Excursions with children
Water parks, kart, trampolines, bowling and zoos in 18 countries.
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All parents know the moment: it rains on the campsite or the children have enough of the pool, and then comes the question: “What do we do today?” With our two boys of about 7 and 9 in mind, we have put together water parks, karts, trampolines, bowling, zoos and excursions for rainy days per country, with specific addresses. We only name places with their own website, and we checked them on 14 October 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so have a quick look at their website beforehand.
Compiled and checked by Arjan (Zuidlaren) · Sources are in the text · updated 20 October 2026 · About this page
Country: Slovenia (29) · Croatia (35) · Hungary (26) · Czech Republic (30) · Poland (32) · Slovakia (20) · Montenegro (7) · Bosnia and Herzegovina (6) · Serbia (15) · Nordmazedonien (8) · Albania (5) · Kosovo (3) · Romania (16) · Bulgaria (11) · Moldova (4) · Estonia (18) · Latvia (11) · Lithuania (12)
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288 activities
Slovenia
Water parks and thermal baths
Vodno mesto
One of the largest covered water worlds in Europe, since 2005 in the BTC City. According to the website, there are 17 pools, 14 saunas and own offers for the youngest, all year round. Good to combine with WOOP!
Website: atlantis-vodnomesto.si
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: romanm (talk) · Public domain · all photo credits
Terme Čatež
According to its own website, the largest water park in Central Europe, with a summer and a winter thermal Riviera full of pools and slides. In addition, saunas, spa, hotels and a campsite on the site, so you can also stay directly there. Online reservation through the website.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Sietze Kraak · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Terme Ptuj
Thermal resort on the edge of Ptuj with a thermal park with indoor and outdoor pools. According to the website, there is the largest slide system in Slovenia. There are hotels, bungalows, a campsite and glamping, and the old town of Ptuj is just around the corner.
Website: sava-hotels-resorts.com
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: V0lkanic · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Terme 3000
According to the website one of the largest thermal parks in Slovenia, in Moravske Toplice in the flat east of the country. Indoor and outdoor pools with slides, wellness and regional cuisine from Prekmurje. You can stay in hotels, a holiday village and on the campsite.
Website: sava-hotels-resorts.com
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Pudelek (Marcin Szala) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Terme Olimia (Aqualuna)
Spa resort in Podčetrtek near the Croatian border, with the Aqualuna water park. The website mentions wellness, health and explicitly family experiences; there are family packages, tickets are also available online. A good stop on the way to Croatia.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Walter Della Schiava · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Karting, trampolines & indoor fun
WOOP! Fun Park
Large indoor fun park on 3,500 m² with 21 attractions, including trampolines, climbing walls, a parabolic slide and an obstacle course. With a ticket you can use according to the website all attractions, the children put together their mix themselves. Ideal for letting off steam in bad weather.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Vaunce · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
WOOP! Karting and Glow Golf
Electric karts on a modern 430-metre indoor track over several levels, with tunnels, banked curves and light effects. According to the website, the track can be set up in three layouts. Children from 4 ride along in a two-seater, and there is glow-in-the-dark mini golf next door.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Jordiferrer · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Bowling
WOOP! Arena
Bowling, laser tag, VR and escape rooms under one roof, next to the kart track. According to the website, WOOP! Ljubljana has 10 attractions at 3 locations and also hosts children’s birthday parties. On Sundays, there is a family discount on all WOOP! attractions (according to the website).
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: SuperArticleGuy · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Bowling centre Strike
Bowling centre in Maribor with 16 well-equipped lanes and a restaurant. For children, there is the Mini centre Stlajk, a play area where children’s birthday parties with bowling are also held. A nice rainy afternoon on the way to Austria or Pohorje.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: RubbensMonet · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Climbing and adventure parks
Planica Nordic Centre
The ski jumping centre Planica in the valley under the Ponce at Kranjska Gora. According to the website, both the men’s and women’s world record in ski flying was set here. There are summer and winter activities, such as a zipline along the hill and a wind tunnel.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: J.O. · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Zipline Bovec
Zipline Park in Učja Canyon near Bovec, according to its website the largest in Europe and open all year round. Ten steel ropes from 250 to 600 metres, in total 4 km, plus a suspension bridge; expect a good two hours. Check minimum age and weight beforehand.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Aschroet · CC0 · all photo credits
Pustolovski park Betnava
A climbing park in the middle of the forest at Betnava Castle on the edge of Maribor. There are courses at different heights, so younger and older children can participate. Pay attention to opening hours: outside the summer is usually only open on weekends.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: qwesy qwesy · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
ZOO Ljubljana
The zoo of the capital on the edge of the Rožnik forest. According to the website, it is open 365 days a year, tickets are available online. In addition, there are experience offers and educational programs. Good to combine with a day in the city.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: August Dominus · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Lipica stud
Lipica Stud is the cradle of the White Lipizzaner and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a normal day you will see the mares go to the pasture, there are guided tours at fixed times and an official training. Carriage rides.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Gorupka · CC BY 2.0 · all photo credits
Summer toboggan run & cable car
Straža summer toboggan
Summer toboggan run on the hill Straža on the edge of Bled; up with the chairlift and then whizzing down. According to the website, you have a view of the lake, the castle and the mountains above. In winter, the hill is closed, according to the website.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Žiga · Public domain · all photo credits
Vogel cable car
Cable car from Lake Bohinj to the mountain area Vogel with a view of the Julian Alps. In summer, according to the website, there are hiking trails, disc golf, a bike park and paragliding, plus a restaurant and mountain huts. In winter, Vogel is a ski resort.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Qasinka · CC0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
Postojnska jama (cave)
You take the train into Postojna Cave, the ‘queen of the underworld’ according to the website. Children love the olm, the ‘baby dragon’, and there are more of them in the Vivarium. It’s always cool inside, so it’s ideal on rainy days too. Predjama Castle is very close by.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: JYB Devot · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Burg Bled
Medieval castle on a rock above Lake Bled, according to its website the oldest in Slovenia, with roots in the 11th century. Inside there is a museum, a print shop and a restaurant, and the view over the lake is magnificent. Tickets can be reserved online.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Adiel lo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Museum of Kobarid
A museum about the Isonzo Front in the First World War and the Twelfth Battle of the Isonzo. According to the website, models of the valley and Mount Krn, maps, photos and a documentary make it easy to follow. The walk to the Kozjak waterfall is nearby.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Dani 7C3 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Castle Predjama
Castle in a rock face, a few kilometres from the cave of Postojna; According to the website, the largest cave castle in the world, with Guinness record. It is open daily, even on holidays and in bad weather. Tip of the website: first the castle, in the afternoon the cave.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Dickelbers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Ljubljanski grad (Castle)
The castle on the green hill in the middle of Ljubljana, with funicular railway up and view from the tower. According to the website there are museums, guided tours, events and food with a view, for children also an exhibition with well-known Slovenian picture book illustrations.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Mihael Grmek · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Hiša eksperimentov
Hands-on science centre on Trubarjeva in the centre of Ljubljana, with experiments that children can try out themselves. According to the website, you can come on your own or as a group, and children’s birthdays are celebrated there too. A good plan for a rainy afternoon in the city.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author · CC0 · all photo credits
Technical Museum of Slovenia
The Technical Museum of Slovenia in an old monastery in Bistra near Vrhnika, according to its website the largest national museum in the country. To see are cars, agricultural machinery and old workshops, technical heritage and nature go together here. Nice indoor programme halfway between Ljubljana and the coast.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Mihael Grmek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Nature Parks & Family Walks
Vintgar Gorge
Wooden walkways along a narrow gorge with clear green water, 4 km from Bled. According to the website, the passage is 1.6 km long and up to 250 m deep, with a 15 m high waterfall; expect a good three hours. A safe path has led through it since 1893. Tickets in advance online, in the high season with time windows.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: EliziR · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Triglav National Park (Bohinj)
The only national park in Slovenia, with Lake Bohinj, hiking trails and visitor centers. On the website you will find a visitor guide, current conditions and rules of conduct, convenient for pre-reading. Bohinj is a quiet starting point for family walks.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Smihael · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Sečovlje salt mines
Nature park with salt pans near Piran, where, according to the website, salt is still harvested by hand in the old salt fields. There is a museum and lots of birds. The park protects nature and cultural heritage; opening hours and prices are on the website.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Ziga · Public domain · all photo credits
Velika planina
plateau with shepherd huts; with cable car and chairlift from the valley of Kamniška Bistrica. According to the website, it’s all about the world of shepherds, regional cuisine and nature, with walks, bicycle rentals and an adventure park for children. The timetable of the cable car is online.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Velikaplanina · Public domain · all photo credits
Rogla
Mountain area on Pohorje above Zreče, with hiking trails and, according to the website, a treetop walk. The website focuses on active holidays in nature, with accommodation and activities you can book online. A lovely place to stretch your legs on the way east.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Doremo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Caves
Škocjan Caves
UNESCO caves in the Karst, according to its website the first Slovenian monument on the World Heritage List. With a guided tour it goes through a huge underground gorge and over a bridge high above the river. From 1 November 2026, the visit is free of charge every first Sunday of the month.
