If you’re visiting Bratislava with kids, there are plenty of fun activities to keep them entertained.
From interactive museums to wandering through the Old Town and finding fun statues or exploring one of the castles, the capital of Slovakia is a great destination for families.
And as one of the smaller capital cities in Europe, Bratislava is not as busy and overwhelming as many of its counterparts, making it perfect for families. It’s a nice change of pace, with a relaxed vibe and the compact Old Town makes it easy to explore with kids.
READY TO TRAVEL? USE OUR FAVOURITE RESOURCES
Accommodations: Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia
Rental Car: Discover Cars
Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
Tours and Activities: Viator | Get Your Guide
eSIM: Airalo
We’ve included some of the top attractions and must-see places to visit in Bratislava, along with some ideas on how to make sightseeing fun for the whole family. We’ve also highlighted some great attractions that are specifically meant for kids, as well as a few of the best places to get outdoors in Bratislava and several places to visit near the city.
In all, we’ve rounded up 25 awesome things to do and places to visit in Bratislava with kids.
Top Things to Do in Bratislava
(with Kid-Friendly Suggestions)
1. Bratislava Castle
Bratislava’s castle sits high on a hill above the city. The imposing building has a rich and varied history going back over a thousand years. First inhabited by the Celts, and later by the Romans and Hungarians, the building has been a symbol of power in Slovakia since the middle ages.
The castle is an iconic symbol of Bratislava and one of the most visited attractions in the city. And it’s worth the walk up the hill, even if it’s just for the views alone. You can see three countries from the castle – the town of Bratislava below, Austria’s wind turbines to the west, and just past the buildings on the other side of the Danube is Hungary.
It’s also a great place to explore with kids, as there are gorgeous gardens in the summer, wide paths for kids to walk on and a kids’ playground, with deck chairs (in the summer) for parents to relax on while the kids play.
It’s free to walk around the grounds, but there is an entrance fee to enter the museum inside of the castle.
The Museum of History may not be that interesting for kids, but included with the museum admission is entrance to the Crown Tower, where you’ll have an impressive view of the city from the tower inside the museum.
In addition to the view, the tower is where the royal coronation jewels of Hungary were stored for almost 200 years before they were moved to the Hofburg in Austria’s capital, which is a must-see if you’re visiting Vienna with kids.
Admission to the castle and museum is free with a Bratislava card (see below for more info).
2. Take a Walk Around Old Town
Bratislava’s Old Town may be small, but it’s full of charm. With cobblestone streets, medieval buildings and plenty of cafes, the historic center has a cozy vibe and is very walkable.
There are plenty of pedestrian areas, so it’s easy to explore without worrying about traffic. Walk through Michael’s Gate, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral, admire Primate’s Palace and Old Town Hall and visit Hvlane Namestie, Bratislava’s main square and home to the Bratislava Christmas Markets in December.
3. Find Statues
Exploring a city centre isn’t always the most exciting and engaging things for kids to do, but Bratislava’s quirky statues add a fun element to any walk.
The most well-known statue is Čumil, the man peeking out from the sewer, and it’s said to be good luck to rub his head. Another popular one is Schöne Náci, a famous local who lived in Bratislava in the early 20th century.
Throughout the historic centre there are also statues of Hans Christian Anderson, a Napoleon soldier and a guard standing in a guard house, and at Bratislava Castle, there’s the Witch Statue.
My kids love having something to look for while sightseeing, and keeping an eye out for these statues kept them engaged while we explored Bratislava.
For more fun ideas on exploring European cities with kids, this post on unusual things to see in Prague has some great ideas!
4. Look for Cannonballs
While walking around the Old Town, you can also encourage kids to keep an eye out for cannonballs.
For a few days in the early 1800’s, Napoleon bombarded the city from across the river and owners with damage didn’t have to pay taxes, so they left the cannonballs embedded in the walls.
You’ll even find a cannonball in the walls of the Old Town Hall!
5. Search for Crowns on the Ground
Another fun thing to keep kids engaged while parents are sightseeing is to have them search for the crown imprints in the sidewalks.
