One of the most frequently asked questions about Szechenyi Spa Baths is whether children (teens, kids, toddlers, babies) can go to Szechenyi Baths. According to recent updates in 2024, children under 14 are not allowed to enter the thermal baths in Budapest (some notable exceptions are the outdoor cold water summer pools in Palatinus Baths or Csillaghegy Baths). Please note that the Bath regulations have changed as follows:
Children Under 14 Years
Minimum age of entering the Baths: 14 years of age.
Kindly note that only older teens, over 14 years old, are allowed to visit the thermal bath. Underage (0-14 year old kids) are, unfortunately, not allowed, not even under parental guidance.
Note: this stricter regulation will be applicable from May 1st, 2024. Until then, children aged 3-14 can only visit the baths with their parents present at all times and at parental responsibility.
As many of the 18 outdoor and indoor pools and baths at Szechenyi Thermal Baths are more than 33 degrees Celsius, the mere temperature of the pools means a potential increase in the stress for the cardiovascular system of kids, whose body is not fully developed yet to be able to cope with the heat of the bath waters. In addition, many pools are deeper, there are no specific child pools or aqua fun facilities (no slides, no splash areas, no colourful water park toys).
Baths for Families
In 1913, when Szechenyi Bath was opened, the whole bath complex was, and is still aimed at adult bathers, so we recommend families with children visiting one of the several family friendly thermal baths / lidos and aqua parks in the city of Budapest, which is very welcoming and a great experience for most families with younger and more mature children.
Palatinus Bath & Lido is a great alternative: although it is mostly known as an open air lido in central Budapest, Palatinus on Margaret Island has been extended with indoor pools (adult thermal and kid pool), which makes the bath a great option all year round, even during the colder winter months (Nov – Dec – Jan – Feb). Palatinus is the best perhaps in the summer, but is still enjoyable with younger kids in the colder season. The thermal waters are cooled down in several pools, which were specifically designed for younger kids and more mature teens. Slides, shallow play pools, hip deep kid pools, and lots of other fun (including a playground) show that Palatinus is ideal for families.
Similarly, other thermal baths – lido complexes offer great fun for families with children and teens: Dagaly Lido close to Arpad Bridge (north of Margaret Island), Paskal Baths and Lido, Csillaghegy Baths and Lido are very popular alternatives.
Aqua World is a water theme park in Budapest – north of the city, approx. 1 hour ride from the city centre. Ideal for younger and older teenagers (there is even a surf class for beginners), great with toddlers and babies, superb for grown ups.
Many of the family centred Budapest pool parks (lidos) are within easy reach of the city center, and have lots of fun pools designed specifically for children, plus there are various baths with thermal water for parents too.
So you can enjoy the famous natural spring waters of Budapest without a compromise. Palatinus, Dagaly, Paskal, Csillaghegyi, Aqua World are also much loved by locals as the pools are surrounded by grassy, bushy green areas where you can play volleyball, throw frisbee, the children can run around, etc.
While we think of Szechenyi Spa Baths as a truly fun place from an adult point of view, the baths, saunas, and pools have been primarily designed for mature men and women, and of course, for patients who have been prescribed aqua therapy, balneotherapy, etc. for some kind of medical condition (hospital patients are treated in the special pools, which can only be used by hospital patients – in our Szechenyi Spa Baths map indicated with green colour, saying ‘Hospital Pool’).
As a rule of thumb, kids under 14 are prohibited from using the thermal baths, while children over 14 can use the thermal baths for a limited time to avoid medical complications. Most teens and adults at Szechenyi Baths enjoy the outdoor whirlpool with its fun whirls, sweeping you off your feet in a circular motion. Saturday night parties cater for many students (over 18) and young (in the heart) adults. The fun is there, just not geared for kids.
If you were planning to take your young children to Szechenyi Baths we are sorry about the inconvenience and would encourage you and the children to find out about more child friendly bathing options in Budapest, including Palatinus Bath, Csillaghegyi Bath or AquaWorld water theme park offering family bathing / spa experience for younger children and parents in the city of Budapest.
Please check the price list for Szechenyi Spa Baths.
Hi. We are two adults and one child 8 years willing to visit. We don’t want to get in water. We just want to see around. Is it possible? Do we need ticket to just look around? If so does the child also need ticket? Where can we buy the ticket from?
