Pécs is rolling out a full slate of family and kids’ programs in the Zsolnay Quarter, blending play, discovery, and downtime across multiple venues. Over two packed days on January 24–25, 2026, and with additional dates stretching into March, families can dive into baby theater, puppet shows, planetarium sessions, hands-on science demos, and a range of craft and educational workshops. It’s all set inside the city’s art-driven cultural hub, where every day offers a new way to explore, learn, and relax together.
Hands-on science and cool air tricks
Headlining the opening weekend is Magic Lesson – The Icy Breath of Air on January 24–25, 2026, in Pécs. Expect a lively science-meets-show format that turns physics into fun, with experiments built to wow kids and curious parents alike. It’s interactive, visually bold, and tailored to spark the why-does-that-happen? streak in young minds. The focus is air and cold: think chilling effects, surprising reactions, and easy-to-grasp explanations that make science stick.
Make your own puppet
On January 31, the puppet-making workshop steps behind the curtain of stage magic. Kids try out different puppet techniques and then craft their own character tied to Bóbita’s performances. It’s tactile, creative, and a low-pressure way to build confidence in storytelling. By the end, everyone goes home with a stage-ready puppet and a new toolkit of tricks for playtime theater.
Folk games and tales for little explorers
Kerekerdő Playhouse brings back its winning formula twice: February 8 and March 8. Aimed at ages 4–8, the sessions feature folk games, storytelling, and crafts that draw on Hungarian traditions while keeping things active and playful. It’s a sweet spot for early learners—movement, rhythm, language, and art—wrapped into a compact program that keeps attention spans engaged and imaginations fired up.
More to see: lights, glazes, and footsteps in history
Beyond the core kids’ lineup, the Zsolnay Quarter and Pécs have extra picks to round out a weekend or day trip:
– The Enchanted Forest of Lights runs October 24, 2025, through February 1, 2026, turning evenings into a glow-drenched walkabout. Families can wander light installations, soak up the atmosphere, and snap all the photos.
– In Zsolnay Footsteps – a walk through the family’s former home lands on January 24 and January 31, 2026, inviting visitors into the story of the Zsolnay family, whose ceramics shaped Pécs’s artistic identity. It’s a behind-the-scenes tour of heritage and design inside the family residence.
– Tales Sealed in Glaze on February 7, 2026, celebrates the craft and imagination of ceramics—the textures, colors, and storytelling that made Zsolnay a household name. Expect exhibits and insights that speak to both history buffs and creative kids.
Stay the night: where families can check in
Pécs makes it easy to turn a day of programs into a weekend. Options span historic charm, hillside views, and downtown convenience:
– Adele Boutique Hotel Pécs sits inside a protected 19th-century building in the historic center, pairing period character with modern comforts across rooms and apartments.
– Bagolyvár crowns Havihegy above Pécs with clean air and panoramic views toward the Zengő side. Its 19 folk-art-themed rooms and six suites modeled on traditional wine press houses channel the mood of famous Hungarian wine varieties. Expect a quiet setting and a restaurant with classic Hungarian and international dishes—plus old-school desserts.
– Barbakán Hotel, just behind Pécs Cathedral, offers two-, three-, and four-bed rooms, a conference space, and a garage—ideal for families wanting everything within walking distance.
– A family-run guesthouse in the Mecsek hillside villa district puts you five minutes from forest trails and about the same from downtown. Nearby: the Zoo, the Da Vinci private clinic, and the Mandulás recreation area with a playground and fire pits. The property offers free guided hikes for groups and access to routes leading up to the TV Tower.
– Boutique Hotel Sopianae balances a heritage facade with modern interiors in the city center, promising personalized service in a homey atmosphere.
– Büdöskúti Key House lies between Remete-rét and Orfű, about 2,625 feet off the road along the Blue Trail and Green Cross routes, with capacity for 12 guests.
– An apartment hotel near the UNESCO-listed Early Christian Necropolis, the Cathedral, and the museum street of downtown Pécs places you steps from the sights.
– A fully renovated, baroque-style former convent of the Congregation of Our Lady now hosts a modern lodging experience right in the city center.
– Another central hotel combines a calm setting with quick access to the historic core, the Knowledge Centre, and the Kodály Centre, just 1,640 feet away.
Eat your way through Pécs
Fuel up between shows and workshops across a range of family-friendly spots:
– Angyali Kísértés Chocolate Shop sells chocolates, bonbons, and homestyle pastries.
– A cozy Pécs restaurant serves everything from schnitzels, grills, and stuffed meats to fish, oven-baked dishes, risottos, classic pastas, flatbreads, and pizzas—plus salads, soups, and desserts. Think generous portions and easygoing vibes for celebrations, match nights, or simple catch-ups.
– In the heart of town, a traditional kitchen delivers reliable quality, fair prices, and a daily changing menu. Breakfast starts at 8 with foamy coffee, sandwiches, homemade scones, and hand-stretched strudels. They also cater standing receptions and small events on- or off-site.
– Aranykacsa Restaurant (Aranykacsa Étterem) champions local ingredients and wine culture. Tasting flights pour in the Vinárium; casual sipping and dining happen in the Tüke room; family and protocol meals are served in the Zsolnay room; weddings, banquets, and birthdays unfold in the upstairs Dakk hall and garden.
– Bagolyvár’s restaurant leans into Hungarian classics and international favorites with stylish decor and those landmark city views.
– A bistro at the gateway to the Balkans keeps it real with fresh, homey flavors at good value, served in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.
– Big Bell Restaurant now boasts a small-batch show brewery and a beer garden.
– Bohemia Beer Kitchen (Bohemia Sörkonyha) in the city center goes all-in on beer, burgers, and BBQ.
– Borostyán Fast Food on Király Street covers weekday lunches 11 a.m.–4 p.m. with quality dishes at wallet-friendly prices.
– PAULUS shape-shifts through the day: café in the morning, self-service restaurant at noon, and a pub by night, with regular events on the calendar.
Dates and programs are subject to change by the organizers.
