Bansko is a perfect destination for a family holiday as it offers not only beautiful natural views and fresh air, but also many activities suitable for children. Whether you visit in winter or summer, you will find a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, cultural attractions and places that will make your stay unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay, Pirin Golf Villa Relax offers a cosy atmosphere, plenty of play opportunities and a spacious courtyard, but outside the villa there are also plenty of places worth visiting with the kids. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best family entertainment in Bansko and the surrounding area.
The town park in Bansko – space for play and recreation
Bansko City Park is the perfect place for family walks, where children can play outdoors and parents can enjoy the tranquility and beautiful nature. Located in the heart of the town, this park offers fresh air, green spaces and plenty of entertainment options for young and old.
One of the biggest advantages of the park is the playground, which is equipped with swings, slides and climbing frames, guaranteeing endless hours of play for the youngest visitors. There are benches and shade around the playground, allowing parents to rest while watching their children.
The park has small ponds and fountains that create a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere, and the walks among the old trees and flower alleys make the stay even more pleasant. For families who like to spend more time outdoors, the wide lawns are ideal for picnics and the presence of cafes and benches creates a comfortable environment for relaxation.
During the warmer months, the park is a popular place for meetings and games, and cultural events and festivals are often held, which bring extra emotion to a stay in Bansko. In the winter, when everything is covered in snow, children’s joy is transferred to the snow meadows where snowmen can be built or snow fights can be held.
The city park is a great location for family walks, games and relaxation, regardless of the season. It is a place where children can spend their energy while parents enjoy the tranquility and beautiful atmosphere of Bansko.
The ice rink in Bansko – fun in winter
The ice skating rink in Bansko is a popular winter attraction located in the center of the town on Pirin Street, above the hotel “Sentries”. It offers a great opportunity for family fun and is suitable for beginners and experienced skaters.
Opening hours and seasonality
The rink is usually open during the winter season, from early December to late March. For the 2024-2025 season, opening hours are daily from 12:00 to 21:00. It is important to note that the rink only operates during the winter months and is not accessible the rest of the year.
Prices and services
The prices for use of the ice rink for the 2024-2025 season are as follows.
- Adults: 25 BGN for 2 hours of skating and 25 BGN for skate rental.
- Children up to 12 years: 15 BGN for 2 hours of skating and 15 BGN for skate rental.
A season pass is also available, which includes 20 non-consecutive visits and covers both rink tickets and skate rentals. The cost is £500 for adults and £300 for children.
Additional information
The rink is well maintained, and for each new session the ice is treated with a specialized machine, which ensures quality and safe skating. Skate hire is available on site, so even if you don’t have your own, you can enjoy this winter fun.
Visiting the ice rink in Bansko is an excellent way to diversify your winter holiday by combining sport with fun for the whole family. Whether you are an experienced skater or trying it for the first time, this attraction offers pleasant moments and memories that will last a long time.
Gondola ride – unforgettable views
The Bansko cable car ride is one of the most exciting experiences you can share with your children. This lift is not just a convenient transport to the ski area, but a real adventure that offers amazing panoramic views and the feeling of flying over the Pirin Mountains.
The cable car rises above the dense pine forests, revealing breathtaking views of the snowy peaks of Pirin. The ride lasts about 25 minutes, which is long enough to enjoy the scenery, but short enough to be interesting for children.
What awaits you on the Banderishka Meadow?
The cable car takes passengers to the Banderiska Glade, which is one of the most beautiful places in Pirin. Depending on the season, here you will find various activities suitable for the whole family:
In winter:
- The place becomes a paradise for snow games, sledding and slides.
- Ideal for family winter walks in the pine forests.
- There are seating areas where you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.
In summer:
- Banderishka Meadow offers peaceful routes for walks and hikes.
- There are children’s facilities, swings and playgrounds where the little ones can have fun.
- For nature lovers there are educational trails that introduce children to the flora and fauna of the Pirin Mountains.
Why choose the cable car?
This walk is an ideal way to combine adventure with relaxation. Children will enjoy the views and be thrilled by the experience itself, while adults can relax and enjoy the spectacular panorama.
The cable car operates all year round, being the main transport to the ski area in winter and a way to reach beautiful natural areas without long hikes in the warmer months.
If you are looking for a family adventure that combines nature, emotions and beautiful views, the cable car ride is a must-stop during your holiday in Bansko.
Baikusheva mura – the oldest tree in Bulgaria
If you’re looking for a unique natural place that combines a nature walk, impressive history and an educational element, visiting the Baikusheva Mura is a great idea for a family outing.
This is the oldest coniferous tree in Bulgaria, more than 1300 years old, and one of the most remarkable natural wonders of the country. Located at an altitude of 1930 m, this majestic mulberry impresses with its 26 m height, 7.6 m circumference and 2.2 m diameter.
How to get to Baikusheva mura?
