Children's Day Programme Ideas for 2025
Children’s Day is celebrated around the world as a way to honor and advocate for the well-being, rights, and happiness of children. The tradition dates back to the early 20th century, with Turkey being one of the first countries to officially recognize it in 1920. The United Nations later designated November 20 as World Children’s Day, but many countries celebrate it on different dates—June 1 in much of Eastern Europe and Asia, April 23 in Turkey, and early May in Japan, for example. In Hungary, and especially in Budapest, Children’s Day is traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday of May. While the official day may fall on one specific date, in Budapest it often becomes a weekend-long festival of events and joy, with countless free activities and family-friendly programs taking place all over the city.
Budapest is celebrating Children’s Day 2025 with colorful, exciting programs all around the city on May 24–25. Whether you're a local family or visiting with little ones, you'll find plenty of free or family-friendly events to enjoy. Here's a roundup of the top picks for this special weekend:
"Creatures and Aliens" – Children’s Day on Margaret Island
📍 Margaret Island Open-Air Theater
🗓️ May 24, 10:30 AM
Margaret Island will be transformed into a magical world of fantasy and space! Kids can meet mythical creatures in an ogre’s swamp, peek into a rabbit’s burrow, and even launch rockets with aliens. The event is connected to three special theatrical productions: a musical adaptation of Shrek, an orchestral screening of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Alice in Wonderland.
🎭 Expect interactive experiences, costumes, and activities designed to spark the imagination. A great opportunity to enjoy the island and a little bit of theatrical magic!
Children’s Day at the Children’s Railway
📍 Hűvösvölgy Station (Buda Hills)
🗓️ May 25, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
This unique railway line, operated by children under adult supervision, offers a truly special Children’s Day experience. On May 25, trains will run more frequently, and extra short-distance rides will be available along the lower section of the line.
👮♀️ Activities at the station include games, presentations, and the chance to learn more about railway history in a hands-on way.
https://gyermekvasut.hu/2025/05/gyermeknap-a-gyermekvasuton-2025/
Children’s Day at the Hungarian Railway Museum
📍 Hungarian Railway History Park
🗓️ May 24–25
This is one of the largest family events of the weekend! With live concerts, kids’ yoga, crafts, and train-themed attractions, it’s a paradise for both train fans and energetic toddlers.
🎶 The main stage will host Hungary’s most beloved children’s bands, and the museum’s famous miniature railway, turntable rides, and locomotive simulators will be running all weekend.
https://vasuttortenetipark.hu/rendezvenyek/dm-gyermeknap-2025/
Children’s Day at Budaörs Airport
📍 Budaörsi Repülőtér (Budaörs Airport)
🗓️ May 25, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🎟️ Free entry
Calling all future pilots and space explorers! This year’s Children’s Day at Budaörs Airport promises a sky-high experience for the whole family — including grandparents. The airfield will transform into a fun-filled playground featuring both earthbound adventures and celestial wonders.
Program highlights include:
Scenic flights – get a bird’s-eye view of the city!
Military vehicle displays – perfect for curious little adventurers.
Inflatable playgrounds and a mobile adventure park – for active kids of all ages.
Costumed entertainers and animators – bringing stories and games to life.
Baby corner by MVM – a cozy play zone for toddlers.
🌌 Space lovers will especially enjoy the Traveling Planetarium, offering ongoing astronomy shows throughout the day. Sit back in a comfy seat and let the stars come to you!
🍽️ A gastro courtyard will serve delicious snacks and refreshing drinks to keep everyone fueled and happy.
With a wide range of engaging activities, this is a perfect all-day family outing just outside the city. Whether you're there for the aircraft, the science shows, or the slides and swings, Budaörs Airport’s Children’s Day will be a memorable adventure for kids and grown-ups alike.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1193417898914485/
Children’s Day at the Money Museum (Pénzmúzeum)
📍 Hungarian Money Museum (Pénzmúzeum), Budapest
🗓️ May 25, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Free entry, with limited capacity (300 indoors, 130 on the terrace)
Ever wanted to design your own coin or become a medieval king just by striking a royal pose? Then Children’s Day at the Pénzmúzeum is the place to be! On May 25, kids and families can dive into the fascinating world of money — past, present, and future — through interactive games, hands-on workshops, and treasure-hunt-style learning.
