After long planning you’re finally travelling to Budapest with your family. You’ve been waiting for this moment and would like to enjoy every second of it. But there is one problem.
The breath-taking Parliament, the wonderful Buda Castle and Gellért Hill, or the dozens of museums that excite you are all for nothing… As your kids will bore themselves to death!
Some kids-centred locations or programs can fit beside the tourist attractions of Budapest, and I guarantee you, even you will enjoy them!
Adventurous Budapest, or visiting the capital with children
Budapest is a beautiful city, with countless interesting and unique attractions, so its worthy of the finest spot on the European tourist destinations.
Tourism spurs both winter and summer, thanks to the numerous attractions that can be visited in any season.
More than 100 tourist sights in Budapest.
In a previous article I wrote about the parks of Budapest, romantic locations, of which one or two will appear in this article too. But in a completely different view in this article – I will introduce some great locations in Budapest and its area from kids’ and families’ point of view.
I know it’s not always easy to organise a family outing with many kids and that most of the little ones prefer large areas and diverse playgrounds.
As a nature lover, I will introduce you to – in addition to the classics of course – numerous locations, that are located in nature. Besides this, I think it’s important that they also develop skills and/or educate.
It’s a good thing if youngsters get closer to nature and even if it’s through playing, they learn while playing.
Where is it worth to go with kids in Budapest, that they will truly enjoy?
I collected the locations in Budapest that focus on kids’ development, curiosity, creativity and need for movement.
As a local to Budapest and practicing father, I hope I can provide you with handy information and tips.
There is no ranking on the recommended list, about which is better or worse. I think everyone will find something they like. So here is the list.
Budakeszi Wildlife Park, Adventure Park and Dino Park
Address: H-2092 Budakeszi, Hrsz. 0210/12
What else could I start with, but an old favourite of mine – the Budakeszi Wildlife Park in the care of Pilisi Parkerdő (Pilis Park forest) and the Adventure park and Dino park right beside it.
I’ve been here many times, and depending on where you go to, it can be a half day long or a full day long great family day.
I also like it, because you can reach it from Budapest within 15 minutes, and you’re already in the forest, far from the smog, noise and business of the city.
Wildlife Park
The Wildlife Park awaits you with many great programs – there is all kinds of exhibitions, camp, petting zoo, feeding shows, mysterious night guides, detective and escape games and many more that will entertain the whole family.
For pre-schools and schools there is a separate forest school and educational events too. I think it’s a great idea, as it will teach the kiddos about the care and protection of the forest – plants and animals -, and at the Farm they can learn the foundations of farm life.
At the park, you can find two great themed playgrounds, one is the “Erdész leszek” (I will be a forester), and the other Makk kuckó” (Acorn hide-out).
Both will enrich the little ones with unforgettable memories. It teaches them about the wildlife and natural environment that’s around them in a playful way. The fact that all this playing happens in a forest surrounding, in fresh air is just the cherry on top.
You can also come here with new-born babies, as in addition to the baby calming down to the tweets of the birds, they established a baby-mommy room with all the necessary furniture and equipment.
If you get hungry while playing, the Vadaspark Kávé-Zoo awaits you with tasty and fresh food and cold and warm drinks. For more information, visit their website.
At the wildlife park, you can view over 50 species. During the pleasant walk you can stop at the petting zoo, or the farm animal pens.
I can say from personal experience that at the petting zoo, everything comes to a halt if you’re with kids, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. I really like it if the kids spend longer times here with the animals – every successful handfeeding or petting is a great experience for them.
I don’t bother trying to rush them either, I always plan to have time to stop here too. Of course, it’s worth to prepare good quality wipes, but there are plenty of places in the park with clean bathrooms, where they can wash their hands after all the touching with soap as well.
I always bring an extra shirt and pants, which we normally change into after the petting zoo and consider our tour in the park or at the Adventure park in the fresh clothes.
Adventure Park
At the Adventure Park, 6 tracks of different difficulty await you in a wonderful forest environment. At the 60-station adventure track every age can find the suitable track for themselves, but one thing is for sure, you will all enjoy it – both you and the kiddos.
There is zipline, slide-track and rope bridges too, my personal favourite is the Slide-track (with the F symbol), where you can slide at 6m high through 9 stations.
There is of course tracks specifically made for kids too (with symbol B, B2), a teen track (symbol C, D) and the extreme track for people over 18 (symbol E).
It’s worth to visit the Wildlife park and Adventure park in one day, as the entrance ticket comes out cheaper that way. There is also a discounted family ticket, which I’m really happy about.
The wildlife park is open every day, but the Adventure park is only on the weekend. At the wildlife park you will find the Dino park, which even by itself is a great and unique experience for both adults and kids.
By buying the ticket to the Dino park you can visit the Wildlife park too. I think it’s really a unique experience to walk through the trail where you can meet 25 different dinosaurs.
Next to the path is a great playground, and the Play Valley is also found here, where all kinds of super creative games await kids.
Children’s railway – Chairlift
Address: H-1121 Budapest, Jánoshegyi út
I think the children’s railway of Buda is an unmissable program not just for those with kids, but everyone. I love how it rustles, and puffs all around the forest – but this is true for all of the forest railways but listing those does not fit this topic right now.
If you’re planning a longer family day, then it’s worth to start with the Szemlő Mountain Cave and then coming up here.
After the cave and before the railway, you can have a picnic. The children’s railway goes for 11km in the forest and has 9 stops. Out of all of these, you can get on or off wherever, but I love to travel from end to end, as the kids really enjoy forest railways – and well, me too.