These crown imprints start at the castle and mark the coronation route of former Hungarian monarchs through the Old Town, past St. Martin’s Cathedral and then to the Franciscan Church.
6. Climb Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall is one of the oldest stone buildings in Bratislava, dating back to the 15th century. It’s home to the Museum of City History, but also offers impressive views from the attached tower.
Each of the three floors offers good views, but at the top you can go out to a walkway that goes around the tower and offers views over the main square, as well as the UFO Tower, St. Martin’s Cathedral and the castle.
There is an admission to climb the tower, but it is free with the Bratislava Card.
Bratislava CARD: Similar to the Vienna PASS and tourist cards in other cities, the Bratislava CARD offers discounts on attractions, includng free entry to many museums and attractions in the Old Town, as well as free rides on public transportation for the duration of the card. Details on the card and discounts offered can be found here.
7. Walk Under Michael’s Gate
Michael’s Gate was built in the 14th century and is the only gate from the city’s fortifications that has been preserved. It’s one of the main entrances to the Old Town, so you’re sure to pass under it at some point.
As you walk under the gate, look up to see Michael’s Tower which is home to the Museum of Arms, as well as an observation deck on the top floor where you’ll have excellent views of the Old Town.
There is an admission fee, but entrance is free with the Bratislava Card.
8. Visit St. Martin’s Cathedral
St. Martin’s Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Bratislava and is known for being the former coronation church for the Kingdom of Hungary. There were 19 coronations here, including in 1563 when Maria Theresa was crowned Queen of Hungary.
The cathedral is still active today and there are often concerts held inside its walls. It’s an impressive sight, with an 85m spire and a gilded replica of the coronation crown on top of the cathedral tower that weighs 150kg!
Fun fact: Bratislava has been part of 12 different countries over the last 100 years! Most notably, it was part of Hungarian empire, then became part of Czechoslovakia after WWI, and now it’s the capital city of the Slovak Republic since 1993.
9. Relax at Hviezdoslavovo Namestie
Another of Bratislava’s squares, Hviezdoslavovo Namestie is actually more like a boulevard lined with trees, cafes and restaurants, and is a pleasant place to spend a summer afternoon. At Christmas, this square is home to another of Bratislava’s Christmas Markets.
At one end of the square lies the beautiful Slovak National Theatre, and a statue of Slovak poet Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav, whom the square is named for.
10. See the Blue Church
The Church of St. Elizabeth, more commonly known as the Blue Church, is another of Bratislava’s iconic sights.
This beautiful church is only a short 10-15 minute walk from Old Town Hall or a few blocks from Hviezdoslavovo Namestie.
While it’s a stunning church, it’s most known for its striking blue colour. Everything about the church is blue, from the outside facade and mosaics, to the interior as well.
It’s free to enter, but just be aware that it is an active church and a popular spot for baptisms and weddings.
11. Visit the UFO Tower
Another of the city’s iconic symbols, the UFO Tower sits at one end of the New Bridge, also known as the UFO Bridge or Most SNP. Whichever name you choose to call it, it’s the 7th largest hanging bridge in the world!
The bridge is just a few minutes walk from the Old Town and crosses over the Danube River.
At the top of the tower, you’ll find a restaurant and observation deck with fantastic views. There’s an elevator to take you 95m to the top, and on clear days you can see up to 100km, even to Austria and Hungary.
The view from the tower is free if you purchase a meal or snack at the restaurant, but keep in mind it is the most expensive restaurant in Bratislava. Otherwise there is an admission fee, which is discounted with purchase of the Bratislava Card.
12. Visit Eurovea
Just a few minutes walk from the centre of Bratislava, Eurovea is a large shopping complex located on the Danube riverbank. Of course, there are plenty of shops, but there’s also a waterfront promenade, with large green spaces and benches to relax on while you enjoy the view and a playground for kids.
Inside the shopping mall, there are lots of shops, as well as cafes and restaurants, and more interesting statues for kids to look for. It’s a great spot to explore on a rainy day, or to warm up on a cold winter day.
