English
Traveling families might not think ofPragueas a destination for children. This beautiful Bohemian city is known more for its impressive architectural heritage than as being suitable for young travelers. And while the most popular areas may tire out the littlest ones (but not youths and adolescents),Praguehas numerous sites that will please the whole family.
If you are traveling for just a few days, like a weekend getaway, you can intersperse seeing the old part of the city with visits to the city’s three green areas (not counting the slopes on the banks of the Vltava River). These are: the theme park devoted to dinosaurs (Dino Park), which needs no further discussion as children will be sure to want to visit it; the Botanical Garden, with educational and recreational activities for all; and the Vrtbovska Gardens. The green area and the palace are like something from fairy tales, and in addition to its extensive recreational and cultural programming, you can also organize a party however you want if your family is traveling toPrague to celebrate some event.
On the other hand, we must bear in mind that folklore in this part of the world is deeply rooted in everyday life. That is why you’ll also find street musicians and puppeteers that will delight both young and old all over the city. Marionette puppet theater (especially those representing witches and monsters) are part of the country’s cultural heritage. You can enjoy these free of charge (with a tip for artists), and there are also shops that sell these dolls, such as Loutky Marionetas.
While the Old Jewish Cemetery will appeal to adults looking for history, it’s not always advisable to bring children to places that could give rise to anxiety. If you are looking for fun, however, you won’t want to miss hiking to the Castle. The sculpture gardens, the Powder Tower, Cathedral of St. Vitus or the Lobkowicz Palace, despite its artistic grandeur won’t be as appealing as theGolden Lane. Children enjoy seeing these tiny, colorful houses, which are currently occupied by artisans, as it can seem like the world of fairies, gnomes and elves from a different time of this area of the world. If you’re traveling with older children whom you’d like to introduce to the wonders of art, both theSternbergPalace and the Convent of St. George have good galleries.
Of the historic buildings in the old part of the city, younger children will like City Hall with its fascinating Astronomical Clock that is located in one of its doors. It consists of two wheels (one is a calendar and the other gives the time). The top is decorated with the twelve signs of the zodiac, and that is where the automatons emerge every so often.
To get to the Malá Strana and the apartments in Prague that you´ll find on this side of the river, you have to cross the Charles Bridge, which is adorned by numerous saints. Some other time we´ll let you know who is who since we know kids like to ask a lot of questions.