Baikusheva mura is located about 15 km from Bansko, close to the Banderitsa hut, on the way to the Vihren hut. Access is easy, as you can get there by car on an asphalt road that leads to the hut, and from there there is a short hiking trail of about 5-10 minutes to the tree itself.
For families with children, this is a perfect opportunity for a short hike in nature without being too strenuous.
Why is the Baikusheva mura so special?
This ancient tree is named after the forester Kostadin Baikushev, who discovered and documented it in 1897 as part of a scientific expedition. The age of the tree was calculated by measuring its annual rings and it is considered one of the oldest in Europe.
A visit to the Baikushe Mura is an educational experience that gives children the opportunity to learn more about nature, the longevity of trees and the importance of forests to the ecosystem.
What to do in the area?
- Family photo session – the tree is an amazing backdrop for photos, especially with the panoramic view of Pirin.
- A walk to the Bunderitsa hut – the place offers a place for rest and beautiful nature.
- Route to Vihren hut – for more experienced hikers, this is a good starting point for long hikes.
A visit to the Baikusheva Mura is a perfect choice for a family outing that combines beautiful scenery, easy access and valuable historical information. This is a place that will impress children and adults alike, leaving lasting memories and admiration for the natural wonders of Bulgaria.
Horseback riding near Bansko
For children who love animals, horseback riding is a great experience combining fun and a connection with nature. There are several horse riding facilities in the Bansko area offering lessons and horse rides suitable for beginners and more experienced riders.
Equestrian base “Dvorene”
Located in the Dvorene locality near Razlog, this base breeds the largest herd of haflinger horses in Bulgaria. These horses are known for their good temper and are suitable for children and beginners. The base offers a variety of programs, including individual lessons and hikes in the Pirin Mountains.
Perry Wallace Equestrian Centre
Located in the village of Bachevo, 12 km from Bansko, this base offers horse riding lessons and horse trekking in the picturesque countryside. In addition, the base has a playground and a zoo, making it ideal for families with children.
Equestrian base “Vukovia”
It offers horse rides for adults and children, providing an unforgettable experience in nature.
Pirin Nature Park and Rila Fun Park – adventures for the whole family
38 km from Bansko is Rila Fun Park – an amusement park that offers exciting entertainment for both children and adults. With its modern facilities and panoramic mountain views, the park is a great stop for families who want to combine adrenaline and nature. Among the most interesting attractions are the summer toboggan, adventure games and outdoor fun.
Dancing Bears Park in Belitsa – meeting with nature and wild animals
Just 33 km from Bansko, at the foot of the Rila Mountain, is the Park of the Dancing Bears in Belitsa. This unique reserve provides a safe home for rescued bears that were previously used for entertainment. Here children can learn more about these majestic animals, observe them in their natural habitat and understand the importance of wildlife conservation. This is a wonderful place for educational and exciting family outings.
Nikola Vaptsarov Museum – a cultural and educational experience
To add an educational element to your family holiday, a visit to the Nikola Vaptsarov House Museum in Bansko is an excellent choice. Located at 3 Nikola Vaptsarov Square, the museum presents the life and work of the great Bulgarian poet. Opening hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with free admission on the last Monday of every month.
Permanent Icon Exhibition – Encounter with Art
Bansko is famous for its rich cultural heritage and the Permanent Exhibition of the Bansko Icon Painting School is a place worth visiting. Located on ul. “The exhibition presents antique icons and the history of one of the most important art schools in Bulgaria. Opening hours are from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:30, with Sundays and Mondays off.
The mineral pools in Dobrinishte – relaxation for the whole family
Just a few kilometers from Bansko is the town of Dobrinishte, famous for its mineral springs. The mineral pools there offer an excellent opportunity for relaxation and are suitable for both adults and children. The warm waters are ideal for relaxing after an active day in the mountains, providing a pleasant experience for the whole family.
Family holiday in Bansko with unforgettable memories
Bansko is the ideal destination for a family vacation, where nature, active entertainment and cultural and historical treasures are intertwined. Whether you want nature walks, fun for the kids or moments of relaxation, you will find everything you need for the perfect family experience.
Throughout the year the town offers a variety of activities – walks to the Baikusheva Mura, relaxing moments in the Town Park, ice skating on the ice rink in winter, horse riding and even relaxation in the mineral pools of Dobrinishte. The little adventurers will have fun on the playgrounds in the area, while parents can enjoy the silence, cosiness and wonderful views.
To make your holiday even more enjoyable, Pirin Golf Villa Relax provides tranquillity and facilities close to all these attractions. With a spacious courtyard, electric trolleys, PlayStation and a cosy atmosphere, the villa is the perfect choice for families looking for comfort and fun.Plan your family adventure in Bansko and create unforgettable memories amidst the beauty of the Pirin Mountains. Book your stay at Pirin Golf Villa Relax and enjoy comfort, amenities and tranquility in the heart of nature.
