Margaret Island: A perfect day in Budapest with kids

If you’re visiting Budapest in the summer, and are looking for a break from the city streets, then look no further than Margaret Island (Margitsziget).
In the summer of 2024, we spent 35 days traveling across western Europe, and we ended in Central Europe, in Hungary.

*Palatinus Strand Baths, Margaret Island, Budapest with kids*

While we were there in July, many days in Budapest were close to 90 degrees, so in order to cope with the heat and entertain our 4-year-old, we found ourselves seeking water, the shade of trees, and a cool breeze. Margaret Island (Margitsziget), which sits in the middle of the Danube River, was the perfect oasis for our family trip to Budapest.

Where to stay in Budapest near Margaret Island

We stayed on the Pest side, at the Green Door Family Apartment, which was on the final block before the river, and not far from the bridge to Margaret Island. This was perfect for our small family because we had two bedrooms that easily slept three people. Since we were at the end of our trip, and we had visited more expensive places, like Switzerland, we knew we needed to save some money, and the Green Door Family Apartment fit our budget and our needs.

How to get to (and around) Margaret Island

We stayed within walking distance of the Margit bridge, which takes you across the Danuber to Margaret Island. Cars are not allowed to drive island, but you can get to the island via tram or bus. Once on the island, you can rent bikes or a pedal cart, or take a shuttle to Palatinus baths. It’s also easy enough and safe enough to walk all over the island.

Carts and trolleys lined up on Margaret Island

Family Travel Tip: Margaret Island is over 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from end to end, so if you are traveling with young kids, I would plan on using the shuttle or bringing a packable stroller. For our month in Europe, we used a travel stroller that could collapse to fit on the overhead rack of a train or plane, and also fit underneath tables when we were eating out. Our daughter took many naps in this stroller and it allowed us to spend more time exploring cities on foot.

Family-friendly activities on Margaret Island

Musical Fountain

Near Margit Bridge, just past the line of carts and trolleys, you will find a beautiful, musical fountain to welcome you to the island. Collections of songs play throughout the day, on the hour. When we visited in the morning, we were treated to a Frozen symphony, perfect for the kids to dance around and get sprayed by the water.

At night, LED lights add to the magic of the music as automated shows play for audiences. The best part of the fountain, is that this a free spot to stop and gather, and little kids are able to get close to the water and enjoy it.

Palatinus Baths

About a kilometer from the musical fountain, you will find Palatinus Baths, which have been open since 1919. These open air baths offer multiple pools for wading and playing for young children and adults alike.

Like the Széchenyi baths, there are lockers and showers throughout Palatinus. However, unlike the Széchenyi baths, Palatinus baths cover more outdoor space, and your entry fee to the baths includes access to playgrounds and lots of open space to run around an explore. There is also a wave pool, that runs for 15 minutes every hour.

Kids’ play area, Palatinus Baths, Margaret Island, Budapest. The added shade structures make this an ideal place for young children to wade and explore the water.

If you’re looking for a place to spend half a day, of even most of a day, there’s an abundance or restaurants, food stands, and cold treats to keep your family fed and happy.

Since we visited in summer, and we had spent a lot of time in the mountains of Switzerland, our daughter was happy to have the warmth of the sun and baths in Budapest. While it may seem strange to visit baths in the summer, we found this to be a lovely experience, and our daughter, who was 4 at the time, was always comfortable swimming in the water. We rarely had an issue with a pool feeling too hot for her.

Lap pool and wading pools at Palatinus Baths, Margaret Island, Budapest. Don’t forget your swim cap!

Family Travel Tip: After a long day at Palatinus, you can work your way back to your destination with a free shuttle that stops right in front, or hop on bus 26.