Many visitors in Budapest wish to know whether children (teens, toddlers, babies) can go to the Thermal Baths, and which, if any, are the most suitable and best value for families with teenagers and children.
According to recent updates in 2024, children under 14 are not allowed to enter the thermal baths in Budapest (some notable exceptions are the outdoor cold water summer pools in Palatinus Baths or Csillaghegy Baths).
Children Under 14 Years
Minimum age of entering the Baths: 14 years of age.
Kindly note that only older teens, over 14 years old, are allowed to visit the thermal bath. Underage (0-14 year old kids) are, unfortunately, not allowed, not even under parental guidance.
Note: this stricter regulation will be applicable from May 1st, 2024. Until then, children aged 3-14 can only visit the baths with their parents present at all times and at parental responsibility.
Baths for Families
Families with children visiting Budapest during spring, summer or early autumn (May to September) are best to visit one of the open air lidos of Budapest, especially Palatinus Pools on Margaret Island, Dagaly Lido close to Arpad Bridge and Csillaghegyi Bath and Lido in northern Budapest, where fun bath elements await children to have fun and burn off energy on chutes, slides, (in some cases on trampolines, and playgrounds) etc.
Palatinus and Dagaly are family centred Budapest water parks (lidos), relatively close to the city centre, easily accessible by public transport (metro or tram, bus, trolley etc.) which go frequently (normally 5-15 min). These thermal bath complexes have lots of fun pools specifically designed for kids of all ages (including toddlers with cooled down pools and very shallow waters!), plus there are various baths with thermal water for parents too.
Palatinus, Dagaly and Csillaghegyi are much loved by locals as the pools are surrounded by grassy, bushy green areas, shaded by old trees. All of these baths often offer summer camps / swimming clubs for children via partner companies (not every club is suitable for English speaking children, so do inquire about available options before booking a summer swim and play club)
Please keep in mind that in the classic Thermal Baths in Budapest, such as Szechenyi Bath, Gellert Spa, Rudas Bath or Lukacs Baths the pools, saunas, and steam chambers have been primarily designed for adults and for grown ups who have been prescribed aqua therapy, balneotherapy, etc.
We are sorry about the inconvenience and would encourage you and the children to find out about more child friendly bathing options in Budapest, including Palatinus Bath, Csillaghegyi Bath or AquaWorld water theme park offering family bathing / spa experience for younger children and parents in the city of Budapest.
