15 Best Things to Do in Budapest With Kids

You’ll find Budapest offers incredible family adventures, from splashing in Széchenyi’s massive thermal pools to exploring the kid-operated Children’s Railway through scenic forests. Your children will love the interactive exhibits at the Center of Scientific Wonders, meeting wax celebrities at Madame Tussauds, and discovering over 7,000 animals at Budapest Zoo. Don’t miss the fairytale magic at Vajdahunyad Castle or the immersive storytelling at Budapest Fairytale Museum. These attractions combine education with pure fun, creating unforgettable memories for your entire family’s Hungarian adventure.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Thermal Bath stands as Europe’s largest medicinal bath complex, making it the perfect splash-worthy adventure for your family’s Budapest itinerary. Your kids will love exploring 18 pools fed by natural thermal springs reaching 77°C.

The 50-meter outdoor swimming pool offers proper lap swimming while smaller thermal pools let little ones soak comfortably in the warm mineral-rich waters.

Since 1981, all pools welcome mixed bathing, so your entire family can enjoy the experience together. The complex covers 6,220 square meters with both indoor and outdoor options, ensuring year-round fun regardless of weather.

Daily operations supply 6,000,000 liters of therapeutic hot water from springs discovered over a century ago. You’ll find this century-old Neo-Baroque gem offers affordable family entertainment. The mineral-rich waters contain sulphate, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and other therapeutic compounds that provide health benefits for the whole family.

Gellért Baths

Gellért Baths offers a more sophisticated thermal experience that works best for families with older children, though you’ll need to plan carefully around age restrictions. Children under 14 aren’t recommended for most thermal pools due to high temperatures that can affect developing circulatory systems.

Your kids under 6 can only use the indoor swimming pool and summer external fun pool with supervision, while children over 14 have full access to all facilities.

The stunning Art Nouveau architecture with mosaic terraces creates an Instagram-worthy backdrop, but stone surfaces are less child-friendly than other venues. The mineral-rich water contains therapeutic properties that help with circulation and joint conditions, making it beneficial for the whole family.

You’ll find the wave pool most appealing for kids, and there’s a convenient cafe on the top level.

City Park (Városliget)

City Park (Városliget) transforms into Budapest’s ultimate family playground, where you’ll discover everything from fairy-tale castles to thrilling rides across 302 acres of green space.

Your kids will love the wooden roller coaster Hulluymvasut from 1922 and the historic merry-go-round dating back to 1906. The magical ferris wheel offers stunning views, while the mini railway provides adventure throughout the park.

Don’t miss Vajdahunyad Castle, originally built for the 1896 Millennial Exhibition, which houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture. The Transport Museum captivates children with 1:5 scale vehicle models.

In winter, the City Park Pond becomes Central Europe’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. You’ll find plenty of playgrounds, puppet shows, and the impressive 60-tonne Timewheel sculpture completing this family paradise. The park is easily accessible via the M1 Millennium underground line, with convenient stops at Heroes Square and Széchenyi Fürdő stations.

Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden

Over 7,000 animals await your family’s discovery at Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the world’s oldest zoos that’s been delighting visitors since 1866. Your kids will marvel at 646 species, from playful penguins to majestic elephants in the impressive Biodome.

Don’t miss the cutting-edge Wombat House, which boasts the highest breeding success outside Australia.

The zoo’s compact 11-hectare layout makes it perfect for families—you won’t exhaust little legs walking between exhibits. Your children can spot venomous snakes, watch prairie dogs pop up from their burrows, and observe Asian wild dogs in their expanded enclosure. The zoo achieved remarkable breeding successes in 2024, including the first golden takin birth in Hungary and the hatching of endangered spectacled penguins.

The beautiful Art Nouveau architecture adds charm to your visit. With over one million annual visitors, this cultural gem consistently ranks as Hungary’s most popular family destination.

Vajdahunyad Castle

After exploring the amazing animals at the zoo, take a short walk through City Park to discover Vajdahunyad Castle, where your kids can step into a real-life fairytale. This enchanting castle sits on an island surrounded by peaceful lake waters, accessible via four charming bridges that’ll make your children feel like they’re entering a storybook.

The castle’s architecture will captivate young imaginations, blending Gothic towers, Renaissance details, and Baroque elements all in one spectacular building. Your kids can explore ivy-covered courtyards and marvel at the medieval turrets while you snap Instagram-worthy photos. Originally built from wood and cardboard for Hungary’s Millennium Celebrations in 1896, the castle became so beloved that it was reconstructed as a permanent stone structure.

