Prague has many parks and gardens, both in and outside of the center. There is always a peaceful place nearby to escape the crowds and noise of the city or to take your children if they need a break. Many parks also include children’s playgrounds.
Parks in the City Center
Petřín
Petřín Hill is a nice place to spend a few hours. You can pack a picnic and enjoy a hike up the hill, you can climb the Petřín view tower for some great views of Prague, or you can visit the observatory that’s on top of the hill. If you have kids, you can give them a good break at the playground that’s on the bottom of the hill. It is accessible from Újezd Street and can be found between the funicular station and Hellichova Street.
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Střelecký ostrov (Shooters Island)
Střelecký ostrov is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. The setting on the river makes the location very pleasant and the mature trees provide welcome shade in hot weather. There’s lots of open space to walk or have a picnic. Children can be entertained on the small obstacle-course playground.
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Slovanský ostrov (Slavic Island)
This is another nice island on the Vltava River, right across from the National Theatre. If you have the time, you can rent a pedal boat from one of the rental places that are right on Slavic Island. Young children can enjoy the nice playground that’s between the Žofín Palace and Mánes building.
Dětský ostrov (Children’s Island)
As the name suggests, this place is children’s paradise. 🙂 Compared to Shooters and Slavic Islands, Children’s Island is a bit out of the way if you’re coming from the center. The main reason to come here is to give your kids some serious play time. The large playground will entertain children of all ages with various playground equipment year round and water activities on hot summer days. The island sits right next to a boat lock and it can be exciting for children to watch a large boat squeeze by every now and then.
Franciscan Garden
This is a peaceful garden behind Pasáž Světozor between Vodičkova Street and Jungmannovo Square, not far from Wenceslas Square. It is a pleasant area with paths and benches. There is a small children’s playground here with a sand box and swings.
Parks Outside of the City Center
The following parks are outside the center and are mainly popular with local residents. Each of the parks has something special to offer.
Letná Hill
This large park offers a nature escape, lots of walking and cycling paths, a real local experience of Prague, and one of the best views of the city.
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Stromovka
Stromovka is Prague’s largest park. It is designed in the style of an English garden. You’ll find it by the Holešovice fairgrounds in Prague 7.
The park dates back to the 13th century when it was used as the royal deer hunting field. It contains almost four kilometers of paths that are great for walking, rollerblading or bike riding, large grass areas great for kicking a ball or throwing a frisbee, and several ponds (bring mosquito repellent if you’d like).
While you’re at Stromovka, you may want to visit the Planetarium where you can view the night sky on one of the largest domes in the world, watch short films and projections from space, or visit various expositions on space.
Riegrovy Sady
Riegrovy Sady is a large park that’s very popular with the residents of Vinohrady and Žižkov who come here to relax, ride bikes, have a beer, and spend time with their kids. The park is located on a hill from where you can see the Prague Castle in the distance.
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Havlíčkovy Sady (Grébovka)
Havlíčkovy Sady in Prague 2, commonly referred to as “Grébovka”, is a very nice park to walk around, sit at a café, spend some time at the children’s playground, or visit the grotto where you can explore the narrow passages. You can have a meal or coffee at the café or restaurant. In warm weather, you can sit at one of the outdoor tables and watch kids play on the grass area in front.
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