Budapest Thermal Baths With Kids: Palatinus Thermal Baths

Last Updated on April 8, 2024 by Leslie Stroud

Budapest claims the 9th largest city in the European Union and has a population of nearly two million.  One thing is certain about this population: they love their thermal baths!

We explored this lovely city last year, and also found other family-friendly activities that our kids enjoyed!

With nine medicinal baths and over 120 hot springs, Budapest can also be considered the spa capital of Europe.  Budapest lies on a geographic fault line, resulting in hundreds of thermal springs rising to the surface in the Budapest area.

This city has been famed for its thermal baths since the Romans and before.  However, most of these springs are catered to adults. Children under 14 are not allowed in most of the hot springs.  But there is a wonderful option for families!

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Child-Friendly Thermal Baths In Budapest

Welcome, Palatinus Thermal Baths! One of only a few child-friendly thermal baths.  Big enough to hold up to 20,000 people, Palatines is a family paradise.  

How Many Pools Do Palatinus Thermal Baths Have?

Palatinus Baths are open year-round and offer 15 pools, including:

• Wave pool
• Slides in the summer (note children must be pretty tall, a shoulder height of 1.2 m)
• Lap pools
• Toddler pools
• Indoor pools
• Geothermal steam room

You can also find on the property:

• Cafes and eating areas
• Playgrounds
• Fields to play in
• Spa treatments, including massages (for ages 14 plus)
• Locker and shower rooms
• Swim cap if you want to swim laps
• Bathrobes if you need them, but not required
• Swimsuits

Where is Palatinus Thermal Bath Located?

Conveniently located in the heart of Budapest, Palatinus Bath is on Margaret Island in the Danube River.  This island used to be called the Island of Rabbits as it was used for hunting.  Margaret Island is huge and hosts plenty of activities outside of the thermal baths.

Margaret Island can be reached by public bus, rented bikes, Uber, taxi, or even by ferry.  If you take a river cruise, which I’d highly recommend, they often stop at Margaret Island.

Can All Children Swim At Palatinus Thermal Baths?

Anyone age three and older that is potty-trained can swim.  Unfortunately, toddlers in diapers cannot, even with a swim diaper.  They can come but stay out of the pools.

What Does Palatinus Thermal Baths Cost To Visit?

As currency and prices are always changing, be sure to visit their website.  However, an adult is currently around $12, and a family of four can visit for around $35.

If you’d like to be able to store your items in a changing cabin, pay the cabin price.  Otherwise, you’ll have a regular locker and can use the changing rooms when free.

If you only visit in the morning, the cost can be less, and the crowds can be lighter.  It is the best time to visit. However, we closed down the pools!

What To Bring When Going To Palatinus Thermal Baths With Kids

• Swimsuit – make sure everyone has appropriate swimwear.
• Sunscreen – since it is an outdoor facility, protecting your family’s skin from the sun’s harmful rays is important.
• Flip-flops – at most baths in Budapest, these are 100% required, and you can be denied entry without them.
• Towels (although you can rent them) if you prefer to use your personal.
• Shampoo, soap, etc., for showering after.
• Inflatable toys (they are allowed, unlike most other baths!)
• Food and drinks if you don’t want to buy them there.  We did buy lunch there and found it reasonable and delicious.

Lockers And Storing Items At Palatinus Thermal Baths With Kids

You can buy or show your online tickets when you arrive at the thermal baths.  You’ll receive a bracelet that will open your lockers and get you into the pools.

Note that lockers and changing areas are all co-ed.  Only showers are gender separate, although I didn’t find much privacy there. Men were walking right around the open door.

Leave all your items in the locker.  If you’d like to take a phone or wallet out to the pool, there are small wallet lockers near some of the pools.

Tips for Visiting Palatinus Thermal Baths With Kids

• Remove all jewelry before entering the baths. The minerals in the water can discolor your jewelry.
• Put up your hair.  The minerals in the water can also discolor your color-treated hair.
• Pools are closed 15 minutes before the end of the day, and the locker rooms are INTENSE.  They will yell at you to vacate, whether you are dressed, ready or not.  Locker rooms are totally cleared out 15 minutes after closing.
• There are hand dryers modified to dry hair, but you most likely won’t be able to use them in a large crowd.
• The wave pool will be announced 5 minutes before with bells.  Note that the waves are intense!  Keep your littles at the back.
• While fun-looking, the slides are meant only for tweens, teens, and adults.  Little kids probably can’t use them, even with an adult, as they need to be 1.4 meters tall at the shoulders.

