Bucharest knows how to celebrate. And on Children's Day, it does so in style — with dozens of events spread across every corner of the city, most of them free, for all ages and all tastes.

This year, June 1st falls on a Monday, a public holiday that extends the Pentecost weekend. Three days in a row, the capital transforms into a city for children.

On the streets and in the parks

The easiest way to spend the day is outdoors, and Bucharest has filled its parks and boulevards with activities.

On Calea Victoriei, the „Open Streets" programme turns one of the city's most beautiful avenues into a giant playground on May 30th and 31st. Reptile workshops, fire brigade demonstrations, performances by the Ion Creangă Theatre and the Țăndărică Animation Theatre, magic shows and live music — all of it on the street, free of charge, in the heart of the city.

In Parcul Alexandru Ioan Cuza in sector 3, 1uniFEST takes over — considered the largest children's play festival in Bucharest. Hundreds of free activities including creative workshops, theatre, dance, magic, sport and outdoor film screenings, all brought together in an urban festival format.

Parcul Sebastian, Parcul Florilor, Parcul Liniei, Drumul Taberei and Crângași round out the picture, with painting workshops, interactive experiments, theatre, face painting, chess clubs, origami and kite-making for children of all ages.

Sector 1 comes alive: three days, seven locations

Sector 1 City Hall is running one of the most extensive programmes in the city. Between May 30th and June 1st, daily from 10:00 to 21:00, free activities take place simultaneously across seven spots: Cantonul Băneasa, Strada Copilului, the Dorobanți area, Parcul Bazilescu, Piața Amzei, Piața Matache and the Sector 1 City Hall building on Banu Manta.

State institutions opening their doors

On June 1st, some of Bucharest's most iconic buildings become playgrounds. The Chamber of Deputies hosts „Open Doors" from 10:00 to 17:00 — children and parents can tour the representative halls of the Palace of Parliament and take part in drone demonstrations, flight simulators, magic and theatre shows, face painting and sports zones. Entry is free.

The Senate also opens its courtyard for interactive activities, with a focus on online safety, while the Ministry of National Defence brings military equipment exhibitions and live demonstrations for families.

Museums and culture

If you want to mix fun with a bit of culture, this weekend has plenty to offer.

The National History Museum of Romania offers free entry for children and special guided tours through the „Historic Treasury" and „Copy of Trajan's Column" exhibitions. The Children's Museum reopens its doors with interactive displays, while at the Metropolitan Library „Mihail Sadoveanu", the event „June 1st Among Stories" kicks off at 11:00 — reading, play and creativity all under one roof.

Hala Laminor hosts a large children's festival with interactive zones, workshops and performances. At the Comic Opera for Children, the Opera Copiilor Festival runs until June 14th, with shows and workshops every weekend.

Take to the skies or hit the rails?

Two of the most unusual events of the day are organised by Romania's national transport companies.

TAROM operates three special flights for children on June 1st, departing and landing at Henri Coandă International Airport. Each flight lasts around 50 minutes aboard a Boeing 737-800 NG. Kids get to visit the cockpit, learn how the instruments work and take photos with the crew. The event is open to children aged 3 to 12, accompanied by an adult, at a price of €50 per child and €70 per adult.

At Gara de Nord, CFR runs the „Discover the Railway World" event from 10:00 to 14:00 — heritage trains, railway equipment, the Royal Salon and historical photo exhibitions, free for all visitors.

17,000 children singing at once

The Cantus Mundi programme marks Children's Day with concerts held simultaneously across Romania and the Republic of Moldova, with over 17,000 children taking part.

Whether you live in Floreasca or Rahova, in sector 1 or sector 6, this weekend Bucharest has something lined up right near you. Check what's on in your neighbourhood and enjoy the city with your loved ones — because on June 1st, the capital belongs to the children.