13. Ride the Sightseeing Bus
A great way to see the sights in Bratislava is the sightseeing bus that takes you around the city.
Choose from an hour-long tour that visits the medieval Castle, or choose a shorter tour that just visits the sights in the Old Town.
It’s a great way to see the sights without tiring out the feet, and a perfect way to explore the city if you are travelling with young kids.
Things to Do in Bratislava Specifically for Kids
14. Bibiana
Bibiana is an art house and gallery, and one of only a few in Europe that is specifically dedicated to children. Located in the historic city centre across from St. Martin’s Cathedral, a visit here is definitley one of the best, and most unique things to do in Bratislava with kids.
Exhibitions change on a regular basis, but all are interactive and educational, and are designed to be enjoyed by children of different ages. Kids are invited to take part in the exhibitions and try out different activities. Creative workshops, music programmes and theatre performances are also offered.
Bibiana originally began as a way to support children’s literature, and while they’ve expanded to include a focus on making art accessible for all, literacy is still at the core of their mission. There is a large library, and numerous activities are offered through Bibiana’s Reading Club.
The library and activities through the reading club are only offered in Slovak, but the signs throughout the art exhibitions are in both English and Slovak.
15. Jump Arena
Bratislava’s own indoor trampoline park, Jump Arena is the perfect place for kids to let off some steam, and have a little bit of fun. Jump Arena offers 27 trampolines, a giant airbag and slackline, as well two padded basketball backboards to practice slam dunks.
In addition to the main jumping area, there is a KidsHouse, with smaller trampolines, and a safer, more controlled environment for little ones. Toddler sized slides and giant LEGO blocks are great for smaller kids. Admission is separate for this area.
16. Hangair Action Sports Academy
Bratislava’s extreme sports hall is the first and only one of its kind in Slovakia.
Hangair offers a variety of activities from skateboarding and scootering to BMX and trampolines. Or try out the snow tube jumps, snowboard or freeski, just without the actual snow!
There’s two skateboard parks, one indoor and the other outdoors, with custom obstacles and a mini-ramp.
The courses and activities are designed for everyone from beginners to pros, and individual lessons with professional trainers are also available. It’s a great spot for kids to try and push their limits, but in a safe environment.
17. Aurelium Science Centre
If you’re looking for ideas on what to do in Bratislava with older kids, this is it! Part school, part museum, the Aurelium Science Centre makes learning fun through interactive exhibits. Here you’ll be able to explore and figure out how things work, through games and fun experiences.
Recommended for kids over 12; children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Outdoor Things to Do in Bratislava
18. Bratislava Forest Park
Set in the hills above the city, Bratislava Forest Park is a great place for families to get outdoors and enjoy nature.
The park has a network of hiking trails, a great hill to toboggan down in the winter and a dry bobsled run to try the rest of the year. There’s also a ropewalk through the trees and a cable car that crosses to Železná Studienka.
Near the entrance to the park is the Kamzík television tower, which can be seen from most areas of the city. Inside the tower is a revolving restaurant and an observation deck, with fantastic views of Bratislava.
At the bottom of the valley, is one of Bratislava’s best playgrounds for kids.
Bratislava Forest Park can be reached by bus or train from city center, or if you’re up for a walk, it’s about an hour and a half by foot.
19. Železná Studienka
This large green space was inhabited by millers years ago, and while the water mills are no longer active, the area is a popular spot for fishing in the summertime.
It’s also home to a few forested areas with great walking and biking paths, or you can take a cable car across the valley and enjoy the view from above.
20. Horsky Park
Often called the forest in the city, Horsky Park is a hillside park a short distance from the Old Town.
It’s a protected area with beautiful old trees and pathways through the forest to walk, run or hike along. At the northeast edge is a beer garden for the adults and a playground for the kids.
Horsky Park is about a 30 minute walk from the Old Town, just past the Slavin monument.
Things to Do Near Bratislava
21. Devin Castle
Just a 20 minute drive from Bratislava, Devin Castle is well worth the short trip.
