Monday, March 18, 2013

Easy, Weekend Fun with the Kids in Prague

The playground in the Vysehrad park complex

There are a lot of playgrounds in Prague, almost every neighborhood has one. Someone was clever enough to list many of them at the website Dětská Hřiště. One of our favorites is at the Vysehrad park complex. It has two zip lines, small and large, and structures built from wood. Another reason why we like it so much is that it is one stop in an easy weekend with the kids.


When we get an urge to get out and get some fresh air and sun, there is one circuit we enjoy that includes good food for us and fun playgrounds for the kids. Our route in the Vysehrad area has four parts that we try to include (but usually only get to three):

1. Náplavka Farmers Market
2. Playground
3. El Paisa, Mexican restaurant
4. Vysehrad Park Complex: Vysehrad website and Kids in Prague's Review


The Náplavka Farmers Market along the Vltava river bank takes place on Saturday morning. During the warmer months there is also a antique/used market that has some interesting finds. The highlights for us are Balkan food, fresh fried fish, new wine and fresh bread. A list of other farmer markets can be found on this website.

The girls love to feed the swans, ducks and pigeons at the market.


The playground next to the entrance of the farmer's market is great for toddlers and older kids. It has two sections and is covered in rubber flooring for any falls.



The last time we went there actually was chalk at the chalkboard. One of many fun weekends in Prague!

7 comments:

Nomads By Nature said...

We had a toddler and a 6 year old for most of our first tour in The Netherlands - all exploring was around kid friendly parks, trails and zoos. It was a wonderful way to know a country and The Netherlands did not disappoint. I think Prague was the same!

Globetrekking Mom said...

We are visiting Prague from Vienna over Easter. We visited in 2008 while posted to Warsaw with a 5 year old and toddler and spent many breaks in the many parks.. We are familiar with the main area of Prague but I wanted to know what will be open over Easter weekend. Should we stock up at a local store for Easter and Easter Monday?

Natalie Buda Smith said...

@Nomads

Yes, Prague is great for small kids - everyone actually :). There are tons of playgrounds and kids activities. Hope to take them to the Netherlands one day. Thanks for the comment!

Natalie Buda Smith said...

@Globetrekking

All of the tourist areas should be open, as they have the Easter Markets in the main areas.

Last year we went to the Old Town Hilton for Easter brunch and then walked through the markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas square afterwards, which were in full swing.

There may be some things closed on Sunday, since some shops are usually closed, but in general the popular spots will be open as usual.

Let me know if you are thinking of something specific, and I can investigate.

Nomads By Nature said...

I'm coming to PRAGUE!! A couple of friends from Beijing days are all finally close enough country wise to allow us a Moms getaway weekend and we picked Prague for our reunion!! I don't think we'll run the playground circuit but I was wondering about the tram/train service there. Can you go by train from the airport into the city and how/where do you purchase the passes for getting around the city? Any advice you have would be welcome!!

Natalie Buda Smith said...

@Nomads

The metro expansion to the airport isn't completed yet. There is a bus that you can get to take you to the metro station in Prague 6, but I would splurge on a cab. Take a return trip coupon usually in the back seat to save on a taxi for the return trip.

Here is the best website to get metro info:

http://www.dpp.cz/en/fares-in-prague/

You can buy tickets at a station, at some small shops and by SMS. I usually just buy them on my phone:

http://www.smsjizdenka.cz/MATicketsDPP/sms/index.do

If you want to find something special to do at a discount, check on this groupon-like site:

http://www.limeandtonic.com/prague/en/experiences/index.php

There is so much to do here, you can't go wrong.

Have fun!

Unknown said...

They seem to be enjoying themselves, hehe! It's a good thing they were able to catch some fresh air and sun while going around the playground. Having fun with the kids is always rewarding because the beautiful smiles on their faces are enough to brighten your day. Why don't you try having a scavenger hunt next time?

Rosalinda Hone @ Riddle Me