Hello Debalina,
visitor tickets are currently not available.
Thank you for your kind understanding.
Hello,
We have a baby of 14 months and we count bring him with us knowing that each of the two of us will take care of him the time that the other one can bath…is that ok? and for how many hours we are allowed to stay with a baby?
Many thanks,
Dear Hanssa,
Thank you for checking before the bath visit.
The bath entry is free for children under 2 years old but older children have to pay full prices tickets.
Babies who are not potty trained are not allowed in the pools, even if they are wearing a swimming nappy. It mostly applies to children under the age of 3.
Babies and toddlers can come with the family to the Spa but need to stay outside the pool area with somebody.
The thermal baths were and are still aimed at adult bathers, therefore there are no kid’s pools or activities.
Most of the outdoor and indoor pools and baths are more than 33 degrees Celsius, which means increased stress for the cardiovascular system of kids, whose body is not fully developed yet to be able to cope with the heat of the bath waters, therefore saunas and hot pools are not healthy for children under 14.
Please find more about this topic on the link below:
https://szechenyibath.com/can-children-go-to-szechenyi-baths-szechenyi-bath-faq/
Should you have further questions, please contact us.
Your argument exaggerates the effects of heat on the cardiovascular system of kids. While it is true that high temperatures can increase the heart rate and blood pressure, this does not necessarily mean that they are harmful for children. In fact, some studies have shown that sauna use can have positive effects on cardiovascular health, such as lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation. It ignores the individual differences and preferences of children. Some children may enjoy and benefit from saunas and hot pools, while others may not.
Therefore, saunas and hot pools are not unhealthy for children under 14, as long as they are used appropriately and with caution. However, if a child has a pre-existing medical condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using saunas and hot pools.
Hi. My daughter and I are planning to visit Budapest this spring. She is turning 14 this year, but will not be 14 by the time we come there. Is she allowed to visit the thermal baths?
Hello Malin,
Thank you for contacting us.
The Baths regulations are changing this April and according to the new policy children under 14 are not allowed to enter the Baths.
According to current regulations they are allowed to enter the Baths with their parents but they are not allowed in the hot thermal water pools (which is most of the pools).
There are some other, more family-friendly options for families with younger children, where the thermal waters are cooled down. This includes Palatinus Baths and Aqua World Budapest.
We are sorry about the inconvenience.
Hello, we are visiting Budapest this week. We are a family of 4. of 2 adults and 2 children – aged 16 and 10 years. Your website says that children under 14 can’t visit the baths after 1st May 2024. Are we able to visit the Szechenyi Baths before this date, if the children are supervised at all times?
Many thanks
Hello Joanne,
Please find some relevant quotes with regards to the current Children policy in Szechenyi Bath (before May 1st, which is a tentative planned date so to be on the safe side, please double check the updates before buying your tickets on the spot):
“Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to enter Rudas Thermal Bath and
Swimming Pool and Dandár Thermal Bath. Children under 14 years of age may enter
and use the other baths operated by the Company only in the company of an adult, as
well as the swimming pools.”
“Children under the age of 14 are not permitted in saunas, steam
rooms, designated rest areas or plunge pools.”
These restrictions are in place because many of the 18 outdoor and indoor pools and baths at Szechenyi Thermal Baths are more than 33 degrees Celsius, the mere temperature of the pools means a potential increase in the stress for the cardiovascular system of kids, whose body is not fully developed yet to be able to cope with the heat of the bath waters.
We would encourage you to find out about more child friendly bathing options in Budapest, including Palatinus Bath, Csillaghegyi Bath or AquaWorld water theme park offering family bathing / spa experience for younger children and parents in the city of Budapest.
Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
Hello – so based on this reply, bringing children aged 3 to 13 is still permitted at Szechenyi baths until the new rule goes into effect (expected 1 May)? We would be visiting Monday 1 May
Hello Jonathan,
Thank you for contacting us.
Unfortunately the starting date of this new regulation is not confirmed yet, but it is likely to start in May. Please note that even according to current regulations, children under 14 are not allowed in the hot water thermal pools, only in the outside cooler swimming pool.
Kindly keep an eye on our website for updates before purchasing your tickets.