Fun with kids

Parks

Margaret Island (Margit-sziget)

Located between the Margit and Árpád bridges. You can take bus 26 from the Nyugati train station, or hop a 4 or 6 tram which lets you off on the Margit hid (Margaret Bridge) at the island's entrance. You should not miss the giant music fountain close to the Margit-bridge entrance or try the Bringóhintó that are rented out from the refreshment stand near the Japanese Garden in the northern part of the island.

Óbuda Island (Óbudai-sziget)

AKA Hajógyári-sziget is located north of Margaret Island and Árpád Bridge. You can get there by boat in the summer, or just take bus 142 from Szentlélek square. This smaller size island's essence lays in the superlarge slide-park which is a very special treat fo the little ones. 

City Park (Városliget)

Located near Heroes' Square (Hősök tere) City Park is the largest coherent green environment. The yellow Metro line runs right through with 3 stops in it.

Slide Park

Located on Gellért Hill. It's a short hike up the hill, across from the Gellért spa hotel and past a small park with wooden climbing toys. Take the paved path up to the right to find seven slides, most of them long, and squealing kids hurtling down them.

Városmajor Park

Located in the XII district on Városmajor street, not far from Széll Kálmán square.

Szent István Park

Located in the XIII district, a few blocks north of the Margit Bridge, right on the river.

Museums

Budapest History Museum (Budapesti Történeti Múzeum)

Located inside the palace on Castle Hill.
Gothic statues and medieval palace ruins are featured in this museum. Also check out the authentic weapons and recreated chapel and prison cell.

Children's Science Museum (Csodák Palotája)

www.csopa.hu
Address: 1222 Budapest Nagytétényi út 37-43
Tel.: +36 1 814 80 50
Recommended for ages 3 and up, this hands-on museum has scientific experiments on gravity, electricity and several other interesting things.

Hungarian Natural History Museum

www.nhmus.hu
Tel: +36 1 210 10 85
Address: Budapest VIII., Ludovika square 2-6 (off Üllöi street).
Take the blue Metro line to Nagyvárad square. Closed on Tuesdays.
Real stuffed animals, exhibits on early settlements, and glowing rocks are among the attractions here that should appeal to kids of all ages. Children's programs are held on weekends.

Transport Museum

www.mmkm.hu  
Address: Budapest XIV., Városligeti körút 11
Kids can delight in seeing actual trains and a model railway and town. There are also bicycles, ships and a steam ship engine.

Open-Air Museum (Skansen)

www.skanzen.hu   
2000 Szentendre, Sztaravodai street, Pf.: 63
Tel: +36 26 502 500
Located in the town of Szentendre. The town itself is 40 kilometers far from Budapest and easily accessible by the HÉV suburban train. To get to the museum, catch the hourly bus from Post 7 near the Szentendre HÉV station or take a taxi.
The museum, which illustrates the traditions and crafts of Hungary, is well worth the trip. Houses and buildings from all around the country have been reconstructed here to create a time-travel experience.

Bowling

You can go bowling in several places around Budapest, including Sugár, Duna Plaza and Mammut malls.
 

Children's Railway (Széchenyi Hegyi Germekvasút)

www.gyermekvasut.hu/english
Operated by children under adult supervision, it runs between Hűvösvölgy and Széchenyi Hill, and provides a pleasant trip through the Buda Hills. Take the 61 tram from Széll Kálmán square to the cogwheel railway (60 tram), across the street from the round hotel. Take the cogwheel train to the top (Széchenyi Hill), walk to your left, and check out a kids' playground to your left. The station for the Children's Railway is just beyond that.

Great Capital Circus (Fővárosi Nagycirkusz)

www.fnc.hu/eng
Address: Budapest XIV., Állatkerti krt. 12/a (in the City Park)
Tel.: +36 1 343 83 00
The show changes every three months, and is closed in September. It's worth booking tickets in advance. Small children might be frightened in the front row.

Tropicarium (Aquarium)

www.tropicarium.hu
Address: Budapest XXII., Nagytétényi út 37-43 (Campona Mall)
Tel.: +36 1 424 30 53
Assuming that your children will enjoy sharks swimming over their heads, they should have fun at this new aquarium. You can walk beneath and around a large shark and fish tank, and also check out an alligator pit with rope walkways going through it. Kids can also touch starfish and other small creatures in an open pool. Monkeys, snakes and birds are also showcased.

Budapest Zoo (Állat-és Növénykert)

www.zoobudapest.com  
Address: Budapest XIV., Állatkerti krt. 6-12 (next to the circus in the City Park)
Tel.: +36 1 273 49 00 or +36 1 273 49 01
More than 500 animal species inhabit the zoo, and there are many exotic trees and shrubs. The zoo is open all year.

Hungarian Railway Museum (Magyar Vasúttörténeti Park)

www.vasuttortenetipark.hu/en  
Address: Budapest XIV., Tatai út 95
Tel: +36 1 450 14 97
Open April – October 10-18, closed on Monday.
Regular children's programs