The original castle dates back to the 9th century, and is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in Central Europe.
The castle is perched hill on a steep cliff overlooking the Danube and Morava Rivers, and while it’s in ruins now, it’s still an interesting place to explore.
The castle is open during the summer but the grounds are open all year round. Admission is free with the Bratislava CARD.
22. Biofarm Stupava
This working farm is a great place to visit with kids near Bratislava, and is just 20 minutes from the Old Town.
Here you’ll find a farm full of livestock, as well as a dairy, bakery and restaurant, which serves traditional Slovak food. There are meadows and forests to explore and farm animals to see up close.
You can see how sheep are milked and how sheep cheese is produced, as the farm produces the cheese and bread for several restaurants in Bratislava.
23. Abeland
Founded by the Abel family, this small village is a representation of life as our grandparents and great-grandparents knew it.
They open their property up to visitors on Saturdays, where you can experience a working farm.
Walk around and visit the pond or herb garden, visit the mill and see how flour is made or visit the horses and sheep.
Each Saturday, different programs are offered, including making horseshoes with a blacksmith, taking pottery classes and more.
It’s a 30 minute drive from Bratislava and only open on Saturdays from March to June and September to November.
24. Aquapark Senec
Whether you’re looking for a place to cool off in the summer or a great place to spend a rainy day in Bratislava, Aquapark Senec is the place to go.
The huge water park is about a 30 minute drive from the Old Town and one of the best places kid-friendly attractions near Bratislava.
Featuring both indoor and outdoor swimming pools and lots of slides for kids of all ages, it’s the perfect place for everyone in the family.
The outdoor pools, slides and lazy river are only open in the summer months, but the indoor pools, including the kids play pool, is open year-round.
Saunas, whirlpools and steam baths are also available for adults year round.
There are several places to eat, including pizza and burgers, and prices are reasonable.
25. Malkia Park
Just over a half hour away from Bratislava, this unique park is home to many different types of big cats, and is an amazing place to visit in Bratislava with children.
Rather than being a zoo, Malkia Park is a rescue center and home to animals that have been in captivity and wouldn’t be able to survive on their own in the wild.
At Malkia, you’ll find tigers and lions, panthers and jaguars, even brown bears, a hyena, llama, zebra and a camel! You’ll also find some birds like parrots, macaws and others like a green iguana, a wallaby, a meerkat and a sloth.
Wander the park on your own, feed the animals with food that’s provided or purchase an experience package where you can see what goes on behind the scenes to care for the animals and actively participate in caring for the animals.
There’s also a Kids World attached to the Bistro, where kids under 13 can play on the slides and playground equipment or use a variety of toys and colouring activities.
If you prefer to stay overnight nearby, Malkia Penzion is a great option, with spacious private rooms, which include flat screen tvs, air-conditioning and a continental breakfast.
Other Attractions in Bratislava To Consider
Slavín
Slavín is a monument dedicated to the Soviet soldiers who fought in WWII and commemorates the city’s liberation by the Red Army in April 1945. It’s 52 metres high and the largest war memorial in Central Europe.
Set on a hill, Slavín also offers fantastic views of the city and while it might not be that engaging for kids, there is plenty of room for them to run around.
Nearby is Horsky Park, which is mentioned above as a great place to get outdoors in Bratislava.
Grassalkovich Palace
The former summer palace is now the home of the Slovak Republic’s president.
Although it’s not allowed to enter the palace, you can stroll through the grounds which has beautiful gardens in the summer.
There’s a interesting fountain in front of the palace and a changing of the guard ceremony each day at noon.
The palace was directly across the street from our hotel and my kids loved stopping there to see the large fountain each day.
Gallery Multium
In the center of Bratislava, Gallery Multium creates a tour of illusions. Six rooms feature mirrors and special lighting effects, giving the illusion of infinity and making you feel as if you’ve stepped into another dimension.
There is a 15% discount with the Bratislava CARD or you can purchase skip the line tickets through Get Your Guide.
