Planning Your Perfect Family Holiday in Romania

Wondering what a Romania family holiday would look like?
Curious about places to visit and things to do for families travelling with children?
Or how family-friendly Romania is as a holiday destination?

This article will answer your questions and give you everything you need to plan a hassle-free, fun and memorable holiday with your kids in Romania.

You'll be surprised to discover that our country is a safe, affordable and very family-friendly destination.

Why? Because spending quality family time, travelling together and doing fun things has always been a core part of Romanian culture and life.

And our country has a large and varied list of tourist sights, places and activities that can please the entire family:

• lots of medieval castles (more than just Dracula's Castle!) with a rich history and legends
• amazing places kids will love such as the Parliament Palace, Transfagarasan Road, Sighisoara Citadel or Turda Salt Mine
• incredible nature and wildlife in the Carpathian Mountains and the Danube Delta
• a traditional lifestyle in rural areas that will take your kids back in time, and you to your childhood years
• over 150 fortified churches in Transylvania full of history in villages listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• topped of with delicious food made with organic, home-grown products that your kids can get to pick

I have a very active and curious toddler and I know some of the specific challenges, needs and wants families have when travelling :) And since 2017 we've welcomed many families on our tours and helped them have an amazing time in our country.

That's why in this article I'll give you practical info first, then suggestions on the best places to include in your family holiday itinerary and finish with some recommendations of Romanian food kids typically enjoy so they get a 'real' taste of our country.

Plenty of activities for the whole family on a short walk in Transylvania

Practical tips for a family holiday in Romania

Before we talk about the best places to visit in Romania with kids and fun things to do for the entire family, I want to give you some useful information about planning your family trip here.

If this is your first time visiting Romania or returning after a long time, you might want to check our Romania travel guide for general travel information.

In short: Romania is a relatively accessible, affordable (with proper planning) and family-friendly destination that will surprise you.

• Best time for a family holiday in Romania

When it comes to holidays, timing is everything. So depending on what kind of holiday you want for your children, Romania has lots of options for any season.

Check our article on when to visit Romania to find out more about weather conditions and our recommendations for things to do in each season.

Romania’s weather is generally warm and pleasant, with hot summers and frosty winters. Summer’s perfect for sightseeing, hiking, wildlife spotting, and beach trips to the Black Sea. Spring and autumn? Ideal for exploring Romania’s rural charm and traditions!

And if your kids love Halloween, there’s no better spot than Dracula's Castle (aka Bran Castle) in Transylvania for some spooky October fun!

When booking your Romania holiday with kids, keep in mind local school holidays and public holidays. Romanians love to travel as well and during these periods most family-friendly destinations and places to stay experience higher demand so everything will be more crowded and expensive.

Another great time to visit Romania with kids is around 1 June on International Children's Day. Local people take this day very seriously with many celebrations and events nationwide for children of all ages. This is also a public holiday so most families will be out travelling too.

• Where to stay in Romania with kids

The best way to find accommodation for your family is through platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb. You'll find many family hotels, villas, B&Bs and apart-hotels that cater to parents travelling with children and for every budget.

• Local tip: I would stay away from apartments in the Old Town areas of Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu or Cluj-Napoca as they're located in old buildings which aren't very kid-friendly and don't have elevators; hotels in these areas are usually crammed too;

Personally, I like to rent an apartment 10 min away from the main square or city center, closer to a park and with supermarkets nearby. I also prefer asking the host how kid-friendly the apartment is as most that are typically come with fully equipped kitchens, washing machines, cribs and highchairs. And some hosts are very accommodating too if you have special needs.

If you're planning to stay in the countryside - not all guesthouses are kids friendly (furniture, facilities, food variety, activity), especially for small children and babies. Check carefully the property description and reviews.

• Travelling in Romania with your family

While public transport in Romania is generally a good option to use on your family vacation, there are some pros and cons you should be aware of. In short:

1. Trains are good for short distances between big tourist cities, but they go slow; so make sure you have several ways to keep your kids entertained when they run out of patience
2. Trains are not very clean though, so make sure you have hand sanitisers and wipes
3. A Romania road trip is a good - and scenic - option, but some locals have an aggressive or risky driving style; so ‘warm up’ your defensive driving skills
4. Roads in Romania are mostly one-lane so you might spend a lot of time in a column driving 80 km/h or getting in and out of a city, even if you're planning a short drive
5. Buses are good options, but they don’t typically have childrens’ seats; private shuttle companies can give you this though

Check our guide on Romanian public transport for more practical info on this topic.