Around the railway there are plenty of great playgrounds and sport fields. Our favourites are the Anna meadow, Széchenyi mountain and the Szépjuhászné playgrounds. Both the kids and I love these playgrounds, as you can play in the forest in the fresh air until you get out of breath.
What we sometimes do is on the morning we travel up to the chairlift’s lower stop, then take the chairlift to the mountain. We have a smaller picnic there, then we travel around with the Children’s railway. We get off here and there at some playgrounds and we play. These times we buy the Family day ticket, which provides unlimited number of traveling for the day.
Then with the next railway we go back to the chairlift, we take that to go down and we go home from there. Naturally with a pleasant tiredness after the all-day long experience.
By the way, if you get hungry and you didn’t pack sandwiches, there are three larger buffets near the Children’s railway:
- The Kőbüfé at Széchenyi Mountain
- The buffet at Szépjuhászné station
- Kisvasút pizzeria at the Hűvösvölgyi station
For more information about tickets and programs, check out this website.
Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden
Address: H-1146 Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 6-12
Of course, I can’t leave this all-time favourite off the list, especially that it’s constantly built and beautified.
This Zoo is one of the world’s oldest zoos, it’s past 150 years old. In addition to the classic introduction to animals it awaits you with a growing number of services. Such as the luggage room, Baby-mommy room, gift shop, different restaurants, various playgrounds and a unique little wooden car, which is really handy when you don’t have three-four hands.
It would worth to download the Zoo’s app, as it can help a lot with exploring the whole park. The truth is there are so many new things at the Zoo, that it’s hard to list everything – it’s definitely worth to check the website.
You can visit the Zoo with different tickets, the family ticket is quite affordable, and you can use it to get in the Holnemvolt Castle.
It’s worth to go into the Magic mountain too, as they await you with many interesting programs.
Do not miss the Holnemvolt Castle, as this is the best playground! On the nearly one-and-a-half hectares wonderful animals and animal stories, as well as games and experiences await the kiddos and of course, you.
The Holnemvolt castle can be approached from two directions – first, directly from the Zoo and with a separate ticket.
It’s easiest to get to the Zoo through public transportation from many directions. The easiest one is the M1 metro, where you need to get off at the Széchenyi bath stop.
For further information about getting there, visit the Zoo’s website, where you will find all the information about the programs, different ticket prices and special events.
Minipolisz
Address: H-1061 Budapest, Király u. 8-10
I most definitely wanted to introduce you to the Minipolisz. Here 3-12 year old kids constructed a whole city. The city is special because it teaches the little ones about the world of adults in a playful format – this is shown by its name: Minipolisz = Mini city.
This place is a play area made up of 31 city sections, where the kiddos can become shop assistants, bankers, crane operators, firemen, police officers, vets or even celebrities for a few hours.
It’s the perfect choice any season even in rain, as the whole family can play together here. The adults can be the shoppers, patients, clients and the little ones the sellers, doctors and administrators. It’s pretty great fun.
The location is almost at the heart of Budapest, on the Király street. It’s easy to get there by car, but of course it’s much easier with public transportation due to difficulty of parking.
photos by: Minipolisz
What many kids love to pick is the fire department and the post office. There is always a bit more of them there. But the police, vet office, beauty salon and the railway are also popular. But of course, the Sió Vitatigris Juice factory is busy too, where kids can go through the production of soft drinks – from harvest to packaging, making this section of the city really popular.
Naturally, like at most playhouses, they also offer a birthday package here, which I think has a completely fair price. What’s important, is that the minimum number of guests is 10. That’s the only thing, they don’t have different packages, just this one.
This includes a 3 hour long playtime, the use of private birthday location, selectable birthday cake, 0.5l drink per person, selectable menu (hot dog, pretzels, pizza), a gips plaster painting gift, festive table setting and a mascot figure.
The Minipolisz is normally open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 10-19 o’clock, but due to intermittent maintenance works – which are continuous – this can change.
At the entrance fees there are sections for weekdays and weekends, I think the Family plus ticket is the best (2 adults + 3 kids). There are all kinds of offers too of course, it’s worth to visit the website where you can even buy your tickets online.
Palatinus Baths
Address: H-1003 Budapest, Soó Rezső stny.1
Of course, the list wouldn’t be complete without one of Budapest’s oldest baths, the Platinus, which can be found at Margaret Island.
It’s worth to know though, that this bath is mainly a summer program, as there aren’t many indoor pools with only 3 adult and 1 kiddie pool.
The outdoor pools are awesome during the summer though. From the 9 pools, two is for kids and 1 is a special slide pool. The unique thing about it is that the water of the pools and the mineral water found at Margaret Island are healing waters.
Thermal baths recommended by me.
Naturally, you can find saunas and different massages here, as well as health services. There are various buffet and bistro at the bath, but I recommend you pack some sandwiches too, as the prices aren’t too friendly. Well, at least compared to Hungarian wages…
There is an outdoor exercise park, soccer and other sport fields, and a playground at this bath. We buy the largest family ticket, you can save some money with that and of course, we go on a weekday to avoid the usual crowd. The area of the bath is pretty large and there are many trees providing shades, so you can catch the quieter days, even during the summer.
It’s pretty popular among tourists, that’s a fact – thanks to the article in Guardian, where they chose the pools of Platinus as one of the best in the world -, just like the Széchenyi bath – that’s why it’s pretty common for it to be crowded.
This might not be pleasant with kids. It’s worth to park the car near the Árpád bridge and take bus 26 to the island. For ticket prices and more information, visit the Palatinus Baths’ website.
Hungarian Railway Museum
Address: H-1142 Budapest, Tatai u. 95
A big kids’ favourite is taking the train – especially in and out of a tunnel. Well, the Railway Museum opened in 2000 and by the way, this was Europe’s first interactive railway park.
