Budapest for Families: Unforgettable Travel Adventures

Embarking on a family adventure in Budapest unveiled a city rich in history, culture, and delights that catered to the curiosity of our children. From playful afternoons at Nagyjátszótér playground to the contemplative visit to the Shoes on the Danube memorial, every experience left an indelible mark.

Our travels were in November and incorporated Salzburg, Vienna, and Budapest. We lucked out with fantastic weather, little rain, no snow, and mild temperatures. Budapest was a very easy train ride from Vienna that took about 2.5 hours. We traveled round trip on Regio Jet train line and had a wonderful experience both ways. While Budapest can feel a bit gritty, and the language barrier is a little trickier with Hungarian, we were completely enchanted with this city. Join us as we recount the best things to do in Budapest with children, each destination a unique chapter in our family's memorable journey.

Nagyjátszótér Playground on the Way to Széchenyi Thermal Baths

At the top of our Budapest escapades was the playful laughter and excitement at the Nagyjátszótér playground, conveniently located on the way (and very close) to Széchenyi Thermal Baths. The kids reveled in the diverse play structures, providing a perfect prelude to the relaxation that awaited us at the thermal baths. The park had equipment that was fun for even us grown-ups and our children were enchanted. You don’t see playgrounds like this in America!

Széchenyi Thermal Baths

At Széchenyi Thermal Baths, we discovered a haven of warmth and relaxation, renowned for its healing waters. While our children were restricted to the outdoor pools (indoor is for over 14 years), even in winter, the experience was nothing short of delightful. The kids giggled and splashed, and we reveled in the rejuvenating properties of the thermal waters—a truly unique family-friendly Budapest experience. We fed off of the vibe in each individual pool, one was more calm and relaxing, the other was more vibrant and loud. Our initial plan was to only stay for 1-2 hours in the baths, but before we knew it we had a 4 hour adventure. We all loved it and while Széchenyi does tend to be the top tourist bath, we highly recommend a visit here with kids.

Budapest Ferris Wheel

Rising above the cityscape, the Budapest Ferris Wheel offered a panoramic view of the city that left us breathless. Our children, wide-eyed with wonder, marveled at the breathtaking sights unfolding beneath them. It was a magical moment that perfectly combined the thrill of heights with the enchanting beauty of Budapest. We took our ride in the evening and it was a great way to see some of the Budapest highlights lit up on the horizon. Our AirBnb had a view of the ferris wheel allowing us to find a time when the line was short.

Gelarto Rosa

I stumbled upon this place in my research for Budapest and was excited to see if was a short walk from our Airbnb. A delightful discovery awaited us at Gelarto Rosa, where gelato was not just a treat for the taste buds but a visual masterpiece. The unique rose-shaped scoops were an instant hit with the kids. Yet, it wasn't just the presentation that drew us back for more—the flavors were so exceptional that a return visit became an unplanned highlight of our Budapest culinary exploration.

Shoes on the Danube Memorial

Our family's visit to the Shoes on the Danube Memorial was a poignant pause in our Budapest adventure. The powerful artwork, commemorating the tragic events of World War II, resonated deeply with our children. The shoes, symbolizing lives lost, sparked conversations about history, humanity, and the impact of art in conveying profound emotions. This is a must see while in Budapest.

One-Hour Boat Cruise

Navigating the Danube on a one-hour boat cruise became an engaging family activity, albeit with a twist. While the audio commentary might not have captivated our kids, the sights along the river and the free drink onboard kept them happily occupied. Opting for an evening cruise during the Blue Hour unveiled Budapest's illuminated beauty, transforming the city into a mesmerizing dreamscape.

Buda Castle

A trip to Budapest would be incomplete without ascending to the historic Buda Castle. During our stay the exterior of the castle was under a large renovations, yet we were still able to explore the castle grounds, even catching the changing of the guards. The panoramic views of the city from the castle's heights added a touch of grandeur to our family exploration. While you can take the funicular to the top, we opted to save the money and get the exercise. It was actually quite easy of a walk up and our 3 year old climbed it on his own with no problem. We highly recommend saving your money on the funicular so you can spend it all on chimney cakes and Gelato!

Fisherman’s Bastion

Our Budapest adventure culminated at Fisherman's Bastion, a fairytale-like structure offering unparalleled views of the city. The kids roamed the terrace, imagining themselves as knights guarding the city walls. The whimsical architecture and breathtaking vistas made Fisherman's Bastion a fitting end to our family exploration of Budapest. We used the company Flytographer which connected us to a local photographer so we could have professional photos to document our trip to Budapest. Fisherman’s Bastion was the perfect backdrop!

Eat Chimney Cakes

This probably needs no further explanation. Eat the chimney cakes. All of them. However, the price varies greatly throughout the city, anywhere from 2€-7€, so find the 2€ stands and buy those. They don't taste any different, we promise.

Christmas Markets

Our trip was at Thanksgiving and we enjoyed the grandeur of the Christmas markets in both Vienna and Budapest. But hands down Budapest were our favorite markets. The goods seemed more authentic and homemade here versus in Vienna where you found the same items over and over again. The Christmas markets were definitely part of what made this city magical for us.

In conclusion, Budapest emerged as a treasure trove of family-friendly wonders, each location adding a unique flavor to our adventure. From playful moments at the Nagyjátszótér playground to the contemplative atmosphere of the Shoes on the Danube memorial, Budapest proved to be a city that embraced and captivated the hearts of our children. Whether soaring high on the Ferris Wheel or savoring gelato at Gelarto Rosa, every experience became a shared memory etched in the tapestry of our family's Budapest escapade. If you find the opportunity to explore Budapest, we highly recommend it as a city for CHASING MEMORIES.