fun things to do with kids in prague czech republic - family travel    
  Travel for Kids
Czech Republic
   
     
    Prague (Praha)
Vltava River - Prague
Prague is a beautifully preserved city, rich in mystery, ghosts and legends, a center of science and alchemy in the Middle Ages and Renaissance (home to Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe). Children will be fascinated by legends of the golem, the giant brought to life by Rabbi Loew, or Duke Bruncvik's miraculous sword buried in the Charles Bridge, alchemists conjuring gold in their melting pots, water goblins in the Vltava River. Traveling with kids in Prague, allow time to explore the city on foot, especially the medieval Old Town.
Tip: Don't miss our top picks for children's books on Prague, recommended by the staff of Travel for Kids, see below.
  Prague Castle
    Little Town (Mala Strana)
    Old Town (Stare Mesto)
    Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
    More Museums ...
    Go pedal boating – The Vltava River is the perfect place to spend an hour or two pedal boating with the family, if the weather is nice. We had a great time, pedaling under each bridge, and exploring the river. You can rent pedal boats at the Charles Bridge, Manesuv Bridge and Zoffin Island (on the Stare Mesto side).
    Ride the trams – Riding the trams around Prague is a wonderful way to see the city, and it's easy and inexpensive. Many of the trams were built in the 19th century, and riding around through some neighborhoods, it feels like another century. You can pick up a one day, or 3 day pass for all the trams (plus the metro and buses) at the tourist office in Old Town Square.
      On weekends, take Tram 91, a historic tram with wooden seats and the original cars. It goes from Prague Castle (near the Powder Bridge), through the Old Town, crossing the river twice.
    Go to a concert – In summer, the churches and concert halls are filled with classical music concerts. Hear glorious productions of Czech composers Dvorak and Smetana, plus Bach, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Mozart (Mozart lived in Prague for some time). Look for concerts in the beautiful Smetana Hall in The Municipal House, St. Martin in the Wall Church, St. Michael Church, and at Prague Castle.
  Puppet shows – Prague has a whole tradition of puppet shows, but some shows aren't fantastic for kids (such as the plot of Don Giovanni). We saw a delightful puppet show outdoors (in summer), south of the Charles Bridge, at Na Kampa Plaza. The show was performed in Czech and English, with a cast of kings, dragons, devils and clowns.
   

Shopping

     

Bring an extra duffel bag to bring back all your souvenirs from Prague. The shops are filled with fabulous marionettes, beautifully crafted with painted ceramic heads, hands and feet, colorful costumes, and a whole array of kinds, queens, scary witches, and the traditional Czech "joker." Also look for wooden toys and painted wooden eggs, wooden dolls in traditional Czech costumes, and fun jewelry, such as inexpensive crystal necklaces in rainbow colors.

kids books prague czech republic
     
The Three Golden Keys - kids books Czech Republic  

Take an enchanting journey through Prague, where Peter Sis grew up. Follow the maze-like streets to find the keys that unlock three Czech legends. Fabulous illustrations capture the magic and mystery of Prague. (Picture book)

 

     
The Book of Dead Days
Marcus Sedgwick

In an old city, caught between science and superstition, a magician, Valerian, searches for a book that will save him from a terrible fate. A sometimes alchemist and master of the dark arts, Valerian needs help from his youthful assistants and the genius Kepler. A striking fantasy adventure in twisted alleys and crowded cemeteries; it could be Prague. Good for older kids. (Chapter book)

 

 
The Book of Dead Days - kids books Prague
     
Golem - kids books Prague  
Golem
David Wisniewski

Spellbinding retelling of the golem legend, Rabbi Loew chants spells from the Cabala that breathe life into the clay giant, the golem. After the emperor guarantees safety for the Jews, Rabbi Loew returns the golem to clay – perhaps one day it will come to life again. Dazzling cut-paper illustrations. (Picture book)

 

     
Built by Angels
Mark Podwal

Legends and history of the Old-New Synagogue – this remarkable place of prayer in Prague has survived wars, floods and fire over the centuries. It's said that the angels built the synagogue stone by stone, the golem rests in the dusty attic, and white doves saved it from destruction. Gorgeously illustrated, with lyrical descriptions. (Picture book)

 

 
(More children's books on other Czech Republic pages)