If you head to the capital of the Czech Republic with children, you will discover this city from a surprising side. For many, it is primarily associated with ancient sights, and tours are aimed at adults. But in reality, entertainment in Prague for children is truly inexhaustible. There are traditional activities, such as water parks and zoos, and unusual ones like the Museum of Magicians. You will definitely find something that interests your child. The impressions will last for a long time.
Mirror Maze
Petřín Hill is a place where you can enjoy a whole day with your family. There is a park complex here with many almost tame squirrels. There is also the Mirror Maze. You can take an old funicular to the hill. The Mirror Maze captivates with a sense of enclosed space, making it seem like there is no way out.
This effect is created by 31 mirrors. In the adjacent room, there is a Hall of Laughter with concave and convex mirrors. It operates without days off. After buying a ticket, you can stay here for half an hour. Thus, you can combine two pleasures – walking on the famous hill and showing your child a funny maze.
Lego Museum
This museum will be interesting not only to fans of constructors but to everyone else as well. The Danish Ole Kirk Christiansen started producing wooden blocks in the remote 1930s. The word Lego, which became the company’s name, comes from combining the words “play” and “well”. In the late 1940s, holes appeared in the blocks, and children began to use them as a constructor.
In recent years, Lego has become so popular that this museum is always crowded with visitors. It was opened by a Prague resident passionate about collecting rare blocks. The area is large – you can walk around its three floors, admiring the exhibits, of which there are more than 2000. The thematic exhibitions are especially interesting. You can visit Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars characters.
The enormous Toy City will make an impression, as well as the interactive model of the airport. One of the largest exhibits is the Taj Mahal – it took about 6,000 elements to make a miniature copy of this architectural masterpiece.
The Tower Bridge is also very beautiful and required a lot of effort to assemble. Of course, after seeing such wonders, the child will be eager to craft something with their own hands. This can be done in the children’s room. There is an unusual exhibit here – a passerby sitting on a bench. Everyone loves to take pictures with him.
Railway Kingdom
Visiting the Railway Kingdom will remain in the memory of both children and adults. It is the largest model railway system in the country. It all started in the basement of a shopping complex. There, in 2009, the first exhibition was opened. Its visitors saw trains running on rails and passengers waiting to board. It was a tiny world that seemed real – so masterfully was it made.
First, the world of the Ústí nad Labem region was recreated, then the Karlovy Vary region, and then other regions. You can also visit exhibitions. They tell about the history of railway development and the professions necessary for this industry. You will be offered to watch thematic films in the cinema hall.
In addition, there are models of old and new Prague. Houses, churches, synagogues, the historic city center – all made with virtuosity. The smallest visitors can play with moving Lego models.
Zoo
This place is loved not only by Czechs but also by tourists from various countries. The zoo is over 80 years old. It is located in a beautiful place on the banks of the Vltava and occupies a large area. Here you can see animals from different countries. One hundred and fifty exhibitions and residents of 12 pavilions can amaze and delight visitors.
For example, you can see giant salamanders, magnificent Indian elephants, gorillas (a big rarity for these animals in captivity – but they breed in this zoo), and the rarest crocodile species.
You can visit the “African House,” admire antelopes and giraffes, or go to the greenhouse where you will see the rainforest and orangutans. Various entertainments for children are provided, such as a cable car, playground, and tram. The zoo regularly hosts events that will be interesting to tourists of all ages.
Chocolate Museum
Located in the old part of the city, in an ancient house that has been rebuilt several times. It was first mentioned in the 16th century under the name “At the White Peacock.” The peacock figure – the house’s symbol – was reconstructed after the city suffered during World War II.
This museum opened in 2008 and is a branch of the Chocolate Museum in Belgium. The premises are small, but the tour is very interesting. At the entrance, you will be offered a chocolate bar or a cup of hot chocolate.
The guide will tell you how people learned to grow cocoa and make sweet treats from it. You will learn how production developed, see the boxes and wrappers in which the products were released. In addition, you can participate in the chocolate-making process. And children will almost certainly leave with a gift.
