When we decided to spend five days in Prague with the kids, we wondered if it might be too long. However, Prague surprised us with so many fun and interesting things to do. From magical castles and cool museums to beautiful parks and cultural spots, we found plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Here is what we got up to during the five days we spent in Prague with the kids.
Day 1: Old Town, Illusion Art Museum, Franciscan Gardens
Staying in historic Old Town, we were minutes from exploring cobblestone streets and watching the Astronomical Clock every hour. The Clock’s intricate mechanism and animated figures fascinated the kids, and we learned about its history. Installed in 1410, it is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest still in operation. Browsing the many toy shops selling Czech wooden toys was also great fun.
Kid-friendly museum in Prague
Then, we headed to the Illusion Art Museum, where mind-bending exhibits and illusions made experiencing art fun for all. The mobile app added a layer of augmented reality, and the kids loved taking photos there.
Address: Melantrichova 536/2, Praha 1 – Staré Město
Opening hours: 9 am – 8 pm daily (9 am to 11 pm in July and August)
Price: 350 Kč adult, 250 Kč child (about €14 adult, €10 child)
With so many cafes in Old and New Town, you can take your pick for lunch. We tried the Cat Café, where friendly cats roamed around while we enjoyed a cuppa and some light bites. The kids were thrilled to interact with the cats.
Then, it was time to swing, climb, and build sandcastles at a lovely playground nearby in Franciscan Gardens. The garden’s tranquil atmosphere provided a nice and peaceful break we were very much in need of. There are so many playgrounds in Prague that we never had to walk far to reach one with the kids.
Day 2: Charles Bridge, Kampa Island, Strelecky Ostrov
Crossing the impressive Charles Bridge (Karlův Most), we found ourselves on Kampa Island. The stunning bridge, with its historic statues and breathtaking views of the Vltava River, was an experience in itself. The stone arch bridge connects the Old Town (Staré Město) with the Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Constructed between 1357 and 1402, the bridge is supported by 16 arches and measures about 621 meters in length. It’s car-free and bustling with tourists, street artists, musicians, and vendors, creating a lively atmosphere. The kids enjoyed watching street performers and artists as we crossed the bridge. Don’t miss the very scenic playground at the foot of the bridge.
After the kids blew off some steam, we headed to the opposite side of the park. There we discovered three bronze statues of giant faceless crawling babies, created by the well-known and provocative artist David Černý. Some might find them a bit creepy but my kids thought they were great fun to climb on. Nearby, we encountered more unusual art in the form of yellow penguins. The Cracking Art Group, a Milan-based art movement, created the 34 penguins out of recycled bottles, intended to convey a message about climate change. These quirky installations sparked interesting conversations with the kids about art and the environment.
We then stumbled upon Shakespeare and Sons, a lovely bookshop selling English books. After browsing through the shelves, we found a cosy corner in a nearby café for lunch. The area is filled with cool cafes and it’s very easy to find a place to eat with the kids.
Further island hopping took us to Střelecký Ostrov. This is another island on the river which offered more stunning views and yet another playground. The island’s lush greenery and peaceful setting made it a perfect spot for an afternoon stroll and playtime.
Day 3: Petřín Hill and Prague Castle
We took a cable car up to Petřín Hill in the Malá Strana district and climbed 299 steps to reach the top of the Petřín Lookout Tower. Some people refer to the tower as Prague’s miniature Eiffel Tower, and it’s easy to see why. At sixty meters tall, it’s one-fifth the size of the one in Paris. In 1889, members of The Club of Czech Tourists visited the world exposition in Paris and came away with the ambitious idea of creating something similar.
The cable car departs from the Újezd station and takes only 5 minutes to reach the top of the hill. Tickets are sold on-site, so you don’t need to buy them in advance. While you can walk around the Lookout Tower, you can’t go inside without a ticket. I recommend buying one here. The views from the top are great and there are informative displays about the tower’s construction.
After admiring the views of Prague from the top, we headed to the nearby mirror maze for silly poses and giggles. The maze was a hit with the kids, who enjoyed the playful reflections and tricky paths. We then made our way down the hill to find a conveniently placed playground and the Angelato ice cream café for a perfect break.
