Last Updated on November 9, 2023
When we found out last Christmas we would be leaving the Czech Republic and moving to Sri Lanka, due to my husband’s job, I felt a little bubble of panic. Sure, I dreaded packing up our home (again). On top of that, though, I couldn’t help but feel sad at how little I’d seen of our current home country. Having a small child who suffers from motion sickness hadn’t made us the most adventurous of explorers (despite the blog’s name).
And so, with the urgency of a football team in extra time, I decided to squeeze in some day trips to our last few months in Prague. I scoured Pinterest for inspiration. Yet all I found were articles advocating visits to Cesky Krumlov and Brno – both over two hours drive away. Clearly, these were people who didn’t have to spend their journeys scrabbling around in the glove compartment for something to use as a sick bag for the small, green child in the back. And with the sorting and the packing, we didn’t have time for full weekends away.
So, I started scoping out child-pleasing places which were within an hour and a half of Prague. Happily, we found some pretty good stuff. Here are some of the highlights from those trips, as well as a few places we had found before.
Best day trips from Prague with kids:
A day trip to Park Mirakulum from Prague
Extreme fun (and exhaustion) awaits at this theme park a 40-minute drive northeast of Prague. This isn’t a place of queues and rides, but rather somewhere to climb extraordinary wooden castles, splash about in water and explore dark tunnels.
What to do?
Expect a whole day of activity. On top of all the climbing and playgrounds, there is a large ankle-deep water play area (bring kid’s swimwear and towels), a goat petting zoo (watch out for the little one that likes to butt) and a play trail through the wood (little pull-along carts are available to hire for weary legs).
This video gives a glimpse of what to expect, minus the water play area (which wasn’t open during our April visit):
Top tips
My kids adore this place. I kinda do too – at least when I’m not scrabbling my way through a tunnel, with tears of indignity in my eyes, in pursuit of a fast-moving toddler. For the underground tunnels, bring torches (head ones are good). There is a toddler playground towards to back of the park which is (slightly) more laid back.
If you aren’t brimming with energy – or have a very little one who can’t be trusted to stop when shouted to – maybe save this for another day. I would also recommend arranging a meeting point for anyone who gets lost. All that said – it is brilliant. Especially recommended for primary-aged kids.
Hunger pangs
Food kiosks sell the typical fare of pizza and burgers. You can also bring in picnics and drinks to the park. Save room for the ice cream – possibly the best I’ve ever had and reasonably priced too.
How to get there
Lots of free parking for those with cars. Otherwise, you can reach the park via public transport in just under one hour and a half. This involves catching a train from Praha Masarykovo Nadrazi to Milovice, then taking the bus 430 or 432 to the park. It’s worth checking the website for the opening days and times, which can vary throughout the year.
Worth a family mini-break from Prague?
We are always completely shattered after one day there, so I have no idea how you could manage two. However, you could make a weekend of it by combining it with nearby Zámek Loučeň (see next entry for accommodation options).
A day trip to Zámek Loučeň from Prague
A beautiful baroque estate just under an hour from Prague. The main draw for kids is the large park containing 12 labyrinths.
What to do?
Spend a morning strolling through the wooded parkland. The fact that the paths are peppered with labyrinths and snack stalls means kids should be happy too. Our favourite maze was the one with the slide at the end.
You can also admire the decadent interiors of the castle, and there are children’s tours available. As we are all non-Czech speakers, however, we decided to give this a miss.
Top tips
Check the website for themed events before planning your trip.
Hunger pangs
During our winter visit from Prague, the onsite self-serve restaurant and snack stall were closed, although in the summer these make convenient choices. Alternatively, you can also order a picnic basket from the restaurant.
We walked down the road for lunch at Pizza2You, which had friendly service and decent pizza.
How to get there
Plenty of parking at the public car park at the crossroads outside the park. You can also catch the train from Prague to Nymburk and from there catch the 676 bus to Loučeň (although this would seem like a big effort if you’re just going for a few hours at the park).
Worth a family mini-break from Prague?
Very possibly. There is Maxmilian Lifestyle Resort in the castle grounds which gets good reviews and has family rooms and an indoor pool. There are rooms either in the modern part of the hotel or within the historic castle complex itself. The latter option is perhaps best saved for a night when you aren’t accompanied by a sticky-handed toddler.