The area of the park is huge – it’s over 70,000 sq. m and showcases hundreds of railroad vehicles and equipment, so there’s plenty to see.
Definitely go into the heating house, where you will find the beautiful nostalgia-locomotives. Such as the steam locomotive from the 1870s, which still functions today or the legendary motor train of the 30s, the Árpád. But this is where you’ll also find the famous and magnificent teak wood dining car, which was part of the famous Orient Express, built in 1912.
There are all kinds of magical vehicles at the park, and while walking among them you will feel like you travelled back in time. There is a 50-pieve locomotive rarity, but you can also find rails, rail cars, measuring cars, snow ploughs, snow throwers and many more interesting things.
The kids will love the garden railway and the rails, or the horse trail – you can try all of these of course, and they are all very popular.
If you like railway models, then this is the spot for you – right in the Railway Model House, where you can see all kinds of unique and interesting models.
After watching the exhibitions, or as a lunch break it’s worth to let the kids in to the park’s great playground, where they can go crazy. In the meanwhile, you can comfortably drink a cup of coffee from the one of the park’s catering units.
If you go on the weekend, then next to the playground a really great and smartly made traffic-track awaits kids with traffic lights and all kinds of traffic symbols.
The park is open from April to November. During this time, they await you and mainly the kids with many great family programs.
The Európai Kerti Vasutak Találkozója (European Garden Railways Meetup) is organised yearly, at which steam locomotives come from all around the world, which is really popular among the kids.
It’s worth to come here with the family on children’s day (last Sunday of May), as then it’s free to enter for anyone under 14.
photos: vasúttörténeti park
The Gőzmozdonyok találkozója (Steam locomotives meetup) is also held yearly, where you can view many already running steam locomotives. It’s also a unique experience to walk along the candle lit wagons during the Night of Museums.
The most loved event during Christmas is the Santa Express. At this time, you can arrive at the park with the decorated steam railways and then take part of a Santa celebration at the Orient hall, together with Santa and his elves.
I really recommend buying the tickets ahead for this event, as it is really popular. The park can of course be also visited by car, and parking is free. I most definitely recommend by getting there with the train, going with the train from the Nyugati towards Esztergom until the Railway Museum stop.
Check out the park’s website for all the current programs.
Minimax Gyerekhajó (Minimax Children’s boat)
Address: H-1011 Budapest, Batthyany tér
I added the Minimax Children’s boat to the list because I think it will be a unique experience for both you and the kids.
This event is organised every year at the Balaton and the Danube. There is only one setback, it’s seasonal – only available during the summer. But then it awaits you, and even the smallest babies, as the organisers are prepared for them, with great events, concerts, playhouses and very interesting programs.
A part of the boat is covered, so it provides shade during the summer, and protection in case it’s raining. Everything is made for the little ones’ taste at the boat – the food at the buffet and everything else. Of course, the organisers thought of the parents as well, so you don’t have to be scared, you will get full at the buffet too.
What I also love about these Minimax boats is that they provide so many active programs and experiences for the kids. Of course, every boat has its Minimax stars, like Pici cica and Maci kutya (Little kitten and Teddy dog, the mascots of the Minimax channel).
It’s important that you buy the tickets to the boat early, as they go quickly. At the spot you can only pay with cash – if there are any tickets left.
You can buy tickets at the MAHART 2. port on Batthyány square in Budapest if you didn’t buy them online and there is any left.
I think even being on the boat is fun itself, and all the unique programs that the boat offer are just extras! If you like the Danube and the Balaton, then I recommend you visit it at least once.
Tropicarium and the Campona playhouse
Address: H-1222 Budapest, Nagytétényi út 37-43
I think I won’t say anything new if I say that the Tropicarium is a big favourite for most of the kids. It’s a really unique attractions and together with the playhouse it can be a full day long family program.
The Tropicarium and Oceanarium shows us the fresh water and marine wildlife, hundreds of species can be viewed in 8 halls, out of which the most popular is the shark tunnel. Well, that’s what we call it.
Besides that, the Tropical rain and the Ray petting also enjoys similar popularity. We also buy the family ticket here, which is discounted, and another good thing is that under the age of 4, it’s free to enter. In addition, there are all kinds of passes and other offers that are worth to check out on their website.
What kid doesn’t dream about celebrating their birthdays here? I won’t say it’s cheap, but maybe one birthday can be done, as the kids are really enriched with a unique experience. With the birthday package, they’ll let the kids into places that are normally off limit – such as the quarantine and the filter house.
However, I don’t recommend the TropiKaland program. Simply because I think these kinds of programs put the animals under serious stress, and I don’t want to be a part of it. This is what I teach my kids as well.
The Tropicarium is open every day between 10-20 o’clock. The tickets can be bought until 19 o’clock. It’s really easy to access by car and public transportation. For more detail on the programs, visit the Tropicarium’s website.
Campona playhouse
As I mentioned above, it’s worth to connect the Tropicarium with the Campona playhouse, to make it a full day. The playhouse awaits you on 1000 sq. m, in a covered and air-conditioned area.
The special thing about it is the baby corner, where kids under 5 can also enjoy themselves, while their bigger sibling go crazy with the other games.
There is a great, 15-meter jumping castle with a giant slide, a ball pool, climbing wall, rage room, labyrinth, trampoline and many great things that not only the kids, but you can use too.
At the playhouse you will find a pleasant little café and buffet, where you can get tasty coffee and light foods. Naturally the playhouse also offers different birthday packages – at a great price (much better than the Tropicarium of course – there are no interesting animals here).
It’s worth to buy the day ticket here, as you can get in and out of the playhouse with it.
