Prague With Kids: Family Travel Guide to Attractions, Tips and Restaurants

Short answer: Prague is one of Europe's most family-friendly cities. Children under 15 ride public transport free within the city (kids aged 10 to 15 should carry their passport), the center is walkable, and the top family stops are Prague Castle early in the morning, the Petřín funicular (reopened September 2026), Prague Zoo, the indoor Aquapalace water park, LEVELS arcade and the Steel Art museum.

Prague is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Europe: a compact city that's easy to explore on foot, excellent public transport on which children ride free, and plenty of attractions for both young kids and teenagers. We've gathered all the tips to help you plan your trip and save time, money and nerves.

When is the best time to visit Prague?

September is a great time for a trip to Prague: no longer too hot and not yet cold. However, it's also a favorite season for tour groups, so the most important tip is to start early. Arriving at the main attractions early in the morning saves you long queues.

Public transport in Prague with kids

• Children under 15 ride free on public transport within the city (metro, tram and buses), and you don't need to buy them a ticket.
• Children aged 10 to 15 need to carry ID with their date of birth, which for tourists in practice means a passport. Carry the original passports, because an inspector may ask for proof of age.
• The benefit doesn't apply to the Airport Express bus from the airport, which has its own fare.
• Buy tickets at machines in stations or in the official PID Lítačka app, where prices are lower. 24-hour and 72-hour tickets are especially good value if you plan to travel a lot.
• In practice, most distances in the center are easy to walk, and Bolt or public transport is mainly needed for longer distances.

Where to stay in Prague: around Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) is a great base: it has several metro entrances and tram stops nearby, and you can walk from it to the Old Town. Kids find their way around the area within a day or two.

Watch out for works: the lower part of the square has already been renovated, but in the upper part, near the National Museum, work is underway to bring the tram back to the square. The works are noticeable but don't stop you exploring the area. Along the square you'll find shops like Sephora and Primark, and the square is also home to Výtopna restaurant, where drinks are delivered by toy trains running on tracks between the tables.

Family attractions in Prague

The Astronomical Clock and Old Town Hall Tower

The Old Town Hall on Old Town Square is home to the famous Astronomical Clock, with its procession of the 12 Apostles. Don't miss the view from the tower: you can go up by lift (for an extra fee) or by the stairs, and the view over the Old Town is spectacular.

Prague Castle (Pražský hrad)

• Getting there: save yourself the steep climb. Take public transport or Bolt to the Pražský hrad stop, and walk back down on the way out.
• Arrive early: the castle grounds open in the morning, and around 9:30 there are hardly any queues. Later, the queues for the main sights are very long.
• Tickets: entry to the castle courtyards is free, and you only need a ticket to enter the buildings. You can buy on site.
• Changing of the guard at 12:00: the ceremonial changing of the guard, with a band and trumpet fanfare, takes place every day at noon in the First Courtyard, in front of the Matthias Gate. Shorter changes also happen every hour on the hour. Get a spot at least half an hour in advance, by the rope the soldiers put up.
• Tip: St. Vitus Cathedral opens to visitors on Sundays only from midday, because of services.

Petřín Hill and the new funicular

The Petřín funicular reopened in September 2026 after a two-year renovation, with new track and panoramic glass cars.

• Lower station: Újezd street. There's also an intermediate stop (Nebozízek), where you can only get on and off in the uphill direction.
• Hours: every day, from morning until late evening, about every 10 minutes.
• Price: 100 CZK for a ticket on site, or 90 CZK in the PID Lítačka app. Children under 15 ride free. 24-hour and 72-hour tickets include the ride, but not all regular transport tickets are valid on the funicular.
• Expect queues, but they move quickly.
• At the top: climb the Petřín Lookout Tower (the "little Eiffel Tower") for a panoramic view of the whole city, then walk down via Strahov Monastery.

Prague Zoo

Prague Zoo is considered one of the best in Europe, with huge, clean enclosures. It's built on a slope on two levels, connected by walking paths or a short chairlift with a lovely view.