Personally, when I travel I like to use a combination of trains or buses, guided day trips for sightseeing and transfer from one place to another and, only as a last resort, renting a car.

Also keep in mind that some tourist attractions in Romania are not accessible, or difficult to get to, using public transport. So the logistical hassle might make kids exhausted and moody instead of excited and appreciative.

A guide can recreate the atmosphere of medieval times for your kids

• Is a guided tour a good choice for your family?

When it comes to guided tours, young travellers love to keep it flexible. Families, though, need to plan ahead to make sure activities are kid-friendly and fun.

Tourism services in Romania are still growing, so it can be tough to find guides who truly cater to families. Many guides offer the same thing and compete on price through big websites, making it tricky to pick one who can keep kids entertained.

Hiring a guide in Romania with kids may be pricier, but it’s worth it! A guide helps you plan an itinerary that balances sightseeing, travel time (often underestimated!), and activities to keep everyone happy without overdoing it. Plus, with a guide, no need to rent a car or tackle public transport; they’ll even drop you off in the next tourist city if needed!

Most importantly, a local guide brings Romania’s culture to life. Without one, you might miss the authentic experiences, as tourist info spots are few and far between.

This is especially true for some top destinations and activities in Romania, for example:

• if you’re planning to visit Bran Castle or other famous castles in Romania, such as Corvin Castle, our guides - most of which have kids - know stories, legends and fun facts that will keep your kids entertained while also being informative
• if you want to experience genuine rural life in the traditional regions of Transylvania or Maramures our guides have local contacts and can take your kids into the homes of local people to see how they live, visit artisan workshops or even get them to participate in local activities (which you couldn't otherwise since tourism here is very local)
• in the Danube Delta - a great place for a family holiday in Romania - renting a boat is a must but not everyone knows where to take you to see birds - and tell your kids what they're seeing and more about nature
• if you’re thinking of hiking in the impressive Romanian mountains or want to go on a wildlife tour, a specialist guide is your best option because they can adapt the trails to your kids fitness levels and keep them safe.

At the end of the day, do you want to have a memorable holiday or save some money?

Shopping, budget and safety in Romania

When planning your budget, you’ll find that visiting Romania with kids is super affordable! You’ve got tons of options, whether for accommodations, dining, quick eats, or takeout, there’s something for every budget.

Romania has convenience covered, with shops and supermarkets (Mega Image, Profi, Carrefour) and pharmacies everywhere, so you can easily grab whatever you need - from groceries and snacks to toys, clothes, and medicines.

Dining out is easy on the wallet too. In cities, expect to pay 2-5 euros for starters and soups, 5-10 euros for mains, and 4-6 euros for desserts. Prices are even lower in rural areas, though it’s best to go for a place with half-board, as food options are limited in villages.

When it comes to tickets, most attractions offer free entry for kids under 3 and discounts for children up to 12 or 14. Adult tickets are generally budget-friendly (around 5 euros or less), with only a few exceptions like Bran Castle at 11 euros.

For our guided tours, child discounts vary depending on the tour type and your kids’ ages. City walking tours often have reduced rates, while day trips may or may not, as fixed costs mean kids often take up an adult’s spot in the vehicle. For example, our bear-watching tour (a kid favorite!) has limited spots in the bear hide, and unfortunately, no child discount as fees are set by the forest authority.

• Here’s the rule of thumb for our tours: book for three people for a family with one child over 3, and let the guide know your child’s age; they’ll see if a discount applies based on the tour type, group size, and costs.

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As for staying safe when travelling with kids, there are no extra rules that apply other than those in our Romania safety article. As you’ll see, our country is a very safe destination with little to worry about.

Keep a close eye on them especially when visiting popular medieval towns like Brasov or Sibiu that have huge main squares in the city centre. That's where most architectural monuments and tourist attractions are located so obviously they're more crowded, but still safe places to visit.

Oh, and paying by card is safe and accepted almost everywhere including small towns - except in rural areas where cash is (mostly) king.

My personal tip would be to keep some extra cash with you because there may be plenty of activities, small treats, trinkets or authentic Romanian souvenirs you can buy for your kids in popular tourist locations only with cash. And I’m assuming you don’t want to deal with a tantruming or upset child on your holiday… :)

Best places to visit with kids in Romania

Most of the best places to visit in Romania are interesting for children, depending on their age and interests of course.