Tarzan Park
Address: H-1046 Budapest, Tábor u. 26-28
One of our newer favourites is the adventure park located at Újpest, the Tarzan Park. It opened in 2013, but we only discovered it recently.
The park itself is basically a huge themed playground, where every kid will have an unforgettable experience.
All together there are 13 different themed play-islands in the park. At the islands, the most modern and best developing games and outdoor exercise equipment can be found, which suit the kids’ age perfectly.
It’s important that the park is fully fenced, and every island has many game-watchers, which makes the playtime even safer.
In the park there are many modern and clear bathrooms and toilets, and if you get hungry, a great variety awaits you at the Tarzan terrace.
A none-hidden goal of the park is to strengthen sport and the need to move in children. If anywhere, this is definitely where it’s worth to spend a birthday, as they offer great packages and they entertain the kiddos with different programs at great prices – like the Giant Slide Party, which includes the food as well and only costs 4.500Ft/child.
How much forint does your currency worth?
This includes the 4-hour playtime, 12-slice cake, decorated table, eating (you can pick from 3 different menus), half a litre drink/person, birthday invitations, a surprise gift to the birthday kid, a bottle of kid’s Champaign.
I think it’s a very fair offer and for sure it will be a forever-lasting memory for the kids.
The park is completely baby-friendly, there is a baby-mommy room too. Within the park there is a gift shop and luggage storage, which is rare in parks like this. At the moment it’s 2000Ft to enter the park (for adults 1000Ft), which is valid for four hours.
Gellért Hill Playground
Address: H-1118 Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4
A real classic playground, which awaits the little ones with a completely new look. I always loved Gellért Hill and the slidey playground, but I love it even more now.
Straight away you’re in the heart of Budapest, where the scenery is beautiful, forest-like – shaded area – and also a protected area – and not only the kids, but you can also relax here.
The whole side of the hill got a safe rubber cover and they replaced the slides too. There is wavy, tubular, twisty and double slides too – which can be used by smaller and bigger children too.
The playground expanded with a nest swing, bouncing toys, seesaw, climbing tunnel, covered sand box and two trampolines.
In addition, there is a great lookout and suspended climbers too – this is where you will find the picnic tables and bicycle racks too.
What I’m really happy about is, not only the playground got renovated but the surrounding greens too. The repainted the signs, cleaned the greens and fixed up the lawn mats and they also placed drinking fountains. The toilets are also being developed.
It’s worth to walk up to the Citadella and walk down on the other side, as there are two other playgrounds at the other side, the Cerka-firka and Vuk playgrounds.
You can get to the Gellért Hill playground with the boat of BKK until the Szent Gellért square, or by tram, or with metro 4 also until the Szent Gellért square, and from there walking towards the Citadella, you’ll be there within a few minutes.
Merzse-mocsár trail (Merzse-swamp trail)
Address: H-1174 Budapest, Erdőalatti dűlő
Who wouldn’t want to see a real swamp with rich wildlife, and all this in Budapest?
Many wouldn’t think, but the Merzse-swamp is a small part of a marshland that remained from the ancient times. Its advantage is that it’s easily accessible, as it’s right beside the Liszt Ferenc Airport, at Rákosremete.
Since 2012, the wildlife is introduced to us by a great 15-station little trail. There are many birds here, it’s worth to bring binoculars and if you’re lucky you can also see deer and foxes.
The trail is approximately 6km long, so you can make a great swamp-exploring day with a picnic at the end. For the kids the path from the entrance will more than likely be the most interesting, as this brings you to the bird-watching lookout on the wooden pallets between the reeds.
Be careful with the wooden pallets and the lookout as it isn’t the most modern – it’s worth to keep an eye on the kids, make sure they don’t fall into the swamp.
It’s really worth to follow the trail symbols, which is the green frog on white by the way, to make sure we don’t get lost and bother the protected animals.
There aren’t any playgrounds here or an adventure park, but it’s still worth to take the kids here at least once. In drier weather you can obviously make this trip with drier feet. After rain it’s worth to take wellies and of course extra clothes for the swampy, muddy areas.
Mimó és Csipek Fairy Trails
Address: H-1125 Budapest, Álom u. 11-13
Mimó és Csipek doesn’t have to be introduced to the kids. Well, that’s an exaggeration. They don’t need to be introduced to Hungarian kids.
These cartoon characters mainly ask questions about nature, forest, animals and plants in their show. Based on this, many Mimó és Csipek Fairy Trails were established at various spots in Budapest.
All these trails were specifically created for kids and promotes conscious hiking. The fairy trail comes with a given fairy tale, with which they help the little ones get to know and respect the there-living wildlife in a playful way.
Most of the trails are interactive, which many people love about them. They affect the different senses of the kids, so they teach and develop the kids using their imagination and fantasy in a fun way.
The first fairy trail is the “Érzékek ösvénye” (Path of sense) which can be found at the Ferenc Hill together with another fairy trail, which is named the “Tükörben az élővilág” (The wildlife in the mirror).
Besides those, there are fairy trails on the Sas Hill, Kis-Sváb Hill, Óbuda and in the Záporkert. It’s definitely worth to take the kids to all of the trails at least once. On the one hand, you can also hike, walk around and relax on the forest trails. But what’s more important, the kids will become more sensitive and interested in nature, which I think is really important.
Pálvölgy Cave and Szemlő Mountain Cave
Address: H-1025 Budapest, Szépvölgyi út 162
This cave in Budapest is one of my big favourites. You can get there in no time and it’s also the longest cave system in the Buda Mountains – so far the excavated part is close to 7km.
