Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, but not all are equally suitable for families with young children. Here’s a list of some of the most family-friendly baths and pools in Budapest that offer a combination of thermal and recreational facilities:
AquaWorld Resort Budapest
- Why it’s family-friendly: AquaWorld is one of Central Europe’s largest indoor water parks. It offers an extensive range of pools and water slides that are perfect for children of all ages. The park is fully equipped with family-oriented services.
- Facilities: There are adventure pools, wave pools, baby pools, and a surf pool. Additionally, there are kid-friendly slides, a playhouse, and family changing rooms. Brilliant indoor and outdoor facilities, packed weekends so best to time your visit for a weekday.
- Best for: Families who want an indoor waterpark experience with year-round fun.
Palatinus Strand (Palatinus Beach)
- Why it’s family-friendly: Located on Margaret Island, Palatinus Bath is a large outdoor bath complex with various pools catering to all ages. It features wave pools, slides, and play areas specifically designed for children. Best from spring to autumn, but open all year round (with many outdoor summer pools closed down in the colder winter season).
- Facilities: Multiple outdoor pools, children’s pools, slides, and playgrounds. There’s a dedicated adventure pool that’s ideal for kids, as well as thermal pools for adults, with huge green sunbathing areas.
- Best for: Families looking for a mix of fun and relaxation, especially during the spring, summer and warmer autumn months (mid April – mid October).
Dagály Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool
- Why it’s family-friendly: Recently renovated, Dagály offers both thermal and recreational pools. It features children’s pools and family-friendly areas that make it an excellent choice for families.
- Facilities: Outdoor pools, children’s pools, playgrounds, and thermal pools for adults. The wide open spaces are perfect for families to relax while children play in the water. Lesser known and affordable choice.
- Best for: Families looking for an outdoor pool experience with some thermal options for adults.
Csillaghegyi Thermal Bath
- Why it’s family-friendly: One of the oldest baths in Budapest, Csillaghegyi is known for its peaceful atmosphere and family-oriented services. It recently underwent renovations and now features modern pools, making it a good choice for families.
- Facilities: Outdoor and indoor pools, children’s pools, adventure pools, and water slides. There’s also a dedicated children’s play area. Lesser known and affordable choice.
- Best for: Families who prefer a quieter environment with well-maintained pools and play areas for children.
Paskál Bath
- Why it’s family-friendly: As one of the newer and more modern baths, Paskál is less crowded and has facilities that cater well to families. It’s an ideal location for a more relaxed day with children.
- Facilities: Outdoor pools, children’s pool, a play area, and non-thermal pools. The bath also has a wellness section for parents to enjoy while their children are entertained. Lesser known and affordable choice. Regular summer swim clubs available if you are staying for a longer time.
- Best for: Families looking for a less crowded, quieter bath experience with pools for children.
Please Note when Visiting Baths in Budapest:
- Supervision: Children must be supervised at all times, especially in larger baths.
- Swim Diapers: If you’re bringing babies or toddlers, make sure to use swim diapers, as this is a requirement in most baths. The more popular baths (Szechenyi, for instance) do not accept children with swim nappies.
- Age Restrictions: Some baths have age restrictions for thermal pools and saunas, so it’s best to check in advance. Thermal baths are typically open from 14 years of age. Lidos and lido type thermal baths are open to families with younger kids.
- Facilities for Children: Look for baths that offer dedicated children’s pools, slides, chutes and play areas to ensure an enjoyable experience for the entire family.
- Explore Hungary and visit Lake Balaton: a sweet water lake with plenty of great open air lidos, nice accommodation and a cycling route around the whole lake.
Please note that Szechenyi Bath, Gellert Spa and Rudas Bath are mostly visited by adults or young adults, from the age 14. In Rudas Bath, children under 14 are not allowed to enter the facilities. In Szechenyi Bath and Gellert Spa, the vast majority of hot spring pools are not available for children aged 0-13 years of age. Some more mature, relaxed teenagers may enjoy the time travel in Rudas Baths or chilling out in the general atmosphere of Szechenyi or Gellert Spa.
With so many family-friendly options in Budapest, you’re sure to find a bath or pool that fits your family’s needs.