Besides typical tourist hotspots and interesting Romanian museums, you’ll also find lots of theme parks, family-oriented hotels, playgrounds and special activities for kids.

So let’s see what are some of the best places to visit on your family holiday in Romania. We selected the below based on several criteria:

1. variety of things to do
2. accessibility
3. value-for-money ratio
4. uniqueness aka potential for WOW
5. our experience with families

1. The capital, Bucharest

Thanks to its well-connected airport, Bucharest is one of the main entry points in Romania, which usually makes it the first stop in tourists' itineraries. It's also a good choice for a long weekend break.

The city is an eclectic mix of Belle Epoque, communist and modern architecture that may seem rough around the edges at first - but is fascinating nevertheless. It's a bustling city with a vibrant cultural scene and busy yet friendly people, similar to other capitals in Western Europe.

The capital city has a population of almost 2 mil - and lots of families! - so Bucharest offers lots of entertainment options for kids of all ages and all family members.

For adults wondering what to do in Bucharest our article will help with that.

For kids though - let's start with the many huge parks: Herastrau, Tineretului, Carol or Cismigiu, each with huge playgrounds or areas for sports where they can join in. Oraselul copiilor (Kids’ town) in Tineretului Park is a particular favorite.

Then there are some very interesting museums in Bucharest particularly attractive for kids:

1. the “Grigore Antipa” Natural History Museum
2. the open-air museum Village Museum with real-life replicas of rural houses and 'technology'
3. the Museum of Senses which will be a fully body experience
4. the Children's Museum with special educational exhibits
5. the Immersive Museum of New Arts, a new and exciting addition to the scene with immersive new media experiences

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You can also take your kids to see the second-largest building in the world: the Palace of Parliament. This brings us to another potential theme of interest for your kids: life in communist Romania.

The desk of a typical child growing up in communist Romania

There’s a time-capsule apartment, sort of like a personal museum, that will take your kids on a time-travelling adventure to a time not so long ago before technology and the internet were ubiquitous.

If you're looking for fun places that are more active (aka will get your kids tired!), you can choose between some of the best theme parks in Eastern Europe:

1. Therme is the largest SPA and water park with impressive facilities for children and adults
2. Destiny Park is a theme park dedicated to different jobs and careers, a sort of city built for young children allowing them to experiment with adult careers
3. Divertiland is the biggest of all water parks in the country

So Bucharest is a great place for a family holiday in Romania and there are lots of activities to keep the entire family busy. And you'll have plenty of places to stay and restaurants or eateries to choose from too. For more practical info check our Bucharest public transport guide.

2. The Danube Delta

A trip to this region is a fantastic way for kids to experience nature in one of Europe’s most unique settings, learn about biodiversity, and understand the value of eco-friendly travel.

The Danube Delta is a haven for wildlife, with over 350 bird species arriving in huge flocks each spring and summer to nest. It’s also home to more than 3,450 animal species (including fish) and 1,700 plant species, making it the world’s 3rd largest natural biosphere.

Your family will feel like they’re in an open-air zoo as you take boat rides along the Delta’s lush canals and vast lakes, surrounded by stunning views and wildlife everywhere you look.

• Local tip: sunsets in the Danube Delta are a unique experience and worthy of a family selfie!

There are many things to do in the Danube Delta that will keep everyone busy.

You can also visit fishing villages to see a traditional way of life, the most famous of which is Letea Village. Don’t miss the nearby Letea Forest where trees seem to grow out of water.

Some guesthouses also rent kayaks which is a great and healthy way to explore the Delta. And there’s also the option of sunbathing and swimming, of course.

• Practical advice. The entry point in the Danube Delta is the small town of Tulcea which is approx. 4h away from Bucharest. The best time to visit the Danube Delta is May - Sept. Because of its size and slow navigating speed, you’ll need min. 2 full days in the Delta - otherwise the hassle and effort of getting there will not be worth it.

The only way to explore the Delta’s long canals and wide lakes is by renting a boat. But the real game-changer? A knowledgeable guide who knows the best bird-spotting spots and scenic views, while also teaching your kids about the nature around them and practicing eco-friendly tourism.

One more thing - food in the Delta is very fish-focused (not seafood!), with limited alternatives. So, think about your kids’ tastes. The local cuisine is known for delicious slow-cooked fish stews and veggie-filled pots cooked over an open fire. Delicious!