Natural History Museum
While there’s no dinosaur skeletons here, this museum by the Danube River, has 4 floors of exhibits featuring many fossils, crystals and craysla rocks. Signs are in English and Slovak and there is a 20% discount with Bratislava CARD.
Museum of Weapons
Learn about the history of the city’s fortifications, as well as various types of weapons, including military and tournament equipment. Entry is free with the Bratislava CARD.
Museum of Transportation
With a collection of vehicles from steam, coal and electric locomotives to carriages and bicycles, as well as cars and trucks from the early days to present day vehicles, this museum features different modes of transportation from before the roads were full of cars.
Where to Stay in Bratislava
Crowne Plaza Bratislava
We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Bratislava and found it to be an excellent choice, and a great location for exploring the city.
Directly across from the Grassalkovich Palace, it’s only a few minutes walk from the main square, Bratislava Castle, Michael’s Gate and the rest of the sights in the Old Town. It’s also only a 15 minute walk from the train station, which was perfect when we arrived from Vienna.
Rooms were clean and comfortable and the staff were friendly and helpful with any questions we had. The breakfast buffet was excellent and included hot food choices, as well as tradtional European cold meats and cheese for sandwiches, and also offered gluten-free options.
👉 Check for rates and availability on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia
Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel
Another excellent choice is the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel.
Located in the historic city centre right across from Hviezdoslavovo Namestie and only steps from the Slovak National Theatre, it’s the perfect place to explore the city. Rooms are spacious, quiet and comfortable, and some feature a balcony.
The hotel also has a restaurant and bar on-site, and in the summer, the restaurant features an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy views of the square below.
👉 Check for rates and availability on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia
How to Get to Bratislava
Bratislava is easily reached from many European cities by plane, train, bus or even by boat.
By air:
- Bratislava’s airport is a short ride from the centre of the city and offers service to many destinations in Europe.
- The Vienna airport is also only 35 minutes away from Bratislava, and it’s an easy ride from Bratislava’s city center. Transfers are readily available from Vienna International Airport to the City Center of Bratislava and takes around 35-45 minutes, depending where you are going in Bratislava. We used Flixbus and went from the main bus station to Vienna’s airport in under an hour. Private transfers are also available.
By train:
- Vienna is just over an hour away by train and makes for a great day trip from Bratislava. Or conversely, you can visit Bratislava very easily from Vienna. Trains run hourly between the two cities.
- Trains also run to Budapest, Prague and many other cities in Central Europe.
By bus:
- The bus is a fast and inexpensive way to travel from Vienna or other cities in Europe to Bratislava. Regiojet and Flixbus are two popular options.
By boat:
- In the summer (and weekends through the rest of the year), it’s possible to take a boat transfer from Vienna to Bratislava along the Danube. It’s a unique way to travel and is a great way to see some of the stunning sights along the river.
Things to Know Before Visiting Bratislava
- While Slovak is the official language, English is spoken, or at least understood in many places and German is common as well.
- Kids up to 6 travel for free on public transport. They also receive discounted admission to all museums and attractions.
- Slovakia is part of the EU and uses the Euro as currency
- Bratislava CARD: we’ve mentioned this card a few times as it includes free travel on public transport (trams, trolleybuses and buses) as well as a free walking tour and discounted or free admission to many attractions and museums. It’s also fairly inexpensive (a one day card is €12 and €14 for a 2 day card, perfect if you’re spending 2 days in Bratislava).
Final Thoughts: Visiting Bratislava with Kids
Bratislava is a great city, and one that’s well worth visiting! Whether you only have one day in Bratislava or you’re spending a few days to experience all that the city has to offer, there are plenty of activities for kids in Bratislava.
While it’s a capital city, it’s not as large as other European cities, and the compact city centre makes it easy to explore with young kids. From the historical attractions to the fun activities for kids, there are plenty of fun things to do in Bratislava with kids.
So if you’re looking for a fun, interesting and unique city break to take with your children, then Bratislava should be at the top of your list.
Happy travels!