• Getting there: metro line C to Nádraží Holešovice, then bus 112 to the main entrance (Zoologická zahrada stop). You can also take Bolt.
• Tip: start from the upper level and walk down. If you come in through the lower main entrance, you can ride the chairlift up.
• How long? Allow about 5 to 6 hours to see both levels, including lunch. The cafeteria near the upper chairlift station is recommended.
• The lower level also has a petting zoo and playgrounds for younger kids.

Aquapalace water park

Aquapalace in Čestlice, about 15 km southeast of Prague, is the largest indoor water park in Central Europe.

• Visit on a weekday: weekends are much busier.
• Layout: the slide area is deep inside the complex. Parents can sit in the pool area while older kids spend time on the slides.
• Safety: one slide runs partly outdoors, and collisions can happen. Explain to the kids how to behave on the slides.
• Tickets: buy on site or in advance online. Compare prices.
• Towels: can be rented on site for a fee, but it's cheaper to bring your own. Changing rooms, showers and lockers are included in the entry price. Look after your wristband: there's a fine if you lose it.
• Getting there: most convenient by Bolt or taxi.

LEVELS game center

LEVELS is a huge arcade and simulator center spread over several floors of the Máj department store on Národní street, with hundreds of machines, mini golf, bowling, bumper cars and more.

• Tip: you can go up and have a look before choosing a ticket.
• A 3-hour unlimited arcade ticket is plenty (bowling and mini golf are paid separately). There are also credit cards that collect winnings.
• Avoid weekends.
• The building also has restaurants, and a few steps away, by the Quadrio center and Národní třída metro station, is Kafka's rotating head, a giant sculpture worth seeing.

Steel Art Museum

An interactive museum on Celetná street in the Old Town, with giant sculptures made of recycled steel inspired by superheroes, science fiction, fantasy and cars. Here you can touch everything, sit in the cars and on the motorbikes and take endless photos. A great experience for kids and teens.

What to skip: Lumia Gallery

The Lumia light-installation gallery, in the same building, is relatively short and small and may disappoint. Note too that it's not suitable for people sensitive to light or with epilepsy.

The National Museum

The impressive building at the top of Wenceslas Square displays, among other things, a 22.5-meter whale skeleton, and is connected by an underground passage, with projections on Czech history, to the museum's new building.

• Start at the dome: take the lift to the top floor before queues form. The dome offers a great view over the whole of Wenceslas Square.
• Bag storage: have a few koruna or euro coins ready for the lockers.

Recommended restaurants in Prague

• El Gaucho (Melantrichova branch): an Argentinian steakhouse in the Old Town, with excellent meat and great service. Relatively expensive, but there's a good-value business lunch. The chain has several other branches in the city.
• Popeyes: a great solution for picky kids who only eat schnitzel or nuggets. There are many branches in the city.
• Restaurant U Zlatých nůžek: in Malá Strana, on the street leading down from Charles Bridge toward the Lennon Wall. Tasty food, with something for everyone.

Internet in Prague: don't get stuck without a connection

On a family trip to Prague you'll need internet all the time: to book Bolt, buy tickets in the PID app, navigate and coordinate between family members. With a FlySim eSIM you're connected from the moment the plane lands, without swapping SIM cards and with no surprises on your bill. See eSIM plans for the Czech Republic. Traveling with kids who have their own phones or a tablet? See eSIM for kids, a second phone and iPad.

Frequently asked questions

Do children ride public transport free in Prague?

Yes. Children under 15 ride free within the city. Children aged 10 to 15 need to carry a passport as proof of age.

When should I arrive at Prague Castle?

Early in the morning, around 9:30, before the tour groups. If you want to see the changing of the guard, get a spot half an hour before 12:00.

How much is the Petřín funicular?

100 CZK for a ticket on site or 90 CZK in the PID Lítačka app. Children under 15 ride free, and 24-hour and 72-hour tickets include the ride.

How do I get to Prague Zoo?

Take metro line C to Nádraží Holešovice and then bus 112 to the entrance. Allow about 5 to 6 hours for the visit.

What can you do in Prague on a rainy day with kids?

The Aquapalace water park, LEVELS, the Steel Art Museum and the National Museum are recommended indoor options.