Website: park-skocjanske-jame.si
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Lander at Slovenian Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Croatia
Water parks and thermal baths
Istralandia
According to its own website, the best-equipped water park in Croatia, in Istria. There is a wave pool, a family pool, a pirate castle for the little ones and many slides, from family rafting to free fall. Online tickets are cheaper.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Istralandia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Aquacolors
Water park near Poreč that claims the biggest slides in Croatia. Alongside slides such as Magicone and Windigo, there is a wave pool, a lazy river and a separate children’s water playground with Crocodile Bay. According to the website, online tickets are considerably cheaper.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Pantharei.2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Terme Tuhelj
Thermal spa in the hill country of Zagorje north of Zagreb. The site promises water, exercise and relaxation for all generations, with indoor and outdoor pools and a water park. At Hotel Well Family there are new, spacious family rooms.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Janjko · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Bizovačke toplice
Thermal bath near Osijek in Slavonia, with the Aquapolis water park full of indoor pools and slides, a wave pool and a family pool. The water is geothermal. Day packages, sauna world, overnight stay and children’s birthday parties, handy on a tour of eastern Croatia.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Belirac · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Karting, trampolines & indoor fun
Motodrom Poreč
Karting centre near Poreč which, according to the website, has been around for almost twenty years. There is a main track, a family track and a track with bambini karts for children aged 6 to 12. Plus padel, paintball and an adventure park. Closed in the winter months.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: unbekannt (gemeinfrei) · Public domain · all photo credits
Amazinga (Trampoline Park)
Amazinga in Zagreb calls itself the largest family centre in Croatia, with over 11,000 m² inside. The trampoline park has 14 attractions, from the slam-dunk zone to the large air cushion. From 6 years or 115 cm you jump with, smaller ones use mini trampolines and the mini ninja course.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Global Microscope · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Bowling
Everfun (bowling and SuperKart)
Large family centre in Zagreb that easily fills a rainy afternoon. According to the website, there is bowling, laser tag, karting and escape room, plus arcade games, a zipline, a flying cinema and an interactive LED floor. Children’s birthday parties are also celebrated.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Nowercza · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Climbing and adventure parks
Zipline Cetina (Omiš)
Eight ziplines over the Cetina Gorge, 3 km from Omiš, together 2,100 metres and up to 150 metres above the ground. With two guides, transport and equipment included, expect about two and a half hours. According to website from 7 years.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Modzzak · Public domain · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
Zoo Zagreb
The Zagreb Zoo is located in the large Maksimir Park, so after the animals the children can still let off steam. According to the website, it is open every day of the year. There are public feedings, where the keepers tell you about the animals, and the restaurant Kod morskog lava.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Perun at German Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
ZOO Osijek
According to its own website, the largest zoo in Croatia: 11 hectares of nature directly on the banks of the Drava, with more than 650 animals from all over the world. The zoo is a member of the European Zoo Association EAZA. Tickets are available online.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Roko Poljak · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Summer toboggan run & cable car
Dubrovnik cable car
With the cable car you float in a few minutes on the mountain Srđ, according to the website with the most beautiful view of the old town and the Elaphites. Children up to 4 ride for free. Due to annual maintenance, the railway is closed for a time in winter.
Website: dubrovnikcablecar.com
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Martin Falbisoner · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Freizeitparks
Fun Park Biograd
Theme park near Biograd na Moru, right on the Adriatic and a nice change from the beach. You choose between three worlds: Space, Pirate City and Wild West. There is an XD dark ride, an amusement arcade and a haunted house, and lockers are free.
Website: thefunparkbiograd.com
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Funparkbiograd · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Dinopark Funtana
Family park at Poreč, where dinosaurs, nature and shows come together. According to the website, forest trails lead past life-sized dinosaurs, plus live shows, a petting zoo, pony rides and driving attractions. In winter, the park takes a break, the season begins in spring.
Our opinion: We found the park, near our holiday accommodation by Poreč, very dated and not worth the money. Many things, such as paintball, cost extra. Check the website to see what the ticket includes.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Almondox · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
Aquarium Pula
According to the website, the largest aquarium in Croatia, housed in a 130-year-old Austrian-Hungarian fortress near Verudela in Pula. There are fish and sea animals from the Adriatic, and the fortress itself is already an adventure. Ideal for a grey day.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Viktar Palstsiuk · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Peek&Poke (computer and toy museum)
Museum in the centre of Rijeka, five minutes from Korzo, with more than 1,000 pieces of computer history on 300 m²: computers, game consoles and rare old computers. According to the website, you can touch most of it. There is also a childhood museum full of toys.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: aiva. · CC BY 2.0 · all photo credits
Aquatika (freshwater aquarium)
The only freshwater aquarium in Croatia, in Karlovac, the city of the four rivers. According to the website, it follows Croatian rivers from upper to lower, with endemic fish species and introduced species. There is an audio guide and coloring pages. Practical stop between Zagreb and the coast.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: AKA MBG · CC0 · all photo credits
Technical Museum Nikola Tesla
Large Museum of Technology at the Savska cesta in Zagreb, named after Nikola Tesla. The permanent exhibition features old cars, planes and trains, a replica mine and a demonstration of Tesla and electricity. In addition, temporary exhibitions, tickets bookable online.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Runolist · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Krapina Neanderthal Museum
Modern Museum in Krapina at the site of the Neanderthals. With life-like reconstructions of a Neanderthal family and a 'time spiral' from the origin of life to today. There are audio guides, guides and programs especially for families with children. Online reservation possible.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Janjko · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Trakošćan Castle
Fairytale castle on a hill above a lake, a protected cultural monument of national importance. Inside, a museum with a permanent exhibition; outside, a wooded park with a nature trail around the lake. According to the website, there is even an escape room in the castle.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Maxman · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Barone Fortress (Šibenik)
One of the three restored fortresses over Šibenik, next to St Michael's and St John's. From Barone you look over the old town and sea, and according to the website an interactive presentation brings the story to life. There are also programmes for children and young people.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Carsten Steger · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Nature Parks & Family Walks
Risnjak National Park
Forested mountain area above Rijeka, pleasantly cool in summer and habitat of brown bear, wolf and lynx. At the visitor centre in Crni Lug, the short educational trail Leska begins, ideal for children. The source of the Kupa is also worth a visit, tickets are available online.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Michal Klajban · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Učka Nature Park
Mountain park between Istria and Kvarner Bay, with educational trails, the Vela Draga waterfall and the observation tower on the summit Vojak, which is almost reached by car. According to the website, there are barbecue areas, e-bike rentals and a visitor centre in Poklon.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Michal Klajban · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Croatia's oldest and largest national park, with terraced lakes and waterfalls. Boardwalks take you on loops of different lengths, and the park boat and little train help small legs. With children, choose a short route, and book ahead in summer.
Website: np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Sietze Kraak · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Nature Park Medvednica (Sljeme)
Zagreb's wooded local mountain with the summit of Sljeme, according to the website with 2,589 mountain trails. Children usually find the medieval castle of Medvedgrad, the old Zrinski mine and Veternica Cave the most exciting. A lovely place to cool off after a day in the city.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Gvjekoslav · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Krka National Park
Waterfalls and wooden walkways along the Krka, with the famous Skradinski buk waterfall. The park has several entrances, viewpoints, cycling and hiking routes and boat excursions. For children there is a junior ranger programme and workshops. Bathing is no longer allowed.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Berthold Werner · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
National Park Paklenica
Two canyons, Velika and Mala Paklenica, steeply cut into the southern slope of Velebit. With children you can walk a little way into the larger gorge, past educational trails, an old water mill and the Manita peć cave. The park is also a well-known climbing area.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Biokovo Nature Park (Skywalk)
Mountain park directly above the Makarska Riviera, "a mountain with roots in the sea", as the website says. A narrow mountain road leads to viewpoints and the glass viewing bridge Skywalk. Tickets are available in the park's webshop.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Marko Jukić -Majkl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Boat Excursions & Islands
National Park Brijuni
An archipelago off Pula, according to the website with unspoilt nature and a rich history. You take the park boat from Fažana. On the main island there is a safari park with animals and Roman remains: a day of discovery for the whole family.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Dguendel · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Nature Park Kopački rit
A large floodplain at the confluence of the Drava and the Danube, full of birds. The park offers boat trips, canoe tours, birdwatching and a nature trail with water lilies. There’s an education centre at Tikveš Castle. In autumn, according to the website, you can hear the red deer roaring.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Misalalic · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
National Park Kornati
An island kingdom of bare islands in the sea, only accessible by boat. Day trips start in Murter and Zadar. According to the website, you can also snorkel, dive and visit the fortress of St. Nicholas. It feels like a real sea trip for children.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Ivana · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Island of Lokrum
Green island right in front of Dubrovnik, protected nature reserve and UNESCO heritage. The official boat departs from the old port, the boat ticket includes admission. Peacocks run around, there are historical gardens and the saltwater lake 'Dead Sea', where children can swim quietly.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Mljet National Park
The first marine reserve in Croatia, founded in 1960: a forest-rich island with two salt lakes. By boat you go to the island of Sveta Marija with the monastery in the middle of the Great Lake, in summer there is a little electric train, and you can rent bicycles.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Patrick Rouzet · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Caves
Jama-Grotta Baredine
Istria’s first show cave, in the hinterland of Poreč, with guided tours only. With a bit of luck you’ll see the olm, the mysterious cave creature. Next to the cave, the Traktor Story exhibition shows old tractors. It’s cool inside, so it’s a good choice on hot days too.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Marcin Grochowski · CC BY-SA 3.0 pl · all photo credits
Baraćeve špilje (caves)
Caves near Plitvice, with guided tours of the illuminated cave and a visitor centre with café-bistro Speleon. In addition, hiking trails such as the Ice Age Trail and a virtual tour. Combine it with a day at Plitvice or a stop at Rastoke near Slunj.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Modzzak · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Pećinski park Grabovača
According to its website, the only cave park in Europe, near the A1 motorway in the Lika. With a guided visit the cave Samograd, one of the oldest show caves in Croatia. In addition, educational trails, viewpoints, offers for children and paintball on the river Lika.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Pećinski park Grabovača · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Hungary
Water parks and thermal baths
Aquaworld
Large indoor water park at a wellness hotel in Budapest, open all year round and so a lifesaver on a rainy city trip. In addition to slides and pools, Aquaworld has a sauna world, baby swimming, a children's club with playhouse and water balls, according to the website. Children's birthdays are also possible.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Aquaworld Resort Budapest · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Hungarospa / Aquapark
One of the most famous thermal baths in Hungary, in Hajdúszoboszló. According to the website, there is a thermal bath, the covered adventure pool Aqua-Palace, an outdoor pool, an aquapark and an indoor pool. You can stay at the thermal hotel or at the thermal camping.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: MrSilesian · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Széchenyi-Bad
The famous thermal bath in the city forest of Budapest, with large outdoor pools where you can soak in warm water even in winter. Inside there are other pools, saunas and steam baths. Tickets are conveniently available online according to the website. Good to combine with the zoo next door.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR) · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Palatinus-Strandbad
Large outdoor pool on the green Margaret Island in the middle of Budapest. According to the website, there are healing pools, a wave pool, a slide park, saunas, sports fields and a playground, there is something for everyone. Ideal for a hot summer day in the city, shorter opening hours off-season.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Mister No · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Lake Hévíz
