Looking for ways to entertain the kids? Budapest is a city that's brimming with adventure for children of all ages - or even just the young at heart. From playgrounds to aqua parks, and science works to sharks, there's so much for children to uncover and explore. Here are 10 great activities that will have children jumping, playing, learning and quite often squealing with joy in no time!
1/10
Miniversum
Miniversum is a mini universe… well mini parts of Budapest and Hungary, but still! The clever guys and girls at Miniversum have scaled real places down 1:100 so you can see huge buildings and roads from right on top. Not only that there is loads of interaction – control traffic, see the city go from day to night, and create sounds and light effects.
Open: Daily 9am to 7pm (except Dec 24-26)
Cost: 14+: 1900 HUF, 3 – 14: 1300 HUF, Children under 3: free, Family pass: 4900 HUF
2/10
Budapest Zoo
There are many places in Budapest to see animals of all shapes and sizes. But the Budapest Zoo is one of the best. Get up close and personal with animals ranging from giant rhinoceros, to fierce lions and tigers, and even teeny tiny starfish.
Open: See the Budapest Zoo website for details
Cost: Adults: 2500 HUF Children: 1800 HUF
Similar options: There’s also a mini-zoo at Margaret Island that’s open during the warmer months. Here you can see deer and strange birds roaming freely, and pony rides are also available. While on Margaret Island it’s also worth having a ride on the “bringo hinto” - a 3-wheel, covered bike.
3/10
Transport Museum
In Budapest, there are plenty of museums for lovers of all things transport. See model steam trains and planes as well as real-size locomotives and wagons at the Hungarian Technical and Transportation Museum. Find out the history of traffic, horse-drawn and machine-driven vehicles, flight and space flight. There is also information on road and bridge building, plus a collection of old cars, motorcycles and bicycles.
Open: See opening hours here
Cost: Adults 1600 HUF, 6 – 26 800 HUF, under 6 free
Similar places: You can also visit the Hungarian Railway Museum which focuses on the history of the railways - drive a steam engine here! Or, more centrally, check out the Underground Railway Museum at Deák Ferenc Square metro station. This introduces the history of the first underground on continental Europe – the yellow M1 line.
4/10
János Hill
An outdoor adventure that’s perfect for literally any weather. Head up to the beautiful János Hill and enjoy the open space, trees and wildlife. In winter it’s a perfect spot to toboggan or build snowmen, in spring see the greenery and flowers in full bloom, in summer escape the smouldering city heat and in fall run amok amongst the falling autumnal leaves. Plus there are the funnest transport modes there and back imaginable: the Children’s Train, the and the .
Open: Every day
Cost: Free, transport costs only
Similar options: A little closer to central Budapest is Gellért Hill. Here you can enjoy some greenery and fresh air, with a stunning view of the city, without leaving the heart of town.
5/10
Sky high in the Sziget Eye
See Budapest from the sky in the giant Sziget Eye at Elizabeth Square. The huge ferris wheel goes around about three times so you have about 12 minutes to see the Danube, Chain Bridge, the Basilica and city rooftops from one of the best viewing points in the city.
Open: Until January 11, 2015
Cost: Adult: 2400 HUF, Child 1500 HUF
Similar options: The view from Gellért Hill is also amazing - and best yet - it’s free!
6/10
Center of Scientific Wonders
This is a1300 square-meter “play-house” where over 100 exhibitions and games help children learn about physics in a fun and exciting way. Explanations are written in English too and the Center of Scientific Wonders ('Csodák Palotája') is all about interactivity - so children are encouraged to touch and play with everything!
Open: Mondays – Fridays 9am – 7pm, Weekends 10am – 8pm
Cost: Adult: 2200 HUF, Children: 1700 HUF
7/10
Planetarium
Lie under the night sky filled with brilliant stars, planets and shooting stars in the Planetarium’s dome. English speakers and people of all ages are welcome to explore the wonder of the universe and learn about the solar system, space, astronomy and astronautics. There are two shows in English: The Hubble Universe (32 minutes) and Wonders of the Sky (50 minutes). Book in advance.
Open: Email planetarium@planetarium.hu to book
Cost: Adults 1500 HUF, Children 1200 HUF
8/10
Tropicarium
See amazing underwater wonders including thousands of fresh and saltwater fish, rays and sharks. Walk through a 12 metre observation tunnel with the vibrantly coloured water-world all around you. There are 6 giant sharks at the Tropicarium including the scary tiger and brown sharks. There is shark feeding every Thursday at 3pm. Plus soak up the sights and sounds of a tropical rainforest with waterfalls, monkeys, birds and amazing luscious greenery all around.
Open: 10am – 8pm (see holiday hours)
Location: 37 – 43 Nagytétény Rd, Budapest 1222
Cost: Adults: 2500 HUF, Children: 1800 HUF (or see other pricing options)
9/10
Aquaworld Resort Budapest
Splash into this fun-filled water park in both winter and summer. At Aquaworld there are water slides, indoor and outdoor pools, wave pools, jacuzzis, saunas and more. The daring should try the Jungle Slide or the Mountain Stream. There is also a special kids playhouse with a climbing wall and obstacle course among many other things.
Open: Every day 6am – 10pm
Cost: Details here
10/10
Puppet Theatre
One of Budapest’s most amazing cultural offerings for children is the Budapest Puppet Theatre. Many of the shows don’t require Hungarian-language and seeing what the master puppeteers can do will transport you into a world of enchanting fantasy. Shows are on many days of the year and with multiple screenings throughout the day and early evening.
Open: See what shows are on here
Cost: Prices start at about 1000 HUF but the price depends on the show and seat selected
