“You’re barefoot again?” – Why kids love camping?
“You’re barefoot again?” is the usual question, but at Thermal Camping it’s more of a compliment than an annoyance. Here, behind every bush is a secret world, under every shady tree a kingdom of its own. There are no walls, no unnecessary rules that restrict free play. Camping is the carelessness of childhood. While the little ones are busy concocting soup from leaves and pebbles, the parent is relaxing in a hammock or leisurely keeping watch over the world’s most delicious stew simmering in a cauldron.
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tents Thermal Camping Zalakaros
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zelt Thermal Camping Zalakaros
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children's day Zalakaros Thermal Camping
Rolling around in the grass is perfectly legal – in fact, it’s highly recommended, because it’s OK to have dusty feet or green trousers on a campsite! This natural environment is a real experience for children, as they grow, experience and deepen their relationship with their environment and family.
Curious what makes a camping holiday truly enjoyable? What should you look out for as a parent? Here are some tried and tested tips, child-friendly locations and why Thermal Camping Zalakaros will be your favourite holiday destination from spring to autumn.
Kids sleep sideways in tents too! – What to expect as a parent when camping with the family
We won’t sugarcoat it—there might be a bit of chaos, a search for a missing shoe, or some unexpected twists in the daily routine. But there will also be plenty of laughter and memories that last a lifetime.
We’ll also tell you that modern camping is very different from what you remember from your childhood. Thanks to today’s modern gear, camping in a tent or caravan can be incredibly comfortable—sometimes even downright luxurious. And if you enjoy hotel-like comfort but don’t want to miss out on being close to nature and experiencing classic camping vibes, Thermal Camping Zalakaros also offers apartments as an option.
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Kindertag Zalakaros Thermal Camping
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Kindertag Zalakaros Thermal Camping
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Kindertag Zalakaros Thermal Camping
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Kindertag Zalakaros Thermal Camping
How to prepare for your holiday: tips and things to know
- Dream Tent – favourite plush toy, cosy little nook: Sleeping at the campsite is an experience. Different sounds, different smells, different darkness. Children love it all, but it can feel strange at first. Make your tent comfortable! A comfy mattress, a soft blanket and a favourite sleeping pet will make your casual home cosy. Being close to nature has a calming effect, and the fresh air makes it easier to sleep and fall asleep. We have to admit, though, before your child falls asleep, you can expect a never-ending stream of questions: “What are we doing tomorrow?” “What’s that noise, is there a hedgehog outside or is Dad snoring?” “Are you sure there are no lions here?” And when your child is finally asleep, you can wonder how such a small child can completely occupy such a big tent.
- Bathroom to Go – or a Hygiene Survival Kit: Bath time with kids can be either fun or a challenge. It’s handy if you bring a plastic container to hold your towels, slippers, pyjamas, shower gel, toothbrush. In the box, the stuff stays dry and you can put it on the floor in the sanitary block if you need two free hands. Is your little one just potty training? It’s a big challenge when you’re on the road and there’s suddenly no suitable place when nature calls. A portable potty is a real lifesaver—not just beside the tent, but also a convenient solution during hikes.
- During camping, kids move around so much that their appetite increases: this is great news, but it’s worth being prepared for. Always have a snack with you: fruit, puffed cereal, biscuits. At the campsite you can tailor your meals to your own needs: Cooking in a cauldron, roasting on a spit, or just putting together a simple barbecue dinner is also a great activity in itself. The kitchen of Thermal Camping is also close by, where you can quickly prepare a light pasta dish or a hearty bacon and eggs meal. And if you don’t feel like cooking, you’ll find the Camping Restaurant right on site. Here, while the kids enjoy kid-friendly dishes, parents can indulge in seafood and traditional Hungarian delicacies.
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Kindertag Zalakaros Thermal Camping
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Kindertag Zalakaros Thermal Camping
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Kindertag Zalakaros Thermal Camping
- Is it drizzling? More of an experience than a problem! Many people worry most about spring showers when it comes to an early-season tent holiday, but what an experience it is if you catch a moment like that! In the tent you can tell stories, play cards, play games and listen to the drizzling rain, which is very cosy. The showers will usually clear up in half an hour, so stretch out a waterproof tarpaulin and you’re guaranteed to stay dry! Make sure to bring wellies and a raincoat—puddle jumping is always an exciting activity. And since you’re already wet, the Zalakaros Spa is just next door. You can even run through in beach slippers. Hot water, children’s pools, sauna – everything you need to recharge your batteries.
- A schedule? Just take it easy! The usual home routine can easily get disrupted while camping—and that’s perfectly fine. Here, there’s no need to stick to noon nap time – if the kids are still happily playing, feel free to enjoy an after-lunch coffee in the shade. It might also happen that breakfast is at ten because stargazing ran late, lunch at three in the afternoon, or you just have a picnic at a beautiful hiking spot because of an outing. The important thing is to listen to what your child needs – and what you need for yourself. At the campsite, you finally don’t have to adapt to anyone, you can experience things intuitively.
Top camping experiences
A crackling campfire, an evening flashlight adventure? Camping gives you the chance to do lots of activities that can boost your confidence, give you a sense of belonging, entertain you or relax you.