Large natural thermal lake at the western end of the Balaton, where you can simply swim. The website shows the current water temperature, even in autumn around 28 °C. The lake belongs to a rheumatism clinic, with indoor swimming pool and therapies.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: HTME · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Galerius-Bad
Renewed bath in Siófok on the south bank of Balaton, open all year round. According to the website, there are pools and slides for all ages, two sauna worlds, wellness and Lupetto, a children's world of their own. A good alternative if it is too chilly at the lake.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: GabeRiel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
AquaCity
A slide and adventure park in Zalaegerszeg in western Hungary. According to the website, there is a diving pool, a wild 'crazy river', adventure slides and a baby pool for the youngest. Nice if you want to plan a day on the way to Balaton.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: The original uploader was MrSilesian at · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Rába source
Experience and thermal bath on a peninsula where Mosoni-Danube and Rába converge, in the middle of Győr. There is a water park, a thermal bath, a swimming pool and a sauna world with Japanese saunas. According to the website with wonderful views.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Random photos 1989 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Miskolctapolca
The iconic cave bath of Miskolctapolca: you swim in thermal water through a natural, hundreds of thousands of years old limestone cave system, unique in Europe according to the website. Plus a sauna park and a swimming pool on the weekends. A special excursion, especially on grey days.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Palickap · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Aquaticum
A family-friendly complex in the Nagyerdő Park of Debrecen, with hotel, adventure bath, thermal bath, sauna world and outdoor pool in one place. The tropical hall with slides is ideal in bad weather. In addition, there are family rooms and junior apartments for everyone who wants to stay.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Jaceknow · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
Fővárosi Állat- és Növénykert
The old city zoo of Budapest, an architectural monument with historic buildings in the city forest. According to the website, you travel across seven continents and meet more than 8,000 animals. With online ticket you save yourself the queue. The Széchenyi bath is next door.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: 12akd · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Nyíregyháza Állatpark (Sóstó Zoo)
Large zoo in Nyíregyháza in eastern Hungary, open daily. Children will have a great time: according to the website, there is an oceanarium, an ice world, the Tarzan Trail, a seal show, camel rides, a petting zoo and a dino safari. You can even stay overnight in the zoo hotels.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Szilas · Public domain · all photo credits
Zoo Veszprém
A zoo in a wooded valley, according to its website only 15 km from Balaton and open every day of the year. A walking tour easily fills a whole day. There is an African savannah, a dino park, a playground and a children’s jungle.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Solymári · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Debrecen
Zoo in the heart of Nagyerdő Park in Debrecen, according to its website with 185 animal species from five continents. Next to it is the only permanent amusement park in Hungary with 24 attractions, so a complete family day. Throughout the year there are activities and animal shows.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Venczel József · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Szeged
Zoo in a forest-rich park on the edge of Szeged, which sees itself as a refuge for endangered species and takes part in breeding programmes. On the website you can read about new residents such as baby llamas and alpacas. There are show feedings and offers for children.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: El Nino · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Summer toboggan run & cable car
Bobpálya Budapest
An excursion spot in the green on the edge of Budapest since 1995. On the summer toboggan run you brake and steer the sled yourself, which children love. There is also an 18-hole mini golf course and an artificial-turf pitch for a kickabout.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Globetrotter19 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Children's railway (Gyermekvasút)
A unique narrow gauge railway through the forests of the Buda Hills, where primary school children work as conductors and dispatchers. The route runs year-round from Széchenyihegy to Hűvösvölgy, with six stops such as Normafa and Jánoshegy. Kids love seeing their peers at work.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
Tropicarium
Aquarium zoo in the south of Budapest, which calls itself 'the zoo with the sharks'. The highlight is the shark tunnel, plus tropical animals and plants. According to the website, there are daily feedings, you can celebrate children’s birthday parties and buy tickets online.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Хомелка · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Csodák Palotája (Palace of Wonders)
The 'Palace of Wonders' in Budapest, an interactive science centre on thousands of square metres where you experiment yourself. According to the website, there are science shows, a laboratory and a dedicated area for young children. Open until 7 pm at weekends and during the school holidays.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Pasztilla aka Attila Terbócs · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Hungarian Railway Park
According to the website, the largest open-air railway park in Europe, in Budapest. You walk among steam, diesel and electric locomotives and old passenger carriages, and there is a model railway house. Closed on Mondays; a great day out for small and big railway fans.
Website: vasuttortenetipark.hu
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: B.Zsolt · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Skanzen
A large open-air museum in Szentendre, just north of Budapest. In lovely countryside you’ll find 100- to 200-year-old houses from Hungarian villages and market towns, with their original furnishings. There’s a dedicated Skanzen programme for children and regular events. Due to renovations, some houses are temporarily closed.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Mediatus · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Burg Eger
The castle over Eger with the castle museum Dobó István. You will discover the castle history, a prison exhibition, the Heroes’ Hall and exciting underground casemates, where films are also shown. There are guided tours and family days. Here children can really picture knights and sieges.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Inga Tomane · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park
National memorial park near Szeged, called the ‘Park of Hungarian Adventures’, with more than 40 programs. In the rotunda hangs a huge round panorama painting, plus yurts, a nomad park, an open-air museum, an herb garden and monastic remains. Nice to combine with Szeged.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Pasztilla aka Attila Terbócs · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Nature Parks & Family Walks
Balaton-felvidék National Park
National Park above the Balaton with visitor centres, lookout points and hiking trails. For families, the most famous is the cave lake of Tapolca, where you travel under the city by boat through the cave. According to the website, there are also nature games and educational trails for children, tickets online.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Globetrotter19 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Kiskunság National Park
The puszta landscape of the Great Hungarian Plain, with sand dunes, steppe lakes and wide grasslands. According to the website there are visitor centres such as the House of Nature in Kecskemét and the Shepherd Museum in Bugac, plus a reconstructed Árpád-era village in Tiszaalpár and dozens of nature trails.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Mike Duchstein · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Caves
Caves of Duna-Ipoly (Pálvölgyi)
The dripstone caves under Budapest, such as the Pál-völgyi Cave, are managed by the Duna-Ipoly National Park and can be visited on a guided tour. There is a new visitor centre at the Pál-völgyi Cave. The park also offers nature tours, educational trails and children’s programs.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Christo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Czech Republic
Water parks and thermal baths
Aquapalace Praha
According to its own website, the largest aquapark in the Czech Republic, in Čestlice on the outskirts of Prague. In addition to the water world with slides, there is a sauna world, wellness and a hotel, as well as swimming courses. Ideal when a day in Prague gets rained off.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Jirka.h23 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Centrum Babylon
Family centre in Liberec called 'real fun factory'. Under one roof there is an aquapark with sauna world, a fun park, a lunapark with indoor adventure golf, the science centre iQLANDIA and the iQPARK, plus bowling, laser game, 4D cinema and a labyrinth. Overnight stays possible.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Rawac · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Aqualand Moravia
Aquapark with, according to the website, the most covered attractions in the Czech Republic: 16 pools and 28 slides, 20 minutes from Brno by the Nové Mlýny reservoirs, on the site of old Roman baths. For children, there are pools on several levels with a rainforest, water curtain and water cannon.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Palickap · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Climbing and adventure parks
Lipno Treetop Walk
The first treetop trail in the Czech Republic, opened on the Lipno reservoir in 2012 and completely accessible. On the way there are 11 adventure stations for children and learning stations, above you look over the lake, the Bohemian Forest and sometimes the Alps. You come back down on a long dry slide.
Website: stezkakorunamistromu.cz
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Richenza · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
Zoo Praha
Large, green zoo in Troja on the Vltava, for more than 80 years. Plan a whole day. According to the website, there are adventure programs, you can even stay at the zoo, and there are own offers for families. E-tickets are available online in advance.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Karelj · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Safari Park Dvůr Králové
Safari park in Dvůr Králové, known for 75 years for its African animals and its work for the northern white rhino. You can also see the animals from the safari truck on an ‘Africa expedition’. According to the website, you can stay overnight and book experiences such as ‘invite an animal to lunch’.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Jiry.Drábek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
ZOO Chleby
One of the cosiest zoos in Central Bohemia, east of Prague. According to the website, you will see lions, bears, monkeys and a petting area. There are tours, nights in the zoo, and "a day as a zookeeper." A nice, manageable family trip.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Czeva · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Hluboká
Zoo in Hluboká nad Vltavou, near the white fairytale castle. More than 300 animal species live on over 4.5 hectares, with a focus on European animals. Good to combine with the castle or České Budějovice.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Zoo Hluboka · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Děčín
A zoo on a hill over Děčín, near Bohemian Switzerland. There is the ZooRekordy puzzle trail about animals with special talents, and the keepers tell you more during commented feedings. According to the website, the zoo is a member of the European association EAZA.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Jan Polák · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Plzeň
Plzeň Zoological and Botanical Garden, laid out by continent, with animals and plants mixed together. According to the website, there are public feedings, falconry demonstrations and 'close encounters' with animals, plus the Akva Tera aquaterrarium. You can work out the admission price online in advance.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Palickap · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Brno
A modern zoo on the Mniší hora on the edge of Brno. During commentary feedings and encounters, the caregivers tell about their animals, live streams are available for pre-watching. According to the website, each ticket supports international programs for endangered species.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Hugo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Olomouc
Zoo on Holy Hill (Svatý Kopeček) above Olomouc. According to the website, among other things, there is a South America and Africa pavilion, a giant aviary, a bat pavilion, a walk-through kangaroo enclosure and a safari. In the morning, children can help out as keepers.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: korinek · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Ostrava
Large zoo in Ostrava with many animals and a sprawling botanical park, 'nature at hand' according to its website. Five crowns from every ticket go to nature conservation. There is a family route, the Saola restaurant and even a double-decker bus to the zoo. Online tickets are possible.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Fry72 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Freizeitparks
DinoPark Plzeň
Dinopark in Plzeň, part of a chain of dinosaur parks across Europe. You walk among life-size dinosaurs from the Mesozoic era, and according to the website roaring T. rexes add to the thrill. There’s play equipment too, and tickets are available online. Dinosaur-mad children love it.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: DinoTeam · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
iQLANDIA
A science centre in Liberec over four floors, where you discover science playfully, according to the website. Recommended from 8 years, expect four to six hours. Next to it is the iQPARK for 3- to 8-year-olds, and the planetarium shows films about space and the Earth.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: VitVit · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Techmania Science Centre
Participation Museum for Technology and Science in Pilsen. According to the website, there are hundreds of interactive exhibits, a gyroscope, a 3D planetarium, workshops and laboratories, short films on a huge interactive globe and science shows. A full day of discovery for children who are keen to experiment.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Techmaniak · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
National Museum of Technology
The National Museum of Technology in Prague-Letná, with cars, planes and locomotives in a large hall. According to the website, there are areas for transport, architecture, electrical engineering and media, as well as offers for families with children. Nice indoor programme near Letná Park.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: High Contrast · CC BY 3.0 de · all photo credits
Království železnic
One of the largest model railways in Europe, in Prague, with 600 m² of miniature landscapes of the Czech Republic. According to the website, it has grown into a family centre where all the additional activities are included in the entry. There are children's activities, and you can celebrate your birthday.