Dino Park
If your child loves dinosaurs, don’t miss the chance to visit here. Dino Park offers not only impressions but also a lot of useful information. Here you will see animals from the Mesozoic era. They are recreated in their true size, and many make sounds. Tyrannosaurus, Stegosaurus, and other park inhabitants are surrounded by appropriate decorations – you can understand the conditions they lived in. There is also an ancient plant characteristic of the Jurassic period.
It was believed that it no longer existed on Earth, but relatively recently it was discovered in Australia. Additionally, there is a 3D cinema, a thematic playground, and educational trails. The park operates during the warm season – from April to November. It always has many young guests.
Sea World Aquarium
Here you can see over 350 species of fish that live in the Mediterranean and Red Seas, the Pacific, and Indian Oceans. There are also dangerous types of sharks. The aquarium opened in 2002, and at that time, it was much smaller. But from the very beginning, this place became so popular that it was decided to install new, larger tanks and increase the number of fish.
Sand sharks, spectacular rays, colorful shrimp, predatory barracudas, the most beautiful jellyfish, and turtles – all of this is simply mesmerizing.
Moreover, the conditions in which the aquarium inhabitants are kept are close to natural. The types of lighting change – day and night, the water is filtered, and there are even tides. A coral cave has been set up, and models of a ship and lighthouse have been installed. There is a room where you can get emotional relief and relieve stress. Souvenir trading is organized.
National Technical Museum
This museum will be especially interesting to the male population. Czechs have always been proud of their technical achievements. In 1908, a museum opened where various models were presented. After some time, there were so many exhibits that a new building was needed. It was built in 1942. Here you can see various collections. Old bicycles and locomotives, motorcycles, and cars, many of which belonged to famous people.
The collection of airplanes is impressive, and some of them made long flights. The photography equipment is intriguing, and there are photos taken at the beginning of the last century. Visitors can also trace the history of printing. Models of famous Czech buildings are displayed, showing how the appearance of cities changed.
In the astronomical pavilion, modern and ancient instruments for observing the starry sky are exhibited. The Renaissance-era astronomical clocks are impressive. There is also a large meteorite. Weapons enthusiasts will appreciate the collection of weapons. Finally, the museum showcases technical projects of the future. Various events are constantly held here, and you can attend one of them.
Museum of Alchemists and Magicians
Those who visit this museum will feel like they have entered a fairy tale. Prague has always been popular with magicians and alchemists, and many of them visited this city in the past centuries. Naturally, many legends related to witchcraft have developed. The museum opened in the laboratory of alchemist Edward Kelley; in the old days, this house was called “At the Donkey in the Cradle.” According to legend, a woman who spread a rumor about Kelley was severely punished. Her child, who lay in the cradle, turned into a donkey.
Only a fervent prayer to the Virgin Mary helped to get rid of the witchcraft. Kelley lived in Prague in the late 16th century and enjoyed the emperor’s patronage. Guests can learn about the history of alchemy and see an interactive exhibition. Various flasks and bottles, the magician’s oven, and ancient scrolls are displayed here. Wax figures enhance the effect.
Visitors will be offered to make some potion themselves and visit a cozy thematic restaurant, which can be accessed directly from the museum.
Museum of Ghosts and Legends
People visit this museum not to get scared but to learn about the history of Prague’s ghosts. It is located in a building built on the site of an ancient 14th-century house. On the first floor, you will receive a booklet describing the main exhibits. Walking through the rooms, you will see ghosts.
Look at the wooden cross – it was once decorated with precious metal items, but an apprentice stole them. Those who condemned the thief then hammered nails into the cross.
There is also a special mirror here – someone else will be reflected in it, not you. Then you can go down to the old basement, where the atmosphere of medieval streets is recreated. You will see the characters of legends – decapitated ghosts and spirits connected with the city’s history. They will tell you that they can still be seen at certain times on city streets.