Explore adventures together, see the world through a child’s eyes!
- Under the spell of the campfire: Lighting the fire together is an exciting ritual. By the glowing embers, with sizzling grilled sausages and marshmallows on a stick, come the stories and family tales — memories you’ll cherish and talk about for years to come.
- Bikes, balls, playground – plenty of movement: In the campsite’s enclosed, safe area, you can let the kids play on the playground or take their first solo bike ride. For the older ones, there is also a ping-pong table, badminton and a football goal.
- Nature as a playground: Camping is a truly Montessori-style holiday. A cookie made of pebbles, a bracelet from blades of grass, a magic wand from a tree branch—the children’s imagination can soar freely. And with adventure and lots of movement, you’ll develop all the important skills you can’t learn from a book.
- Let your campsite be the land of fairies: The magic isn’t just for the kids—create a stylish relaxation zone for yourselves too. A string of LED lights around the tent, a few colourful blankets tossed on the grass, a checkered tablecloth, a woven picnic basket, or a canopy hammock – these guarantee magical moments.
- Flashlight adventures: As night falls, the excitement begins. Organise a flashlight treasure hunt, or investigate the mysterious “thing” rustling under the bushes. A test of courage is guaranteed, and laughter even more so.
- Stargazing when all goes quiet: A little stargazing before bedtime? The perfect end to a busy day. Lying under the starry sky looking for the Plough asterism is a moment that will always be yours.
Child-friendly places and family recreation around Zalakaros
If the child has fun, everyone has fun! This is one of the basic rules of a family holiday. You should tailor your activities to the needs of your youngest child, but remember that adults and older children are hungry for meaningful recreation too.
The Zalakaros area is full of child-friendly places where every member of the family can enjoy themselves. With a wide range of activities on offer, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for, making Thermal Camping a base for happy parents and happy children, from the youngest to the teenagers.
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Thermalwasser Zalakaros Spa Thermal Camping
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Thermalwasser Zalakaros Spa Thermal Camping
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Thermalwasser Zalakaros Spa Thermal Camping
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Thermalwasser Zalakaros Spa Thermal Camping
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Thermalwasser Zalakaros Spa Thermal Camping
Here’s a guide to where you should head next!
Hero Day, Children’s Day! – On May 25 at Karos Korzó
Zalakaros’ impressive pedestrian street and Karos Korzó, home to lively events, offer exciting activities for families on Children’s Day. This year, the organisers are preparing another exciting event with police ambulances, fire engines, police dog shows and other colourful activities. Participation is free.
From Thermal Camping by foot, bike, or even in flip-flops:
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Kanutour Kányavár
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Kanutour Kányavár
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Kanutour Kányavár
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Kanutour Kányavár
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- Zalakaros Spa – 10% discount for our guests!
Right next to the campsite, a complete water paradise awaits. Children’s pools, water slide park, sauna world, wellness and therapeutic services.
- Snail hiking trail – a forest adventure, ten minutes from the campsite: A walk full of experiences awaits you in the Zalakaros Park Forest. Along the nature trail, you’ll find wavy benches and information boards. It’s close, shady, safe – ideal for a short trip or even before an afternoon nap.
- Erdészkilátó (Forester’s Lookout) – a beautiful panoramic viewpoint: After climbing the 91 steps, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view. Lake Kis-Balaton and the buttes provide the perfect backdrop for a beautiful family photo. The lookout is part of the Park Forest, so you can connect it with hikes of different lengths.
- Thermal Lake and Ecoside – games, peace, and rejuvenation: Just a few minutes’ walk and you’ll arrive at this extraordinary park, where the playground, cosy resting spots, barefoot trails, and tower slides all offer both relaxation and active fun. The perfect place when everyone wants to do something different – the child plays, the parent relaxes, the teenager chases adrenaline.
- Bike tours for all ages: The area is full of wild trails! If you don’t have your own bike, that’s no problem either! At the nearby Cycling Centre you can rent everything – a bike, a child seat or even a bicycle carriage.
Sites less than half an hour away by car:
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Kanutour Kányavár
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Kindertag Zalakaros Thermal Camping
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Lake Kis-Balaton
- Kis-Balaton Visitor Centre: Interactive exhibitions and nature trails show you the wonders of nature up close. An educational and entertaining programme – for those who like a trip with content.
- Kányavári Island and canoe trip: This place is like stepping into a nature movie. The iconic bridge, canoeing and tranquil walking trails are stunning. Swaying on the water, discovering the wildlife of the reeds and the unspoilt landscape is an unforgettable experience.
Start your family adventure with just a few clicks!
Whether you come with a tent, roll in with a caravan or stay in a comfortable apartment, we have a family-friendly solution for you. And we welcome four-legged friends too. You can bring your dog, cat or friendly pets with you to the campsite so that no one misses out on your holiday. The kids can run around and you can finally relax. A few clicks on our website and your holiday can begin! You can pay for your accommodation by credit card or debit card. Don’t forget, low prices in the low season, so it’s worth taking a holiday in spring! The booking is fast, but places are running out – don’t leave it to the last minute!