Website: kralovstvi-zeleznic.cz
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: ŠJů · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Planetum
Under the name Planetum, the Prague Planetarium and two observatories work together. In the Planetarium in Stromovka Park there are dome shows, on the Petřín you can watch in the Štefánik observatory through real telescopes. There is an astrobistro for the break.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Martin Hlauka (Pescan) · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world, with St Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane full of tiny cottages. The official website has a map, tickets and routes. Check for closures in advance, as there is often work going on.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Arwin Meijer · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Karlštejn Castle
Gothic castle on a hill southwest of Prague, according to the website ‘the heart of the Holy Roman Empire’. It can be visited on a guided tour along various routes, there is a separate offer for children. Online tickets and reservation through the official website.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Radomír Šalda · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Český Krumlov Castle
The castle above the medieval town on the Vltava, once the residence of the South Bohemian nobility. You can choose from several guided tours through the castle rooms; children usually love the bears in the castle moat most. Tickets are available online through the official website.
Website: zamek-ceskykrumlov.cz
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Michielverbeek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Hluboká Castle
A white fairytale castle in southern Bohemia, according to the website one of the most important romantic monuments in Europe, with original furnishings and a large park. Visits are guided; choose a tour that suits your children. There are children's offers and refreshments.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Spotter2 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Lednice Castle
A romantic castle of the Liechtenstein family in the middle of an enchanting park, in the Lednice-Valtice area. As well as castle tours, the park has greenhouses and a minaret. According to the website there’s a special programme for children, and cyclists are welcome.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Pevnost poznání
Interactive science museum in Olomouc, in an artillery depot from the time of Emperor Franz Joseph, rebuilt in 2015. According to the website, there are four extensive exhibitions, enthusiastic animators, science workshops and a digital planetarium. Great for all ages.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Palickap · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Landek Park
Landek Park in Ostrava is a large site on an old mining hill with the mining museum, where it also goes underground, according to the website. There is also a sports centre, a camp and the Hlubina restaurant. A nice mix of history and outside.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Palickap · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Nature Parks & Family Walks
Prague Botanical Garden
The Prague Botanical Garden is located on a picturesque slope in Troja, next to the zoo. The highlight is the tropical house Fata Morgana. According to the website, there are several circular paths and even a vineyard, the Vinice sv. Kláry. A quiet excursion after a busy city day.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Czech Wikipedia user Packa · CC BY-SA 2.5 · all photo credits
Bohemian Switzerland National Park
One of the four national parks of the Czech Republic, founded in 2000 to protect the unique sandstone formations. You walk along rocks, gorges and forests along the German border. The website contains visitation rules and news about paths and viewpoints.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Stevacek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Pravčická brána
With a span of 26.5 metres, it is the largest natural rock arch on the European mainland, in Bohemian Switzerland. According to the website, the sandstone formed on the seabed about 90 million years ago. You reach the arch on a hike, and next to it stands the little Falcon’s Nest chateau.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Caves
Koněprusy Caves
The Koněprusy caves are located southwest of Prague and are managed by the Czech cave administration. It opens fourteen caves for visitors, including the Punkva caves in the Moravian Karst. Tickets and times are available online.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Honza Groh (Jagro) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Poland
Water parks and thermal baths
Suntago Wodny Świat
According to its own website, the largest indoor water park in Europe, half an hour from Warsaw, with real palm trees. There are many slides, a thermal pool, a wild river and a pool with a bar, plus sauna worlds like Valhalla. At the park you can stay in modern bungalows.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Radosław Botev · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Chochołowskie Termy
According to the website, the largest thermal complex in Podhale, with almost 4,500 m² of water in 52 pools. Children can let off steam on geysers, a white-water channel, a wave pool, a trapdoor slide and two tube slides. In summer there is a sandy beach outside with a water playground.
Website: chocholowskietermy.pl
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Aotearoa · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Park Wodny Kraków
Indoor aquapark in Kraków, which is one of the largest in Poland and Europe. In addition to the swimming pool full of slides, there is a sauna world, a fitness club, the Rodzinna Siesta restaurant and its own hotel. According to the website, there are offers for children and babies.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Igor123121 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Termy Maltańskie
According to the website the largest water resort in Poland with natural thermal water, on the Malta lake in the middle of Poznan. There are three zones: aquapark, sports pool and saunas. The Aquapark is open until late every day, so even after a city day it is still worth a jump.
Website: termymaltanskie.com.pl
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Klapi · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
ZOO Wrocław with Afrykarium
Zoo in Wrocław with more than 12,000 animals and the Afrykarium, a large covered hall with aquatic and African animals. The zoo is open 365 days a year, including public holidays. There are show feedings, children’s attractions and even overnight stays in the Afrykarium.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Palickap · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Gdańsk
Large, forest-rich zoo of about 125 hectares in Gdańsk, with animals from all over the world. According to the website, open year-round, with show feedings, and you can explore the zoo with the Vizoo app. Good to combine with a day on the Baltic coast.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Pumeks · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Chorzów
The Silesian Zoo in Chorzów, with a dinosaur park that makes children's eyes light up. On the website there is a map with walking routes, information about the animals and educational activities. The zoo takes part in campaigns of the European zoo association EAZA.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Magdalena Smyczek · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Warszawa
According to the website, the Warsaw Zoo on the Vistula is open every day, including Sundays and public holidays. There are set feeding times, a playground and the special Villa Żabiński with its own wartime history. New additions include penguins and an African enclosure.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Klarqa · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Hel Seal Sanctuary
The Fokarium in Hel belongs to the marine station of the University of Gdańsk, which houses seals. According to the website, they are researching the Baltic Sea and porpoises, with their own house of the porpoise. A small but educational excursion at the end of the peninsula.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Jersz · CC BY-SA 2.5 · all photo credits
Zoo Poznań
Poznań has two zoos: the small Old Zoo in the city centre and the large New Zoo on the outskirts, with an elephant house. According to the website, you can ride around the extensive grounds of the New Zoo in a little electric car. Tickets are available online.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: MOs810 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Orientarium Zoo Łódź
Zoo in Łódź with the Orientarium, a large covered building full of Southeast Asian animals, open all year round. The highlight, according to the website, is the daily elephant bath. There are show feedings, the Orientkowo play area and a light park. A good choice in bad weather.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Malyvbscra · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Summer toboggan run & cable car
PKL cable car (Gubałówka)
PKL operates the well-known mountain railways in Poland, such as the funicular up Gubałówka above Zakopane and the cable car to the Kasprowy Wierch. Even the trip to the top is an adventure for children. On the website there are live cameras and weather for planning.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Andrzej Otrębski · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Freizeitparks
Energylandia
The largest theme park in Poland, in Zator, according to the website the roller coaster park number one in the world. For families there is the fairytale land Bajkolandia for 2 to 6 years, a family zone, Smoczy Gród and the water park Aqualantis. Brave people venture into the extreme zone. Plan a whole day.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Tom a · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
JuraPark Bałtów
A large family park in Bałtów with a dinopark full of life-size models and a dinosaur museum. According to the website, there is much more: a prehistoric oceanarium, a safari park, a miniature park, playgrounds and kayaks. Expect a full day.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Almondox · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Zatorland
Theme park in Zator, where, according to the website, children can run wild all day: more than 100 moving dinosaurs, four themed zones, carousels and rides. On the website are the size specifications per attraction, handy for checking beforehand. It is close to Energylandia.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: D T G · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Park Świat Marzeń
Family theme park in Inwałd near Wadowice. According to the website, there is a fairytale castle, a miniature park with well-known buildings, a Lunapark, a water park and animation, in winter a winter park. More manageable than the large parks, beautiful with younger children.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Krzysztof Kozłowski · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Legendia
The Legendia theme park in Silesian Park has existed for over sixty years and has attractions for all ages. According to the website, there are restaurants, shops and a fast pass against queues. There are theme festivals throughout the year, such as Halloween.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Adrian Tync · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
Centrum Nauki Kopernik
One of the largest hands-on science centres in Europe, on the Vistula in Warsaw. 'Kopernik is not a museum', says the website: no showcases, you observe, try and ask your own questions. There is also a planetarium. Kids spend hours experimenting in here.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Kapitel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Wawel
Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków, seat of the Polish kings for centuries and one of the country's most important museums since 1930. You can see the famous tapestries of Sigismund Augustus and, according to the website, the largest collection of Ottoman tents in Europe. Legend has it that a dragon lived in the cave below.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Ingo Mehling · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Silesian Planetarium
The Silesian Planetarium in Chorzów is also a science park. The dome hall shows films about the stars, and according to the website there are permanent exhibitions, a spaceflight simulator and activities for the youngest, such as cosmic story hours.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Pudelek (Marcin Szala) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Hydropolis
According to the website, the only knowledge centre about water in Poland, in an old water reservoir in Wrocław. Multimedia, interactive installations and faithful replicas show water from many angles, from the deep sea to the tap. In addition, temporary exhibitions, tickets online.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Jacek Halicki · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Książ Castle
Książ Castle near Wałbrzych is one of the largest castles in Poland, with gardens and mysterious passageways. According to the website, it also has a large palm house, and there are guided tours at night. A castle that children love too.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Antekbojar · CC0 · all photo credits
Aquarium Gdynia
