KiddieTime at Óbuda Synagogue: free weekly music, drama, and Krav Maga for ages 3–10 with parents, exploring Jewish culture through songs, stories, and movement. Registration required in Budapest.
when: 2026.01.14., Wednesday
where: 1036 Budapest, Lajos utca 163
Budapest’s Óbuda Synagogue turns Wednesday afternoons into a kids’ playground of culture with KiddieTime, a new weekly series mixing music, learning, drama games, and Krav Maga for ages 3–10 and their parents. It’s free, but registration is required.
When and Where
Every Wednesday, 4:30–6:00 p.m., at Óbuda (1036 Budapest, Lajos Street [Lajos utca] 163). Upcoming dates: 2026.01.14, 2026.01.21, 2026.01.28, 2026.02.04, 2026.02.11. Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
How It Works
Each session unfolds in three parts, bringing Jewish culture, traditions, and values closer to kids through shared, experience-based fun with parents. First up: a music program packed with Hebrew songs, prayers, and holiday melodies, designed for singing along and exploring together.
Stories Come Alive
Next, the weekly Torah portion is reimagined through drama pedagogy—games, role-play, and creative activities—guided by a drama educator so children can dive into the stories with hands-on engagement.
Move, Focus, Grow
The finale is an energetic Krav Maga class led by a coach with experience from Israel. Beyond movement, the aim is to build confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of community.
Who’s Behind It
Program lead: Zsuzsa Szilánk, EMIH head of education. Event coordination: Miri Radó. Jewish content: Petra Nagy.
2025, adrienne
Pros
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Free weekly event with music, drama games, and a kids’ Krav Maga class makes it super family-friendly for ages 3–10, and parents join in too
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Easy midweek timing (Wednesdays 4:30–6:00 p.m.) fits a sightseeing day and winds kids down with structured activities
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Jewish culture angle is engaging and hands-on—singing Hebrew songs, exploring Torah stories through play—so kids learn while having fun
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Óbuda is a calm, safe district of Budapest, and the synagogue setting adds a unique cultural backdrop you won’t find in typical tourist venues
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No heavy prep needed beyond free registration, and the program is guided by educators, so first-time visitors can just show up and participate
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Budapest is well-known and very accessible for U.S. tourists, with good public transit and ride-hailing; Lajos utca is reachable by tram and bus or a short taxi from the center
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Compared with kids’ cultural programs elsewhere, the Krav Maga + drama + music combo is a rare, cool mix you’re unlikely to find in the U.S. or Western Europe
- The content is niche internationally—Jewish cultural focus and Hebrew songs may feel unfamiliar if you’re expecting a generic kids’ playgroup
Cons
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Hungarian or Hebrew may be used in songs and bits of instruction; staff might speak English, but non-Hungarian speakers could miss nuances
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Óbuda isn’t a top tourist hotspot, so you’ll need to navigate trams/buses or budget extra time for a taxi from central Pest
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It’s a weekly, fixed-time program with limited dates and required registration, so it can be tricky to fit into a short trip or spontaneous schedule