No trip to Prague with kids is complete without visiting Prague Castle. We spent the afternoon exploring the castle complex. Although we didn’t buy tickets to go inside, we enjoyed the beautiful architecture from the outside and the gardens. The tiny, quaint homes on Golden Lane were like something out of a fairy tale, and the kids enjoyed imagining what life was like in the past. For lunch we stopped at Lobkowicz Palace Restaurant – the food and the views were fabulous.
Day 4: National Museum, Vytopna Railway Restaurant and Tour of the Jewish Quarter
We headed for some culture to the National Museum, located at the top of Wenceslas Square. The grand entrance hall, adorned with sumptuous decorations and staircases, reminded me of an opera house.
Kid-friendly museum in Prague
The National Museum’s extensive collections span various fields, including natural history, art, music, and ethnography. Highlights include the Prehistoric Collection, featuring ancient artefacts and fossils, as well as the Historical Collection, which chronicles Czech history from the early Middle Ages to the present day. The museum also houses a vast collection of minerals, gems, and paleontological specimens.
With limited time on our hands, we opted for the Prehistoric Collection, a decision that proved to be the right one. The kids were fascinated by the dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits, making the visit both educational and fun. If we hadn’t had a lunch reservation, we could easily have spent hours at this museum.
Address: Václavské náměstí 1700/68 Praha 1 – Nové Město
Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily
Price: 300 Kč adult, 200 Kč for those aged 15 – 18, and free for children under 15 (about €12 adult, €8 teenager)
Kid-friendly restaurant in Prague
Next, it was time for lunch. “Choo Choo! Our food has arrived!” exclaimed the kids as they watched a toy train pass by on the rail tracks and stop at our ‘station’ to deliver burgers and drinks. Despite being the most expensive lunch on our trip, Vytopna Railway Restaurant provided a super fun experience for the kids, who were enthralled by the parade of little trains. Located just a short walk from the National Museum, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience that kids will absolutely love. It may not be Michelin-star quality and it’s pricey for what you get, but you pay for the experience. I recommend to book a few days in advance and it’s a fun thing to do with the kids in Prague.
In the afternoon, we visited the Jewish Quarter in Prague, located in the Old Town. This deeply historic and culturally rich area dates back to the 13th century and was developed as a separate ghetto for Jewish people. We bought tickets for the Jewish Quarter and toured several synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, which sparked thoughtful conversations with the kids about history and heritage. The Pinkas Synagogue, with its moving memorial to Holocaust victims, offers a poignant and educational experience. The Spanish Synagogue features the most impressive architecture, with its distinct neo-Moorish style reminiscent of the Spanish Plaza in Seville.
Day 5: Naplavka Farmers Market and Vysehrad
We love visiting local food markets and were thoroughly impressed with the Naplavka Farmers Market, one of the most popular markets in Prague, located by the river. Head here on Saturday mornings to taste and purchase local produce, whether for yourself or to bring back home as a souvenir. The market offers hot and ready meals, making it a perfect spot for breakfast or lunch. There is often live music, and seating is available on the waterfront. The nearby PURO ice cream shop is a great place to stop for a treat before heading to the nearby playground.
Next, we walked to Vyšehrad, which is a historic fortification and a picturesque district in Prague, perched on a hill overlooking the Vltava River. It is often considered a hidden gem compared to the more frequented Prague Castle, and it offers stunning views and peaceful green spaces. One of the key attractions at Vyšehrad is the Vyšehrad Fortress, with its imposing ramparts and gates that offer sweeping views of the city and the Vltava River. Vyšehrad Castle grounds are ideal for a leisurely stroll among the historic ruins and well-maintained gardens. There is a lovely restaurant on-site with outdoor seating, perfect for relaxing. Take note that it’s a bit of a climb to get up here so not easy with prams.
We had a wonderful time visiting Prague in May with the kids. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a family-friendly European city break.
If you’ve been to Prague with kids, share your best tips in the comments below.
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