The marine aquarium on the quay in Gdynia shows the underwater world from the Atlantic Ocean to the Baltic Sea. There are multimedia guides and an educational wing with classes for children. Open daily, so handy in bad weather on the coast too.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Andrzej Otrębski · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Malbork Castle
The huge brick castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork. According to the website, there are various routes, including a family route in the summer, an audio guide for families, night tours and a tower to climb. There is even a refuge for dogs and cats.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: DerHexer; derivate work: Carschten · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Hevelianum
The Hevelianum Science Centre is in an old fortress on Gradowa Hill in Gdańsk, surrounded by greenery. According to the website, you learn about science, history and nature, with interactive exhibitions for young and old.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Panek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Rogalowe Muzeum (Croissant Museum)
Small museum on the Old Market Square in Poznań about the St Martin’s croissant, a baking tradition of around 150 years. In the show you see and hear how the croissant is made, and according to the website there are also shows in English. The museum is open seven days a week.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Kapsuglan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
EC1 Łódź
EC1 in Łódź is a cultural and scientific centre in an old power plant. According to the website, there is the Centre for Science and Technology, a Planetarium, the National Film Centre, and a Comic Centre. Children experiment themselves, ideal in the rain.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Tomasz.slomka.ec1 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Nature Parks & Family Walks
Góry Stołowe National Park
The website calls the Table Mountains (Góry Stołowe) near Kudowa-Zdrój ‘a land born from the sea’. You climb through rock labyrinths such as Błędne Skały and up Szczeliniec Wielki, and children squeeze through narrow crevices. Tickets are available online; watch out for closed paths.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Lech_Darski · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Boat Excursions & Islands
Raft trip on Dunajec
A trip on wooden rafts through the Dunajec gorge in the Pieniny, according to the website the biggest attraction of the Polish mountains. The rafters tell stories and legends along the way. It runs from 1 April to the end of October, and tickets are available online.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Jerzy Opioła · CC BY 2.5 · all photo credits
Caves
Wieliczka salt miners
The world-famous salt mine Wieliczka near Kraków. According to the website, you can choose between the tourist route to underground chapels and works of art made of salt and the miner route, where you yourself experience the work of a miner. At the top there is a graduation tower with salty air.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Steven Lek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Guido coal mine
The Museum of Coal Mining in Zabrze will take you underground with a guide to the historic pit Guido. According to the website, there are kilometres of underground routes and a connection of mining history with special attractions. A cool trip for older children.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Przemasban · CC BY-SA 3.0 pl · all photo credits
Złoty Stok gold mine
Old gold mine in Złoty Stok in Lower Silesia, according to its website ideal for adults and children. Underground there is a waterfall and a boat trip, and you can mint coins yourself. There is also a medieval mining village and a mining museum. Open every day.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Crusier · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Slovakia
Water parks and thermal baths
Tatralandia
A large thermal-water aquapark by the Liptovská Mara reservoir, with the indoor Tropical Paradise. According to the website there are lots of slides, a Caribbean area and Kid's Island for the little ones, plus a Celtic sauna world. You can stay overnight in the Holiday Village.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Pavel Ševela (Sevela.p) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Vodný park Bešeňová
Thermal water park in Bešeňová, near Tatralandia, with indoor and outdoor pools and slides. According to the website you bathe there all year in warm water, in summer there is a fun park with extra attractions. In addition, saunas and hotels on the site.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Thermal park Bešeňová · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
AquaCity Poprad
Aquapark in Poprad at the foot of the High Tatras, according to its website with 14 indoor and outdoor pools from 28 to 38 degrees and over 350 water attractions. The thermal water comes from 1300 metres deep. A large wellness centre on two floors.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Xgeorg · CC BY 2.5 · all photo credits
Aquapark Senec
Aquapark near Bratislava, open all year round according to the website, with indoor and outdoor pools, slides and children’s animation. There is also a wellness area and a Swimaréna for swimming lengths. On the website there is a 3D tour and tips for the first visit.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Michal Jakubský · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Thermal Park Dunajská Streda
Thermal bath in Dunajská Streda with indoor and outdoor pools and slides. According to the website open daily, you can stay directly on the premises in the hotel, in pensions or on the campsite. A sauna world and animation for children.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Ing.Mgr.Jozef Kotulič · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
Národná zoo Bojnice
The oldest zoo in Slovakia is located next to the fairytale castle Bojnice, both can be easily combined. According to the website open daily, even on holidays, the pavilions close an hour before the zoo. Tickets are available online.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Jano Gallo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
ZOO Bratislava
City zoo at the foot of the Little Carpathians, according to its website with 1154 animals of 169 species, including red pandas and orangutans. The only zoo in Slovakia with chimpanzees, giraffes and rhinos. Plus a dino park and commented feedings.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Matus.antol · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
ZOO Košice
One of the largest zoos in Central Europe, in Kavečany above Košice. According to the website, over 320 species live there, around 2,800 animals in total, some found nowhere else in Slovakia. There is also a dinosaur park, educational trails and feeding sessions with commentary.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Bubamara · Public domain · all photo credits
Summer toboggan run & cable car
Jasná (cable cars)
According to the website, the largest mountain resort in Slovakia, in the Low Tatras, with cable cars running in summer too. With children you can enjoy the panoramic trail on Chopok, a marble run, a bike park and children’s cars. The website even has tips for buggy-friendly paths.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Vrátna dolina
A valley in Malá Fatra National Park, with a cable car up to the ridge near Chleb. In summer, according to the website, there’s an AktivityPark, photo spots, a bike park and hiking tips for families. In winter it’s a ski area, with a children’s zone for the youngest.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Adrian Tync · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
High Tatras cable cars
Cableways in the High Tatras, from Tatranská Lomnica, Štrbské Pleso and Starý Smokovec, among others to Skalnaté pleso. In summer, according to the website, there is a boulder wall on the Hrebienok, mountain karts, boats on the lake and the Tatras Tower observation tower.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Ing.Mgr.Jozef Kotulič · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
Aurelium
The Aurelium in Bratislava is a hands-on science centre full of interactive exhibits on the former Matador site. According to the website, there are science shows, workshops and creative weekend programs for both small and large explorers. A good plan in the rain.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Vitenskapsformidler · CC0 · all photo credits
Oravský hrad
Orava Castle sits high on a rock above the river and is run by the Orava Museum. According to the website, there is an audio guide for the castle. The same museum also runs the Oravská lesná železnica forest railway, a little train that children love.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Lynx1211 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Mining Museum of Banská Štiavnica
The Slovak Mining Museum in Banská Štiavnica has six special exhibitions according to the website. In the open-air mine it goes underground through historical tunnels, you can visit the old and the new castle. The whole city breathes mining history.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Marián Hubinský · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Bojnice Castle
A romantic castle full of mysterious stories, according to its website one of the oldest and most important monuments in Slovakia. There are guided tours through the rooms, a route with the cave under the castle and own children's tours. The zoo is next door.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Castle Trenčín
The castle over Trenčín is supervised by the city museum. You will explore palaces, towers, the fountain of love and a dungeon. According to the website, the castle is open daily, and the museum also manages other attractions in the region.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Ingo Mehling · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Castle Devín (City Museum Bratislava)
The ruins of Devín Castle stand on a rock at the confluence of the Danube and the Morava, just outside Bratislava. They belong to the Bratislava City Museum, which according to the website also runs family programmes. A wonderful place to climb and look around.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Boat Excursions & Islands
Pieniny raft trip
According to the website, the raft trip on the Dunajec is the region's biggest attraction. From the harbour near Majere you drift 11 kilometres through the Pieniny Gorge, below the Three Crowns, in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The trip ends near Leśnica.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Petr Vilgus · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Caves
Demänová Caves
The Slovak cave administration supervises the caves of Demänová, such as the Ice Cave and the Freedom Cave. Also in summer it is freezing cold there, take a sweater with you. According to the website, you can take pictures free of charge in certain places during the tour.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Juloml · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Dobšiná ice cave
The Slovak cave administration supervises the caves of Demänová, such as the Ice Cave and the Freedom Cave. Also in summer it is freezing cold there, take a sweater with you. According to the website, you can take pictures free of charge in certain places during the tour.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: dariusz woźniak · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Montenegro
Water parks and thermal baths
Aquapark Budva
Aquapark Budva has long been the great water park on the Montenegrin coast, at Topliški put in Budva. Attention: The official website reports that the park is closed, last mentioned is the season 2023. Check beforehand if it is open again.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: KarenWunderkind · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Aqua Park Imanje Knjaz
Water park at the Imanje Knjaz estate in Mareza on the edge of Podgorica. There is a paddling pool for the little ones as well as slides and water attractions for larger children and parents. In hot weather the air-conditioned playroom is worth its weight in gold, and the restaurant serves lunch.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Jaceknow · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Karting, trampolines & indoor fun
Karting Centar Podgorica
Outdoor karting track on the road to Cetinje, built to CIK-FIA standards according to its website. Since 2026 there are new children’s karts with EasyDrive steering, plus a karting school and a café. After rain, driving only starts once the track is completely dry.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Henryk Borawski · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Summer toboggan run & cable car
Kotor cable car
Cable car from Kotor to the Lovćen mountains, with wonderful views over the bay. There is a lot above, according to the website: an Alpine Coaster, the Falcon Fly, the Aerobar, food and drink and a children’s playground. Shuttle buses depart from Kotor, Budva and Tivat.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: User:Ggia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
Aquarium Boka
The only public aquarium in Montenegro, in Dobrota near Kotor. In 18 basins you can see the world's oceans and the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, the Bay of Kotor and tropical seas. According to the website, the aquarium wants to stimulate the protection of the sea. Small and fine on a day in Kotor.