Karel Zeman Museum
Czechs honor the memory of director, screenwriter, and animator Karel Zeman. The master dedicated 40 years to his beloved craft, and his achievements in this field are enormous. The museum is relatively young; it opened in 2012, so it has modern capabilities. Children will find it interesting to visit here. After all, Zeman, born in 1910, pioneered many animation techniques still used today.
It is located in a building that used to belong to the court. Photographs of Zeman, taken at various moments of his life, sketches, and aphorisms belonging to the director are displayed here. You can also see decorations for films and cartoons, and dolls that “starred” in popular films.
There is a Hall of Graphic Drawing. The interactive part of the exhibition is particularly interesting, where visitors can find out if they have an animator’s talent. Equipment, cameras used to make cartoons are also presented.
AquaPalace Water Park
Of course, there are water parks in Russia too. But it’s worth visiting the Czech one as well. First, you can take a break from the busy days when one tour follows another. Second, you can have a great time with the whole family here. There are no extreme slides; all water attractions can be enjoyed with children.
Adults will appreciate the relaxation area. A beautiful pool with deep blue water will allow you to experience pleasant sensations just by swimming with the current.
Comfort and relaxation await guests of the water park in the hot tubs. During the warm season, the “wild river” is available. And children will enjoy climbing the “Pirate Ship” and jumping into the wading pool. The artificial sea has both waves and surf. You can also admire the aquariums, which house not only fish but also starfish and sea urchins.
Those who want to dive can go to the 8-meter deep diving pit. However, children under 10 years old are not allowed to try diving. Other interested visitors will receive the necessary equipment and begin a gradual descent to the bottom. The emotions are overwhelming! If you want a snack, you can do so without any problem in the water park’s café.
Surf Arena Complex
It might seem that this center is primarily aimed at adults, but children are also allowed to participate in the activities. The complex opened recently, in 2016, but has already become very popular. Here, you can learn surfing and bodyboarding. How do the classes go? First, under the guidance of instructors, beginners learn the basics of the technique – lying or kneeling, and then they ride the artificial waves standing up.
The class lasts a couple of hours, with a half-hour briefing, and the entire process is recorded on a video camera. You can discuss your mistakes and achievements with the instructor and then take the recording with you.
After practicing here, you will feel confident on sea or ocean waves. Of course, surfboards and wetsuits are provided by the complex. In special children’s groups, kids are also taught the basics of wave riding.
After such classes, appetite always awakens. There is a café with a terrace where it is pleasant to sit in warm weather. The food is delicious. Baguettes, sandwiches, various snacks, and drinks – all of this will disappear from the table in an instant. Various interesting events are often held in the music club.
Toy Museum
Located in the city center, its collection of toys is considered one of the largest in the world. Its foundation was laid by Ivan Steiger. He had to move to Munich after the results of the “Prague Spring” and started collecting toys, which were necessary for his work at that time.
But over time, more and more unique antique items appeared in the collection. When the communist regime in Czechoslovakia fell, Steiger returned to Prague to open a museum here. He brought the dear-to-his-heart exhibits as a gift to his beloved country.
Here you can see all kinds of toys – plush animals, dolls made of various materials, small houses furnished with doll furniture, robots, trains, cars, and much more. Even adults’ eyes light up, let alone children.
The guide will tell you who and how used to make toys and will share the amazing stories of many exhibits. Parents and grandparents will be touched to see dolls and cars that seem to come from their own childhood.
Planetarium
Prague has one of the largest planetariums in the world. It was opened in 1960, and several decades later, after reconstruction, it received modern equipment. Here, you can observe stars and planets at any time of the day.
Powerful telescopes and projectors are installed in the halls, controlled by the latest technologies. You can even see what our Galaxy looks like from the outside and experience the effect of diving into a black hole. Cooperation with NASA helped the planetarium obtain unique exhibits – for example, lunar soil.