A holiday by the beach is always fun for the family

3. The Black Sea resorts

Going to the Black Sea coast is a very popular holiday for Romanian families during Summer - and for good reason. There are many Black Sea resorts and some of them cater specifically to families travelling with children.

Peak season at the Black Sea runs from July 15 to August 30, so book your hotel at least 4 weeks in advance to beat the crowds! The wide, sandy beaches are perfect for kids’ sandcastles, and the shallow, warm water makes for safe splashing. Older kids can enjoy water sports like pedal boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Family-oriented resorts like Eforie Nord, Neptun, and Olimp offer tons of activities and amenities, from kids' clubs and playgrounds to entertainment programs. Some even have smaller pools for little ones’ safety.

The most popular and largest resort of Mamaia is also the most expensive and crowded. If you go here pay a quick visit to Aqua Magic & Holiday Village (Satul de Vacanta) to find rollercoaster rides, bumper cars, Merry-go-rounds, etc. There’s also a cable car also taking you from one end of the resort to the other with great views of the sea. Finally, Aqua Magic is the biggest water park here so don’t miss it.

• Local tip: Though you may read about Vama Veche as the party resort for the free-spirited, it's not exactly family-oriented and the water is rocky and quite dirty.

You can also take a quick trip to the city of Constanta so the kids can see a dolphin show at Delfinariu. The city is also nice with a history of its own. A walk on the promenade ending with a fish-based meal is a good idea for your family itinerary.

Brasov, the most popular medieval town and tourist city in Romania

4. One of the most beautiful medieval towns, Brasov

One does not travel to Romania without visiting its most beautiful city, and one of the seven medieval walled cities in the country. Medieval townhouses, large squares and an 800-year-old Gothic church surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains with a Hollywood-style sign at the top -- jaw-dropping!

There are lots of things to do in Brasov that will make a family vacation here worthwhile, so make sure to add it to your Romania itinerary.

This medieval city is packed with landmarks, from the Council Square and Clock Tower to the Black Church and ancient fortifications, all quick and budget-friendly to explore!

Even a walking tour through Brasov's Old Town will be enjoyable for little kids, with narrow streets, charming buildings, and vendors selling treats like pancakes, popcorn, traditional sweets, and artisanal ice cream. The fountain in Council Square is a favorite gathering spot where kids run around and chase pigeons, right under the Clock Tower.

Adults can admire the guild towers, and for an epic view, take the cable car up Tampa Hill to the Brasov sign. Kids will love the ride, and the hike down offers beautiful stops. One of our local guides with a 6-year-old daughter loves showing families around his city.

5. Going on day trips from Brasov

Besides the amazing places in the city, there are lots of day trips to popular tourist attractions nearby you should consider.

Let’s start with Bran Castle, the most famous landmark in Romania and a must-visit even for kids. Even if it’s just a short drive away, try to avoid weekends during the Summer months when it gets very crowded. To build excitement and curiosity, you may even suggest your kids read Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula novel before getting here.

Sadly, Dracula's popularity turned this sight into a touristy place with cheap and fake souvenirs. And beware - some tours have nothing to do with the real history of this impressive castle!

A day trip to Sighisoara Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only inhabited medieval citadel in Southeast Europe, is a must! Its beautifully preserved medieval charm will make your kids feel like they’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Take a stroll down its cobbled streets and catch the Clock Tower on the hour to see its 1400s-era figures put on a little dance.

For families who love being outdoors, hiking in Piatra Craiului is a great choice and has some of the best hikes in Romania for families. Our favorite trail - quite accessible too! - pass through traditional mountain villages which is another great learning opportunity for your kids.

Bear watching and wildlife trips are very popular too for nature lovers. Kids don’t have ‘on the ground’ opportunities to learn about - and even see - wild animals in their natural habitat in safe conditions elsewhere in Europe. Our specialist guides love teaching children how to recognise tracks of wild animals and to educate them on the importance of protecting nature.

Another perfect place for families to spend the day is Aventura Parc - an outdoor adventure park where you can easily spend a full day and get your kids tired! Dino Park is a dinosaur-themed amusement park less than a one-hour drive away, close to Rasnov Fortress (currently in restoration works). Kids under 3 get in free at Dino Park. For the bigger kiddos (ages 3 to 18), tickets are 7 euros, and for adults, it’s 9 euros.

