10 Things to Do in Prague for Children

Have you booked a ticket to Prague and are travelling with your children? You've made the right choice. Prague is the ultimate magical city, and its discreet charm captivates tourists of all ages. Read on and get ready for an unforgettable few days.

Travelling with children is an enriching experience. It exposes them to different cultures and awakens their desire to explore the world. However, any activity becomes a little more complicated as you have to organise everything down to the smallest detail. A good way to see Prague's main monuments without tiring them out too much is by boat. There are dozens of excursions that sail the waters of the Vltava River, each with its own unique features. If you are interested, you can find the best ones in the post about river cruises in Prague

The most common option is a one-hour trip, but there are different options that include a buffet dinner or wine tasting. The boats usually depart from the pier near Čech Bridge. During the trip, you can admire the following buildings:

• Rudolfinum, a magnificent neo-Renaissance building that houses a concert hall.
• Mánes Bridge.
• Kampa Island, a tiny strip of land a few metres from Charles Bridge.
• Prague Castle, one of the largest in the world.
• Dancing House (Tančící dům), an original building designed by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić.
• EXPO 58 Building, the Czechoslovakian pavilion at the 1958 Brussels EXPO.
• Štefánik Bridge.
• Štvanice Island and its tennis court.

The Prague Museum of Illusions is a perfect choice for you and your children to spend a fun afternoon. It is an interactive museum where you can lose your sense of space thanks to its rooms full of magic tricks and optical illusions. They'll think they're in a dream! You can also buy tickets in advance.

But the Prague Museum of Senses will also spark the imagination of the little ones. This museum has multiple exhibits that combine science and visual effects for an unforgettable experience with your family.

Another river-related option allows you to sail with your little ones on a quiet stretch of the river. If you've been to Prague before in the spring or summer, you've probably noticed a few pedal boats shaped like cars or swans. These boats can be rented on Slavic Island (Slovanský Ostrov), an islet on the eastern bank of the Vltava River. It is a safe and captivating activity, especially for younger children. From the water, you can admire the Prague skyline and the elegant neo-Renaissance Žofín Palace.

This strip of land is home to another unmissable attraction: a miniature train. Children can tour the island aboard this unique mode of transport, inspired by the steam locomotives of the last century. And after the ride, they can play in the playground, sliding down the slides or enjoying the breeze on their faces on the swings. Here are some useful suggestions for the most important summer activities.

DinoPark is a fun and educational amusement park. It is a franchise and can be found in different cities in the Czech Republic, but each one has a different theme, and the one in Prague is dedicated to the Mesozoic era. Its grounds are home to both static and animated dinosaur figures, almost all of which make sounds. DinoPark is an interactive place: its 4D cinema and paleontological park are the best examples of this. The attraction opens in spring (from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and children under 3 years old enter for free.

DinoPark is located on the roof of the Galerie Harfa shopping centre, a short distance from the O2 Arena, the Czech capital's multi-purpose pavilion. To get there, you can take the underground. The nearest stop is Českomoravská (yellow line). Alternatively, you can take a tram. Lines 3 and 8 will take you right in front of the shopping centre.

If I told you to take your kids to a restaurant in Prague's most touristy square, you probably wouldn't do it. In principle, you would be right, but this is not a place like any other. Vytopna is a restaurant specialising in meat, and its uniqueness lies in the way the food is served.

In fact, it's not the waiters who bring the dishes to your table, but a miniature train that runs through the restaurant. The train passes through tunnels, crosses drawbridges, travels through forests and stops at stations: just like a real train! This feature usually delights children (and not only them).

The menu at Vytopna offers international and Czech cuisine with simple dishes that are well suited to children: spaghetti, hamburgers, chicken wings, pork chops, etc. Another plus is the huge window overlooking Wenceslas Square. From the first floor, the view is very nice, but if you're looking for even better views, I recommend reading this post about the best views of Prague.

The history of Prague Zoo dates back to the late 19th century. The main driving force behind it was Count Sweerts-Sporck, who in 1891 sent a letter to the newspapers calling for the creation of a zoological garden. Despite the intentions of a member of the nobility, the zoo's genesis was not quick, and the citizens of Prague had to wait until 1931 to see the first animals. Fortunately, the wait was not in vain: today, Prague Zoo is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

This attraction is located on the outskirts of the Czech capital and is home to 144 species of endangered animals. Its enormous area is divided into different environments that guarantee an ideal atmosphere for its guests. In the list below, you will find what I consider to be the most interesting ones:

• Indonesian Jungle, a 2-hectare area where some 1,500 animals live, including Komodo dragons.
• Elephant Valley, a green space that has become home to eight Indian elephants.
• Home of the giant salamander, a specimen from the Karlsruhe Natural History Museum which, to date, is the largest of its species.
• Lemur Island, a small piece of Madagascar in the heart of Europe.
• Northern forests, an area that recreates the great forests of Eurasia and North America. Wolves, leopards and the famous Siberian tiger live here.

The zoo is located in the Troja district (U Trojského zámku 120/3) and is easily accessible by public transport. The easiest option is by bus; simply take line 112 from the Nádraží Holešovice metro station (line C). If you are travelling to the Czech capital between March and October, there is a very scenic alternative: a steamboat. The boat departs from the Rašín quay or the Čech bridge and reaches its destination in 55/75 minutes. If you are interested in boat trips, you can check out the article The best dinner cruises you can take in Prague.