Website: aquariumboka.ucg.ac.me
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Desemeus · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Nature Parks & Family Walks
Durmitor National Park
Mountain area in the north of Montenegro with the Black Lake (Crno jezero), managed by the organization that also manages Lovćen, Lake Skadar, Prokletije and Biogradska gora. On the website there is a virtual tour and a learning corner. Tickets are also available online.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Jerzy Opioła · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Caves
Lipa cave
One of the largest cave monuments in Montenegro, near Cetinje, according to its website with 2.5 km of wild corridors and halls. A little train takes you to the entrance, and from there you continue on a guided tour; tours start at set times from the car park. Be there half an hour early.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Mitia Morovov-Sheiner · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Water parks and thermal baths
Bazen Veni Vidi
Veni Vidi in Bihać is named on the website the first leisure bath in the city, with an open wellness area. You relax in the hot tub and under massage jets, children have fun at geysers and other attractions. Nice after a day in Una National Park.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Cybularny · CC0 · all photo credits
Termalna rivijera Ilidža
According to the website, the largest spa resort in this part of Europe: 15 hectares on the edge of Sarajevo, on the warm springs of Ilidža. The indoor pools are open all year round, and in summer outdoor pools with a wave pool are added. There is also entertainment.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Cybularny · CC0 · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
Pionirska dolina (Zoo Sarajevo)
The Pionirska dolina theme park and zoo covers 8.5 hectares of greenery, just 2 kilometres from the centre of Sarajevo. According to the website, it is open 365 days a year. There are playgrounds with slides, bumper cars, electric cars, a little train and a carousel.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Smooth_O · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Summer toboggan run & cable car
Trebević Cable Car
The Sarajevo cable car was first built in 1959 and once again takes you from the city up Mount Trebević. According to the website, the city's favourite day out awaits at the top, with hiking and views over Sarajevo. Note: it doesn't run early in the week.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: MarinaSimic · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Jahorina
The Olympic Centre Jahorina near Sarajevo is a mountainous area with lifts and gondola, even in summer. On the website you will find slope and lift status, summer programme and events. In winter there is night skiing, in summer hiking with a view.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Alfred · Public domain · all photo credits
Nature Parks & Family Walks
Kravica Waterfall
According to the website, the Kravica waterfall is the favourite destination and summer resort of Herzegovina. The river Trebižat falls here 28 metres deep and forms a natural amphitheater of 120 metres wide. In summer you can swim and play on the water.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Rkoster · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Serbia
Water parks and thermal baths
Aquapark Jagodina (near Zoo Jagodina)
Jagodina describes itself on the website as the ideal mixture of fun for children and adults. Next to the zoo is an aquapark with eight pools, slides and play area. The zoo has a restaurant with a garden and a playroom for children’s birthday parties.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: MiljenkoR · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Petroland
Aquapark Petroland lies in Vojvodina on the way to Novi Sad, with indoor and outdoor areas. According to the website, there are slides, pools, sports pitches, beaches and a children's paradise, plus wellness. The outdoor area is summer-only, so check the times beforehand.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: mediaportal.vojvodina.gov.rs · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Karting, trampolines & indoor fun
Turbomax
According to its own website, the largest leisure centre in Belgrade, with a unique indoor cart track. Plus bowling, laser tag, billiards, Boccia and AR-Darts as well as a sports bar. On weekdays it only opens in the afternoon, on weekends in the morning.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Jordiferrer · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Skakaonica
A trampoline and adventure park at two locations in Belgrade: Ava Shopping Park and Dorćol. In the jump and adventure zone, children aged 3 and up combine jumping, climbing and balancing (under 6 with a parent). There’s a separate play zone for children under 8.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: 3steph14 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Climbing and adventure parks
Ada Ciganlija – Playgrounds
Ada Ciganlija is Belgrade's recreation island, with a bathing beach and, according to the website, lots of playgrounds, including an eco play park made from natural materials. A little tourist train runs around the island, and you can go pedal boating, play mini golf and climb.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Gmihail at Serbian Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 rs · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
Beo Zoo Vrt
Beo Zoo Vrt, the 'Garden of Good Hope', is located in the Kalemegdan fortress. It was opened in 1936 and, according to the website, is the oldest and largest zoo in Serbia, with over 400,000 visitors a year. Open daily, with puzzle tours for families.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Новик А.Н. · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Palić
The zoo on Lake Palić has existed since 1950 and is the largest in the country with 15 hectares according to the website. It is open 365 days a year. There are feedings, a botanical garden and a playground, half a day easily passes.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Miljan Simonović · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Summer toboggan run & cable car
Gold Gondola
The Gold Gondola on Zlatibor is one of the longest gondolas in the world according to the website: 9 kilometres from the centre of Zlatibor to the Tornik ski area, with a central station on Ribnica Lake. The journey takes about 25 minutes with great views. Out of season usually only on weekends.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Pears34love · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
Drvengrad (Mećavnik)
Drvengrad on the hill Mećavnik is the wooden village of filmmaker Emir Kusturica, near the narrow gauge railway Šarganska osmica. According to the website, there are alleys and squares, a cinema, a farm with animals, a swimming pool and a restaurant.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: White Writer · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Nikola Tesla Museum
The museum in Belgrade takes you into the world of inventor Nikola Tesla. According to the website, there are guided tours, including special tours for children. Open daily; the electricity demonstrations are the highlight for children.
Website: nikolateslamuseum.org
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Vislupus · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Museum of Science and Technology
The Museum of Science and Technology in Belgrade is housed in an old power station. According to the website, there is a permanent exhibition on people and technology, a toy gallery and a hands-on science playroom. Closed on Closed on Mondays.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Pink Flojd · CC0 · all photo credits
Nature Parks & Family Walks
National Park
Tara National Park is a forested mountain area above the Drina Gorge and, according to the website, the park with the most viewpoints in Serbia. There are hiking and cycling trails, educational trails and an accessible path. The visitor centres can help with more information.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: en:Bolonium · CC BY 2.0 · all photo credits
Đavolja Varoš
Đavolja Varoš in the south of Serbia, 27 km from Kuršumlija, consists of two rare natural wonders: over 200 earth pyramids with stone caps and two springs with very acidic, mineral-rich water. There is also a legend that children love to hear.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Dimo Dimov · CC BY-SA 2.0 · all photo credits
National Park Fruška gora
The Fruška gora near Novi Sad is the oldest national park in Serbia, founded in 1960. On the forested mountain range are many monasteries, round hikes, picnic areas and an info centre. A green day out close to the city.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Alexkom000 · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Caves
Resava Cave
The Resava cave is located 21 km from Despotovac and, according to the website, is one of the most unusual caves in Serbia. Guided tours pass by stalactites and stalagmites ranging in color from white to red. The most beautiful is the Crystal Hall.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Geograf208 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Nordmazedonien
Karting, trampolines & indoor fun
Skaj Kart
Outdoor karting track of 700 metres with 12 turns in Volkovo, in the north-west of Skopje. According to the website, there are modern karts and helmets for everyone, the lap times are measured digitally and shown live. In two-seaters, a parent drives with the child.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: PattayaPatrol · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Family Play Park
A modern indoor playground in the Cevahir shopping centre in Skopje. According to the website, there is a mini football field with artificial turf, a climbing scaffold with slides and tunnels, racing simulators, table tennis, PlayStation 5 and a sandbox. Parents have their own corner.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Andre Kaiser · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Climbing and adventure parks
Boat trip to Vrelo cave
You take a boat across the lake in Matka Canyon to Vrelo Cave, according to the website one of the top 77 natural sites of New7Wonders. Inside hangs a large stalactite shaped like a pine cone, and further back there are two lakes. Book online, pay on site.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
ZOO Skopje
The Zoo Skopje has existed since 1926 and according to the website has animals of 96 species. There are life-sized dinosaurs in Dino Park, and during the warm months, children are allowed to feed and pet animals in Baby Zoo. It is open 365 days a year.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Smooth_O · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
Stobi
According to the website, Stobi is one of the most famous archaeological parks in North Macedonia: an ancient Roman city with theaters and mosaics. It is located five minutes from Gradsko, with free parking, visitor centre and café. There is also an audio guide.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Vaurien · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · all photo credits
Nature Parks & Family Walks
Galičica National Park
Galičica Mountain is located between Ohrid and Prespa Lake and has wonderful viewpoints. According to the website, there are hiking trails in three difficulty levels, from short easy routes to ridges over 1600 metres, plus paragliding. Well-known ones are Magaro, Golem Grad and Sveti Naum.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Explorer1940 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Mavrovo National Park
Mavrovo is the largest national park in the country, with a reservoir and a half-submerged church. According to the website, it is home to many endemic plants and animals and a place for unforgettable mountain adventures. There is an information centre, and in winter you can ski.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Ismcuacor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Pelister National Park
The mountain area above Bitola, with the 'Eyes of Pelister': two mountain lakes high up in the park. According to the website, you can hike, go mountain biking and do winter sports in winter, and there is an adventure park. Local mountain guides can take you out on request.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Liridon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Albania
Water parks and thermal baths
AquaPark Albania (Blue Magic Water)
According to the website, the only aquapark in Albania, on 20,000 m² at the shopping centre Citypark on the street Tirana-Durrës. Four basins from 0.4 to 2 metres deep and more than seven slides; parking, showers, lockers, sunbeds and umbrellas are included in the ticket. Only in summer.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Андрей Романенко · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Bowling
BO Bowling Tirana
Large bowling centre on the Tirana–Durrës motorway at kilometre 6, with 24 lanes. According to the website, there are also billiards, darts, table tennis and karaoke, plus food and drink. It is on the same road as the water park, so easy to combine, or a good plan for a rainy day.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Photographs by Radosław Drożdżewski (Use · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
Tirana Zoo (Kopshti Zoologjik)
Tirana’s small city zoo was founded in 1966 and has been modernised. According to the website you’ll see lions, tigers, bears, wolves, lemurs, alpacas, snakes, tortoises and farm animals, plus an art corner for children. Afterwards they can run around in the Grand Park.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: BBB2021 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Summer toboggan run & cable car
Dajti Ekspres
According to the website, the Austrian cable car takes you to Mount Dajti on the longest cable car in the Balkans from Tirana. Upstairs are an adventure park, mini-golf, a playground and a restaurant on the rocky edge. It doesn’t run on Tuesdays.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: User:Albinfo · CC BY-SA 2.5 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
Bunk'Art
Bunk'Art are two museums in huge bunkers from the communist period: one behind the cable car to the Dajti and one opposite the Town Hall of Tirana. Exciting for children from 9, even when it comes to serious history. Both are open daily.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: BBB2021 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Kosovo
Karting, trampolines & indoor fun
HyperActive
Large indoor leisure centre in the Prishtina Mall, with kart, bowling, laser tag, VR, escape rooms and arcade games. At the Arcades you collect tickets for prizes. According to the website, reservations are advisable so that you do not wait. Ideal after a long drive or in the rain.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Ziko · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Bowling
BO Bowling Prishtina
Bowling centre in the Albi Mall in Veternik, Pristina, with 24 lanes. According to the website, there are also billiards, darts, table tennis and karaoke, plus food and drink. It belongs to the same chain as BO Bowling in Tirana, handy when you travel to both countries.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Singlespeedfahrer · CC0 · all photo credits
Freizeitparks
Prishtina Park
Prishtina Park behind the Prishtina Mall is the first theme park of its kind in Kosovo, according to the website. There are roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, a pendulum, hovercrafts, carousels and a bouncy castle, plus an area to eat. The park wants to open all year round, in winter with ice skating.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: SUHEJLO · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Romania
Water parks and thermal baths
Therme București
Large covered thermal bath and slide complex in Balotești near Bucharest, under a glass roof with palm trees. According to the website, there are three zones: wellness, relaxation and Galaxy, with wave pool and many slides. There is a separate area for children.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Daniele Napolitano · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Aquapark Nymphaea
Aquapark Nymphaea is according to its website the largest aquapark in this region of Europe, on 7 hectares. There are interior and exterior slides, a wave pool with thermal water, saunas and its own children’s world. Handy as a first stop after the Hungarian border.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: unbekannt (gemeinfrei) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Aqua Magic
Aqua Magic in Mamaia is known on the website as the most famous water park in Romania, on the Black Sea. There are slides for the brave, a baby pool and a water playground for the little ones as well as rest zones. The park is only open in summer.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Al at Dutch Wikipedia · Public domain · all photo credits
Karting, trampolines & indoor fun
Cyberjump
Air-conditioned trampoline park in the Parklake shopping centre in Bucharest, according to its website with 3000 m² of gaming space and over 14 different fields of interactive games. Open all year, with bistro for refueling. Cyberjump has two locations in the city.
