Quinta Pedagógica dos Olivais

The Quinta Pedagógica dos Olivais, which the council now calls the Quinta Pedagógica de Lisboa, is a proper little farm set among the housing estates of Olivais in the east of the city. It opened on 16 April 1996 so that city children could keep in touch with country life, and it’s free. The farm says it now gets more than 300,000 visitors a year.

There are more than 80 animals, among them cows, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, a horse, ducks and hens. Most are native Portuguese breeds, and some of those breeds are endangered. For a toddler meeting a cow or a pig for the first time, it’s hard to beat, and for older children it’s a chance to see where milk, eggs, wool and vegetables come from.

The farm covers about two hectares, small enough for small legs to walk round and big enough to fill a morning. Between the animal pens are vegetable plots, an orchard and a herb garden.

What makes it more than a petting farm is that everyday farm jobs are open to everyone. The farm lists ploughing, looking after the vegetable garden and orchard, day-to-day care of the animals, composting, and following how bread and sweets are made as experiences visitors can join. Children who like digging, carrying and getting muddy will be happy here, so dress them in clothes that can get dirty.

Through the year the farm also marks rural traditions from the north to the south of Portugal and the festivals of the farming calendar, which is a gentle way to learn about Portuguese culture.

At weekends the farm runs the Programa Família, free activities for families with children aged 3 and over. Past sessions listed by local guides have included guided visits, traditional bread-making, working with wool, preparing herbal remedies and fresh juice tastings, with themes such as conserving species, biodiversity, sustainability and healthy eating. Places are limited and must be booked in advance, from 09:00 on the Monday before, by phone, email or in person at the farm office. A few activities have a minimum age of four or six.

Weekday activities (Tuesday to Friday) are part of the schools programme and are only for school groups, associations and similar organisations. A home-education group could ask the farm about booking one; families on their own can’t join.

Two questions come up a lot, and the farm answers them on its website. There’s no milking, because the farm doesn’t breed its cows, and the milk that sheep and goats produce after giving birth goes only to their young. Visitors can’t feed the animals either. They eat a balanced diet at regular times, and constant treats from visitors would make them ill. It’s worth telling children before you arrive, so the no comes from the farm and not from you.

The farm also keeps its numbers down on purpose. It keeps the animal count at a level that lets every species live in good health and hygiene, and the law for this kind of farm caps it at 100 animals. There are no exotic animals: the farm keeps only the livestock breeds the law lists (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses and donkeys, poultry and rabbits), plus a few dogs and cats.

• Toddlers love the animals at eye level and the space to wander. The paths have ramps, so a buggy is fine.
• Ages 3 to 7 can join the weekend activities and help with bread or wool.
• Ages 8 to 12 get more from the farm jobs and from spotting the rare Portuguese breeds.
• Older children may find it small unless they are into animals or gardening.

Entry is free and you don’t need to book a normal visit. From 1 May to 30 September the farm opens Tuesday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00 and at weekends and on public holidays from 10:00 to 19:00. From 1 October to 30 April it closes at 17:30. It’s always closed on Mondays and on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December, and may close on other days in exceptional cases.

The main entrance is on Rua Cidade de Lobito in Olivais Sul. The nearest metro is Olivais on the red line, and Carris buses 708, 731, 750, 759 and 781 stop nearby. Oriente station is about 15 minutes’ walk, and there are bike racks for those who cycle in on the city’s cycle lanes. Every area of the farm has ramps, and the car park has reserved spaces for people with reduced mobility.

There’s no café, and picnics aren’t allowed, so eat before you go or head to Parque das Nações afterwards. Birthday parties aren’t allowed either. Bring water, sun hats in summer and wellies or old shoes after rain.

Parque das Nações is a short hop east. Pair a morning on the farm with the Oceanário, the Pavilhão do Conhecimento science centre or the riverside Telecabine Lisboa cable car.

Is the Quinta Pedagógica dos Olivais free?

Yes. Entry is free, and so are the weekend family activities, though those need booking.

Is it open on Mondays?

No. It is closed every Monday, and on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December.

Can children feed the animals?

No. The farm doesn’t allow visitors to feed the animals, because extra food can make them ill.

Can we have a picnic or a birthday party there?

No. Picnics, birthday parties and similar events aren’t allowed.

Is it good for toddlers?

Yes. It’s small, flat enough with ramps, free, and full of animals at a toddler’s eye level.