The capital of the Czech Republic is dotted with unique figures. In the old town and the surrounding neighbourhoods, you will find dozens of sculptures that will spark your children's imagination. We have prepared an itinerary that starts in the Žižkov neighbourhood. Enter the addresses into Google Maps and start the tour!

• The first stop is the Žižkov Television Tower, an example of high-tech architecture. When you stand at its base, you'll see ten giant babies slowly climbing up its columns. This creation was designed by David Černý, a Czech sculptor known for his provocative and challenging works.
• Statue of Franz Kafka. In this monument, the Czech novelist is straddling an empty suit. The creation is signed by Jaroslav Róna and inspired by Kafka's short story "Description of a Struggle". (Dušní Street 110).
• Il Commendatore, a work by Anna Chromý commemorating Mozart's "Don Giovanni". The work was first performed on 29 October 1787 at the State Theatre (Stavovské divadlo).
• Czech Musicians (Čeští muzikanti), four bronze figures immortalised as they dance near a fountain. They represent the four great rivers of the world: the Amazon, the Danube, the Mississippi and the Ganges (Senovážné Square).
• Statue of King Wenceslas riding a dead horse upside down, an ironic reference to the monarch's equestrian statues. It hangs from the ceiling of the Lucerna Palace, an Art Nouveau gem (Pasáž Lucerna).
• The hanging man, a figure clinging to a beam with one hand while putting the other in his pocket. For some, this unique monument represents Freud (Husova Street 110).
• The Charles Bridge is richly decorated, yet there is a small, somewhat strange stone scene. On the western bank of the Vltava River, there is a small cell with three figures on top: St. John of Matha, St. Felix of Valois, and St. Ivan. Behind the bars, you can see three people shouting: they are Christian slaves being freed.
• Right next to the Kampa Museum, you will find three giant babies crawling. Their distinctive feature is the barcodes covering their faces. They also bear the signature of David Černý.
• Piss, two metal male figures urinating into a pond shaped like the Czech Republic. Be careful, the statues move...

This list includes the most famous works, but they are not the only ones. If you have time, you can also admire Meet Factory (two red cars hanging from metal spikes – Ke Sklárně 3213), The Iron Knight (the statue of Jáchym Berka, a medieval knight who resembles Darth Vader – Mariánské Namestí) or the rotating head of Franz Kafka (Charvátova 110).

In Prague, some treasures are hidden beneath the surface. Beneath the historic centre lies another city: the old city. When the walls and fortifications were built in the 13th century, the 'original' streets were buried using the rubble from the construction work. The work was carried out for two reasons: to build a defensive system and to protect Prague from flooding by the Vltava River. The earth and rubble cover a labyrinth of cellars, rooms and corridors.

If your children like ghost stories, this is the ideal tour. Walking in the bowels of the earth, you will hear spine-chilling tales. It is no coincidence that Prague holds a record: it is the city with the highest number of spirits per square kilometre.

Among its most famous creatures is the Turk, a figure who appears on full moon nights in the courtyard of Týn Church. According to legend, he carries the severed head of an old love in his hand. Most tours depart from the old town and last about an hour. If you want to deepen your knowledge of the Czech capital, you can check out the article 10 tips for your visit to Prague.

If you're spending Christmas in Prague, don't miss the Christmas markets in the old town. The most important one is in Old Town Square and is an irresistible attraction for children. Its colourful wares are a delight to behold, and you can make them happy by buying them a puppet. Unlike others, these are hand-carved and are the star product of local craftsmanship.

As you walk among the stalls, your children can try trdelnik, a typical Slovakian sweet that has been very well adapted in Bohemia.

If you are travelling at the beginning of December, keep in mind that 6 December is St. Nicholas Day. On this date, the saint arrives at Old Town Square accompanied by an angel and a devil and gives sweets to children who have behaved well. To find out about the best activities at this time of year, I recommend the post about Christmas in Prague.

During the holidays, rain can ruin your plans. Luckily, every cloud has a silver lining, and a stormy morning can turn into the best experience for your little ones. Toboga Fantasy is a playground with many attractions for young and old alike.

It covers an area of more than 6,000 m2 and has climbing frames, bouncy castles, foam ball pits, giant slides and much more. If your trip coincides with your little one's birthday, you can organise their party here! Just book online and the staff will take care of everything else.

Toboga Fantasy is located in the Prague 13 district, a few metres from an IKEA and a Tesco supermarket. To get there, take the yellow metro line from Anděl and get off at the Stodůlky stop. The playground is open from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Monday–Wednesday) and from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Thursday–Sunday and public holidays). If you want more ideas for things to do during the cold months, I recommend the post 10 things to see and do in Prague in winter.

The last tip is a general one. Depending on the season, you should pack a suitcase that meets your children's needs. If you have booked tickets for the winter, be sure to bring hats, scarves and woollen gloves.

The Czech capital has a classic continental climate and snowfall is frequent, especially between November and February. To prevent their feet from getting wet, choose waterproof footwear. Fortunately, the capital of the Czech Republic is not as cold as other northern cities. With the right protection, no one will be cold.

On the other hand, if you plan to travel in summer, you should be careful with heat waves. Generally, Prague is not as warm as our cities, but in recent years, unprecedented highs have been reached. Occasionally, the thermometer reaches 35º, and if we add humidity to this, the heat index is even worse.

If this happens, try to do outdoor activities in the middle of the day and always carry some sunscreen. For more ideas, I recommend reading the post on 10 things to do in Prague in summer.