There is no bad weather when the programmes are good: autumn adventures in Debrecen

The treacherous autumn weather provides an excellent opportunity to discover the cultural and scientific attractions of Debrecen. And there is plenty of that! If you are coming to the county seat with little ones hungry for science, you should definitely not miss the Agóra Science Experience Centre! The complex is a mix of interactive games and science-fiction programmes that can captivate all ages. One of the largest mobile digital planetariums in our country is located here, and Nao, the humanoid robot, “lives” in the Agóra, and you can play with more than sixty scientific games in the interactive space. And if all this were not enough, you can admire the aquarium of the experience centre, “get lost” in the approximately 16-hectare botanical garden, or experiment in the kid’s lab. For current programmes, it is worth visiting the Agóra Science Experience Center’s social media page.

After science, how about a bit of culture? A visit to the fantastic Déri Museum, one of the most famous cultural venues in the town, is almost a must in Debrecen. The Munkácsy trilogy can be a lifelong experience even for the youngest, but in the Déri you can also learn about the history of Debrecen and take an imaginary journey to Japan, to the world of samurai. If you have children with you, ask for the "Museum Backpack" at the ticket office, with which you can learn many interesting things about the Japanese collection in a playful way. And if you like contemporary art, we warmly recommend the temporary exhibitions of the MODEM Modern and Contemporary Art Centre. In addition to the exciting exhibitions, children aged 6–10 can also participate in the art education sessions available at MODEM after prior registration.

Hello Hungary tip: one of the largest and most modern cultural centres in our country is still bustling in autumn. You can find a variety of cultural and musical programmes at the Kölcsey Centre in Debrecen. On 4 October, those interested in Korean culture can get acquainted with the flavours, dance and music of this wonderful nation at the Korean Cultural Day, and on 12 October, you can buy tickets for the intimate concert experience of NOX – Quiet. On 20 October, Zorán will take the stage with his greatest hits, while on the 26th, the diverse 21 in 1 theatre evening and the psychologically exciting Döntés (Decision) will colour the programme palette. The month will end with Andrea Szulák's anniversary concert on the 30th, full of emotions.

The Great Forest is a real experience even in autumn: a walk or a bike ride among the colourful foliage can be a whole day's programme. Let's explore the Békás Lake, the lookout tower, the fountains or the adventure kingdom of the Great Forest, which can be visited free of charge all year round, the Sziget-Kék theme park! In the more than 20 thousand square metre adventure park, the fairy-tale world of one of the most influential Hungarian writers of the 20th century, Magda Szabó, comes to life, where you can also glimpse the wonderful world of Kandúrka and Valentin. The adventure empire includes a play tower, a lookout, spectacular installations, a mini-town, themed spaces and, in bad weather, an indoor community space. In addition, the park regularly organizes educational and cultural events.

If you are in Great Forest, you can find the Debrecen Zoo almost on the next corner, whose inhabitants also do not hibernate – at least most of them. Although the amusement park is only open on weekends in autumn, the cute and special inhabitants of the Great Forest Culture Park welcome visitors in all seasons. You can observe Asiatic lions, capybaras, Nile crocodiles or Siberian tigers. It is also worth checking the zoo's website for current programmes, for example, they regularly hold evening walks. On a multi-day trip to Debrecen, the Hortobágy Wildlife Park and the Hortobágy Shepherd's Museum, which present native animals, are also unmissable programmes. You can meet rare species such as buffalo, Hungarian grey cattle, racka sheep, white-tailed eagle, bustards or wild horses up close. The park's speciality is that it also provides an insight into the world of predators that once lived on Hortobágy: lynx, wolves and jackals can also be seen in the park.

If you have not buried your swimsuit in the closet yet, thinking that splashing around in the cool autumn weather is even better, we have a great idea! The family-friendly services and spacious areas of the Aquaticum Spa are available to visitors all year round. The Aquaticum Mediterranean Adventure Bath has countless slides, experience elements, pools and a sparkling, Mediterranean atmosphere for those who want to splash around. For adults, we heartily recommend the 65-degree thermal pools with mineral-rich medicinal water, which relieve musculoskeletal complaints and aid regeneration. And if you want to invigorate your blood circulation, head to the alternating bath! The little ones usually love the playhouse called Bubu's Jungle Bunk, and if you feel like splashing around even more, it is worth booking a room at the Aquaticum hotel.

The symbols of Debrecen are magical even in autumn. Let's start with the Reformed Great Church: the view from the panoramic walkway between the two church towers, 40 metres high, is an amazing sight even in the colder months! After prior registration, you can take part in exciting guided tours, during which you can see the original copy of the Vizsoly Bible, admire the Rákóczi Bell, and the Glass Pyramid.

Finally, a family trip can only be complete if it is complemented by great gastronomic experiences.  Pizza, Kávé, Világbéke (Pizza, Coffee, World Peace) is an unmissable destination for pizza lovers, where you can eat light, crispy Roman pizza. The advantage of the smaller, rectangular slices is that you can taste several types. The coffee here is also excellent, but it is also worth taking a look at the Black Sheep’s offering. While you drink your specially roasted coffee, the children can choose from seasonal cakes. If you are looking for a quick, youthful atmosphere, the sandwiches and burgers of Szmöre are a great choice, while for dessert, the artisanal ice-creams or homemade cakes of La Panna can end our day in a worthy way.

Debrecen in autumn too – click and plan your own autumn adventure!