Not many people know, but the air at the cave has healing powers. I really recommend it to those who suffer from asthma or pollen allergy.
It can be visited with kids too – as long as they are over 5 years old, as this cave is famous of its labyrinth like system and this is why they call it the Labyrinth of Fairyland.
The length of the cave tour is currently 500m long and can only be visited with a guide, which starts at quarter past at each hour. The tour is about an hour long and it’s 11 degrees inside the cave all year around.
I really recommend it if the kids are a bit bigger and you need a bit of cooling off during the summer. I don’t recommend it with small kids and it’s currently no entrance is allowed with kids under 5.
The cave is open every day other than Monday, and the first tour leaves at 10.15 and after that at quarter past every hour. The last one leaves at 16.15.
You can get all the way to the cave with bus 65 from Kolossy square.
Szemlő Mountain Cave
Address: H-1025 Budapest, Pusztaszeri út 35
It’s worth to visit the Pálvölgyi and then the Szemlő Mountain cave after each other. The Szemlő Mountain cave is a real fairyland, many people visit it – mostly schools, preschool groups, families and tourists too, of course.
Thanks to the recent renovations, there are even more sights now. Above the cave is a great playground, as well as a new hiking trail.
This cave is open every day, other than on Tuesdays and the first tour leaves at 10.00, the last is at 16.00.
It’s worth to buy the combined tickets, which is also valid at the Pálvölgyi Cave. For more information visit this website.
Piczinke Póniudvar (Piczinke Pony Garden)
Address: H-1121 Budapest, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 20
If we are talking about the Buda Mountains and Normafa, then it’s definitely worth to visit the Piczinke Pony Garden – the kids will love it.
The kiddos can sit on ponies or they can play at the pony garden playground. One of the kids’ favourite here too – like at the wildlife park – is the petting zoo, where they can meet all kinds of farm animals. Petting animals is a great experience for kids and it also strengthens the bond between them and animals.
At the garden there is a buffet too and free parking.
What I really like about the Piczinke Pony Garden is that they have different birthday packages too, and let’s face it, which kid wouldn’t love such a great present?
photos: poniudvar
The garden – in addition to riding ponies – provides therapeutic horse riding. And in addition, the already mentioned kids’ party and petting zoo, class trips, treasure hunting and camping.
I think a day like this filled with many experiences is much better than any other city playgrounds. Besides the unique experience it gives the kids real value – and for us as well – together with playful education and development.
The garden, with the exception of Monday, is open all week between 10.00-18.00. It’s worth to take advantage of the family ticket discount.
The Pony garden is easily accessible – either by a 3-minute walk from the Children’s Railway’s Csillebérci stop, but we can get there with bus 21 from the Széll Kálmán square too.
Csupakaland Family Adventure Park
Address: H-1117 Budapest, Hunyadi János út 19.
I’ll go from the forest to the city, well at least the edge of the city. Not only kids, but even you can go crazy here, as there is everything available here.
The Csupakaland Family Adventure Park awaits you at two locations at the moment, at the renovated Savoya park and the Auchan Fót shopping centre.
I prefer the Savoya more, as it is completely renovated right now and awaits you with even better tracks. There is a Nerf-Nitro field and many escape rooms, 20 different sponge-shooting battle fields, 3D cinema and many more adventures.
You’re not really sure what Nerf is? Well, it’s a cool shooting toy, which is loved by every kid. (Mainly boys) At the Nerf field the kids are the heroes and the defenders of the Earth.
They won’t cause pain and injuries to each other with the sponge bullets and while they are playing, they don’t even notice their coordination and communication skills developing. If it’s a goal – and let’s face it, there are times when it is – to tire out a super energetic kid, then the Nerf-field is the perfect choice.
Everything on the pitch is equipped with edge guards so it’s absolutely safe and by the end of the game, the kiddos won’t even be able to move. So you can finally also catch your breath while enjoying a nice coffee.
Along the above-mentioned adventures, finally the Csupavár mászóka (climbing track) also opened for the smaller ones, where the floor is a soft sponge, slides, safety net and a playground set up with edge guards await the little ones (and big ones).
During summer, I prefer the playground in nature, the forest parks. But during winter and rain, these family playhouses come in really handy, so we don’t have to give up playtime and going a bit crazy even in bad weather.
Things to do in Budapest on a rainy day
Let’s face it, it’s easy to send the kid to bed, if his energy is at the “drained by the game” level. Both adventure parks are easily accessible by car or by public transportation.
Lasercity the adventure town
Address: H-1106 Budapest, Jászberényi út 55
In Budapest at the X. district on the Jászberényi street, there is this great little adventure town.
I mainly recommend for families where the kids are bigger – at least 7 years old. It’s a great experience for the whole family.
The participants play against each other in 2 teams on a UV-lit track. During the fight there is great music and effects, which make the whole thing even more enjoyable.
It’s important to highlight that this laser fight is completely safe and painless, not like paintball. They put sensors on the players and the laser weapons communicate with those – they don’t cause any pain, if you get hit, it just beeps.
I’ve played paintball as well before, it’s pretty unpleasant and I really don’t recommend it for kids. But this is great fun. The game – like I mentioned above – can be played above the age of 7, but for the kids under 14 require parental attendance as well.
As at the track there is an UV light, I don’t recommend white clothes – unless you want to lose straight away. 🙂
It’s worth to provide the names of the players ahead and the teams when you arrive. In that case all the weapons and headbands will be waiting for you ready programmed.
Yeah… The weapons are programmed to names – this is good for the team’s overall performance. You can play in normal clothes; a good runner won’t cause harm though and it’s worth to bring a spare shirt in case you get sweaty in the game.
