Childrens groups before school age.

Hi, Dawn,
I see no one responded to your question. Unfortunately, I think the only way to mix with other children is through signing up your child in creche/kinder-garten or to find some workshops for children. I do not know how are things working out up north regarding your question, but here in Lisbon, parents only allow their kids to hang out with their siblings and cousins. No playgroups, unfortunately, and everyone is just friendly on a superficial level - it is hard to make friends, plus a lot of parents barely even have time for their own kids, so it is hard to expect they will have a developed social life...All this does sound cruel, but I am speaking from experience. Hopefully, situation up north is better.
Try with a kindy or a workshop, as playgroups are hard to be found. Alternatively, try organising by yourself some expat playgroup for the kids. There are a few near Lisbon, in Cascais, that I heard of.
Good luck!