way.
At a glance: 1.4 km | ~30 minutes to 1 hour | Food / snack stops: none nearby, bring a picnic
🥾 Albufeira do Rio Mula — A short circular walk following the beautiful surroundings of the Rio da Mula reservoir. With river beaches, green views, and plenty of birdlife, it’s a lovely option for families looking for an easy nature walk in a peaceful setting.
At a glance: 1.4 km | ~30 minutes to 1 hour | Food / snack stops: none nearby, bring a picnic
🥾 Pinhal da Nazaré (Colares) — A short circular trail in the Pinhal da Nazaré area near Colares, within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. A good option for a shaded quiet family walk, with peaceful surroundings and plenty of natural beauty.
At a glance: 3.4 km | ~1–1.5 hours | Food / snack stops: Coolares
🥾 Cresmina Dunes — A short circular walk through the Guincho dune system, with wooden walkways and an open-air exhibition that helps visitors discover more about this unique landscape. A lovely option for families who want an easy outdoor walk with a bit of nature-learning along the way. Short section is sand so not ideal for bikes/strollers.
At a glance: 1.6 km | ~30 minutes to 1 hour | Food / snack stops: Cresmina Dunes Café · Gabbro · Cresmina Beach Bar
🥾 Peninha Sanctuary — A beautiful circular walk with sweeping panoramic views on clear days and a route that mixes local history, legends, and forest paths. A lovely option for families who want a short hike with a more dramatic setting.
At a glance: 3.2 km | ~1-1.5 hours | Food / snack stops: Moinho Dom Quixote
Happening Now
🧸 Younger Kids
PaPI - Opus 10 — An artistic performance exploring freedom, imagination, and creativity through music and theatre. Suitable for 0-6 · 25 April · 11:00 · Location
My Mini & Me — A special morning for little ones with arts and crafts, guided activities, and a relaxed social setting for children to play and connect. Suitable for families, nannies and little ones aged 0–4. Wednesday 29 April · 10:00–12:00
Location · Register
Cascais City Council Agenda — Regular family-friendly events including story time and themed workshops
Pé de Meia — Discover a welcoming children’s indoor space in Cascais offering drop-in play, daycare, workshops, educational support, and space hire for birthdays / events.
Monday–Friday · 09:00–12:30 and 14:00–18:00 · Location
🚀 Older Kids
Oeiras BRInCKa 2026 – A major LEGO fan event and exhibition with impressive builds for children and adults to enjoy. Suitable for all ages · 24–26 April · Location
Saturday Musical Theatre Workshops — inspired by Disney’s Hercules, where children and teens sing, dance, act, and build confidence while working towards a final performance. 25 April · 9, 23 & 30 May · 6 & 20 June · Location
Ballroom Dance for Children — classes in Cascais for children aged 6–11, led by professional dancer and internationally qualified coach. Wednesdays 17:00
or Fridays 17:00 or 18:00 · Info: +351 912 975 157 · Location
Teen Trail Running Community — Trail running sessions in Cascais designed to help teens build confidence, resilience, and connection through movement and community. Suitable for ages 12+ · Location: Cascais · Info: +351 934 018 076
🚗 Worth the Trip
Exposição Planeta Casa — Interactive exhibition marking Earth Day, with games, workshops and practical activities exploring sustainability, health, citizenship and the environment. 27 April – 3 May. Weekdays · 10:00–12:30 and 13:30–18:00
Weekends and public holiday · 11:00–13:00 and 14:00–19:00 · Location: Alegro Alfragide Ground floor, main square · FREE
Coming up
🧸Younger kids
Oi Cascais Kids Festival — A weekend dedicated to families! Kids' attractions, live shows, creative workshops, inflatables, kart track, plus a baby space and kids space. There's also a market with children's products and services, and a food area. Suitable for all ages · Sat 10 & Sun 11 May · 9:00–21:00 (Sat) / 9:00–20:00 (Sun) · Location
Alora Montessori — Baby Sessions, Music Playgroup, Singing Stories · Check for upcoming classe
🚀 Older Kids
Forest Mind — Guided nature walk inspired by the Finnish Forest Mind method, combining mindful walking, sensory exercises, and reflection in the beautiful surroundings of Monserrate. Suitable from 10 years. 17 May · 10:00 - 12:00
Meeting point: Location
Festa da Criança na Hípica d’Oeiras — Family-friendly Children’s Day event with a fun outdoor atmosphere, perfect for little ones who enjoy animals and open space. Suitable for all ages. 31 May · 9:30–18:00 · Location
🚗 Worth the Trip
Kids Corner & Market — A family-focused market with children’s activities, creative workshops, and community stalls. Families can browse pre-loved children’s clothes, toys and books, while enjoying a relaxed day out. 24 May · 10:00–19:00 · Location
Congresso Espaço Família — A family wellbeing event with talks for parents and plenty of activities for children, all centered around connection, balance, and conscious family life. Suitable for families with kids. 9 May 2026 · Tickets · Location
Galas para Famílias – Family equestrian gala with Lusitano horses and a chance to see the backstage warm-up before the show. Suitable from 6 years · 30 May · Backstage access from 11:00 · Show at 12:00 · Location
🗓️ Save the Date
Rooftop Jungle Family Rave — Festival-style family rave with DJs, crafting, toddler play, bubbles, balloons, a parachute finale, and food and drinks. Fancy dress encouraged. Suitable for families with young children. Sunday 28 June · 15:00–17:30 (doors open 14:30) · Tickets · Location