The hotel offers special weekend packages for families, which include access to the pool, park and a children’s tour of the castle. This also comes with a voucher for entry to one of their nearby partner attractions: Park Mirakulum (see above), Staré Hrady and Prachovské skály.
A day trip to Kutná Hora from Prague
Around 80km east of Prague, Kutná Hora offers medieval splendour, fascinating history, excellent museums and our favourite ever playroom. For the full round-up of this town’s family-friendly highlights, take a look at this post.
A day trip to Liberec from Prague
This Northern Bohemian city is full of kid-friendly attractions and striking architecture. Driving from Prague should take around an hour and 15 minutes.
What to do?
There are so many choices. Liberec is home to an indoor DinoPark, a good-sized zoo and a much-loved botanical garden, which features large greenhouses and a glass walkway through an aquarium.
During our family day trip from Prague, we only made it as far as iQPARK, an interactive science centre suitable for two to eight-year-olds. Just across the road is iQLANDIA, a particularly brilliant choice for older kids. This modern science museum features cosmonaut training, the Czech Republic’s first humanoid robot and an earthquake simulator. There is also a Planetarium.
Here are some of our highlights from the iQPARK:
Inside Centrum Babylon Liberec (where the iQPark is located) there is an indoor waterpark and an amusement park, featuring some small rides. On top of all this, there is also an entertainment complex with a cinema and bowling alley.
Top tips
Pick one or two attractions for a day trip, trying to get around more would be a rush.
Hunger Pangs
Both iQ centres have onsite restaurants. They are convenient and good value – although don’t go in with high culinary expectations. Just on the edge of the town centre, Chicago Bar & Grill looks like a good alternative.
Liberec also does a good line in cute cafes. South of the zoo, Kavarna Bez Konceptu serves freshly roasted coffee, breakfast, and paninis. It is also possible to order a picnic basket here and take it to the nearby park. SIX café near the botanical garden has outdoor seating and lots of cake. Whereas Kafe Kytka (part coffee shop, part florist) gets great reviews and is close to the Dino Park.
How to get there
The drive from Prague is just over an hour and there is parking outside iQLANDIA and the Zoo. It can be trickier to find parking by the Botanical Garden, with no designated car park.
Alternatively, the bus from Černý Most (a station east of Prague’s city centre, connected by the metro) takes just over an hour. Unfortunately, the train is much slower, taking two and a half hours. Once in Liberec, there is a tram network that connects to the zoo.
Worth a family mini-break from Prague?
Definitely! It was Claire from Toast & Ty who let us know about the fun option of staying at the hotel within Babylon Liberec. Although the décor is a little dated, with so much to do onsite, this sounds like a brilliant family weekend away. Definitely worth considering in the winter months, when staying indoors often feels preferable. It is possible to book rooms with an entertainment pass, which gives unlimited entry to the iQ centres, the waterpark, the zoo and lots of other attractions.
Alternatively, Hotel Ještěd has always been on my hotel bucket list. Well, who wouldn’t want to stay in a futuristic television tower, perched on top of a mountain overlooking Northern Bohemia?
A day trip to Pίsek from Prague
A fabulous children’s museum, a handsome town centre and the Czech Republic’s oldest stone bridge make the hour-and-a-half drive out of Prague worthwhile. Also, a handy stop-off on the way to the historic town of Cesky Krumlov or the resorts on Lake Lipno. For more information, take a look at this post all about our day trip here.
A day trip to Plzen from Prague
Plzen (or Pilsen if you prefer) is the renowned home of the Pilsner Urquell brewery. Besides its beer, this handsome University town, just over an hour southwest of Prague, has plenty to recommend it.
What to do?
Whenever we’ve been to Plzen, we’ve never made it past the brilliant Techmania Science Centre. It’s something of a regret, as the town also has a large outdoor Dino Park (next door to the zoo), a series of underground passageways (suitable for over-3s, tours can be arranged in English), a puppet museum and lots of green space for a picnic and a run.
Pilsen for children is a great website to check for events and attractions if you are planning a day trip from Prague.
