Czech Republic with children – Nature, fun and education

Fortunately, the Czech Republic has plenty to offer, with activities to keep the whole family entertained. So, when it’s time to go back to the office, you’ll feel you’ve seized the weekend.

There are many possibilities, but here are a few for inspiration:

Excursions and nature

Český ráj, Turnov

Bohemian Paradise, Czech Republic’s first nature reserve, is a popular attraction for both visitors and locals alike. The area is distinguished by many historical and natural monuments, rock formations, castle ruins, lakes and valleys. Well marked trails will lead you through Drábské světnice, the surroundings of Trosek and Prachovské rocks.

If you plan on going with a stroller, try the 10 km educational trail Kacanovy – Kopicův statek – Valdštejn – Bukovina – Kacanovy where the children will be able to discover rocky reliefs with pictures of animals, natural motives and scenes from history.

Botanical Garden, Liberec

Liberec is home to the the oldest botanical garden in the Czech Republic, receiving about 50,000 visitors per year.

Older children, able to understand more specialised texts, will appreciate the indoor and outdoor exhibits, especially those interested in learning more about plant ecology. The Botanical Garden Information System provides an open textbook of factual content, with audible explanations both in the interior and exterior areas.

During the summer the giant water lilies are definitely worth a visit, while in winter you’ll find yourself enchanted by the slowly transforming gardens under the cold air.

The Botanical Garden serves, among other things, as a rescue centre for illegally imported and confiscated plants, that are given the necessary care for survival.

Preschool children can access the botanical garden for free.

Fairytales in Poodří, Moravskoslezský kraj

If you plan on heading towards eastern Czech Republic, and in particular, the region around Ostrava, be sure to head to the beautiful protected area of Poodří, where fairytales await the youngest members of your family. On arrival they will receive a Vandrbuch; a fairytale passport in which they can keep themed stickers. The fairytale tour will take you around museums, mills and castles. A fun day of themed stories awaits.

A car is a must and elf hunting will likely take you most of the day.

Forest Adventure Trail, Kašperské Hory, Šumavaa

Are your children bored of the city, and longing for some fresh countryside air? A weekend spent in Šumava will be sure to give the whole family a breath of fresh air. The Forest Adventure Trail in Kašperské Hory is suitable for all ages. Located near the centre is an environmental education area with tasks and puzzles for the little ones to solve, whilst teaching the whole family about Šumava and it’s nature. Children will find out how different animals live and eat, by use of different trail equipment made of natural materials.

The Environmental Education Centre organises year-round educational programs for both small and large audiences.

Cinibulka Education Trail, Mšeno

The Cinibulka Education Trail covers 9 km of magical Kokorinian countryside, and typically takes about three hours to complete. You can pickup information leaflets in the Town Hall in Mšena, which will educate you and your kids as you discover the trail. Five information stops will teach you and your family something about the nature around you, including a labyrinth of sandstone rocks.

The route is of moderate length and difficulty with the possibility to cut it short. Visiting the rock formations with a stroller is not advised due to the need to scale stairs and the occasional rope ladder. Try to be in an even group with one parent per child. Occasionally, you might find yourself ‘switching off’, but the kids will be excited.

Education and entertainment

Mirakulum, Milovice

Discover 10 hectares of original amusement close to Prague. You can sit back and relax while the children go wild. There are swings, climbing frames, a petting zoo, forestry playground, trampolines, water world and even a narrow-gauge steam railway. Interactive activity programs are held on weekends, school holidays and public holidays.

Worried the teenagers won’t be entertained? Send them to the nearby tankodrome, where they get to experience adrenaline fuelled rides in armoured combat vehicles, around a 5km circuit. They can also try clay pigeon shooting and target practice (charges apply).

Larger groups of children (including adults) will also appreciate the paintball area. All the necessary equipment can be rented on-site, with instructors on-hand for the inexperienced. Why not organise a family paintball battle?

IQ Landia, Liberec

Are you looking for a a day of modern science entertainment for children and adults alike?

Set aside at least four hours to explore IQ Landia, as there’s plenty to see and do.

The science centre is suitable for children 8 years and above, with fascinating exhibits and experiments for all to enjoy. Relive some of your school science classes, but through a fun hands-on approach. You can experience cosmonaut training or explore interactive exhibits explaining how the human body and the world around us work.

For lunch, there are restaurants nearby, or you can bring a packed lunch and enjoy it in one of the seating areas. There also vending machines dotted around the different exhibition rooms.

Tickets can be purchased online.

IQ Park, Liberec

The park is accessible to the smallest researchers of 2 years plus. The layout of the park allows you to keep an eye on your children while they explore the park. The exhibits are primarily constructed from wood, with interactive elements, covering the basics of chemistry and physics. There are activity programs available for children, and the spaces are stroller friendly. Count on spending at least three hours here, more if possible.

Heroland, Úmonín, Kutná Hora

These playgrounds are open from April through to October, and cover an area of 10,000 square meters, with fun for all ages.

Children’s playgrounds, trampolines, waterslides, giant sandpits, pirate ships, swings and multiple other attractions are all on offer. There are also a number of didactic games for developing children’s motor skills as well as being suitable for the disabled. In the afternoon, horse riding is also available for children.

Parking is free of charge throughout the entire season, and once your children are worn out from a hard day’s playing, you can go to the nearby Kaňk tower, where you will not only enjoy an unforgettable view of Kutná Hora but also a good lunch.
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Author: Míša Benešovská

I’m a freelance journalist and copywriter, mainly covering IT industry. I’ve been fascinated by it for nearly a quarter of a century (or since I dismantled my first computer). I worked for Seznam.cz, Unicorn Systems or Mafra publisher. In my spare time, I love game consoles and keep perfecting a recipe for the best pumpkin risotto in the world.