The children are now on holiday for two months. Here are some ideas of things you can do together around Lisbon to have stress-free fun. The bottom line: get out of the house!

I have adopted Lisbon in my heart, and every day I catch this tram in Rua da Conceição. Invariably, some of the tourists tempting the experience come and ask how to get to the castle or the Chiado. A means of transport, entertainment or an icon, the 28 goes from hill to hill, introducing those who take a seat on board to alleys, steep streets and tight bends...

Claudio Corallo, of italian origin, is passionate about his work and loves to share his knowledge and explain what he does to others. His business is a family one. Bettina and their three children all contribute to the smooth running of this small company, where work starts in São Tomé e Principe islands and ends in a boutique-laboratory in Lisbon.

Lisbon is a very lucky city: it has a gentle and pleasant climate and is also close to some lovely beaches, many of outstanding natural beauty. One of these is the Praia da Ursa, close to the Cabo da Roca. To reach Praia da Ursa you will need to walk… quite a lot in fact, a small price to pay for paradise!

The Doll's Hospital has been making and restoring children's favourite toys for almost two centuries. The current owner Manuela Cutileiro, a former teacher and a very pleasant lady, runs the Doll's Hospital with her daughter Catarina. She has been there for 20 years and knows almost everything about dolls: where and when they were made and how they can be restored.

Camilla Watson is a British photographer and a relative newcomer to Lisbon. I discovered her latest work on the walls of the Beco das Farinhas via an impressive video shown on the Nós por Cá programme. Camilla welcomed me in here workshop (Largo dos Trigueiros) with open arms ...

You have surely already heard the name LXFactory: it’s located in the Alcântara neighbourhood, just under the 25 April bridge. It is a former industrial site that has been revitalised and that promises to change the look and nature of the area for good. This neighbourhood is now also home to cultural and artistic events, workshops and exhibitions.

Four young artists shed new light on the venerated urban lifts of Glória, Lavra, Bica and Santa Justa in Lisbon, all invented by the Portuguese engineer of French origin Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard (1849-1914).