Budapest is a great city to visit with kids for a few days. There is no big crowd, but it is still beautiful and have a lot of places to visit with kids. You will discover something interesting around every corner, from castles to baths to parks and attractions. The capital of Hungary is divided into two parts, Buda and Pest, which are separated from each other by the river Danube. Lottirose now gives a few tips to enjoy these days with the kids!
Best places with kids in the center of Budapest
There is no need to worry if the kids get tired of sightseeing, there are a lot of nice playgrounds downtown. If you need some rest, visit the Károlyi-kert near Kálvin Square. This is the is the eldest garden of Budapest, and has a really relaxing atmosphere. There are three small playgrounds in the park which are directly next to each other.
Parks and playgrounds are not the only places to visit with a toddler. Budapest Eye is a big Ferris wheel on Erzsébet Square, and attracts kids. The ride takes 10 minutes and offers a beautiful view.
If it’s a cold or rainy day, head to Minipolisz. It is an entertaining center both for kids and for their parents. Minipolisz is a real and lifelike environment tailored for children, where they can try “adult” things and services, which are otherwise unavailable for them. It offers a lot of attractions for the kids like shopping in the supermarket, selling pizza, singing or dancing on the stage and much more.
Andrássy Entertainment Center is another great place to spend a few hours with young kids on a rainy day in the center of Budapest. It is a scientific exhibition and playground, equipped with modern, educational features. Children can learn while playing with various interactive games in the spectacular, colourfully lit space.
And if you are in Budapest with a child, you can not miss the Budapest Zoo. It is the oldest of its kind in Hungary, and it serves as home to more than 1000 kinds of animal species. Meanwhile, approximately 2000 kinds of plants are also thriving in the area. Some of the top attractions inside are the Elephant House, the Palm Tree House and the newly opened Holnemvolt Castle.
The Orczy Kalandpark in District 8 is another favorite destination. It offers exciting outdoor adventures that will keep kids (and parents) entertained for hours. A great adventure for children above three years of age!
Free things to do with kids in the capital
Budapest has some lovely green areas where you and your little ones can enjoy the fresh air and numerous fun activities, for free. Pack a blanket and some food, and head to Margaret Island. With plenty of paths and grassy space, this is the perfect place to lay out your blanket, play with kids or soak up the sunshine. The island is the green lung of the city and lies on a small, ca. 5 km long island on the Danube. No cars are allowed, just the public buses and taxis, so it is great whether you arrive by bike or on foot. The island has a popular playground which is close to the Margaret bridge entrance.
Near the entrance area, you can find the Musical Fountain too, which is one of the favorite attractions for kids. If you keep walking towards the middle of the island, you can find a small and free zoo with deer, rabbits and birds.
Another great venue is the Olimpia Park near the Parliament. It is a great park and playground on the bank of the Danube with a beautiful view. It has a couple of great climbers, fountains, a fairly large grass covered area and marble plaques with the names of all the summer Olympic games gold medalists of Hungary .
If you like to walk, continue your sightseeing to Újlipótváros, where you can find another great park and playground on the river bank, called Szent István Park.
Around Budapest: take an excursion with the family!
If it’s the great outdoors you are looking for, head to the Buda Hills for a variety of adventurous activities. You can travel up the hills by uncommon vehicles like the Children’s Railway, the Chairlift (Libegő) or the Cogwheel Railway (Fogaskerekű). They make the trip interesting and fun. Normafa is a great destination, it’s really child-friendly where you can eat, play on a big playground and find a restroom. And of course you have a beautiful view of Budapest.
For an out-of-town alternative to the zoo, check out Budakeszi Vadaspark, located in a large protected forest. There are wild animals like bears and deer.
Szentendre is a really popular city near Budapest, you can go there by HÉV. The small town is situated by the River Danube, and offers exciting programmes and events for families with children, for example the Marzipan Museum, the Christmas Museum and the Skanzen.
Little guide: how can you prepare for a day out with kids?
As a family you have to prepare for the sightseeing. What to eat or how to feed? Where to change a diaper? What to wear if the weather changes? Always check out the weather forecast before you go for sightseeing. In Budapest the weather often changes, especially in spring and autumn. Save the number of a taxi company, if you are tired, you can quickly get back to the hotel. What else do you need? Lottirose helps you to answer, check out this checklist!
Preparing for sightseeing – what are the essentials that you really need?
Less is more, so do not bring the entire apartment with you. Lottirose helps you on your holiday with kids, so pack your clothes, we’ll take care of everything else, that your kid might need during your journey. You can rent a stroller for long walks, a carrier for unexpected situations, a balance bike for older kids, car seats for children or even cutlery. Isn’t it much easier than packing a bunch of kids stuff? It is!
A perfect day with the kids in Budapest
So read, prepare and enjoy your time with your family in Budapest! There are lot of activities for children in the downtown area and near Budapest, you just have to choose. Lottirose is waiting here for you!