You won’t get dirty here – which is great news. It’s good to know that Lasercity is only open at a pre-booked time. Book a spot at +36 20 506-5335 phone number.
Cyberjump Trampoline park and Elevenpark Budapest
Address: H-1117 Budapest, Hengermalom út 19
The Cyberjump trampoline park can’t miss from the list, as with 3000 sq. m it’s one of the biggest establishments of its kind in Europe. I like to jump around as well, but the kids straight up love it.
Whenever we go to a playground, they are always look for some tool to jump around, they were ecstatic when we took them here.
I can say, it was a massive success, they jumped around for hours – okay, we did too – and another great thing they were already asleep on the way back in the car.
It’s important to highlight, that this is not a playhouse, but a leisure park, which means that you can also go crazy with the 1400 sq. meter of sport equipment.
But be prepared, the day after you will discover the deep muscles that didn’t exist before… Yes, it’s great being athletic, but with kids it isn’t as easy. I seriously didn’t understand why I couldn’t even turn around in the bed, but by the second day, I was able to “settle” the muscle pain caused by the trampolines.
The park can be visited all year around, as it is indoor and air-conditioned.
Definitely try the Ninja Warrior track. However, I don’t really recommend the Dodge ball field with kids. It’s like dodge ball, but you are jumping at the same time. We noticed that while jumping we unintentionally threw stronger, and this could cause some discomfort and even some injury.
Another favourite was the Big Bagjump field, where you can jump around, putting stuntmen at shame, do flips or jump off the field into the super soft bags.
The kids also loved the climbing wall and the sponge bear. There are dozens of fields in addition to these, I can’t even list all of them.
I really appreciate, that there is a changing room and showers. The whole place is nice, clean and organised. There is a great lounge resting room and buffet too.
It’s really important that the game always begins right on the hour, so it’s worth to go to the fields then. I won’t say it’s a cheap experience, but it’s definitely worth to try at least once.
Elevenpark
It’s worth to put the Cyberjump park together with the Elevenpark. After all, Cyberjump is part of Elevenpark, but they can be visited separately or together. There is a cheaper combined ticket that allows entrance to both of the buildings.
One more thing, everybody has to buy (and of course, not lose if you want to come back again) a special trampoline sock, which costs 500Ft at the moment. You will have to buy this once, as you can only jump around in this.
photos: elevenpark
Elevenpark, home of Cyperjump, is the largest playhouse in Budapest, and possible all of Hungary with 7000 sq. m and its unique game offer.
The playhouse is the perfect choice for the whole family, as there are numerous games and tracks for all age groups. In addition, they await kids with constant programs and events.
The Elevenpark in Buda was renovated fully in 2019, so even more games and renewed game park waits for the kids. I will say, the kids will love all of Elvenpark for sure, as they can pick from so many games, it’s unbelievable!
Not the full list, but there is jumping castle, dodgem, carousel, climbing wall, adventure castle and track, bubble mountain, soccer cage and children’s trampolines.
If you get hungry, thirsty in the big playing, you can go to the Elevenpark Bistro to take care of those needs. The prices at the bistro are completely fair and the selection is pretty great too.
What I really appreciate is that at the Elevenpark Bistro they don’t sell any sugary, carbonated drinks, just mineral water and fresh fruit juices.
For ticket prices, birthday packages and program schedules visit Elevenpark’s website.
Skyland Trampoline- and Adventure Park at Budakalász
Address: H-2011 Budakalász, Omszk park 1
This trampoline park awaits you with close to 3800 sq. m, and is on my list because here, they also thought of smaller kids.
A four-storey play castle await kids over 4, with around 13 different games. And you can test your skills on 11 different trampoline games.
Altogether, there are close to 120 trampolines which you can try, and of course, they also organise birthdays or even corporate events.
There is a Soft Play track – which was made with kiddos in mind and where the over 4-year olds can go. There is a Freejump arena, which I love because there are many different trampolines right beside each other, so the whole family can go crazy together here.
The Performance arena is for kids over 10, who are a bit more experienced in jumping, with professional trampolines. You will probably meet one or two Olympic clubs or sport teams who practice here.
Of course, there are many more fields, what I would like to highlight is this new thing: the Sticky wall. You get a special outfit and you can jump up on the wall in that, you will get stuck to it, then fall back on the trampoline. It’s great fun!
One of the kids’ favourite is the Waveslide, where you arrive in an ocean of balls. Our favourite was the Ninja Warriors track of course, but this was more like a Soft Ninja. The track at Cyberjump was harder.
You also have to buy the special jumping sock here, which is 600Ft, but if you already have one just show it when entering.
Skyland is easily approachable both with car and public transportation. If going by car, go on road 11 until the Auchan at Budakalász, as the park is beside the Auchan. With public transportation take bus 204 from Heltai Jenő square, Békásmegyer, or the free Auchan bus from the same spot.
The game beings on the hour here too, it’s worth to arrive 30 minutes beforehand.
Fantasy-Land
Address: H-2119 Budakalász, Omszk park
If Budakalász, then the Fantasy-Land children hall at the shore of Lake Omszki. I really recommend it to families with smaller kids, babies.
This playhouse is perfectly family- and baby friendly. There is a Disney princesses room, fairy tale castle, jumping castle, climbing wall, obstacle course and many more.
They have a separate baby-mommy room, which you can use completely freely, with breastfeeding and diaper changing options and of course all the necessary equipment for this is provided.
At the buffet you can get baby water and baby food too and of course they provide all the needed equipment. If you forgot to bring the baby sling, no worries – they will provide you with one for free.
They established a fenced off baby corner for babies, with different toys and playmat. I really appreciate that they have an offer for Mondays, where paying for a 1 hour ticket and you get a full day ticket, but they have effectively thought of great offers for every day of the week.
