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Czech
Republic: Prague, Family Vacation Ideas -Castles, Theatre, and Wonderful Music.
European cities provide storybook scenes and marvelous
experiences to share with kids. From freshly baked sweets and hand dipped
chocolates to funiculars and river boats Prague does not disappoint.
Many American movies and
television shows were shot in Prague. Episodes of Mission Impossible and Alias
as well as Spy Game, Amadeus and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Go for the
music, and enjoy the city.
Storm the castle.
One of
the most beautiful and important party of Prague’s heritage is Prague Castle, or
as they would say in Czech
Prazky hrad. Awe-inspiring St. Vitus Cathedral, the historical site of
coronations for Czech kings and queens, is also home to the remains of many
provincial saints as well as sovereigns, noblemen and archbishop. Each day at
noon the changing of the guard draws crowds to the main gate – it’s a show worth
seeing. For the more adventurous visitor, the Powder Tower can be climbed via a
set of narrow spiral staircases, but offers a great view of the surrounding
grounds. Bonus
points: Located
in the Prague Castle, The Toy Museum is the second largest display of toys in
the world. (Prazsky Hrad, Prague 11908, Czech Republic 02 2437 3368 or
www.hrad.cz/en)
Mirror, mirror on the hill.
Jump on the funicular (inclined railway) and ride it to the top of Petřín Hill
and check out what Petřín Park has to offer. Not far from the Petřín Observation
Tower is the Mirror Maze. Housed in a building that resembles a medieval castle,
the mirror maze is great for parents and children alike. Along with the maze the
building is home to a large, realistic, and dramatic painting of the Czechs and
Swedes battling for control of the Charles Bridge way back in the 1600s. (The
Mirror Maze, Petoinske Sady, Mala Strana, Prague 1, 11000. 420 2 5731 5212)
Ride the train or take a boat.
Riding on Historic Tram
no. 91: "The Nostalgic Tram" is a great way to see the city. Tram No. 91 is a
historic tram that goes around
Prague each weekend. The tram
offers scheduled departures from Vozovna Střešovice. Alternatively, boat rides
along the Vltava River make seeing the city effortless. The best departure point
for boat rides is at the Rašínovo nábřeží embankment between the Palackého and
Jiráskův bridges. (Historic Tram Line 91, Patockova 4, Prague, 16200. 420 296
124 902)
Let your wild side out.
Near the beautiful
baroque-period Trója Chateau is the charming Prague Zoo. Along with the standard
bill of animals from around the world, the Prague Zoo offers a chair lift for
those that aren’t keen on steep paths, as well as a wonderful restaurant on
site. All signs are translated into several languages, so the experience takes
on a distinct international feel. Need to know. You can take the boat to
the Zoo. The departure point is Rašínovo nábřeží embankment between the
Palackého and Jiráskův bridges. (The Prague Zoo, U Trojskeho zamku 120, Prague
7, Czech Republic. 420 2 688 1118 or
www.zoopraha.cz)
Step into
the spotlight.
The National Theater is a breathtaking tribute to the rich cultural history and
tradition of the Czech people. Through performance its strong tradition of
cultural preservation has helped preserve and develop the Czech language and
national identity. Today the theatre features ensemble performances of opera,
ballet, and drama – many of the selections are distinctly Czech, and draw from
rich classical heritage. (Národní
Trída 2 Praha 1, Nové Mesto (New Town), Prague 11000. 420 224 901 668 or
www.nationaltheatre.cz)
Watch
puppets come to life.
The magic of puppetry in Prague is alive and well – marionette shows for both
children and adults are a long standing tradition in Prague, and throughout the
Czech Republic. One of the most popular shows is Don Giovanni, Mozart’s famous
“opera of operas” complete with puppets in period costume and historically
authentic 18th century stage sets. Another very popular marionette
show is Yellow Submarine – a unique interpretation of the Beatles film of the
same name. (Marionette Museum, Latrán č.6,38101,Č. Krumlov. 420 380 711 175 or
www.mozart.cz)
On your Marx, get set, go.
A must for any family traveling with teens, Museum of Communism is a capsulated
view the Czechs under communism. A video room shows news reels from 1968 and
1989. They depict the ultimate decline threading the tragic reality beginning
with idealism, moving to decline and fall. There is a mock-up of a Soviet-era
classroom, a typical interrogation chamber, and a shop with no merchandise. See
more than 1000 Lenin busts, cosmonaut toys, red flags and portraits. The museum
is also home a collection of socialist realist paintings. Created to offer a
realistic picture of what life would be like in the socialist future. Bonus
points: The Museum of Communism's shop sells cheap folios of constructivist
prints, enamel badges of great leaders, and various national anthem CDs. (Museum
of Communism Na Prikope 10, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic. 420 224 21 29 66
www.muzeumkomunismu.cz)
Editor’s Note:
To ensure
that your time in Prague is truly special the best bet is to secure a guide for
at least a day. We have had very positive feedback about a young guide in
Prague. Our suggestion - Sarka Pelantova,
a licensed private local
guide. She is enthusiastic, friendly and efficient. In addition to Czech she
speaks English and Spanish. She will arrange a family friendly walking tour
customized to suit your family. Her rates are quite reasonable, about 500 CZK
per hour (about 16 EUR, 20 US) for two to four people. Phone her once in the
city (420) 777 225 205 or make arrangements ahead of time by e-mail
saraguide@volny.cz
Based on
interviews, content created by FTF staff.
Copyright 2009.
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