🪙 Activities throughout the day include:
AULA
Design Your Own Currency (11:00–15:00)
Kids can let their imaginations run wild while creating their own coins from provided templates, using drawing, rubbing, and even metal embossing techniques.
700 Years of the Gold Florin (11:00–15:00)
To honor the 700th anniversary of King Charles I’s (Károly Róbert’s) introduction of the Hungarian gold forint, children can re-create this iconic coin using fun craft methods.
Museum Education Room
Money Maze Game (12:00–16:00)
A board game-style activity where school-age children journey through financial and historical challenges to make their way to the finish.
Permanent Exhibition
Financial Trivia Trail (10:00–18:00)
Throughout the exhibit, kids can answer fun questions. Those who get them all right will earn a bonus tallér they can use for discounts in the museum café!
What Money Looked Like in Hunyadi’s Time (11:00–16:00)
Through observation and role-playing, children will explore old Hungarian coins featuring figures like Saint Ladislaus and Mary, learning how to recognize historical rulers based on coin details.
Coin Recognition Card Game (14:00–18:00)
A playful challenge for both kids and adults — test your memory and your eye for detail in this fun coin-themed game.
With both creative crafts and history-themed games, this event makes learning about money genuinely exciting. But due to fire safety rules, entry is limited, so early arrival is highly recommended!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1711437499764661
Kertvárosi Children’s Day at Erzsébetliget
📍 Erzsébetliget, Hunyadvár utca 43/c, Budapest, 1165
🗓️ May 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM
🎟️ Free entry
Celebrate Children's Day in Budapest's 16th district at the Kertvárosi Gyereknap, hosted by the Erzsébetligeti Színház. This family-friendly event promises a delightful day filled with engaging activities and entertainment for children of all ages.
Event Highlights:
Interactive Performances: Enjoy captivating shows designed to entertain and inspire young minds.
Creative Workshops: Participate in hands-on activities that encourage creativity and learning.
Outdoor Games: Engage in fun games and challenges suitable for various age groups.
Community Spirit: Experience the warmth of the local community coming together to celebrate children.
This event offers a perfect opportunity for families to spend quality time together in a lively and welcoming environment. Don't miss out on the festivities that make Children's Day special in the heart of Budapest's garden city district.
https://kulturliget.hu/csaladi/gyereknap-2025
Children’s Day Guided Tour at the House of Music Hungary
📍 Magyar Zene Háza (House of Music Hungary), City Park – Városliget
🗓️ May 25, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
🎟️ Ticket required – limited to 12 children per session
👶 Recommended age: 4–8 years
If you're looking for an engaging musical experience for your little one this Children’s Day, the House of Music Hungary offers a magical 90-minute tour crafted especially for young visitors. As part of their Hangdimenziók (Sound Dimensions) exhibition, the museum invites children aged 4 to 8 to explore the world of sound and music through interactive, child-friendly storytelling.
🎼 What to Expect:
A guided tour designed specifically for kids, making the immersive exhibition more accessible and fun.
Exploration through games, music, and hidden corners of the permanent exhibition.
While the children are absorbed in this sensory journey, parents are free to enjoy the exhibit at their own pace, uninterrupted.
The small group size (max. 12 participants) ensures personalized attention and a calm, focused environment. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and the sessions only run if at least 5 children register — so book early!
Tickets available here: https://ligetplusz.hu/jegyek/gyerekeknek-szolo-tarlatvezetes-mzh-2025-05-25
Whether your child is already a mini maestro or just loves to explore new sounds, this program offers a wonderful way to introduce them to the magic of music in one of Budapest’s most beautiful modern cultural spaces.
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