7 best family-friendly events for the 15 March holiday weekend

At the Várkert Bazár Hussar Academy, four strong cavalrymen will be training the future swordsmen of Hungary. The children who graduate from the academy will be inaugurated as hussars at a special ceremony. In addition, craft workshops and puppet shows await families. It will also be worth visiting the Csikós courtyard at Buda Castle, where hussars will be camped, and you can become familiar with the traditional weaponry of the 19th century. 15 March from 11am. Details here (Hungarian-only)

The Budapest History Museum at Buda Castle will be throwing open its doors with free admission and themed events on 15 March. Family-friendly activities and craft classes take place, along with guided walks in Hungarian. 15 March, 10am-5pm. Details here (Hungarian-only)

For 15 March, the Children’s Railway is laying on a special family-friendly tour between Széchenyi-hegy and Hűvösvölgy, covering a distance of 20km, with stop-offs to be completed in seven hours. The route calls at all stations along the way, as well as the main attractions of the area – Normafa, the Elizabeth Lookout Tower on János Hill, the Károly Kaán Lookout Tower on Nagy-Hárs Hill and Nagyrét meadow in Hűvösvölgy. Of course, children will be manning the checkpoints set up along the route. Entry will only be possible on-site. 15 March, setting off Széchenyi-hegy station between 8am-10am. More details here

The 15 March anniversary can be celebrated in traditional or innovative fashion at the newly opened Hungarian House of Music. Here in City Park, young ones can take part in music sessions and workshops while adults can take in the fascinating interactive permanent exhibition. 15 March, from 10.15am. Details here

The historic Normafa Ski House will soon be renovated, so they are holding a farewell party before the workmen move in. The day starts with a puppet show, followed by a 10km hike for those who have registered, guided by the Kaland Kicsit Másképp crew. Hikers then will be rewarded with hot tea and a bowl of Normafa bográtsch soup. Between 3pm and 7pm, everyone can relax to the music of DJ Cyborg Templar. 13 March from 2pm. Details here 

Hungary’s stars of stage and screen forming the Pilvaker team, including rapper Tomi Fluor and the DJs from Random Trip, take the stage once more for two special annual shows at the Papp László Budapest Sportaréna. 15 March, 3pm & 8pm. Details here (Hungarian-only)

Over the holiday weekend, families can revisit the fairy-tale world of the Hungarian hussar epic, János vitéz, with sabre-fighting, music and dance at the Skanzen open-air museum outside Szentendre. At craft workshops, children can make the traditional symbols of the 1848 Revolution such as hussar hats, wooden swords, cockades, hussar moustaches and hobby horses. Competitive kids can test their skills at a Hussar Training Camp. Visitors can also cook the favourite dishes of the hero of the story, Jancsi Kukorica, and its author, Sándor Petőfi, of 15 March legend. There will also be a blacksmiths’ demonstration and a stamp-collecting game for children. 12-15 March. Details here