Over the weekend, we went on a family trip to the Kis-Balaton, where parents and children explored the wonders of nature together. Walking along the nature trail, we learned that the Kis-Balaton is a unique wetland habitat that provides a home for many bird species. During our walk, we saw herons and egrets, and from the information boards, we discovered that the Kis-Balaton also plays an important role in protecting the water quality of Lake Balaton.
We had lunch together as a picnic, and after the hike, we visited the buffalo reserve in Kápolnapuszta, which was another highlight of the day. This site is home to Hungary’s largest visitable buffalo herd, which plays a key role in preserving the gene pool and survival of this native species. As we walked along the path, we witnessed the herdsman leading the buffalo to another area, where they could wallow in the water to their heart’s content. The younger children especially enjoyed watching not only the grazing buffalo but also the ground squirrels running around in the grass.
From the information boards, we learned many new facts about buffaloes—for example, that a buffalo can weigh over 900 kilograms, and that wagtails are their little helpers, as they rid them of parasites. Did you know that buffaloes can spend 8–10 hours a day eating?
During our rest stops, we also discussed the main events and programs of the school year, including plans for further education after graduation. We spent a joyful day together, and these shared experiences also strengthened family bonds.
“This was the third time we’ve spent Family Day on an excursion. Each trip offered an opportunity to be close to nature and discover new animal species. We hadn’t visited this area before, so it was an especially great experience. Along with the good mood, we gained lots of new knowledge. Thank you for this wonderful day!”
— Angelika Polák, parent; Zsombor Kislaki
“It was a special occasion, as I had the chance to go on this trip together with my daughter and husband, thanks to the Foundation. Thank you for this day — we really enjoyed it!”
— Petra Völfinger
“We were able to take part in this trip as a complete family. There are few opportunities for all of us to go on excursions together. Experiences like this make us forget our daily worries and fill us with joy and laughter!”
— Krisztián Kovács, parent