The children hall is open every day from 10-19 o’clock. In addition to the games, there is also an option for birthday-party packages at great rates.
I would like to note, it’s worth to have your kid’s birthday here, as on one hand they do private parties for groups larger than 8. On the other, they bring the cakes and desserts from the best confectionary, which is one of my personal favourites: the Cziniel Confectionery (yes… this is where the famous Ruszwurm Cake comes from) and another thing is the uniquely created birthday package offers. Which little girl wouldn’t be happy to celebrate at the Disney castle? See?
It’s easy to get to the children hall, you have to go to the Auchan store at Budakalász on road 11, and with public transportation, take bus 204 from Békásmegyer. From here, follow the path to Lake Omszki and you’ll be there in a few minutes.
Csillaghegyi Árpád Baths
Address: H-1038 Budapest, Pusztakúti út 6
A bit back from Budakalász towards Budapest is the bath fully renovated in 2018, that’s only a few minutes in the car and is open all year around.
There are 12 pools indoor. One of these is an obvious baby-bath and another is a kiddies’ pool with water playground and a play area. The temperature of the pools is pleasant, 34-38 Celsius degrees.
During summer it includes the 3 outdoor pools, from which one is a kiddies’ pool with slide park (at the moment there are two slides: UFO and Anaconda).
I also love Csillaghegyi strand because it’s much prettier than any other strands. It’s never that crowded that I would bother me, which is important to me.
photos: csillaghegyifurdo
It’s one of Budapest’s largest strands and this is also where the most shading trees are. The water is always clean, and after the 2018 renovation the indoor and outdoor both became very pretty.
In addition, at the pools there is natural mineral water with moderate mineral content, low sodium content, calcium-magnesium-bicarboante.
During the renovation the wellness-section was also built together with a complete sauna-world, which I really enjoy. The panorama from the pool offers a great view and while the adults sit around here, the little ones can play away at the kiddie pool – under the supervision of adults, of course.
An outdoor exercise park was also made, as well as a playground and soccer fields.
It’s easily approachable with public transportation, take the Szentendre HÉV train to the Csillaghegy stop, or bus 160, 134 or 234 which all go to the Csillaghegy stop.
For different tickets and passes with offers it’s worth to visit the Csillaghegyi strand’s website.
Rákóczi garden family playground
Address: H-1212 Budapest, Rákóczi tér 34
I already wrote about this playground in a previous article, I mentioned it among romantic places in Budapest. Although it didn’t get a high rank, but now it made it to the list thanks to the great playing elements for the kids.
Even the playground itself is new, it was just finished recently, so the toys are all in good quality. The playground is located in a huge area, it’s nearly 25,000 sq. meter. There are many other services at the playground. For example, different sport fields, paths, cooking and picnic areas, outdoor exercise machines and of course, a great buffet and clean bathrooms, as well as in- and outdoor diaper changing facilities.
Our favourite is the central piece of the playground, the two storey, wooden castle. You can get down from the castle with different sized slides. There is also a jail and throne room in the castle.
On a large area of the park they established a rubber-covered space, where both smaller and bigger kids can play. You can get around with scooters, toy bikes or just simply by running around.
The sand box is pleasant, in shade. There is a baby swing, baby-mommy swing, swings for bigger kids and different bouncing toys.
If you’re sportier, you can run along the running track, or you can play away the spare energy with the kids with soccer, basketball or table tennis.
You can play a whole day long family program here. Outside the playground and sport fields is a well-maintained green park. On this playground and on the fresh air, you can all go crazy. It’s easier to approach it by car.
Csodák Palotája (Palace of Wonders)
Address: H-1036 Budapest, Bécsi út 38-44
One of my favourite indoor playhouses can be found in Óbuda, it’s a 5000 sq. m, 2 storey tall huge adventure house, which is open every day from 9-19 o’clock.
At the Palace of Wonders, every age group can have fun, as they were built multifunctioning on purpose – both the kids and you can find your own entertainment here.
There is many interactive games here. Such as: escape rooms, Physics show at the Öveges hall, Richter Gedeon lab for the kids, screenings and various sensory attractions.
The Richter Gedeon lab is really popular among the kids, as which kid wouldn’t like to try the different chemical and physical experiments. For example, the mysteries of lightnings – just like adults, in a white lab coat and safety goggles? Obviously, almost all kids go mad for this attraction.
My two favourite attractions are Nature’s workshop and the Space station where you can even float, or land on the Mars.
All of the Palace of Wonders is great and interesting, definitely go here at least once – but if you’ve been once, you’ll want to go back again, I guarantee you.
Even a whole day isn’t enough to explore all the attractions, but most of it will be covered by it. I most definitely recommend you sit in for the different screenings – especially the 9D roller coaster – it’s brutal.
You will need all your senses; you will have a much more interesting experience than a 4D. Of course, the 5D cinema is something else too, where you can take and unforgettable journey in the solar system.
The Hall of Illusions will absolutely enchant you, literally. You’re eyes will dazzle in the labyrinth, or you can experience the infinite wandering in the mirror room.
The point is, no matter which hall you pick it will be a really special and unique experience. Of course, every hall has an attraction for both the kids and adults, so the whole family can go through the halls together.
There are plenty of events and programs at the Palace of Wonder, it’s worth to check out their website for the current offers and of course for information about tickets.
One more thing: the Palace of Wonders also offers birthday packages and dozens of selectable extras for a fair charge and not just for kids.
Aeropark – Aviation museum
Address: H-1185 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Airport, 2B
Which kid doesn’t love airplanes? The Aeropark aviation museum, right beside the Liszt Ferenc International airport’s 2B terminal could be the perfect program for them.