Website: parklake.cyberjump.ro
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Christo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Vmax Electric Indoor Karting
According to the website, the only multi-storey indoor cart track in Romania: 600 metres with tight hairpins and fast passages. The electric karts have a boost button and a bumper system. There are junior sessions from 8 years and 1.40 m.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Stephanie Shapiro of www.xtremeindoorkar · Public domain · all photo credits
Bowling
FUN-O-RAMA
FUN-O-RAMA in the Grand Arena Mall, Sector 4 in Bucharest, is a family centre of 1450 m² under one roof. According to the website there is bowling and billiards, at dozens of arcade games children collect tickets for prizes, and for the little ones a playground.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: RCraig09 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
Libearty Bear Sanctuary
AMP Libearty in Zărnești is the largest protection centre for brown bears in Europe, according to the website. Over 170 bears from cages, circuses and restaurants live in 69 hectares of forest. Visits are guided only in the morning, children under 5 are not allowed.
Website: millionsoffriends.org
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Flominator · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Brașov
The zoo on the edge of Brașov also has a planetarium. You will see, among others, Siberian tigers, red pandas, Humboldt penguins, meerkats and Carpathian lynxes. Since September 2025, it has been a full member of the European Zoo Association EAZA. Closed on Mondays.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Whitepixels · CC0 · all photo credits
Zoo Sibiu
The Sibiu Zoo is located in the Dumbrava forest and, according to the website, is the first in Romania, opened in 1929. Over 300 animals from 74 species live there. You can also rent a boat, and there is a free app with a virtual guide.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Asurnipal · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Delfinarium Constanța
The Natural History Museum complex in Constanța on Bulevardul Mamaia has existed for more than half a century. According to the website, this includes a dolphinarium, an aquarium, a micro reserve with exotic birds, a planetarium and horse riding. Tickets are also available online.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: unbekannt (gemeinfrei) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Freizeitparks
Dino Parc Râșnov
According to the website, the largest dinopark in Romania, on 4 hectares under the castle Râșnov. There are 125 life-sized, mobile dinosaurs, including the giant 45-metre seismosaurus. Plus playgrounds, tree houses, adventure courses, a laser labyrinth and a 9D cinema.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Ken Grainger · CC BY-SA 2.0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
Salina Turda
Salina Turda is an old salt mine deep underground, according to the website the most spectacular man-made underground space in the world. You walk through tunnels such as Terezia and Rudolf, and at the bottom there is a Ferris wheel and a lake with boats. It is always cool down there.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Rkoster · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Burg Bran
Bran Castle stands on a rock in the Carpathians and is world famous as 'Dracula's Castle'. On the website you can read about the old fortress, the royal residence and the legend of Count Dracula. Open all year, there is a special programme for Halloween.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Todor Bozhinov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Peleș Castle
Peleș Castle is the Royal Castle in the mountains near Sinaia and today the National Museum Peleș. Children marvel at the magnificent halls. According to the website, you buy tickets only through the official ticket page or the local machines. Check closing days in advance.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Al at Dutch Wikipedia · Public domain · all photo credits
ASTRA Open-Air Museum
According to its website, the ASTRA Museum near Sibiu is the largest open-air museum in Europe. In the Dumbrava forest you stroll past mills, farmsteads and workshops from all over Romania, around small lakes. There’s an app and a virtual tour if you want a sneak preview.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Roeland P. · CC0 · all photo credits
Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum
The Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum in Bucharest shows in large dioramas habitats from Romania and the world with their animals. According to the website, a journey through nature. Including dinosaur skeletons, changing exhibits, educational programs, and a garden.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Bulgaria
Water parks and thermal baths
Action Aquapark
Action Aquapark in Sunny Beach is the first water park in Bulgaria, according to the website. The brave slide down the Black Hole, Twister or Kamikaze; families ride the Niagara together. Young children have the Water Castle and Adventure Island. Parents relax in the hot tub, only in summer.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Wizzard · Public domain · all photo credits
Karting, trampolines & indoor fun
Area 52 Sofia
Trampoline park in Sofia Ring Mall on the ring road, with modern trampoline zones and interactive attractions. According to the website, there is a light wall, monkey bars, a large airbag and battle beams where you try to knock each other off the beam. Ideal after a long journey.
Website: bulgaria.area52parks.com
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: E8943721c · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Sofia Karting Ring
Indoor karting track at Sofia Ring Mall, in the same mall as Area 52. According to the website, the track is 630 metres long with 17 turns, and you can just come by and drive. Children's birthday parties and a Cart Academy. Open every day until late.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.ne · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Bowling
MEGA Xtreme Bowling
Bowling chain with three halls in Sofia: Joy Station, Sky City Mall and Lyulin. According to the website, it all started in 2003, today there are over 22 lanes with modern technology. Many Bulgarian families celebrate children’s birthdays there, plus a catering menu. A good rainy-day outing.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: FrogsLegs71 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
Dolfinarium Varna
In the large marine park of Varna you can see the dolphins Dolly, Joanna, Bimbo, Kimbo and Flipper in a show. According to the website, you can also swim with dolphins, get a kiss from a seal and drink coffee with underwater views. On Mondays the dolphins have a day off.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Rumen & Oly · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Sofia
The Sofia Zoo was founded in 1888 and is the oldest in the Balkans. Over 1000 animals from 220 species from all over the world live there, 51 of them threatened. It is open without rest day and has over 500,000 visitors a year.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Maymay · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Summer toboggan run & cable car
Gondola Bansko
From Bansko, the gondola takes you up into the Pirin Mountains, to the ski area around Banderishka polyana. According to the website, there are lifts and slopes for all levels and a children’s lift for the youngest skiers.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
Muzeiko
Muzeiko in Sofia is a science museum designed especially for children, full of hands-on stations and with a climbing wall. According to the website, there is also a planetarium, a café-restaurant and DIY programmes. Tickets are available online; a good plan for rainy days.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Photojunkie · Public domain · all photo credits
Boyana-Kirche
The Boyana Church on the outskirts of Sofia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of three buildings from different centuries. The frescoes of 1259 are one of UNESCO’s most important collections of medieval painting. A small church, so a short visit that works well with children.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Interact-Bulgaria · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Museum Earth and Human
The National Museum of Earth and Man in Sofia is full of minerals, with its own exhibition of huge crystals. According to the website, there are also collections on Bulgarian minerals, gems and agates, as well as a geology corner for children and adults.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: MrPanyGoff · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Nature Parks & Family Walks
Balchik Palace and Botanical Garden
Queen Maria's summer palace in Balchik, the 'silent nest by the sea', with a large botanical garden by the water. According to the website open all year round, also on weekends, with virtual tour and interactive map. There are restaurants too.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Izvora · Public domain · all photo credits
Moldova
Water parks and thermal baths
VaraVara AquaCity
According to the website, the largest aquapark of Moldova, in Chișinău. There are pools for adults and children, fast slides, a wave pool, a children's club and heated water up to 26 °C, plus hot tubs to relax. Open in the summer season.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: ŠJů · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Karting, trampolines & indoor fun
Adventica
Indoor family park in PortMall in Chișinău, with 12 trampolines, an obstacle course for climbing and swinging, and a track with electric karts. There are road signs, zebra crossings and traffic lights, so children learn the rules of the road through play. According to the website, karts from age 7.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Vbenetis · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
Grădina Zoologică Chișinău
The Chișinău Zoo has created a farm where children meet goats, turkeys and other farm animals. New residents include a white tiger, a caracal, Patagonian maras and ground squirrels. There are playgrounds too.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Mariella1999 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Nature Parks & Family Walks
Orheiul Vechi
Cave monastery in a rock face above the river Răut, about 45 minutes from Chișinău. The area has been a protected cultural and natural reserve since 1968. According to the website, the villages of Butuceni and Trebujeni are the most important places, with beautiful views and regional cuisine.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Guttorm Flatabø · CC BY 2.0 · all photo credits
Estonia
Water parks and thermal baths
Kalev Spa Waterpark
Kalev Spa is located in the old town of Tallinn and is known for its water centre. There is an indoor pool with slides, swimming lessons for children and water safety, and you can celebrate children’s birthdays. The hotel is in the same house.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: giggel · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Tervise Paradiis
Tervise Paradiis in Pärnu is a spa hotel with a large indoor water park on the beach. According to the website, in 2025 it was awarded Family and Spa Hotel of the Year in Estonia. Next to the water park there is a sauna world, bowling and a children’s playroom.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Kristian Pikner · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
The Aura Keskus
According to the website, Aura Keskus in Tartu is a water park for the whole family, with slides, attractions and its own family area. There is also a pool for swimming lengths, a sauna world, and swimming lessons for children and babies. You can take a breather in the café.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: HendrixEesti · Public domain · all photo credits
Climbing and adventure parks
Nõmme Seikluspark
Climbing park in the green Nõmme district of Tallinn, according to its website with six high-rope routes and a children’s park for 2- to 8-year-olds. There is a picnic area and a treasure hunt. In autumn the park is mainly open at weekends.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Kynnap · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Otepää Seikluspark
The Otepää Seikluspark in southern Estonia is a centre for active leisure, according to the website. Climbing at altitude combines movement, thrill and play, there is something for everyone. The park is located on Tehvandi 3 and takes a break in winter.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Karbohut · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
Tallinn Zoo
According to its website, Tallinn Zoo has over 10,000 animals from 500 species, with one of the world’s best collections of ibexes and wild sheep, and lots of birds of prey. There is a children’s zoo, and feeding times are listed online.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Liilia Moroz · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Freizeitparks
Lottemaa
Lottemaa near Pärnu is the theme park around the cartoon girl Lotte from Gadgetville. According to the website, you meet the storybook characters, and there is theatre, workshops, exciting inventions, funny little houses, an adventure park, a planetarium and a beach.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Metsavend · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
