Hungary with Kids

Hungary is a captivating destination for families, offering a blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and child-friendly attractions. Whether you’re exploring historic towns, enjoying nature, or wandering through vibrant cities, Hungary has something to delight every member of the family. This expert guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Hungary with your kids, covering what to see, where to go, what to eat, parks and attractions, the best time to visit, a 10-day travel plan, and essential tips for tourists.

What to See

Budapest

Budapest, the capital city, is a must-see with its rich history and beautiful architecture. Key attractions include:

• Buda Castle: Explore the castle grounds and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
• Fisherman’s Bastion: A fairy-tale-like terrace offering stunning views of the Danube River and the city.
• Heroes’ Square: One of the major squares, known for its iconic statues and monuments.

Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, is perfect for family vacations. Enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, and cycling around the lake.

Szentendre

This charming town is known for its art galleries, museums, and picturesque streets. The Marzipan Museum is a favorite among kids, showcasing intricate marzipan sculptures.

Kis-Balaton

A protected area near Lake Balaton, Kis-Balaton is great for nature walks and bird watching. The nearby Buffalo Reserve in Zalakomár offers a chance to see Hungary’s ancient buffalo species.

Where to Go

Bella Stables and Animal Park, Siófok

A family-friendly zoo where animals like camels, donkeys, and dogs roam freely. Visitors can also interact with enclosed animals such as goats and alpacas, and enjoy pony and camel rides.

Bory Castle, Székesfehérvár

A romantic castle built by sculptor Jenő Bory, featuring unique architecture and beautiful gardens. It is an enchanting place to visit.

Tündérsziget, Tihany

This café and breakfast spot features a playground, allowing parents to enjoy a coffee while kids play in a calm and scenic environment.

Sobri Jóska Adventure Park, Bakony

An extensive adventure park with various activities, from zip-lining to boating. It’s an exciting destination for older kids and parents.

What to Eat

Hungarian cuisine is flavorful and hearty, with many dishes that appeal to kids. Some must-try foods include:

• Gulyás (Goulash): A savory soup made with meat, vegetables, and paprika.
• Lángos: A deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese.
• Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake): A sweet pastry cooked over an open fire, often coated with cinnamon or sugar.

For a family-friendly dining experience, consider visiting local cafés and bakeries that offer a variety of Hungarian pastries and snacks.

Parks and Attractions for Kids

Tarzan Park, BudapestA large open-air playground in Balatonfüred, called the Kiserdő Playground, is filled with modern and creative toys and climbing structures that ensure hours of fun.

Another playground in Budapest, known as the Vuk Playground, has a forest theme and features equipment inspired by fairy tales, making it perfect for imaginative play.

The best time to visit Hungary is late spring (May) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists. Summer (June to August) is also popular, especially for visiting Lake Balaton, but it can get hot.

Here’s a suggested 10-day travel plan for Hungary

Day 1-2: Arrive in Budapest and explore attractions like Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Heroes’ Square. Make sure to visit Tarzan Park and the Vuk Playground too.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Szentendre, a charming town, and visit the Marzipan Museum.

Day 4-5: Enjoy activities at Lake Balaton, such as swimming, boating, and cycling. Visit Bella Stables and Animal Park in Siófok.

Day 6: Explore Bory Castle and its stunning gardens in Székesfehérvár.

Day 7-8: Relax at Tündérsziget café and playground in Tihany. Explore the local shops and natural beauty of Tihany.

Day 9: Walk the nature trails and visit the Buffalo Reserve Zalakomár in Kis-Balaton.

Day 10: Have a day of adventure and fun activities at Sobri Jóska Adventure Park in Bakony.

Tips for tourists 

• Hungary uses the Forint (HUF). Make sure to have local currency for smaller shops and markets.
• EU citizens need a valid ID card to enter Hungary.
• If you’re driving, purchase a vignette for highway tolls at service areas.
• While Hungarian is the official language, many people in tourist areas speak English.
• Consider staying in family-friendly apartments with kitchen facilities to prepare meals and save money on dining out.

Hungary offers a wonderful experience for families, with a blend of culture, nature, and fun activities. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to explore Hungary and create unforgettable memories with your kids.