More than 200 people can simultaneously watch the starry sky. Visiting the planetarium will expand your understanding of the Universe. You can also watch thematic programs covering various areas of astronomy and see a three-dimensional model of the Universe.
Children will attend a play, watch a space fairy tale, and see interesting interactive exhibitions. Models of planets and printed materials about space exploration are also displayed here.
Children’s Island
There are several islands on the Vltava River. One of them is called Children’s Island. However, this name did not appear immediately. It was previously called Maltese, as it belonged to the monastery of the same name, and even Jewish. In the middle of the last century, a playground and garden were set up here where children could play to their heart’s content. Even earlier, a symbolic statue of the Vltava was erected. A beautiful woman is surrounded by girls personifying the river’s tributaries.
Children’s Island is not very large, but there are plenty of entertainments here. You can watch the movement of ships on the Vltava; the playgrounds will be interesting for both toddlers and older children. Attractions and a fountain operate during the warm season. There are various sports grounds and small pools. The decoration of the “Rusty Anchor” restaurant is also playful. You can reach the island by ferry.
Hamleys Toy Store
For children, the Hamleys store in Nové Město is a real paradise. On an area slightly exceeding 6,000 m², thousands of toys for different ages are displayed. From the abundance of dolls, soldiers, cars, transformers, constructors, plush animals, board games, and rattles, one’s eyes widen.
But that’s not all. The store has a Venetian carousel with painted wooden horses, as if straight out of a fairy tale. Boys will be thrilled by the racetrack with remote-controlled cars and the field with excavators, while girls will appreciate the butterfly house “Papilonia,” the Mirror Maze, or the floor piano.
Older kids won’t be left out either. For them, the toy kingdom has a virtual reality space Golem VR, transporting players to medieval Prague. Another popular attraction is the Lost Laboratory VR DIVR – a mysterious world of dangerous underground labyrinths and hostile creatures.
Fans of laser battles can participate in an adrenaline-pumping team action game “Mercury,” held in a specially equipped arena. All participants in the hot battles are given the necessary gear and weapons.
Giraffe Amusement Park
From morning to evening, there is fun here – because children are awaited by dozens of attractions. They are designed for kids of different ages – both young and older. For example, the huge medieval castle is very popular with the younger generation. There are many inflatable attractions, the largest of which depicts a chariot pulled by horses, ball pools, and various sports grounds. Modern cinemas with special effects are also available.
Boys will appreciate the autodrome and will compete with each other in races. Of course, the organizers didn’t forget about the parents. While children have fun among their peers and make new friends, moms and dads can sit in specially equipped resting places, try delicious pastries and coffee, visit an Italian restaurant, and order pizza.
Kbely Aviation Museum
A very unusual and spectacular museum opened in 1968. Initially, about fifty planes were displayed here. In the 1980s, reconstruction was carried out; later, the area was expanded, and new exhibits were purchased. They are located in hangars. Of course, the planes make the biggest impression.
Some models are operational and can be seen “in action” at various air shows. Many planes have a legendary history. In addition, you can see helicopters, air defense systems, pilot uniforms, their awards, aircraft armament, and much more. There are over 2200 exhibits in total.
Some are housed in hangars, while others are in the open air. Besides permanent exhibitions, temporary ones are also held. The collections are expanded through the purchase of exhibits and exchanges with other military museums.
TOBOGA Fantasy Entertainment Center
There are several such centers in the Czech Republic, and one of them is in Prague. Children will experience a truly boundless flight of fantasy, and parents will also find it interesting. You can visit the park at any time of the year, as it is indoors. The attractions are designed for kids of different ages. Each of them is unique – depicting one part of the world or a planet, star, sea, or island.
The young travelers’ eyes will light up – because they can not only “travel the world” but also visit space. There are always many boys and girls here, so it’s easy to make friends with peers. While children are having fun, parents can surf the internet, order delicious dishes in the café, or comfortably settle in the “reading corner”.
By the way, if you want to celebrate an event, you can do it in the entertainment center. They will organize a feast