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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 Petrín Hill and check out what Petrín Park has to offer. Not far from the Petrín 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 Strešovice. Alternatively, boat rides along the Vltava River make seeing the city effortless. The best departure point for boat rides is at the Rašínovo nábreží embankment between the Palackého and Jiráskuv 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 nábreží embankment between the Palackého and Jiráskuv 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 c.6,38101,C. 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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