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 traveling 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, traveling 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
• 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 holiday 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.

In general, the weather in Romania is fair and warm. Tends to get very hot in July and frosty during Winter.

Summer is the obvious choice for all tourist and outdoor activities like sightseeing, hiking, wildlife watching, and beach holidays by the Black Sea. Spring and autumn are good times to visit rural areas and learn about local culture and traditions.

If your kids are Halloween fans - what better place to be at the end of October than at Dracula’s Castle (Bran Castle by its real name) in the heart of Transylvania?

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 on your family holiday in Romania

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 traveling 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.

• Traveling 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. busses are good options, but they don’t typical 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 busses, 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 people prefer staying flexible and deciding on the spot.

For families on holiday though, things need to be planned in advance while also considering the kids best interests and preferences.

Sadly, despite its huge tourism potential, tourism services in Romania are still underdeveloped. Lots of guides do the same things and compete on the lowest price on international faceless websites like viator, etc.

This makes it harder for you to decide if a guide can keep your kids entertained too. And there are few, if any, dedicated tours or activities for kids.

In our experience though, even if hiring a guide during your family holiday in Romania is more expensive, there are several advantages to it.

First, it removes the hassle of planning an itinerary that balances sightseeing, time spent on the road (which tourists usually underestimate!) and various activities that will keep the whole family entertained - without being too tiring.

Second, it makes traveling in Romania much easier since you won’t need to rent a car or figure out public transport. For example, on our day trips our guides can drop you off in the next major tourist city so you can continue your holiday there.

Finally - and most importantly - visiting some tourist attractions or doing certain activities without a local guide is a sure way to miss out on experiencing authentic Romanian culture while having a fun family holiday. You won't find many tourist info spots or official tours so you'll just be wandering around without knowing what you're looking at.

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 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 authentic 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?

Which brings me to our last point…

• Shopping, budget and safety

As for planning your budget you’ll see that traveling with children in Romania is quite affordable because there are so many choices when it comes to everything: places to stay, restaurants, small eateries, take away food, etc -- depending on your budget and preferences.

And there are lots of shops at every street corner (from small ones to supermarkets and shopping malls) and pharmacies in Romania. So you can find anything and everything you need for your family holiday, from affordable clothes to cheap groceries, toys or medicine. Go to any supermarket such as Mega Image, Profi or Carrefour to stock up on food and snacks.

As for eating out, depending on where you choose to eat, entrees and soups are typically 2-5 Euro, mains 5 - 10 Euro while deserts 4-6 Euro in big cities. In the country, prices are typically lower but you'll be wise to choose a place with half-board since there aren't many options for eating or groceries in the villages.

Children tickets. Most museums and tourist attractions offer gratuity for children under 3 and lower entrance fees for children aged 3-12 or 14. Student discounts also apply. Even so, entrance fees are low, typically 5 Euro or less for adults, except at the most popular tourist attractions such as Bran Castle where it's 11 Euro.

As for reduced prices for kids on our guided tours and trips, it depends on the tour and your kids’ ages. On a walking tour in the city, they generally get reduced rates. For day trips, some guides offer reduced rates for kids under 12 (especially on private tours), while others don’t because costs are fixed and kids take up the spot of an adult in a minivan.

For example, on our popular bear watching tour (which children love), spots in the bear hide are limited and the national forest authority that operates the hides doesn’t offer reduced fees for children. So kids don’t get reduced rates because costs for them are the same as for an adult…

The general rule when booking our tours is this: for a family with 1 kid (over 3 years old) choose 3 people when booking and mention to our guide the exact age of your child so he or she can determine if they can offer a reduced rate depending on the tour, group size, costs etc.
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As for staying safe when traveling 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.

So besides typical tourist hotspots and interesting Romanian museums, you’ll also find lots of theme parks, family-friendly 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 on 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. Which 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 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 in this region will be the perfect opportunity for the little ones to discover natural beauty in a unique setting in Europe, to appreciate biodiversity and learn about the importance of preserving the environment through eco-friendly and responsible travel.

The Delta is home to over 350 species of birds which flock here in large numbers during the warm season (May-Sept) to breed and take care of their offspring. With over 3,450 animal species (incl. fish) and 1,700 species of plants, the Danube Delta is the 3nd largest natural biosphere in the world.

Your family will feel like in a huge zoo when going on boat rides on the Delta’s lush canals and huge lakes, with beautiful sceneries and a multitude of birds and animals freely roaming around.

• 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 navigate the delta's long canals and vast lakes is by boat which everyone rents. But the key thing is to have a knowledgeable guide who knows where to take you to see birds and beautiful sceneries - while also educating your kids about what they're seeing while being a responsible tourist that protects nature.

One more thing - food in the Delta is mostly fish-based (but not sea-food), and there are some but few alternatives to that. So consider your kids dietary preferences too . Local cuisine is famous for its slow-cooked fish stews and pot cooked over open fire, with lots of vegetables. 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 traveling with children.

Peak season at the Black Sea is between 15 July - 30 August when you’ll get fully booked hotels (unless you book yours at least 4 weeks in advance), crowded restaurants, and packed beaches.