Top Tips
If travelling by train, the station is on the outskirts of the town. Be prepared for a 15-minute walk to the historic centre or jump on a tram. Likewise, the science centre is out of town (but sadly not by the station).
Hunger Pangs
The Pilsen Tourist Information website gives a list of cafes and restaurants with indoor play areas and outside playgrounds.
How to get there
The drive from Prague is around an hour. We parked by the Techmania Science Centre, although there are lots of other options.
Take a look here for lots of advice about travelling to Plzen by public transport.
Worth a mini-break?
I would say so, especially if you want to combine the Techmania Science Centre with the attractions in the town centre. Hotel Republika 24 Apartments look like a good option for an overnight stay. They are situated in the centre of town, have kitchnettes and parking can be arranged.
If you are instead looking to combine the urban delights of Plzen with some Czech countryside, this family farm stay looks idyllic fr a family stay. It is around a 15-minute drive from the town centre.
Another option further out from Plzen (on the other side from Prague) is Chaty a Apartmány Hracholusky Kemp Kosatka. This family holiday park has one-bedroom chalets and cottages. It doesn’t look like luxury accommodation, although the price is very reasonable, which seems fair enough. There is a playground on-site, and it is close to a river beach.
A day trip to Zámek Berchtold from Prague
This baroque chateau, just over half an hour from Prague, has been converted into a hotel and tourist attraction. While strolling around the garden, you can spot miniature replicas of famous Czech castles.
What to do?
Pay your entrance fee at the hotel reception, then head to the ‘Children’s Paradise’ in the garden to spot the mini fairytale castles. There is also a playground, trampoline, a (very) mini zoo, a traffic rules playground and a nature trail. It is also possible to pay for a tour of the castle, although I suspect this might be best for Czech speakers.
Before going, check for upcoming events. There is usually a Halloween lantern parade.
Top tips
If you plan to eat at the restaurant (which is the most convenient option), make a reservation in advance or book as soon as you arrive.
Hunger Pangs
The hotel restaurant serves Czech and some Italian dishes. There is a children’s menu and highchairs are available. The food is decent. Although the restaurant feels quite formal, there is a children’s play corner.
How to get there
There is parking on the grounds, and the drive from Prague is just over half an hour. You can reach Zámek Berchtold by public transport from Prague, although with a train followed by a bus, it is a bit of a faff and I’m not sure I’d recommend it.
Worth a family mini-break from Prague?
If you live in Prague, it is probably best as a day trip. Having said that, the hotel gets good reviews and prices include entry to the child-friendly attractions on the grounds. There are also cycle paths nearby.
A day trip to the Dendrological Gardens from Prague
These beautiful gardens are located in Průhonice, a village just outside Prague. Adults will enjoy the walk through the landscaped park; children will like the play opportunities.
What to do?
There is the chance to chase down wooded paths, collect sticks, spot frogs in the pond and clamber over rocks. Close to the entrance is a lovely wooden playground.
Top tips
The gardens are usually open from March to October. To be safe, check opening times before you go. The autumnal colours are particularly breathtaking, although if you visit from the end of March to the end of May, there are happy displays of tulips. The garden hosts events throughout the year.
Just note that bikes aren’t allowed. In the past, we have always taken our scooters, and the staff have never objected.
Hunger Pangs
There is a well-appointed café in the garden with both indoor and outdoor seating. This is a good spot to have a coffee, a slice of cake or an ice cream. There is also ice cream available from the entrance desk if the kids can’t wait until after their walk.
During our visits, we usually took a picnic lunch to eat on a blanket by the lake. There are also some picnic benches scattered around.
How to get there
The garden is a fifteen-minute drive from central Prague, with free parking outside. You can reach Průhonice from central Prague using public transport. This involves catching the red metro line to Opatov and then changing to a bus. At the time of writing, there were some temporary bus route changes, so for up to date information, check Google Maps or the DPP journey planner.
Worth a family mini-break from Prague?
Despite its proximity to Prague, I’m going to stick my neck out here and say – yes! It’s possible to stay at the nearby AquaPalace Resort, which contains the largest water park in central Europe and has family rooms with bunk beds. Also nearby is Park Průhonice – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a fairytale castle to admire and beautiful grounds.
