Bulgaria with Kids: Travel itineraries , attractions, and useful tips

Family-friendly hotels in Sofia

• Eurostars Hotel – The hotel, located in the city center, was a pleasant place with high-level services. The central area of the city is close to attractions, and the hotel is suitable for families.
• Hotel Zoo – Located near the zoo and a large park. We wanted to visit the zoo but ultimately visited the Science Museum and another park.

Attractions in Sofia

• Muzeiko Children’s Science Museum
  If you’re with kids, don’t miss Muzeiko. It’s a modern museum suitable for children of all ages, offering interactive experiences that spark the imagination. There are areas designed for younger children like Sophie, while Maya enjoyed experimenting with technological exhibits.
• Borisova Gardina Park
  This is the oldest park in the city, with a lake and walking paths, making it an excellent place for a family outing. You can rent bikes and enjoy a restaurant by the lake.
• Instagrammable Stairs
  We found colorful and cool stairs near the hotel – a fun place where the girls loved climbing and playing.
• Illusion Museum
  If you have time and are in the mood for an adventure, don’t forget the Illusion Museum in the city. We experienced several amazing illusions that excited everyone.

Restaurants in Sofia

• Unica – Excellent Italian restaurant, surprisingly located near the hotel.
• Korean Restaurant Korea – Tasty Korean food near the hotel.
• Happy Bar & Grill – A local chain, especially suitable for children with a diverse and tasty menu.

How to get to Bansko?

We booked a car from Sofia Airport through the search engine Pappm Pappm. The rental was with Goldcar, which is owned by Europcar. Driving in Bulgaria is not particularly difficult. We drove from Sofia to Bansko, a journey of about two hours. The road is mostly smooth and flat, but it does wind a bit in the last twenty minutes of the drive.

Kempinski Hotel

The hotel was an amazing experience. Beautiful design, an indoor pool, and a jacuzzi with an adults-only area made the stay especially comfortable. There’s a kids’ club that took care of the older kids while we stayed with the younger Sophie. Another attraction was the cable car that took us to an area with children’s facilities, such as inflatables and slides.

Attractions in Bansko

• Cable Car and Children’s Activities in the Mountains
  The cable car was an unforgettable experience. We reached the top of the mountain and were surprised to find various activities like inflatables and a playground. Maya especially enjoyed it, even though she couldn’t try the water slides because she was too small.
• Rila Fun Park
  We visited a magical park with lots of attractions for kids. It’s an enjoyable place for the whole family, including a roller coaster you can sit in and control the speed.
• Bear Sanctuary
  If you love nature, the Bear Sanctuary near Bansko is a great place to see bears in their natural habitat. The tour allows for close-up observation and includes educational information.
• Horseback Riding
  We experienced horseback riding at the Kosherina Horse Farm, a lovely place with play equipment and resting areas. It’s recommended if you want an agricultural experience with kids.

Itinerary : Varna – Golden Sands

Recommended beaches in Varna

• Rappongi Beach – A beach with a bar, restaurant, and sunbeds. Ideal for those looking for a relaxing place with good facilities.
• Varna Beach – A pristine beach with soft, pleasant sand, without sunbeds, but there are many restaurants and cafes in the area.
• First Buna Beach – Ideal for a walk along the beach.

Interesting Attractions in Varna

• Retro Museum – A unique museum located in the Grand Mall, showcasing cars, toys, music, and everyday items from the communist era. It’s an excellent place to learn about the history, feel the time, and see vehicles from the past.
• Primorski Park – A beautiful, expansive park full of walking trails, a children’s play area, a small amusement park, and a dolphinarium. One of the most recommended places in the city.
• Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral – An impressive cathedral just a 15-minute walk from the main boulevard. If you’re nearby, it’s worth visiting.

Trips outside of Varna

If you have extra time, you can rent a car and take trips around the city. Balchik and Golden Sands are excellent sites within a short drive. You can also visit Nessebar, a small but interesting town with an old town and historical buildings.

• Strandzha Nature Reserve – For nature lovers, the Strandzha reserve on the Turkish border offers forests, rivers, waterfalls, and abundant natural beauty.

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Varna

• Varna Dolphinarium – The place offers dolphin shows that thrill the kids.
• Mini Golf Park – The mini-golf experience along the Golden Sands promenade is perfect for families.
• Zoo – The city’s zoo is also a great place for family enjoyment.

Family-friendly hotels in Golden Sands

At HVD Viva Club Hotel, we found everything needed for a family vacation – all-inclusive services, a pool, entertainment staff, and various activities. If you’re looking for a place that provides all the needs for a family, this hotel is an excellent choice.

Activities for kids in Golden Sands

As part of the trip, you can take the kids to play mini-golf along the promenade, walk along the beach, ride a small train that travels along the promenade, or visit Varna for a fun day trip.

• Priroden Park Zlatni Pyasatsi – Hiking trails of different difficulty levels, perfect for families looking for a natural and refreshing activity.

Recommended beaches in Golden Sands

Golden Sands beaches are well-maintained, with sunbeds and umbrellas. Additionally, the private beach of HVD Viva Club Hotel was a great place to spend our days, but a walk along the promenade also revealed more amazing beaches such as Riviera Beach and Golden Sands Beach.

Summary
Bulgaria is an excellent vacation destination for families. From the stunning beaches of Varna to the breathtaking mountains of Bansko, the country offers a wide range of attractions that cater to both kids and parents. Interactive experiences, natural parks, fascinating museums, and many opportunities for family outings – all these make Bulgaria a preferred destination for families seeking unique experiences. If you’re looking for a vacation that will take you to new heights, Bulgaria is definitely worth it!