PROTO Avastustehas
PROTO at the historic Noblessner shipyard in Tallinn is the world’s first educational VR centre. Inventions of the 19th century come alive: you fly in a hot air balloon or dive into the deep sea without getting wet. Perfect for rainy days.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Sinikka Halme · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Lennusadam (Maritime Museum)
Lennusadam belongs to the Estonian Maritime Museum and is located in an old seaplane hangar in Tallinn. The highlight for children is the real submarine for climbing. According to the website, it also includes the marina, with museum shop and café.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Hiiumaa mudeliklubi · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Science Centre AHHAA
The AHHAA in Tartu is the largest science centre in the Baltic States, according to the website. Children try out many exhibits there themselves, plus planetarium films, workshops and science theater. A good plan for an entire afternoon inside.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Teaduskeskus AHHAA / Science Centre AHHA · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Tallinn Television Tower
Tallinn TV Tower is 314 metres high and has the highest open viewing platform in Northern Europe, at 175 metres, according to the website. There are exhibitions, a mascot and a restaurant. For families, there are programs and holiday challenges.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Marmuras · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Estonian Open Air Museum
At the Estonian Open Air Museum by the sea near Tallinn, you stroll past farmsteads, mills and a village school in the woods. According to the website there’s a ten-stop adventure trail for children, horse-and-cart rides and food at Kolu Tavern.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Nenea hartia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Estonian National Museum
The Estonian National Museum in Tartu is a large, modern museum about everyday life and culture in Estonia. According to the website, there is a family room, a play forest, an escape room and an audio guide for children. A good rainy-day outing.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Arp Karm · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Toy Museum Tartu
The Toy Museum in Tartu shows toys and dolls from before, and children are allowed to play here themselves. According to the website, there is a playroom for crafting, a hands-on exhibition about superheroes and next door a children’s theater, the Teatri Kodu.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Maiemaie · CC0 · all photo credits
Bishop’s castle Haapsalu
Haapsalu Bishop's Castle has a museum about life in a medieval castle. According to the website, a 700-metre route over two floors leads past objects and interactive exhibits, in dim, atmospheric light. Exciting for all ages.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Sander Säde at English Wikipedia · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Castle Narva
Narva Castle stands on the river, right on the border with Russia, and belongs to the Narva Museum. According to the website, there are children's programmes, guided tours, a café and even castle picnics. Note: the castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Vaido Otsar · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Bischofsburg Kuressaare
Kuressaare Bishop's Castle on the island of Saaremaa houses the Saaremaa Museum, according to the website one of the oldest and most visited museums in Estonia, founded in 1865. In the medieval castle you discover the island's exciting history.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: WikedKentaur · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Nature Parks & Family Walks
Soomaa
Soomaa, the 'land of moors', is the wilderness capital of Estonia, according to the website. You explore it over boardwalks, in canoes or even on bog shoes. In spring there is the 'fifth season' when the water is so high that you can paddle through the forest.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: .waldec · CC BY 2.0 · all photo credits
Latvia
Water parks and thermal baths
Līvu Akvaparks
Līvu Akvaparks in Jūrmala on the coast near Riga is a large indoor water park with an outdoor area in summer. According to the website, there are slides and attractions, a family spa and a hotel. The water is about 25 to 32 degrees. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Raul Cortez999 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Karting, trampolines & indoor fun
KLIKK
According to its own website, this is Latvia’s largest indoor family leisure park, in Sigulda. There’s an electric go-kart track, a trampoline zone, a special skate park and sports classes for children, while parents relax in KLIKK KAFE. It combines well with the summer bobsleigh track and Tarzāns adventure park.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Steven Lek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Adventica Riga
Indoor family park in the Olimpia shopping centre in Riga, with trampolines, obstacle courses and electric karts on a track with road signs. According to the website, there is also a ball pit, a basketball simulator and one of the largest building rooms in the Baltics.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Niaz Abbas · Public domain · all photo credits
Climbing and adventure parks
Piedzīvojumu Parks Tarzāns
According to its own website, the largest adventure park in the Baltic States. In Sigulda there are 11 courses with 140 obstacles and a 1.1 kilometre long zipline. And a toboggan run. Tarzāns has other parks in Liepāja, Tērvete, Jūrmala and Daugavpils.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Iscream icecream · CC0 · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
Rīga ZOO
Rīga ZOO is located in the forested Mežaparks. According to the website, you will meet tigers, giraffes, lynxes and much more, with a focus on conservation and education. There is a tropical house, and during school holidays thematic workshops for children.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Trogain · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Summer toboggan run & cable car
Summer bobsleigh on the bobsleigh track
In Sigulda, you whirl down the real Olympic bobsleigh track with a summer bob on wheels, combined with a track tour. According to the website, the summer bob drives on weekends from spring to autumn in good weather. A quick, happy experience.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
Schloss Rundāle
Rundāle Castle is called 'the Baroque pearl of the Latvian countryside' on the site. You will visit the state halls, the duke’s and duchess’s chambers and the castle kitchen. Outside is a large French garden with a rose garden to walk around.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Scotch Mist · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Turaida-Museumsreservat
The Turaida Museum Reserve is located in the Gauja Valley near Sigulda, with medieval stone castle and tower. According to the website, there is also the folk song park on Dainu hill, the wooden church, the manor house and forest paths. There is also a virtual Turaida.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Castle and Museum Cēsis
The medieval castle of Cēsis was once one of the largest in the Baltics. At the entrance everyone gets a candle lamp, handy on the narrow, dark staircase of the west tower; at the top you look over the city. In summer there are medieval games for children in the castle garden at the weekend.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: AgrisR · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Ethnographic open-air museum
The Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum lies on a lake near Riga, with farmsteads and mills from all regions of Latvia. According to the website, there are seasonal festivals, a fair and programmes where children discover how farm children used to live.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Nature Parks & Family Walks
Tērvete Nature Park
The Tērvete Nature Park is one of the most family-friendly places in Latvia, about 1200 hectares in size. A 35 km long network of paths leads over bridges and stairs into the fairytale world of the writer Anna Brigadere, with fairytale figures and wooden play equipment.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: PROP1001 · CC0 · all photo credits
Lithuania
Water parks and thermal baths
Vichy Vandens Parkas
Indoor water park in Vilnius with a Polynesian theme and slides like "Yell of the Maori" and "Moreja volcano". According to the website, there is also a sea of dolphins, a canoe river, hot tubs and a children’s playground. A tropical excursion, even in the winter.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Bearas · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Druskininkų Aqua
Large water park in the spa town of Druskininkai, where you can go everywhere in your bathrobe, because everything is connected inside. According to the website, there are three hotels on the site, plus spas, a pizzeria and a music fountain. The Snow Arena is next door.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: D&G photo · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Karting, trampolines & indoor fun
Adventica Vilnius
Large indoor family park in the Ozas shopping mall in Vilnius, according to its website with the largest inflatable trampoline in the Baltics, the size of a sports hall. A 100-metre ninja course (from 1.30 m or with parent), a rope course and electric carts.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Vbenetis · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Kartlandas Kaunas
Indoor karting track of 300 metres in Kaunas, so the weather does not matter. According to the website open year-round, weekdays from noon, on weekends already in the morning, and from 4 years you turn the first rounds. Children's birthday parties too.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Darrin Antrobus · CC BY-SA 2.0 · all photo credits
Bowling
Žirmūnai Bowling
Žirmūnai Bowling in Vilnius has existed since 1998 and has 12 lanes. According to the website, there is also mini golf, billiards, darts and table tennis, as well as a restaurant with bar. For children, there are automatic bumpers and lighter balls. Reservations online or by phone.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Warszawska róg Szerokiej, Tomaszów Mazow · Public domain · all photo credits
Zoos and Animal Parks
Lietuvos zoologijos sodas
The National Zoo of Lithuania is located in Kaunas and is called an oasis of animals and nature on the website. There is a fixed plan with animal presentations, a site plan and guided tours. The zoo is a member of the European Zoo Association EAZA and open daily.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Stanislovas01 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Lietuvos jūrų muziejus
The Lithuanian Sea Museum is located in an old fortress on the Curonian Spit. According to the website, there is an aquarium, marine mammals and birds such as seals and penguins, as well as shows with dolphins and California sea lions. You will arrive by ferry from Klaipėda.
🎟️ Tickets and Info → Official website
Photo: Algirdas · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Summer toboggan run & cable car
Snow Arena
Druskininkai’s Snow Arena is the only year-round winter sports complex in the Baltics, according to the website. In the ski hall you ski in any weather, and there are ski instructors for children. Aqua Water Park is next door.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Zairon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
In the rain: Museums & hands-on centres
Trakai Castle
Trakai Water Castle is located on an island in the lake and belongs to the Trakai Historical Museum. According to the website, there are exhibitions, educational programs and events such as a day of old crafts. Tickets are available online. A fairytale excursion from Vilnius.
🎟️ Tickets/Tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Advertising · Affiliate link
Photo: Julo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Television Tower of Vilnius
The TV tower Vilnius is at 326.4 metres the tallest building in Lithuania. According to the website, you look from the platform at 170 metres over the city, with bistro bar and in the warm season an open terrace. Plus high-ropes attractions.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Nenea hartia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Speelgoedmuseum
The Toy Museum in Vilnius tells the story of toys through the centuries, from the oldest Lithuanian toys and the Stone Age to the 20th century. According to the website, there is a family room with tasks and audio stories.
🎟️ Tickets and Prices → Official website
Photo: Paqas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Devil's Museum (Čiurlionis Museum)
The Devil's Museum in Kaunas belongs to the National Čiurlionis Art Museum and is located in the house of the painter Antanas Žmuidzinavičius. He collected devil figures from all over the world, turning it into a museum full of funny and scary devils. Children are amazed.
🎟️ Booking tickets → Official website
Photo: Doyle of London · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits