Megan broke her arm about six weeks before we left on our trip around Europe. The doctor put her in a splint just before we left and told her to take it easy. However, he mentioned she would be able to go swimming after another week of wearing it. Megan isn’t one to forget that sort of information, and the moment a week was up, she was demanding some pool time. While in Budapest, we decided to take her to a family-friendly pool. This is our review of the family-friendly Palatinus Pools in Budapest.
Why did we choose the Palatinus Pools?
The original plan was to go to the Szechenyi Baths, the famous ones that every tourist visiting Budapest flocks to. However, after some thought, we realised it wouldn’t be the most family-friendly pool in Budapest. Panic set in as promises were made. However, after some research, we found the Palatinus Pools, which had everything Megan needed and thermal pools for the adults to relax in.
Where are the Palatinus Pools?
Entry Fee and Opening Hours.
Tickets can be purchased online; prices are listed on the website. We purchased the family ticket on arrival for 9,800 FT as it was a weekday. It was slightly dearer on weekends. You can also buy ‘end of day’ tickets at 5 p.m. for cheaper, but you will only get about 90 minutes in the pools.
The pools are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. We arrived just before midday, and it was busy enough.
On Arrival.
On arrival, we paid for our tickets at the desk and were given armbands, which gave us entry into the pools and the lockers in the changing rooms, as well as the ones by the pool.
Nicola and Megan had their swim suits under their shorts and t-shirts, so they didn’t need to go to the changing rooms. I headed for the changing room as directed and got the shock of my life. It was full of naked women. I headed back to the woman at the turnstile and said, “Men’s changing room? She laughed and said No, no mixed”. The woman took me back into the changing room and showed me that I could either get changed in the communal area or in locked cubicles.
Once done getting changed, I made my way through the changing rooms and back outside, where I was met by Nicola and Megan, and we headed off to the pools.
What to do at the Palatinus Pools?
I initially thought that it was going to be hard to put in the time at the pool; it didn’t look very big. However, I was wrong, and we managed to spend 4 hours in the pools and could have spent a lot longer, but Megan was exhausted.
Children’s Pool
On entry there was a small kids pool, splash pool sort of thing. Warnings were read out throughout the day that it was only for young children. That pool was actually very well shaded.
Wave Pool
We decided to play with our ball in this pool, unknown to us it changed into a wave pool.
There was a warning put out over the speakers that the wave pool would start in 5 minutes. At this moment, literally the entire place flocked to this pool. Nicola describes busy places as people soup. This actually looked like people soup when the waves started. The waves can be very strong, but there are lifeguards on duty all around the pool, so it did feel safe. If you are unsure about it, I would stand towards the back where the steps are and go forward if you feel okay.
Thermal Pools
Indoors, there are two immersion pools (cold water and thermal medicinal water) available to use. I believe they are for adults only; it was too warm for us to use them, but I did have a look, and they were impressive. There is also an outdoor thermal pool towards the back of the pool area.
Lengths Pool
If you are fitness inclined there is a small lengths pool. Few people were using it, personally I couldn’t think of anything worse on my holidays. Each to their own and all that.
Normal Pool
There is also a normal pool near the food court area, so Megan was able to play there while we sat in the shade for a bit and kept an eye on her. That pool was busy, with kids playing and adults chilling.
Slides
This is where we ended our day. Nicola and Megan done a share doughnut sorta thing slide which was slow paced and ticked the box of doing a slide in the pool.
However, peer pressure kicked in, and Nicola did the kamikaze slide. She instantly regretted it and was sore for the rest of the trip. As you can hear in the video, Megan enjoyed watching it.
Is Palatinus Pool a family friendly pool in Budapest?
100%. The majority of people at the pool during our visit were families. There were also plenty of adult groups around, but the overall atmosphere was family-oriented. We felt Megan was safe throughout with the number of lifeguards on duty, and there was plenty to keep her entertained during our visit. Never once did I hear “I’m bored”.
There are food and drink stalls within the gates of the pool area, but they can be expensive. You are free to bring your own food and drink if you wish.
We hope you enjoy your visit to Palatinus Pool, a family-friendly pool in Budapest. If you have any questions, drop us a message below.
Thanks
The Lewis Family.
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