If you don’t fancy an overnight stay, both AquaPalace and Park Průhonice are worth a family day trip from Prague in their own right. Just note that bikes aren’t allowed at Park Průhonice, and there is no playground here, so children will have to make their own entertainment, exploring nature.
A day trip to the Star Palace (Obora Hvězda) from Prague
For those wanting to stay close to Prague, but still fancy a trip outside the city centre, this medieval game reserve turned public park in Prague 6 is just the spot. Three magnificent tree-lined avenues lead to a central lawn and a handsome star-shaped summer palace.
What to do?
The straight flat avenues provide the perfect place for bike or scooter rides. The woods are a great setting for nature collecting – with lots of interesting leaves, nuts and sticks to find. There are now three playgrounds in the park: one is slightly hidden in the trees near the Libocká Gate and another smaller one is next to the central lawn. The third one is new and, from what I can tell using Google Translate, is close to the Libocká Gate too. Have a look at this blog post for photos.
On top of this, in front of the park is a small Traffic Rules Playground. This is open to the public from 16.00 – 19.00 on weekdays and from 09.00 – 19.00 at the weekend.
Older children who are interested in history may also enjoy going inside the palace – which is home to an exhibition about building and the reserve, as well as some temporary exhibitions.
Top Tips
The Palace and adjacent café are open from April – October, so sadly there is nowhere to warm up with a hot chocolate during the colder months.
The park often holds family-friendly events; Prague.eu lists what’s on.
Hunger Pangs
A visit to Café Letohrádek, next to the palace, is always a treat. The coffee and cakes are good, the service is friendly, and, during the warmer months, it is possible to sit outside and admire the palace’s pointy exterior. Inside there is also a small selection of board games.
The central lawn makes a good spot for a picnic.
How to get there
The park is well connected to central Prague by tram. For routes, check Google Maps or the DPP journey planner. For drivers, we usually found a parking space on Libocká.
Worth a family mini-break from Prague?
Nope.
Other Prague family day trip ideas
I hope you don’t mind this slight cheat, but here are some other ideas for Prague day trips, which we sadly never found time to visit.
8smička
This creative hub, halfway between Prague and Brno looks fabulous. Every Saturday, from 14.00 to 17.00, there is a children’s art workshop. Read more about it on Jemná Motorka’s wonderful blog (the Google translation can be a bit clunky, but you’ll get the idea).
Botanicus Craft Village
Our friends at Toast & Ty had a wonderful day out at this historical craft village, just over half an hour’s drive from Prague.
Farma Blanik
My friend Anna told me about this children’s farm ages ago, and yet somehow we never made it. It looks like brilliant fun and is an hour’s drive from Prague. It is possible to stay on the farm too.
Tabor
Although this article by Kids in Prague is a little old now, it always made me think I should investigate a day trip to this town 100 kilometres south of Prague.
Konopiště Castle
Once home to Archduke Franz Ferdinand, this beautiful castle has expansive parkland and a good-looking playground. It also looks relatively easy to reach via public transport. (Catch the train from Prague’s main station to the handsome town of Benešov. You can then either walk 2km to the castle or catch the tourist land train.)
Prachov Rocks
I’m quite annoyed with myself that we never made it to Bohemian Paradise. The Prachov Rocks look amazing and appear to be a manageable day trip with kids from Prague.
Český Krumlov
Definitely more of an overnight trip than a day trip from Prague with kids – but this UNESCO-listed town is beautiful and filled with family attractions. Read my detailed guide to visiting Český Krumlov with children.
And so, that’s me done! I hope it will provide you with some inspiration should you ever fancy a jaunt outside the Czech capital.
If you have any great Prague family day trip ideas, I’d love it if you left me a comment.
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2 comments
What a fantastic idea for a post. We love to travel but I’m really not keen on long drives anywhere so day trips are much better for us if they don’t involve a lot of time in the car. I love the way that you’ve set out your post too, with handy guides to foodie treats, tips and things to do with kids. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles
Thank you, Clare! Yes, we prefer to keep our car journeys as short as possible. We were lucky that there are so many interesting places close to Prague.