Prague · Czech Republic · Things to do
5 things to do in Prague with kids
The five best things to do in Prague with kids are watching the astronomical clock chime, crossing Charles Bridge, exploring Prague Castle, wandering the old lanes and courtyards, and visiting a Christmas market in winter. The centre is compact and mostly walkable, so you can see all five over three or four days, with trams for the hill up to the castle.
What to do, in order
- 1
Watch the astronomical clock
The astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall has been running since the Middle Ages. On the hour, wooden figures of the apostles appear in the windows above the dial while a skeleton figure rings a bell. The show is short, and a large crowd forms in the square a few minutes before. Arrive early to find a spot, and keep children in front of you. You can climb the tower for a view of the square, and the nearby streets have cafes and toy shops.
- 2
Cross Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is a stone bridge from the 14th century, lined with statues and busy with buskers, painters and stalls. Go at sunrise or late evening for a quieter walk, as it is packed by mid-morning. Hold small children's hands, since it is narrow and crowded, and watch your bag. Look for the statue of St John of Nepomuk, whose plaque is rubbed by visitors for luck. The views of the castle and river are best from the middle.
- 3
Explore Prague Castle
Prague Castle is recorded as the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Inside are St Vitus Cathedral, courtyards, a palace and small museums. The changing of the guard at noon is the easy highlight for children. The grounds are free to enter, and tickets are only needed for individual buildings, so you can pick one or two. Take tram 22 up the hill and walk down through the gardens or the stepped lanes. Allow a half day, and bring snacks.
- 4
Get lost in the old lanes
The best of Prague is often found away from the main squares. In the Lesser Town below the castle, in Josefov and around the Old Town, narrow lanes open into courtyards, passages and small squares with pastel painted houses. Let children lead for a while. Petřín Hill has a lookout tower and a small mirror maze, and a funicular up from the Lesser Town. Stop for a trdelník, the sweet pastry sold everywhere, though it is not a traditional Czech dish.
- 5
Catch a Christmas market
From late November to early January, the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square hold Christmas markets, with wooden stalls, a giant tree and traditional crafts. Children enjoy the ornaments, the nativity scene and hot chocolate, while adults can try mulled wine and roast ham. The markets are crowded in the evening and at weekends, so go on a weekday afternoon. It gets cold and dark early, so wear a hat, gloves and warm shoes.
Plan it
- Best time
- May to June and September are mild. December is cold but has the Christmas markets. July and August are warm and busy, and January and February are cold and quiet.
- How long
- Three to four days covers the five, with a slower day in between. Add a day if you want a trip to a nearby castle.
- Getting around
- The centre is walkable, and trams and the metro cover the rest. A single ticket works across modes. Cobbles are rough on strollers, so a carrier helps.
Good to know
- The Czech Republic uses the koruna, not the euro. Use a card or an official exchange office, and avoid street exchange booths.
- Check opening days of museums. Many close on Mondays.
- Tram 22 is a scenic ride past the castle.
Frequently asked
Is Prague good for kids? +
Yes. The centre is compact and safe, with castles, towers, puppet theatres and parks. Cobbles and crowds are the main difficulties. Plan a few activities a day, and use trams for longer hills.
How many days do you need in Prague? +
Three days is enough for the clock, bridge, castle and old lanes. Four lets you add a day trip to a castle or the Petřín Hill park. A long weekend works too.
Does the astronomical clock show happen every hour? +
The figures move on the hour during the day, and the show lasts under a minute. Arrive a few minutes earlier to get a view. Check the current schedule in case it changes.
When are the Christmas markets in Prague? +
They usually open in late November or early December and run until early January. The largest are in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.