Or maybe you'd like a taste of authentic rural life in Transylvania? To stay at a rural farm in a typical Saxon village - and explore the hills on horse-drawn carts. How's that for a fun family activity? :)

In the charming villages of southeastern Transylvania, you’ll find one of the world’s best collections of fortified churches, with over 150 beautifully preserved examples from the 13th to 16th centuries. These fortified churches, showcasing various architectural styles, are a true paradise for history and architecture lovers alike.

A friendly local? No - we took a family on a trip to Maramures and this happened :)

6. The traditional region of Maramures

If you want your children to experience authentic Romanian traditions and traditional village life, then you've got to visit Maramures in North-Western Romania. This is the most popular tourist region in our country and a favorite holiday destination for Romanian families.

It's a particularly wonderful destination for families because locals preserved their rural, community-first way of life, with all its rituals, traditions, and timeless rural activities. This is best seen during major religious holidays, for example during Romanian Christmas, Easter and New Year's Eve when big celebrations are organised. But there are lots of small holidays too over the Summer.

Locals are very hospitable - part of our culture's DNA, but on steroids - and tourists are invited to join. Your kids will quickly learn how to dance a hora - the traditional Romanian folk dance, sing or dress up.

• Local tip: Every Sunday locals dress up in their best folk costumes to attend service in the famous Wooden Churches of Maramures - plan your visit then!

This region is also known for its traditional arts and crafts, like carving wooden utensils, windpipe playing, and pottery. Tourists, including kids, can even join in on workshops - though you won’t see these advertised, as tourism here is super local. Just like in the Danube Delta, you’ll need a local guide with connections to set it up.

Our guide on this trip, Florin, is a native of Maramures, lives there and has an 8-year-old boy.

Alongside traditional crafts, your kids get a taste of real countryside life: they’ll see farm animals everywhere, learn how nature truly works, and can even join in farm or garden activities. Most guesthouses are family-owned and they have kids too!

Besides the fascinating UNESCO wooden churches, there's also the Sapanta Merry Cemetery that will be interesting for your kids. Colorful wooden crosses tell every person’s life story or death in rhyme, and you may forget you're still in a cemetery!

Next up is the Mocanita Steam Train, a hit with everyone, especially kids! It’s a scenic 4-hour ride through a beautiful valley. The area is also perfect for family hikes and picnics, with lots of easy trails to explore.

But the #1 reason to visit Maramures and nearby Bucovina, with its painted monasteries, is this:

Life here feels like a step back in time. People live simply, in tune with nature, just as they did before industrialization and the internet. It’s the perfect place to slow down, disconnect, and escape the rush of modern life.

Kids have a wonderful experience here: They slow down, disconnect from their screens, see farm animals everywhere, pick vegetables from the garden and eat real, tasty and organic food. They learn first-hand about a different way of life.

• Practical info. As I said earlier, Maramures is a top tourism destination for families in Romania, so you need to plan ahead if you want to visit the region. Tourism here is very local and tourist activities and sights are spread across many small villages. The only way to get around is by car - or with a guide - and don't expect too much English. You'll need 2-3 full days here.

Now THIS will be a sight to remember for your kids!

7. The Muddy Volcanoes

Now here's a unique place to visit for your kids: the Muddy Volcanoes. A unique natural attraction in Romania - and the world - mud volcanoes are formed when gasses pass through muddy layers before making their way up.

Just a 3-hour drive north of Bucharest, the Berca Mud Volcanoes in Buzau County are now part of UNESCO's geoparks. There are four groups of mud volcanoes, with the most famous being Paclele Mari and Paclele Mici. Safe and easy to explore, these funny-looking, smelly volcanoes are perfect for a family trip.

The mud creates barren patches that look almost moon-like, making it great for kids to play pretend and watch for mini eruptions.

Other attractions nearby include the Living Fires (Lopatari), the Colti Red Amber Museum, the Magic Trovants (Ulmet’s 'growing rocks'), ancient cave settlements (Alunis-Nucu-Bozioru), and salt domes.

Having a guide makes it easier to find each spot, like the Living Fires, which require a bit of a steep, hidden hike through tall grass that’s easy to miss without guidance.

8. The Carpathian Mountains: hiking, adventures & wildlife

By now you've realised Romania is a mountainous country, approx. 45% of the total land surface to be more precise. Reaching altitudes as high as 2,545m, our mountains have trails for every age and experience level, and lots of natural attractions and activities to offer. So they're the best choice for your family holiday if you love being outdoors.

Whether you're looking for a long walk (4-6h) in nature to enjoy some fresh air, a short walk with scenic views through pristine forests and mountain villages, adventure sports or wildlife watching - check our article on the best hiking trails in Romania to find out more.

