Looking for things to do with kids in Bucharest without crossing the entire city?

Northern Bucharest – especially the Herăstrău (King Mihai I Park) area – is one of the best areas for a successful day out with kids. Here you’ll find a park covering no less than 187 hectares, clusters of family-friendly restaurants, outdoor activity options, and indoor alternatives all located close to one another. It’s a sought-after area for those looking to unwind: population density is lower, the buildings are elegant and generally shorter than in other parts of the city. It’s a place where you can enjoy more open space — and actually see the sky. With smart planning, a one-day itinerary in this area allows you to move between destinations without excessive travel. The area is also easily accessible by metro, via Aviatorilor station.

📍 The area is easily accessible by metro – Aviatorilor Station (M2 line).

Below you can find the reference map of the itinerary. After choosing your first destination, click on the map marker, then press the Directions button and set up navigation from your current location to that point.

🎯 Why This Itinerary Works for Families

✔ All locations are close to each other
✔ You can walk between most stops
✔ It combines outdoor and indoor activities
✔ It works in both warm and cold seasons
✔ It’s easy to adapt depending on your child’s mood or energy level

ITINERARY:

START ╰┈➤
╰┈➤ 1. Breakfast in Aviatorilor Area ╰┈➤
╰┈➤ 2. Outdoor Activities in “King Mihai I” Park Area (Herăstrău) ╰┈➤
╰┈➤ 3. Lunch in the Piața Presei Area ╰┈➤
╰┈➤ 4. Indoor Activities in Piața Presei Area ╰┈➤
╰┈➤ END

🍳 1. Breakfast in the Aviatorilor / Charles de Gaulle Area

Mornings should feel easy. No crowded restaurants, no long waiting times, and no complicated menus. The Charles de Gaulle area is ideal because it offers great options just steps from the entrance — or even inside — King Mihai I Park (formerly Herăstrău). Here are three convenient suggestions for a relaxed family breakfast.

🏙️ City Grill Primăverii is a great choice for families who want a proper sit-down breakfast in a comfortable and welcoming space. The menu is varied and includes classic kid-friendly options such as eggs, pancakes, and simple dishes. With fast service and a relaxed atmosphere, plus its location just a few minutes from the Charles de Gaulle park entrance, it makes a logical starting point for an active day in northern Bucharest — without unnecessary detours.

🏞️ Baraka Terrace, located inside Herăstrău Park near the skatepark, is a well-known spot in the area where you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast either indoors or on the spacious outdoor terrace. You’ll find sandwiches, child-friendly menu options, and good coffee for parents. After eating, you can head straight to the playground or start your park walk without moving elsewhere.

🏘️ The Village Museum Restaurant, right next to the “Dimitrie Gusti” National Village Museum, is a practical option for a light breakfast or brunch in a traditional and relaxed setting. It features an airy terrace and Romanian dishes such as soups and pies, making it suitable for families. However, experiences can vary — some reviews mention longer service times and slightly higher prices — so it’s better seen as a pleasant break during your visit rather than a destination for high culinary expectations.

🌳 2. Outdoor Activities in King Mihai I Park (Herăstrău Park)

After breakfast, kids are usually full of energy. This is the perfect time to head outdoors and let them move freely. The Charles de Gaulle entrance provides quick access to the Herăstrău park’s playground areas. Let’s take a look at a few great ways to spend time in this awesome park.

🛝 The park’s playgrounds have generally been upgraded to meet current safety standards and include inclusive equipment for children with special needs. You’ll find climbing structures, slides, and plenty of open space for running around — ideal for burning off that early-day energy. Mornings are usually less crowded and more enjoyable.

🚲 Bike rental is another excellent option. It keeps everyone active and allows you to explore parts of the park that are harder to reach on foot, such as Piața Presei, the Herăstrău neighborhood, or Bordei Park. The I’Velo Relax Herăstrău center is located at the Charles de Gaulle entrance and operates seasonally, offering bikes through a convenient app-based bike-sharing system.

🚤 A boat ride on the lake (during the warm season) is a relaxing activity that children especially enjoy, typically starting in May. A full lake tour lasts around 25 minutes, with departures every 45 minutes from the Central Pier between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM (with a minimum of 10 paying adults). Visitors can also rent rowing boats or pedal boats for leisure. In 2025, prices started at 18 RON for adults (12 RON for children aged 7–14 and seniors, free for children under 7 and people with disabilities plus one companion), while rowboats and pedal boats cost 12 RON per hour.