The park showcases over 60 years of airplane history with 12 interesting aircraft and 8 ground handling vehicles. You can even go in the vehicles.
Despite this, the airplane-simulator enjoys the most popularity from everyone. To try it you have to purchase a 500Ft simulation-ticket after the normal ticket. Longer lines here are pretty common, as the simulator can only run by 1 person and one round takes 12 minutes.
The park often hosts different family days, programs in addition to the permanent exhibition. If you like airplanes and you’re curious how the earlier types looked like – when the passengers basically sat in armchairs – then it’s worth to make a pit stop here.
By the way, you can hear and see the departing and arriving planes from the park, and the kids tend to like that.
I will make a note here, I did write a handy article about the Liszt Ferenc airport, where I shared a few advices that’s worth to take.
The Aeropark is open seasonally, normally from the end of March until the end of October, every day between 9-18 o’clock. The ticket is currently 2,100Ft for an adult, but the family ticket is more favourable, 4,300Ft (2 adult + 2 children).
I personally find the ticket a bit expensive, as to try the simulator you have to buy a 500Ft extra ticket. And on top of that, if the carpark is full in front of the museum, you will have to use the airport’s carpark, which is really pricey – but all together, it’s manageable for once.
With public transportation, you have to take bus 200E to the “Repülőmúzeum” stop and from there it’s about 350m to the entrance.
As the Liszt Ferenc airport is constantly being developed, the construction can affect the park’s opening hours.
Roman Adventure Park
Address: H-1031 Budapest, Szentendrei út 189
This great adventure park provides a full day program for you. In one hand, it provides lots of adventure games, in the other, if you come here during summer and you’re hot, then the famous Romai Beach is right next door. You can easily cool yourself down in the heat.
The reason I like this park is because you can relax even during summer, without having to be in the sun. The park provides a pleasantly cool shade, and this park is possibly the only one in Budapest, where they established comfortable family cooking pits and picnic areas.
The Adventure park offers various fun experiences to both smaller and bigger kids. For example, the rope-system at different height, or the outdoor laser fight and the different themed, but family friendly escape room.
The park itself is huge, lays on 2.5 hectares in a beautiful setting with ancient trees. In Budapest, they have a unique rope system, so definitely go there.
The rope circuits run at 3 different heights with 60 obstacles and 3 slide-down tracks. There are loads of outdoor games, like the pedalling go-kart, giant trampoline, table tennis, baby play area, soccer, badminton, volleyball, slackline and the above-mentioned family escape-room and laser-battlefield.
It’s important to mention that the park pays particular attention to safety. For example, children under 18 must have a parent present to enter the park. But you also need to know that before entering, everybody has to fill out a statement. This can cause some disruption if there are a lot of you or you have to keep an eye on many kids. It’s worth to fill out the statement online and bringing it with you, you will save a lot of time with it.
I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that after entering, you get a so called “sit-in”, with which you can use the circuits safely.
There are two disadvantages though. If you’re tummy is out you can hurt your skin, and if you need to go to the toilet, you need to ask an animator to take it off, then -once you’re done – put it back one.
This is why I recommend, before getting the “sit-in” on, go to the bathroom, both you and the kids of course. Obviously, I don’t have to say that you need to take off any jewellery, piercing as they are dangerous.
If someone smokes in the group, I have bad news: it’s forbidden to smoke anywhere in the park – which I’m actually happy about.
The park’s climbing tickets are categorized by height, so it’s worth to check out the website to calculate an accurate ticket price.
What I don’t appreciate, you can’t bring in any drink or food – for me, this isn’t exactly family friendly, but it’s okay to shop at a buffet once in a while.
Naturally, the adventure park also offers different – altogether 3 – birthday packages. The park is open from spring to fall (normally until the end of October) between 10- 18 o’clock.
During fall they are only open from Thursday to Sunday. The Adventure park is easily approachable both by car and public transportation.
Holdudvar Playground
Address: H-1032 Budapest, Ágoston u. 4
I’ll finish off my article with the completely new – opened at the end of July 2019 – playground. Of course, there are plenty of great playgrounds and park that didn’t make the list right now – maybe later.
The Holdudvar can be found in Óbuda and is constantly being developed. More and more interesting toys arrive at the park, and the services are expanding too.
So far there is a great playground, slide park, outdoor exercise park, table tennis tables, chess tables, running track and a pleasant walkway, as well as a gobble. The main theme of the playground is space travel, the new game elements are being developed based on this.
There is a great, wooden spaceship and a smaller, metal space station. Among the kids, the space stations’ control panel became really popular with its different gadgets that can be pushed, twisted and pulled.
The park is easily accessible with tram 1 or by car. It’s worth to pay attention to the fact that according to the modern expectations the slides and many other things are made of metal, so on a hotter summer day the slide could potentially burn the kids’ skin.
Naturally, they planted many trees at the park, but they need some time before they can provide shade. It’s a fact, they could have added some sort of cover from the sun, but as I said it’s constantly being developed, so maybe this problem will be fixed soon.
I hope you got a few ideas from the article, about where it’s worth to go with kids in Budapest. Of course, there are many more great locations, that I didn’t write about now, but I might expand this article in the future.
You could also go to the Margaret Island to carriage-cycles and there is also a great playground. Or it’s worth to go to the Adyliget playground, the playground that’s found at Óhegy park, the Pillangó park, the Benczúr garden, or the Bókay garden.
Budapest is a huge city with dozens of playground and interesting adventure park, forest playgrounds and of course, indoor playhouses. Explore the city yourselves and have fun – let’s go!
