Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)

9. Fintess and Fun - Sport activities

FITNESS AND FŰN

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limited. On the fun level, however, there are lots of (concrete!) table-tennis tables in playgrounds (5) spread throughout the city. It’s worth purchasing cheap bats and balls (and net!) to be able to make use of these open-air facilities.

Trampolining

During summer months there are public, open-air trampolines set up by the Buda end of Margaret Bridge and by the Youth Stadium at the southern end of Margaret Island. A small fee is charged for children to go on them.

Canoes, kayaks, rowing, etc.

Budapest Lidó Sportközpont (Sports Centre) is situated near the banks of the Danube at 67 Nánási út, which runs parallel to the attractive river stretch known as “Római part”. The centre specialises in water sports and runs many programmes for children throughout the year. Boats are available for hire for those with experience. (For rowing on a more fun level, see City Park in section 6.)

Fishing

Fishing in the Danube is allowed, but you need a permit obtainable from “Mohosz”, at 46 Váci u., Bp. V., tel: 118-1423. The nicest parts of the river are between Óbuda Island and the city’s northern boundary. Hiring equipment is difficult.

Darts

Dartboards can be found in Budapest’s two “English” pubs—the Fregatt, 26 Molnár u., and the John Bull, 17 Apáczai-Csere u., both in central Pest. Children are allowed in, but the former gets very crowded in the evening. (The latter has British beer!)

Bowling/Skittles

There are alleys open to the public at Novote I Hotel, by the junction of Hegyalja út and Alkotás u. in Buda and the Stadium Hotel in Pest, 1-3 Ifjúság útja, by “Népstadion” metro station.