We will be staying in Prague for 6 days this May, with an 11 and 14 year old. Any suggestions about easy day trips without too much traveling, and active things to do in Prague? We won't be hiring a car. Thanks.
Hi, We were in Praha with 11, 14 and 16 year olds (and their hormones!). Plenty to do. A day trip to Prague Zoo with the Troja chateau and botanical gardens close by was an excellent day out. We went by boat to Troja and returned via bus and metro (very easy). Go to the tower and mirror maze on Petrin Hill. Also lovely walks there too. The children (and us surprisingly) had a fantastic afternoon on the pedalos on the Valtava opposite the National opera house. :wink: Hope this helps.
I second the zoo suggestion - it is a wonderful place with lots of things for kids (older and younger) to do. Boat trip there is a great idea too.
When I took my children to Prague, they were 11 & 9. They especially liked walking on a bridge made of eggs. :wink: They also enjoyed touring the castle. They were intrigued by the guards who couldn't move or acknowledge our presence. They enjoyed the roads made of brick. I don't know if you are from the States or not, but Prague is so different and fascinating that I don't think you have to worry about finding things for children. They will most likely enjoy the amazement of it all. Especially if you share stories of each place with them, such as the bridge is 650 years old (I think) and it was made partly with eggs. Things like that will probably intrigue them about each place you visit and they should have a great time. Enjoy your trip!
Hiking trip to ruin of the OKOR castle. It's possible to get there by the local bus from the centre of Prague 6 (close to metro Dejvicka). In May open on SA and SU 10.00 - 16.00. How to get there : http://www.obecokor.cz/showpage.php?name=doprava Photo galery : http://www.obecokor.cz/showpage.php?name=fotogalerie
Perfect idea!! There’s a Middle Ages Day on the May 12th. One of the biggest historic swordplay festivals in the Czech Republic. The castle of Okoř The Middle Age Day 2000 The Middle Age Day 2003
Prague Castle - be before 12 noon at the main gate (Hradcanske namesti) and line up by the rope to see Changing of the guards. There is (I think every 2 hrs changing of guards at the entrances, but this one at 12 is a big thing with music and marching etc. There is quite a crowd, however, you can come earlier and look around.
Thanks everyone. I was actually in Prague myself in 1990 - George Bush the First came to speak on the one year anniversary of the velvet revolution, and there were american tourists protesting (against Bush), and we stood in lines to buy winter clothing because we'd just come from India. Everything was so cheap. We stayed in a workers' hostel out of town, where they ate goulash with vodka (or some smilar spirit) for breakfast, and I will never forget that voice-over on the metro. It was like a wonderful poem. We are older now, and have two kids and ageing parents, and I believe that concerts no longer cost 50 cents. But I am still excited. Thanks again for all your advice, and any more is more than welcome!
REPORA - Historical outdoor museum (skanzen in Czech) of medieval town. http://www.erbia.org/?page_id=7 OPEN : 1.4.-31.5. TU-SU 10.00-17.00 (closed in Mondays) How to get there : Metro line "B" Stodulky. Then about 600m by walk following blue-white turist mark.
You can easily get to Karlstejn by train - if I remember rightly the journey takes about an hour. The walk up to the castle will burn off a bit of energy or you can take a horse and buggy. Other interesting day trips are to Melnik (bus is easier than train) or Kutna Hora - most youngsters like the ossuary! Sheila
Our Prague trip was wonderful, and my kids and parents all found plenty to do. I could have stayed another week. Highlights: Just walking around, Karlsjen Castle day trip, the boat ride to the zoo (the zoo was unimpressive), Charles Bridge late at night, shopping along Wenceless square, the metro, jazz clubs (for our 15 year-old), the music everywhere. I could go on and on...
Keshet, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your trip. It's nice to hear how people get on. I am also surprised you didn't find the zoo impressive. What didn't you like about it? Also, how did you get to Karlstejn castle. Did you take the train on your own or go from Prague on an organised trip?
