Prague with Children

When I was childless I navigated Prague by its many restaurants. I could find my favourite cafés blindfolded.

No matter what part of Prague I was in, I always knew of a place to go, and where to continue after that one closed. These days, my focal points in the city are quite different – playgrounds for children. I must say, there are plenty of beautiful playgrounds with merry-go-rounds and other play structures throughout Prague. So when I am out and about with my child, I plan my trips through the city of hundred spires so that they intersect at least two playgrounds.

My riverside strolls do not lead to my favourite beer gardens anymore, but to the Children's Island from where, I head towards Kampa, which offers two playgrounds. I must admit, I glance over to my favourite Mlýnská Café along the way, but pass it because my daughter needs to play in the sand. Once in a while, my child relents and lets me have a coffee near one of our favourite spots, i.e. the playgrounds in Rieger Park, Gutovka Park in Strašnice, Central Park at Pankrác or Areál Vltavanů 229 which is a rope complex with slides, monkey bars and seesaws.

Beautiful playgrounds can also be found in areas where mothers do not usually hang out. Adjacent to the unsightly park by the Main Train Station is a nice playground, the Vrchlický Park.

Older children need different activities than what playgrounds have to offer. For instance a climb to the top of the Petřín Lookout Tower. I have to say, I’ll pass on this one, as I get dizzy just looking at the tower. So unfortunately, my daughter will have to get someone else to accompany her to this Prague "Eiffel" Tower. However, Petřín offers other entertainment. Not only a ride in the funicular but also the Mirror Maze. Your strange, distorted reflection in the mirror will surely entertain your children. The Štefánik Observatory is also located here. If your child is too little for astronomical exploration, just climb down the hill into Kinský Garden (Kinského zahrada) which has a playground. If your child is inquisitive or an intellectual, be sure to visit the observatory and Planetarium in Stromovka Park.

If it is fine arts you are looking for, head to the National Gallery in the Trade Fair Palace which is just round the corner. You will enjoy the modern art collection awhile your child will appreciate the children's area where they can create their own artwork. And one more important piece of information – you can finally enjoy a cup of coffee here!

And finally a few tips, how to have fun with children in Prague when the weather turns bad.

Boys (as well as their dads) will certainly appreciate a stop in the Railway Kingdom where they will see dozens of model trains and cars and several models of Czech sights. Similarly, they will probably enjoy the visit of the National Technical Museum and the National Museum of Agriculture. 

A whole family can explore the fantastic world of human senses and experience how easily the brain cells can be tricked – just stop in the Museum of Senses in Jindřišská St. A playful concept awaits you also in the Karel Zeman Museum  - from riding on a flying machine to taking the controls of a zany submarine.

After a long day, you and your children deserve a reward. So what about finishing your walk in the Chocotopia?