BONUS! In summer, you can cool off with artisanal ice cream from Zelato, the small green kiosk near the Skate Park entrance (Charles de Gaulle Square).

From here, the park naturally connects to the Piața Presei area, where you can plan lunch and the next activities of the day.

🍽️ 3. Lunch in the Piața Presei Area

After outdoor activities and playtime, it’s time to refuel and plan a proper meal to recharge before the next stop. If you’re wondering where to eat with kids in Bucharest, especially in the northern part of the city, this area offers several family-friendly restaurants that are easy to include in your itinerary — here are a few of the best options to make your choice easier.

🍺 Berăria H – Herăstrău is a great option for families looking for a spacious and airy venue right inside Herăstrău Park. With a large terrace and a varied menu suitable for a late breakfast, relaxed brunch, or lunch, it allows you to continue your day naturally without leaving the park or making extra detours.

🎸 Hard Rock Cafe Bucharest is located on the lakeside inside King Mihai I Park (Herăstrău), just a few steps from the Dimitrie Gusti Village Museum. It fits perfectly into an active family day in the area, offering a spacious terrace, lively atmosphere, and a menu inspired by American and international cuisine — fresh beef burgers, smoked ribs, sharing platters and indulgent desserts — alongside a dedicated kids’ menu for children under 10, specially designed to suit their tastes.

🍽️ Taverna Sârbului, near Piața Presei, is just a short walk from the alleys of Herăstrău Park, making it easy to include in your day without detours. It’s well suited for a hearty lunch after a park stroll, featuring a playground area, a large terrace, spacious dining rooms, generous Balkan dishes and simple options for children — a good choice when you want a relaxed sit-down meal in a comfortable, family-friendly setting.

🍝 Pranzo by ESS is a great option for families looking for a modern, bright restaurant that’s typically less crowded than the lakeside venues. The menu is balanced and inspired by Mediterranean and international cuisine, with reasonable prices. There are two Pranzo locations in the area: one at the World Trade Center in Piața Montreal and another at Ana Tower on Poligrafiei Boulevard.

🏛️ 4. Indoor Activities in the Piața Presei / Romexpo Area

After lunch, it’s the perfect time for a structured activity. It can be something cultural, something dynamic, or an indoor alternative if the weather isn’t ideal.

🦎 Reptiland Bucharest, located on Expoziției Boulevard near Romexpo, offers an engaging educational experience for the whole family. Children can discover over 40 species of reptiles and dozens of plant species in a specially designed space created to showcase how diverse and fascinating nature truly is. It’s a memorable indoor activity for children, teenagers, and adults alike, and easy to include in a northern Bucharest itinerary.

🏡 A walk through the “Dimitrie Gusti” National Village Museum offers a spacious, open-air setting filled with traditional Romanian houses and plenty of room to explore. It’s an excellent option for a calmer pace after lunch, allowing children to discover new things without the pressure of following a rigid route.

🏎️ VMAX Karting at Romexpo or Hype Arena by Kiddo (next to VMAX)

VMAX Karting is an ideal choice for older children, teenagers, and even parents looking for a good dose of adrenaline that can turn the day into a memorable experience. It works especially well if energy levels are still high and even includes an on-site restaurant. Indoor karting here is intense and well organized, featuring technical tracks, safety equipment included, and timed sessions — a perfect alternative when outdoor activities aren’t possible. The minimum age is 7 years old, with a minimum height of 130 cm for VMAX Kids karts.

If karting feels too intense, right next door you’ll find Hype Arena by Kiddo, a modern indoor park for children aged 4–12. In addition to the gaming area, kids can enjoy ninja-style obstacle courses, climbing structures, slides, and activity zones designed for different energy levels — making it an excellent option for dynamic indoor fun.

🍦 A Relaxed Ending to the Itinerary

Before heading home, you can enjoy a creamy artisanal ice cream at the restaurant inside Hype Arena — the perfect way to cool down and extend the joy after the high-energy races.

Northern Bucharest may sometimes feel busy, but when you plan your day thoughtfully, it becomes one of the most family-friendly areas in the city.

An active day with kids isn’t about checking off as many places as possible — it’s about balancing movement with breaks, energy with relaxation, and fun with simple moments spent together. In the Herăstrău – Expoziției – Kiseleff area, you’ll find all the ingredients for that balance.

Save this itinerary for your next weekend and adapt it to your family’s rhythm. Sometimes the best days are the ones that are well planned… but lived without pressure.