Vehicles in the air, on water and even underground – here are six attractions around Budapest where kids and grown-ups can climb on board and enjoy a ride or two.
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Aeropark
The Aeropark alongside Budapest Airport showcases 60 years
of Hungarian aviation. Of the many planes on display, two or three can usually
be boarded on any one day, plus there’s a flight simulator so kids can find out
what it’s like to fly one. For the national holiday of 20 August, special
events will be laid on and nostalgia fans will love all the uniforms and
iconography of Communist-era Hungarian airline Malév. By public transport, take
the 200E bus heading for town from the airport terminal and alight at the first
stop.
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Firefighting Museum
We have already visited the Újpest Fire Station, lined with Hungarian-made fire engines all ready for kids to jump in – except the museum-worthy steam car. The twin fire truck, which also functions as an entrance, and firefighting with a big syringe and the collection of hoses are usually also popular. The venue does not have a specific opening hours, it is mostly accessible by prior arrangement on weekdays and free of charge at weekends during open days advertised on their Facebook page.
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Lajta Monitor Museum Ship
The Lajta Monitor Museum Ship is docked alongside Parliament, and can be visited free of charge until 22 August. Kids can take the wheel, see the bridge, loading bays, boiler room and kitchen of this 150-year-old vessel, whose history is outlined in an on-board exhibition. More details here.
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Once Upon a Time in the North
Until the end of the autumn term break on 31 October, you can visit the latest temporary exhibition of the Transport Museum at the Northern Vehicle Repair Depot, which we reported on earlier this summer. While adults learn about the decades of train repair and everyday lives of those who worked here, the kids can board old locomotives. They can also try on work clothes, draw trains on the wall and join in with the design of the new Transport Museum. Admission is by reservation only (English-language page available). Alongside, alfresco bar Kertem recently opened to provide refreshments.
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Railway History Park
More than 100 artefacts are on
show at the Railway History Park, not only engines but also
carriages, hand-driven and motorised vehicles, steam cranes and snowblowers. A
miniature train makes occasional laps of the complex. A shaded playground awaits in
the surrounding park, plus a pond and mini traffic course. On the national holiday
of 20 August, admission is free, with special events laid on. More details here.
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Underground Railway Museum
Beside the BKK information centre within the metro station and pedestrian walkway at Deák tér, this small but exciting museum tells the story of the Millennial Underground, the first on continental Europe, opened as part of the 1896 celebrations to mark 1,000 years of Hungarians arriving here. Three underground railway carriages are on view, as well as memorabilia, original documents, blueprints, maps and photographs.