Inside, the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture offers hands-on exhibits about animals, forestry, and farming that’ll engage curious minds. The elaborate Knights’ Hall reconstruction provides an authentic medieval experience your family won’t forget.

Margaret Island

When you need a break from Budapest’s bustling streets, Margaret Island offers the perfect family escape where kids can run free across car-free pathways and discover magical attractions around every corner.

Your children will be mesmerized by the Musical Fountain’s five daily shows, featuring everything from classical Vivaldi to Disney’s “Let It Go” with water jets shooting 10 meters high. Evening performances add colorful LED light shows that create rainbow effects.

The island’s Japanese Garden captivates young explorers with fish ponds and artificial waterfalls, while playgrounds and buggy rides keep little ones entertained. Don’t miss the small Pet Zoo for interactive animal experiences. Kids will delight in squirrel spotting during relaxing walks through the shaded pathways where red squirrels can be found.

During summer months, the century-old trees provide natural shade as your family explores quiet walkways and expansive green meadows throughout this peaceful island sanctuary.

Palatinus Baths

Just steps away from Margaret Island’s Musical Fountain, Palatinus Baths transforms your family day into an aquatic adventure where kids can splash through wave pools, zoom down thrilling water slides, and soak in mineral-rich thermal waters.

This sprawling complex offers 15-18 pools across extensive outdoor space, accommodating up to 20,000 visitors. Your kids will love the 15-minute wave sessions every hour, while little ones can safely play in shallow wading areas.

Older children meeting the 150cm height requirement can tackle high-speed slides and enclosed tunnel chutes.

Open year-round with seasonal outdoor attractions, you’ll find everything from lap pools to playgrounds included in admission. The historic baths have been open since 1919, providing generations of families with memorable aquatic experiences. Pack towels and flip-flops to save on rentals, and plan for snack bar meals since outside food isn’t permitted.

Buda Castle

Eight centuries of royal history come alive at Buda Castle, where your family can explore massive courtyards, climb ancient stone steps, and peer through medieval windows while soaking up panoramic views of the Danube River below.

Your kids will love discovering the Gothic Hall’s towering pillars and medieval rib vaults that date back to the early 1400s. The massive fortification walls, complete with the Great Rondella and Mace Tower, create perfect spots for imaginative play as young knights and princesses.

Don’t miss the Baroque palace’s grand façades and the beautiful St. Sigismund Chapel. The castle’s multiple levels offer endless exploration opportunities, from Renaissance elements to reconstructed medieval fortifications. Today the castle complex houses the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest Historical Museum, and National Széchényi Library, giving families access to incredible art and historical exhibits.

Take the funicular railway up for an adventure your children won’t forget while enjoying spectacular city views.

Fisherman’s Bastion

After exploring Buda Castle’s royal chambers and courtyards, take a short walk to the enchanting Fisherman’s Bastion, where fairy-tale towers and magical stone terraces await your family’s discovery.

Your kids will love counting the seven towers, each representing one of the ancient Magyar tribes that founded Hungary. The Neo-Romanesque structure feels like stepping into a storybook castle, with its white stone arches, climbing stairways, and romantic turrets designed by architect Frigyes Schulek.

The real magic happens at the panoramic viewing terraces, where you’ll spot the Danube River, Parliament building, and Margaret Island spread below. Kids can play hide-and-seek among the stone arches while you capture Instagram-worthy family photos. While exploring, you’ll discover that the bastion was built using old castle walls as its foundation, connecting your family to centuries of Budapest’s history.

Don’t miss the bronze statue of King Stephen I between the bastion and nearby Matthias Church.

Children’s Railway in Buda Hills

One of Budapest’s most unique adventures takes your family on a 7-mile journey through the Buda Hills aboard the world’s largest Children’s Railway, where kids aged 10-14 actually run the stations while adults drive the trains.

Your children will be fascinated watching uniformed young conductors handle ticketing, signaling, and office duties with impressive responsibility. The 40-50 minute ride passes through scenic forests, reaching Budapest’s highest point at Jánoshegy with its Erzsébet lookout tower.

You’ll find waymarked hiking paths, playgrounds, and forest walks near each station. The railway operates with hourly trains running from 9am to 4pm, giving you flexibility to explore multiple stops throughout the day.

Plan a half-day adventure starting from Városmajor via cogwheel railway. Tickets cost around $5, and hourly service runs best during daylight hours when forest views shine. It’s an unforgettable experience combining transportation, nature, and childhood wonder.