Other Kid-Friendly Thermal Baths In Budapest

If you want to hit up more than one bath with children, you can also check these out:

• Dagály Bath lies near the Danube River and the Dagály Swimming Complex. The thermal bath offers a range of indoor and outdoor pools with varying temperatures, as well as a sauna, steam room, and other wellness facilities. The water temperature ranges from 28°C to 38°C, with some pools featuring whirlpool and massage functions. Restaurants are available on-site.

• Széchenyi Bath is known to be the most visited spa in Budapest. It has 18 pools and 10 saunas/steam cabins where medicinal natural hot spring waters stream. There are also several massage therapies, facial treatments, and more. Kids under 14 years old are welcome. If the parents decide to bring their children at their own responsibility, they can. Under 14, children are only allowed to use the three outdoor pools (under parental control). Babies and toddlers can come with you to the bath and stay outside the pool area.

• Csillaghegy Árpád Thermal Baths offer a playhouse for kids with a variety of pools and colorful slides!

• Paskál Open-Air Bath is the latest spa in Budapest. Offers an exciting place for children where they can enjoy creatures to play on the waters, water toys, and mini slides are also placed around the pool. Playgrounds are available on-site to keep the kids occupied a little longer.

Overall, most thermal Baths in Budapest allow kids in the pool. There are certain restrictions, though. Read the complete information here.

Most Popular Adult Thermal Baths In Budapest

You have plenty of options with over 120 springs to choose from in Budapest. However, the most popular “IG-worthy” baths are Széchenyi Spa and Swimming Pools and Gellért Spa and Hotel.  Children CAN visit some of the outdoor pools here.

Other options include:

• Rudas Baths is exclusive for adults and teens above 14. Built during the 16th century, you will surely notice the exquisite design of this therapeutic swimming facility. The water from the springs in the drinking hall can be consumed for a cure.

• Lukács Baths features a unique historical atmosphere, with its original architecture and decor preserved. The bath complex also hosts various cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year. Many people from all over the world have experienced successful healing cures at Lukács Bath.

• Veli bej Spa was originally built during the Ottoman period in the 16th century, and has been recently renovated to provide modern facilities while preserving its original architecture and decor. The water temperature ranges from 32°C to 40°C, with some pools featuring massage and whirlpool functions. Perfect for adults!

Note: Each thermal bath has a schedule where some days are set exclusively for men or women guests only. It’s best to check their website before your visit.

Where To Stay In Budapest with Kids

Family-friendly hotels are always on top of your list when traveling with kids. We’ve picked some of the highly rated hotels within Budapest City Center to ensure you have options on hand:

• Hotel Parlament is close to a metro station, the House of Terror, and the Hungarian State Opera House. The hotel provides a roundtrip airport shuttle.

• Hotel Palazzo Zichy is situated near the Corvin Plaza and Great Market Hall. Don’t worry if you need to shop while the kids are asleep. Some notable landmarks also include Dohany Street Synagogue and Gellert Thermal Baths.

• Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest is a few minutes away from the Budapest Eye. Kids shouldn’t miss it! The hotel has an on-site spa where you can treat yourself to some relaxation.

Other Things To Do In Budapest With Kids

While you can check out our other blog post on fun things to do in Budapest with kids, here are some other options to consider:

• Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise will give you a different look of Budapest with all the buildings lit up. What a simple, perfect family date while enjoying a drink.

• Live-Guided Segway Tour to Margaret Island lets you enjoy the surroundings while riding a segway. Margaret Island is a notable place in Budapest, a tranquil getaway within the city. Here you’ll see a musical fountain and a small zoo. It also has jogging tracks and is close to thermal spas and swimming pools. Pop-up bars and live bands make summertime even more fun!

• Shoes on the Danube Bank is a memorial located on the bank of the Danube River. It is a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, specifically the Jews who were forced to remove their shoes before being shot and thrown into the river by the Arrow Cross militiamen during World War II. A great way to teach our kids a little history while traveling.

Budapest is a magnificent city that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for travelers around the world. We hope you enjoy your trip!

Xoxo,

Leslie

Additional Reading

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