Budapest is a beautiful European city. It offers loads of attractions with historical, traditional and cultural points of interest for the whole family. Some favourites we can recommend for families with young children are
Winter family programs in City Park
(Kós Károly sétány, XIV. dist., Budapest)
The ice rink at the City Park lake
The ice rink at the City Park lake is open every winter from November until 15 March. Morning opening time is from 9 am to 1 pm, the afternoon opening time is from 5 pm. The entrance to the ice rink is at the Hősök tere side of the lake. Skates can be rented on the spot. You can skate between castle walls and with music! /www.mujegpalya.hu
The Vajdahunyad Castle
The Vajdahunyad Castle is in the City Park, close to the lake in the south-west corner of the park. The main part is a copy from the Transylvanian family castle of János Hunyadi, the hero of the Turkish wars. The castle grounds are great to explore. You can also pay a visit to the Agricultural Museum inside the Castle. The exhibition takes you back to early life on the Great Hungarian Plain (puszta) – including primitive farm equipment and stuffed animals. www.vajdahunyadcastle.com
Budapest Circus
The Budapest Circus is open all year round with new shows regularly. People tend to buy tickets in advance at the ticket office on Állatkerti Körút (every day from 10 am to 6 pm). The circus has changing programmes with international circus groups. www.fnc.hu/eng
Zoo Playhouse
The Zoo Playhouse is definitely great for children ages 6 months – 12 years. There is everything you can dream of: swings, slide, sandpit, fishing pond, cars, trains, painting corner, trampoline… There’s also a toddler corner. Parents can easily join in. The entrance is at the Állatkerti körút 6-12, just left of the circus entrance. www.jatek-mester.hu
Planetarium
The Planetarium is a round building located at the corner of Könyves Kálmán körút and Üllői út. It is a very nice starry experience for children ages 3 and up. It shows the universe with its planets and stars in a playful and educational manner. It’s open from September to mid-June. Some programmes are available in English. www.planetarium.hu/english
Natural History Museum
This museum – about the history of plants, insects, animals and humans – is probably one of the best museum experiences for children in Budapest. The way things are displayed, the many interactive elements makes it possible to learn playfully. Recommended for age 4 and up.
Millipop
One of the biggest playhouses of Budapest offers fun activities for children aged 1-18. It is located in Millenáris Park, behind Mammut Shopping Center. millipopjatszo.hu
The Normafa winter sports slope
The best place to be on a sunny day with piles of snow is on the slope of the Normafa Hill. It is the most popular spot for sledging, snowboarding and, for beginners, to ski. The beautiful view over the hills and Budapest adds to this great winter sensation. The only down side is that there’s no lift to take you back up, so be prepared to work hard! www.normafa.hu/eng
Palace of Miracles
Recently moved to Campona Shopping Center, this offers a great selection of science and general interest exhibits for the whole family. Over 100 games make you experience the wonders of physics! www.csopa.hu
Tropicarium
A tropical jungle experience with thousands of snakes, birds, insects, alligators and fish.
Then step into the sea with the sharks and stingrays! Located inside the Campona shopping center it is most convenient for parking and shopping as well. http://www.tropicarium.hu/
11. Pálvölgyi and Szemlőhegyi caves
Hungary features a host of caves and the Buda Hills hold tons of limestone waiting for a visit. These caves have been formed by thermal waters dripping though the limestone. There are some amazing rock and crystal formations and the kids will have their imaginations run riot! Definitely worth a visit! www.szemlohegyi.atw.hu/
12. Mini City
Mini City is a new, interactive exhibition for children at the Nyugati Railway Station. They can try different kinds of jobs in a role play situation and see what it feels like to be part of the adult world. Children can become anything, even a dentist, a hair dresser or a star! Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm. mini.city.hu/