Big Wheel of Budapest

Soaring 65 meters above Elisabeth Square, the Big Wheel of Budapest offers your family breathtaking 360-degree views of the city’s most famous landmarks from air-conditioned gondolas. Each spacious cabin holds eight people comfortably, making it perfect for families with children of all ages.

Your kids will love spotting St. Stephen’s Basilica, Chain Bridge, and Parliament during the 10-minute ride.

The wheel operates year-round with extended weekend hours until midnight Friday-Saturday. Night rides are especially magical when the city sparkles below.

If your child fears heights, they can enjoy ground-level views while others ride. Located just two minutes from Deák Ferenc tér, it’s easily accessible by public transport.

Adults pay HUF 3900 while children enjoy reduced pricing, making it an affordable family attraction. The experience connects generations and creates lasting family memories in Budapest’s heart.

Madame Tussauds Budapest

Your children will be thrilled to meet their favorite celebrities face-to-face at Madame Tussauds Budapest, where 61 incredibly lifelike wax figures await in the heart of the city. Located in Palazzo Dorottya, this 2,000 m² attraction features international stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, and Cristiano Ronaldo alongside Hungarian icons including Franz Liszt and Barbara Palvin.

The interactive experiences will keep your kids engaged throughout your visit. They can bike behind E.T. in the Cinema Café, pose at the Oscar selfie wall, play Liszt’s piano, and DJ at a Hollywood party.

The Budapest-inspired zones feature Chain Bridge tunnels and Danube promenade scenes. The museum constantly refreshes its exhibits with new celebrities and influencers, ensuring a dynamic experience for repeat visits.

Open daily 10:00-18:00, plan 30-90 minutes for your family adventure. Entry tickets start from $39 with free cancellation available.

Center of Scientific Wonders

When curiosity meets hands-on learning, the Center of Scientific Wonders delivers an unforgettable experience that’ll spark your children’s love for science. Hungary’s first science center spans 5,000 square meters with over 250 interactive games demonstrating physics laws through play.

Your kids can explore at their own pace with instructions in both Hungarian and English.

Plan for more than three hours to fully enjoy four daily science shows, 3D movies, and mind-bending exhibits. The 9D and 5D movie experiences add extra thrills, while demonstrators help when needed. Unlike traditional museums, this interactive physics play-house encourages visitors to touch, feel, and try every installation.

Located in Óbuda District at Mátyás király út 24, it’s accessible by bus 9 or trams 17/19/41. Open daily 10:00-19:00, arrive early to beat school groups and maximize exploration time.

Tropicarium

Eight fascinating exhibition halls await at Tropicarium, where kids can walk through a 1.4-million-liter shark tunnel and pet stingrays in interactive touch pools. Your children will marvel at free-flying tropical birds, swinging monkeys, and colorful fish displays they can almost touch. The rainforest zone stands out as a visitor favorite, while guinea pig petting areas offer gentle animal interactions for younger kids.

Plan three hours to explore all exhibits thoroughly.

You’ll find the aquarium inside Campona shopping center, accessible via bus 133E from Kelenföld station.

Adults pay 2,500 HUF, children 1,800 HUF, with free entry for kids under four.

Visit weekdays for smaller crowds. Consider making advance reservations during busy periods to ensure smooth entry.

The facility opens 10:00-20:00 daily, including holidays, with tickets sold until 19:00.

Budapest Fairytale Museum

Step into a magical world where Hungarian fairy tales come alive at the Budapest Fairytale Museum, perfectly designed for children aged 10 and under. Located in a charming 19th-century house in the Tabán district near Buda Castle, this interactive museum lets your kids journey through immersive rooms like true fairytale heroes.

You’ll find engaging exhibits that captivate both children and adults, making it perfect for family bonding. The museum operates limited hours—Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 or 6:00 PM—so plan accordingly.

Budget 1-2 hours for your visit, and consider booking birthday parties here for an unforgettable celebration. After your visit, take advantage of the nearby attractions in the area to extend your family adventure.

Call +36-1-2024020 for ticket information, and grab lunch afterward at nearby La Pampa Steakhouse or Café Liszt.

The Sum Up

You’ve got amazing adventures waiting in Budapest with your kids! From splashing in thermal baths to meeting dinosaurs at the zoo, you’ll create unforgettable memories together. Don’t try cramming everything into one trip—pick your family’s favorites and take your time exploring. Pack comfortable shoes, bring snacks, and let your kids lead the way sometimes. Budapest’s kid-friendly attractions will keep everyone happy, and you’ll already be planning your next visit before you leave!