Cool natural sights worth seeing with the kids include:

• the Romanian Sphinx in Bucegi Mountains
• Zarnesti Gorges in Piatra Craiului
• the famous Transfagarasan Road in Fagaras Mts
• numerous giant ice caves in the Apuseni Mountains

If your family likes a bit of thrill, you can try out adventure sports like via ferrata close to the city of Cluj-Napoca, caving or white water rafting.

If you’re into animals and nature, Romania is Europe’s last wilderness reserve and home to the largest population of brown bears! Seeing these animals in their natural habitat (in safe conditions) is thrilling for kids.

Romania’s mountains also have some pretty cool caves packed with unique rock formations, making them an awesome place to explore and learn about nature in a fun way.

In short, the Romanian mountains are perfect for a family adventure. The top spots to set up base are Brasov, Sibiu, and Cluj-Napoca. Since hiking infrastructure isn’t tourist-ready everywhere, we recommend going with a local licensed guide who knows the trails and can keep your family safe.

9. Discovering the famous UNESCO Heritage Sites

Romania is an amazing country with 11 UNESCO Heritage Sites that absolutely deserve a spot on your Romania itinerary! We’ve already talked about a few, like the Transylvanian villages with fortified churches, the wooden churches of Maramures, the historic center of Sighisoara, and the stunning Danube Delta—but there’s so much more to see!

Make sure to add the Horezu Monastery in Valcea County, a true gem of the Brancovenesc style. Then there are the painted churches of Moldavia in Suceava County, built back in the 15th and 16th centuries, and the Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains, which stood strong during the Roman-Dacian wars.

And don’t miss the ancient beech forests of the Carpathians (for a nice walk in the dark woods), the Rosia Montana Mining Cultural Landscape, or the incredible Sculptural Ensemble by Constantin Brancusi in Targu-Jiu.

10. Other popular destinations for families in Romania

And Romania still has a lot more to offer.

Like Peles Castle, the exquisite summer home of the Romanian Royal family, built in the 19th century with technology that would shame even some 20th-century constructions. Kids love walking up the winding road to the beautiful garden and seeing the retractable glass ceiling. Peles Castle is a real treat for all visitors, not to mention the apple strudels at the restaurants leading up to the castle.

Other unique experiences include a visit to the Turda Salt Mine near Cluj Napoca, an underground amusement park with fascinating light installations. Kids have much fun here: they can go on a ferris wheel ride 120 meters below ground, take a boat ride on an underground lake or play mini golf. And breathing salty air is good for anyone with respiratory issues.

Rides on horse-drawn carriages exploring the countryside surrounding the city of Sibiu noticing the details and the beauty of each Saxon house and how perfectly it blends into the scenery. This is one of the sights of Eastern Transylvania that have caught the eye of (then) Prince Charles, so it is bound to be amazing.

And if you're in Sibiu or Timisoara, a day trip to the famous Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle, or to the Alba Iulia Citadel will be a fascinating way to learn about Romanian history.

Romanian food children will love

Finally, a tricky yet essential topic. What will your kids eat here?

Since Romanian families love to eat out, most restaurants have kids menus with various options for delicious food, and some venues or resorts might also have a children's playroom nearby. This is very common in big cities.

But Romanian food is very filling and portions are generous so parents can easily share with kids. So apart from typical French fries and tomato pasta on their menu, your kids might also enjoy some typical Romanian dishes - to everyone's surprise!

Traditional Romanian dishes are available in most restaurants and are the norm in rural areas. While heavy on meat and animal products, there are lots of vegetarian options or simple dishes you - or your kids - might want to try:

• chicken noodle soup or ciorba radauteana (sour cream slow-cooked broth with carrots and a little garlic)
• polenta with fresh cheese and sour cream
• zacusca - an eggplant, peppers and tomatoes spread for bread
• rice pilaf
• the popular papanasi - cheese-filled dumplings topped with jam and sour cream
• sweat bread cozonac with various fillings
• pancakes (french-style) with jam

And you'll find lots of pastry shops on every street so your kids can keep snacking on them - and usually, they're very filling and delicious.

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I will stop here cause this article is long enough as it is!

I really hope by now you've realised what a great idea a holiday with kids in Romania can be.

If you need help with planning your trip and tours, don't hesitate to contact us - we're happy to help!

Your Romanian Friend,

Marius