The sunny beaches are sandy and wide, making it the perfect place for little kids to build castles. The water is not too deep and it’s usually calm and warm. Plenty of water sports too such as pedal boating, kayaking and paddleboarding can be great fun for older children.

Choose one of several family-oriented beach resorts such as Eforie Nord, Neptun, and Olimp, which offer a range of activities and amenities for children.

Many of these resorts provide kids' clubs, playgrounds and entertainment programs to keep little ones engaged. For little children's safety, you can look for a resort that has a small swimming pool, besides the main one.

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-friendly 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. Brasov and its surroundings

One does not travel to Romania without visiting its most beautiful city. Medieval townhouses, large squares and a 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.

This medieval city is known for many landmarks and its medieval Old Town with narrow side streets. Iconic landmarks include the Council Square, Black Church and many bastions and fortifications - all of which can be visited quickly and cheaply.

Even a walking tour through Brasov will be enjoyable for your little ones as the Old Town is packed with beautiful buildings and lots of street vendors selling pancakes, popcorn, traditional sweets and artisanal ice cream shops.

While adults may enjoy seeing all the guild towers surrounding the city, children like to gather at the fountain in Council Square right under the Clock Tower to run around and chase pigeons. Events and traditional fairs are held regularly here with lots of small shops with artisanal products and foods.

And if you want to see the city from above - take the cable car up to on Tampa hill to the Brasov sign, your kids will enjoy the ride. And then you can do a beautiful downhill hike stopping for views. One of our guides here - who has a 6 year old daughter - loves showing tourists around his city.

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 aka Dracula’s 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 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, the Dracula 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 famous UNESCO world heritage site for its well-preserved medieval architecture and atmosphere is another great idea. A short walk on the cobbled streets of this historical site - where people still live! - will quickly make your kids feel like they're in a fairy tale setting. Catch the hour on the dot by the Clock Tower, a medieval monument from 1400 where its original figures will start dancing.

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).

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? :)

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

5. The traditional region of Maramures

If you want to 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 and traditions. 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!

The region is also famous for its traditional arts and crafts especially wood carving, playing the windpipe and pottery. Tourists (including children) can participate in workshops - except these aren't advertised anywhere, tourism here is very local. Just like in the Danube Delta, you need a guide with local contacts who can set this up.

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

Besides traditional Romanian culture, your kids can also experience authentic life in the countryside. They will see farm animals everywhere, learn how Nature actually works and can even participate 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 cemetary!

Then there's also the Mocanita Steam Train which everybody enjoys, especially kids. A 4h trip through a scenic valley. The area also offers excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring nature, as many trails are suitable for family walks and picnics.

But above all, the #1 reason why you should visit Maramures and the neighbouring region of Bucovina with your family is this:

Life here, sprinkled with traditional Romanian culture, is mostly the same as it was before industrialisation and the internet. People live slow and follow nature's rhythm, which means you can have a quiet vacation and remember how things were before the busy-ness and stresses 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!

6. The Muddy Volcanoes

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

3h away North of Bucharest, this area recently joined the network of UNESCO geoparks. There are 4 groups of mud volcanoes, the most famous ones are called Paclele Mari and Paclele Mici. They're safe, with the mud eruptions being low key, and easy to navigate. Funny looking and smelly too!

The mud create patches of dry land with little to no vegetation, so the landscape here looks quiet eerie, like you're on the moon. Kids love playing pretend or spotting the next eruption, and it's one of the more unique places to visit in Romania with your kids.

Other attractions in the area that are interesting for families with children are the Living Fires (Lopatari), the Colti Red Amber Museum, the Magic Trovants (the growing rocks near Ulmet), rupestral cave settlements (Alunis-Nucu-Bozioru), and the salt domes.

Getting a guide to help you reach each of these destination will be more efficient. The Living Fires, for example, are a bit of a walk up a steep and muddy hill, then up a path hidden in very tall grass. Some people miss the trail altogether.

7. 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 caves in 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.

And if you're into animals and nature, Romania is known as Europe's last wilderness reserve and home to the biggest population of brown bears. It's pretty exciting for kids to see animals in their natural home - in safe conditions.

There are also some neat caves to explore in the mountains. These aren't just any caves – they're full of interesting rock formations and it's a cool way to learn a bit about nature and have fun at the same time.

In short, the Carpathian Mountains are a great place for a family trip. The best places to set up base are Brasov, Sibiu and Cluj-Napoca. As hiking infrastructure is not very well developed for foreign tourists, we highly recommend going with a local licensed hiking guide who knows the trails and can keep your family safe.

8. 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 a salt 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, Alba Iulia Citadel or Sarmizegetusa Regia (2,000 year old ruins of Dacian fortresses) 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 Romanians 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

My advice: stick to simple foods, products (cheese or cold cuts) and seasonal vegetables and fruits. Organic food from small producers is very common here, especially in rural areas or local markets, so your kids can discover their original - and delicious - taste

And you'll find lots of pastry shops on every street so your kids can keep snacking on thus - 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!

Marius