Keeping the children entertained - Zoos, science parks and sporting activities in the Czech Republic

In spring everything is waking up and coming to life and children also seem to have more energy than usual. Luckily in the Czech Republic keeping them entertained is no problem. Why not enjoy yourself at one of the world’s most beautiful zoos or spend the day in an amusement park spread over an area of ten hectares. You could also visit one of the popular scientific and technical parks to be found in Pilsen, Liberec and other places. Another option is to take a trip to see the world’s largest private Lego collection.

Zoos in Prague, Dvůr Králové and other places

On TripAdvisor, one of the most popular traveller websites, Prague Zoo was ranked the fourth most beautiful zoo in the world in 2015. This is an even greater success than it might at first seem, because last year Prague was ranked 7^th, and it has overtaken many other famous zoos, such as those in Vienna and Omaha in the USA. Spread over an area of 58 hectares, Prague Zoo comprises 12 main pavilions dedicated to elephants, penguins, gorillas and the Indonesian jungle, to name just a few. You can ride around the zoo in a land train, or take a shortcut by using the cableway.

If your kids are particularly interested in Africa, take them to Dvůr Králové, there you can find a zoo which has the largest number of African animals in Europe. You can drive through its safari in an off-road vehicle or go for an evening tour to watch dusk fall over the Serengeti pasture, with zebras wishing you good night and a genuine African meal waiting for you on your return.
Another popular zoo can be found in Zlín, where visitors can take a trip around the world in one day – from Africa to Asia, Australia to South America. The oldest zoo in the Czech Republic is in Liberec, with white Bengal tigers being the major attraction. The Zoo in Pilsen, is also very popular and has been celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Amusement, scientific and technology parks

In Pilsen a trip to the Techmania scientific and technology park is highly recommended, it is a favourite destination for tourists. Both children and adult visitors can explore the mysteries of oceans and space, discover interesting facts about chemistry and geology or learn about a healthy diet. A part of Techmania in Pilsen is the ever popular Planetarium.

After visiting the zoo in Liberec, why not continue on to iQLANDIA and iQPARK, where science and knowledge are presented in a way that can be enjoyed by even the youngest visitors. When travelling around Moravia, you should check out the VIDA! scientific park in Brno. Here, kids can find out how it feels to be a TV news presenter, launch a hydrogen rocket or freeze their own shadow. Another attractive tourist destination is the Malý svět techniky (Little World of Technology) park in Ostrava, situated at Dolní Vítkovice, a former coal mine and interesting item of architectural heritage.

In the trees and under the water

Not far from Prague (about a 45 minute drive), is the Mirákulum amusement park, which opens in mid-April. There is a petting zoo, forest playground, trampolines, swings, a rope climbing centre amidst the trees and underground corridors. In warm weather, your children will surely appreciate the water world with oases.

If your kids cannot wait until summer to play in the water, you may try one of the many Czech indoor water parks. The largest is Aquapalace in Prague, where children can have fun with huge water slides and artificial waves, while adults can relax in one of its saunas.

Water slides of many sizes and different types of wellness packages are also available at Aqualand Moravia, near the famous wine-producing region of Pálava. In West Bohemia you can visit Františkovy lázně and its Aquaforum. The North Bohemian city of Liberec also has a stylish water park - it is situated in the Babylon centre, which also offers an amusement park. The water park was inspired by the adventure stories of Jules Verne.

Something special to finish with – trains and Lego

Every child is different and likes doing particular things, but don’t worry, the Czech Republic has something to please even young lovers of trains. In Prague, you can spend a whole day in Království železnic (Railway Kingdom). Opened in 2009, it is about to become the largest model railway in Central and Eastern Europe.

Another record-holding attraction is the Lego Museum in Prague, the largest private collection of these popular building sets, featuring 2500 unique models made of Lego bricks, including Prague Castle, the Czech National Museum and Charles Bridge. More Lego museums can be found in the towns of Kutná Hora and Špindlerův Mlýn.