7 Things to Do in Budapest with Kids

Miniversum in Budapest showcases a vast collection of highly detailed dioramas on a miniature scale. Most of these depict landscapes and landmarks from Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Tiny figures bring the city and town square scenes to life, even though they’re static. The railways, with their moving trains pulling cars through lushly detailed valleys, can be amazingly convincing. 

Most of the miniature exhibits here are complemented by screens that show you photos of the real-life scenes that inspired them. Kids will love some of the interactive exhibits where they can control the flow of traffic, all complete with sound and lighting effects.

Csodák Palotája (Palace of Wonders) in Budapest offers a fun and educational day out with a host of interactive exhibits that demonstrate many of the laws of physics. Even young kids will find enough here to keep them amused for a couple of hours. The exhibits are also clearly labelled with English language instructions, as well as Hungarian. 

The kids can learn about Bernoulli’s principle with dancing balls, visual perception through polarized images, and they can experiment with soap bubbles to see who can make the biggest one. Family passes are available from 12,200 Ft.

Palatinus Strand Baths is an outdoor swimming facility in Budapest. You can choose from 10 different pools to soak in, do some laps, or head for their wave pool. It’s a big hit during the summer (roughly from June to September), yet those seeking warm waters outside the summer months can enjoy their thermal baths year-round. 

On bright and sunny days, it’s best to get here early if you want to secure a lounge chair, as this place can get very busy. There are 2 sets of kiddie pools where tots can also enjoy their fair share of splashing fun.

The Gyermekvasút (Children's Railway), or Line 7, is possibly the cutest sightseeing ride you’ll ever experience. The white-and-red train is uniquely operated by none other than Budapest kids (under adult supervision, of course). It takes you on a steady ride over the wooded hills above Budapest. 

Like any regular train ride, you'll need to check the timetables and purchase tickets for your ride. However, to do this you will be uniquely assisted by the happy staff of kids at the Children's Railway ticket office. All aboard, they’ll salute you off on your journey, while other youngsters in uniform collect your tickets, or simply greet you and check to ensure you’re having a great time.

Erzsébet tér (Elizabeth Square) is a vast, green urban space right in the heart of Budapest. It’s a popular hangout spot among local youth and students, with plenty of lawn spaces, tree shade, fountains, and pretty flower beds. 

At the centre of the square you’ll find the Danubius fountain, which dates back to 1880 and features statues symbolising the Danube, Tisza, Drava, and Sava rivers. The cosy park is surrounded by plenty of dining spots. Almost everywhere you roam, The Budapest Eye Ferris wheel looms large in the background and is beautifully illuminated after sundown.

Budapest Bábszínház (Budapest Puppet Theatre) entertains both young kids and adults with its theatrical marionette performances. Their detailed handcrafted puppets are adorned in meticulously designed costumes, and skilled puppeteers manipulate them to skillfully bring classic fairy tales to life on a mini stage. 

The puppet shows are presented in Hungarian, but you don’t need to understand the narration to admire the performances. The stories are simple and are mostly adaptations of well-known tales. The puppeteers, clad in black, provide voices and motion to the ‘stars of the show’ who employ props and interact with each other on stage.

Városliget (City Park) behind Heroes’ Square is the largest public park in Budapest and it is popular for a variety of attractions. Its northern grounds are home to Budapest Zoo and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Trampolines and playgrounds near the park’s beautiful ponds offer plenty of fun for kids. 

City Park’s crown jewel, however, is Vajdahunyad Castle. This fantastic landmark is hidden inside the park, and dates back to 1896. Go on a ‘vampire hunt’ around the castle and look for the statue of Béla Lugosi, the Hungarian-American actor who played Count Dracula in the 1931 classic.