


Tejo Power Station
About
This captivating electricity museum transforms a historic 1908 power station into an interactive science playground where kids can touch, experiment, and discover how electricity works. With hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and impressive industrial architecture, it makes learning about energy and physics genuinely exciting for curious young minds.
Highlights
- ✓Live electricity demonstrations with dramatic Tesla coil shows and lightning effects
- ✓Hands-on experiment stations where kids can generate power and complete circuits
- ✓Massive vintage generators and turbines from the original power station
- ✓Interactive exhibits explaining renewable energy and sustainability
- ✓The impressive industrial architecture and river views from the building
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends to beat local school groups, which typically visit late morning during the school year.
- 2.The museum is closed Tuesdays, so plan accordingly when building your Lisbon itinerary.
- 3.English signage is available throughout, and staff generally speak English, making it accessible for international visitors.
- 4.Located along the waterfront, combine your visit with a walk or bike ride along the Tejo River promenade afterwards.
- 5.Photography is allowed, and the vintage machinery makes for fantastic photos that kids will enjoy posing with.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday afternoons (Wednesday or Thursday, 2:00-5:00 PM) when crowds are lightest. Saturday and Sunday mornings can get busy with local families, especially during rainy weather when indoor activities are in demand.
What to Know
Entry is budget-friendly at just a few euros per person (children under 6 typically free). The museum has a small cafe for snacks, but full meals are better found at nearby restaurants along the waterfront. The historic building is mostly accessible, though some areas have original industrial features.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. An excellent rainy day option when outdoor sightseeing is not ideal. Summer can be quite warm inside the historic building, which has limited air conditioning in some sections.
Nearby Eats
The nearby MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) has a family-friendly cafe with river views. For a more substantial meal, head to the Belem district (10-minute walk) where you will find numerous cafes and the famous Pasteis de Belem bakery, perfect for trying Portuguese custard tarts that kids love.
More Activities Near Lisbon
MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
MAAT offers families a refreshing approach to museum visits with interactive installations that encourage hands-on exploration rather than passive observation. The striking contemporary building sits along the Tagus River waterfront, providing plenty of outdoor space for kids to run around between exhibitions. This is one of Lisbon's most family-friendly cultural venues, where children can engage with art, architecture, and technology in ways that spark curiosity.
Pavilhão do Conhecimento - Ciência Viva
Pavilhão do Conhecimento is Lisbon's premier hands-on science museum where kids can touch, experiment, and play their way through fascinating exhibits about technology, physics, biology, and more. Located in the modern Parque das Nações district along the waterfront, this interactive learning center transforms complex scientific concepts into exciting adventures that keep children engaged for hours while parents appreciate the educational value.
Museum of Lisbon – Pimenta Palace
The Museum of Lisbon at Pimenta Palace offers an engaging journey through the city's fascinating history with interactive exhibits designed to captivate young minds. Housed in a beautiful 18th-century palace surrounded by gardens, this museum brings Lisbon's past to life through child-friendly displays, multimedia presentations, and hands-on activities that make learning about Portuguese history fun and memorable.
Museu de Marinha
The Maritime Museum (Museu de Marinha) offers an exciting journey through Portugal's seafaring history with impressive ship models, royal barges, and interactive exhibits that bring naval exploration to life. Located in Lisbon's historic Belém district, this affordable attraction captivates young minds with real submarines, seaplanes, and nautical instruments that tell the story of Portugal's Age of Discovery.