Family Friendly Budapest

Our Local Expert Says:

This is more of an expansive “campus” than park, containing the towering, massive statues of Soviet leaders which formerly adorned the city. Inquire about a direct bus from the city center (Deak Ter) in the summer. Highly recommended.

Description:

Socialist Statue Park or Szoborpark Múzeum had a name conversion to the renaming of Memento Park. Memento Park is where you will find the communist statues that once decorated or littered the city, depending on one's point of view. The name change included an enlargement of the park. In addition to the gigantic socialist and dictatorship statues, they have now included Stalin's Tribune. Part of the exhibit is n architectural replica of the original grandstand that communist leaders used for speeches. In addition there is a replica of the Stalin statue pulled down in the 1956 revolution. "Stalin's Boots" displays peoples' desire for change and freedom in 1956 and 1989. They have added an old spy training film that lasts for forty minutes.

Our Local Expert Says:

Second oldest zoo in Europe featuring a fabulous Elephant’s House designed by Eiffel. A dazzling array of exhibits and creatures spread over a vast terrain.

Description:

This zoo could do with more funds but it is slowly being done up. The main entrance is located right next to the famous Gundel restaurant, and a nice combination is to stop in there for a coffee before or after your visit. The zoo is just one part of this very entertaining part of the city. Within a few hundred meters you will also find Heroes' Square, two excellent museums, a huge park, an amusement park, thermal baths and more. The entrance is a delightful art-deco whimsy. There are elephants, giraffes, monkeys, rhinos and of course, ice cream stands. Check website for further details including admission prices.

Our Local Expert Says:

Stunning view of the city from the top of the ferris wheel! Wonderful place to spend an afternoon, with or without children.

Description:

This is a must if you're traveling with kids or are a child at heart. Some rides in particular aren't to be missed. The 100-year-old Merry-Go-Round (Körhinta), constructed almost entirely of wood, has been restored to its original grandeur, though it still creaks mightily as it spins. The riders must actively pump to keep the horses rocking, and authentic Würlitzer music plays. The Roller Coaster, operating since 1926, has a wooden frame and is listed as a historic monument. You will rush over nine waves before finishing the ride. The Ikarus will tickle your senses with its 30m (98-ft.) height and 30kmph (18 mph) speed making for a titillating 3-minute ride.

Our Local Expert Says:

Popular amongst tourists and locals alike, providing a central get-away from the claustrophobic inner city on hot and sunny day!

Description:

The Palatinus Strandfürdő is a large outdoor swimming complex with several thermal pools on the centrally located leafy green Margaret Island. Being mainly an outdoor facility, it is only open in the summer, when it is one of the most popular attractions of Budapest, providing a central get-away from the claustrophobic inner city on hot and sunny day! On cooler days the thermal plunge pools are perfect for a long soak.

Before being converted into a swimming complex in the early 20th century, it used to be a natural beach along the banks of the River Danube. Its 11 pools spread across a 750 km2 park with water slides, a wave pool, an adventure pool, a children's pool, and several spa pools fed by thermal springs found under the Island, as well as a football field, volleyball court and a children's playground. Needless to say snack bars are dotted about for a complete beach experience.

Description:

This building is made up of two architectural styles: a neo-classical façade and a modern, spacious interior. It used to be a riding school for the military academy but was recently converted for use as a museum. Exhibits depict the history of mankind in general but also specifically of the Carpathian basin. Children of all ages will love it, especially the life-size model of a woolly mammoth.

Description:

Budapest boasts such a wide range of museums, so why not a sports museum too? Inside you'll find a collection of film footage of famous performances, actual medals, lots of photos and other memorabilia from Hungary's sporting glory days. There is also a room dedicated to Alfred Hajos, Hungary's first-ever Olympic champion (at the first modern games in Athens in 1896). Not only did he win gold, he was also an architect and designer. A swimming pool complex is also named after him. He also personally designed another sports complex.

Description:

Part of this building (the central hall) was used for the millennial exhibition. Today, it is filled with motorcycles, planes, boats, trains and cars. There are scale-model locomotives on hand as well as other items related to their use. Also interesting is a section of the city's original chain bridge (which was destroyed during the Second World War and quickly rebuilt).

Description:

This is a railroad run entirely by children. Well, almost - the engineer is an adult. Otherwise everything from ticket selling to ticket-punching and station management is carried out by kids. These children are members of the Hungarian Pioneers (similar to Scouts) and the running of the railroad is intended to cultivate an interest in the world of trains. The 12km route meanders through beautiful forest land; you will feel as though the city is a million miles away. To take the chairlift down, get off at the fourth stop (Janos Hegy) or continue all the way to the last stop and take Tram 56. This is a delightful trip, enjoyed by children and adults alike. On weekends and public holidays it gets very busy.

Our Local Expert Says:

Budapest's tallest hill and one of the most picturesque spots of the city!

Description:

St. John's Hill or János Hegy in Hungarian is the city's tallest hill, with a peak of 527 meters, and one of the most picturesque spots in Budapest. Decorating the peak is the Elizabeth Lookout Tower from where an absolutely amazing view of the surrounding Buda Hills can enjoyed from. This Neo-Romanesque gem was designed by Schuleck Frigyes, the architect who also designed one of Budapest's most famous landmarks, the Fishermen's Bastion on the Castle Hill.

St. John's Hill provides a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities for those after a breath of fresh air, or peace and quiet after the claustrophobic inner city of Pest: the Children's Railway can be taken from here, running along a scenic rout in the Buda Hills, several hiking trails can be found perfect for pleasant strolls in Summer and Winter alike, and the chairlift (also boasting with a lovely view) can be taken back down from the top to the inner city.

Description:

This chairlift starts at the top of Janos Hegy and takes you back down into the city. It is quiet and peaceful and the views on the way down are spectacular. You can also ride up the chairlift, starting from Zugligeti utca (the last stop of Bus 158 from Moszkva ter). On the way down, you will get a bird's eye view of many beautiful homes and gardens.