11 Free Things to Do in Prague With Kids
This list of the best free things to do in Prague with kids will let you plan the ultimate budget friendly visit!
Planning a family trip to Prague with kids and looking for fun but budget-friendly activities? You’re in luck!
Prague is a city full of charm, history, and adventure, offering plenty of free attractions that both kids and parents will love.
From exploring majestic castles and scenic parks to discovering quirky sculptures and wandering through medieval streets, there’s something around every corner for your little explorers.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best free things to do in Prague with kids, ensuring your trip is packed with excitement but without breaking the bank.
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Quick List: 10 Free Places to Visit in Prague With Kids
- Charles Bridge
- Lennon Wall
- Prague Castle
- Prague Metronome
- Prague Astronomical Clock
- The Dancing House
- Vyšehrad Fortress
- Slovanský Ostrov
- Franciscan Gardens
- Wenceslas Square
- Aircraft Museum
The Essentials for Visiting Prague With Kids
🚊 Book a place to stay that’s near a metro or tram station. This minimizes travel time and maximizes playtime!
🎟 Always double-check the admission prices for even the most popular tourist attractions. You’ll find that many Prague landmarks offer free entry for kids and discounted tickets for families.
☀️ Most of the best free things to do in Prague with kids are located outdoors. Plan a visit to Prague in the spring or fall when it’s not too cold or hot outside.
⛑ Prague is a safe city, whether you’re traveling with kids or not. However, it’s always better to be on the cautious side and protect your trip with travel insurance.
11 Free Things to Do in Prague With Kids
1. Walk Across Charles Bridge
Also known as Karlův Most, it is one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks and spans the Vltava River. The bridge connects the Old Town with Malá Strana (where the castle is located).
Built in the 14th century, this historic stone bridge is lined with 30 Baroque statues and offers beautiful views of the city. Charles Bridge is for pedestrians only which means it’s the perfect stroll for families with kids who don’t have to worry about car traffic.
2. Take Photos in Front of the Lennon Wall
The Lennon Wall actually has little to do with John Lennon himself, but is more of a symbolic feature of the city.
After Lennon’s death, this wall was used as a canvas to express their resistance against the communist regime in (then) Czechoslovakia. It was among the first places in Prague where people would go to publicly advocate freedom.
Today, it remains a popular symbol of nonviolent resistance, free speech and a unique photo spot.
3. See the Outside of Prague Castle
While entering the Prague Castle is not free, you can surprisingly experience all of the castle’s exterior for free! Without an admission ticket, you’ll still be able to witness a few courtyards, the St. Vitus Cathedral, The Golden Lane and a handful of gardens.
Prague Castle was founded in the 9th century and is one of the largest ancient castles in the world. It has served as the seat of Czech kings, emperors, and presidents for over a thousand years.
4. Panoramic Viewpoint at the Prague Metronome
Perched on the hill in Letná Park, the Prague Metronome is one of the best places in Prague for a panoramic view of the city. The park itself boasts tree-lined walking trails, a playground for kids, and a scenic beer garden for parents.
While the current landmark was only constructed in 1991 (after the fall of communism), it ironically sits on the same site where a giant statue of Stalin once stood until 1962.
5. Watch the Prague Astronomical Clock
Prague’s Old Town Square is full of free things to see. Undoubtedly, the Astronomical Clock is one of the city’s most famous features.
Why is it so celebrated? It is the oldest astronomical clock still in operation today. This medieval marvel not only tells the time but also displays celestial positions and features a captivating hourly show with moving figures, making it a beloved symbol of Prague’s rich history and craftsmanship.
It sits in plain sight for the public to enjoy and chimes every hour from 9am – 11pm, allowing for plenty of opportunities to watch “the performance.”
6. Gaze at the Dancing House
Also known as the Tančící Dům, this landmark never sought out to be one of the defining features of Prague, yet most tourists don’t leave Prague without seeing it. While it looks like something from a Tim Burton film, it’s merely an office building block but was notably designed by architects Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić.
Its unique and fluid design resembles a pair of dancers which may symbolize the city’s blend of historical and contemporary styles. But who knows – it’s art, right?!
7. Visit the Medieval Vyšehrad Fortress
The Fortress is settled atop a hill overlooking the Vltava River and is one of Prague’s most historic sites, dating back to the 10th century. However, it’s nowhere near as popular as other historic landmarks in Prague such as the castle.
Once a royal residence and the site of the first Czech princes, the fortress is surrounded by defensive walls and offers sweeping views of the city. Families can explore the beautiful grounds for free! This includes the Gothic-style St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, lush gardens, the historic Vyšehrad Cemetery and a playground for kids.
8. Walk to an Island
Prague is separated by the Vltava River and is therefore connected by a series of bridges. Among the bridges are a handful of narrow islands, most of which can be accessed on foot via pedestrian bridges.
The three most accessible islands nestled in the river include Střelecký Ostrov, Slovanský Ostrov, and Dětský Ostrov (which literally translates to “Kids’ Island”). These little pieces of floating land can be a wonderful escape from the crowds in Prague’s city center, especially if your kids need to run loose for a bit.
9. Relax at Franciscan Gardens
The Franciscan Gardens are a lovely section of well-manicured green space in the middle of Prague’s bustling town centre. There are plenty of benches, a quaint walking path, and even vegetable gardens to admire.
This is one of the best free things to do in Prague with kids because, while parents relax, children can play at the outdoor jungle gym just next door.
The park is also located behind the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, which is, of course, free to enter and admire.
10. Window Shop Along Wenceslas Square
Also known as Václavské Náměstí, this boulevard is one of the most commercialized pieces of real estate in Prague. The entirety of Wenceslas Square is dotted with retailers, restaurants, and hotels. If spending money isn’t on the agenda, there’s no harm in window shopping!
One of the most iconic sites along Wenceslas Square is Koruna Palace, a historic shopping mall from 1914. If you’re traveling with kids, you cannot leave Prague without introducing your children to Krtek, the most famous cartoon character in the Czech Republic.
11. Visit the Aircraft Museum
Nestled on the outskirts of Prague’s city center, the Aircraft Museum is completely free to visit! With both indoor and outdoor sections, the collection is substantial and sure to interest both kids and parents alike.
The museum houses over 275 aircraft, including military and civilian planes. The collection features notable aircraft from various periods, such as World War I, World War II, and the Cold War era.
Whether you’re there to learn or simply to admire some impressive aircraft, the museum also offers guided tours.
Visiting Prague With Kids FAQs
Is Prague Safe for Kids?
Prague is considered a very safe city for tourists, with or without kids. With low levels of violent crime, it’s a low-risk and family friendly destination.
Like most popular tourist hot spots, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transport, so it’s important to stay vigilant.
Overall, visitors find Prague welcoming and easy to navigate, making it a safe choice for families with kids.
Where Is the Cheapest Area to Stay in Prague?
Avoid staying anywhere in Prague 1 if you’re looking for the most budget friendly accommodation. Personally, our favorite neighbourhood is Prague 5 (Smíchov) which is very large and gives you an array of options at every price point.
More specifically, look for a place to stay that’s near the tram line. The cost of the tram is nominal but if you can save hundreds on a hotel by staying outside of the city centre, it’s the worth the added travel time.
Are There Many Playgrounds in Prague?
Within the city centre of Prague, there are comparatively not as many playgrounds as there are in the suburb areas of Prague. The options are slim if you don’t plan on venturing off into the quieter neighbourhoods of Prague.
One of the best playgrounds in Prague that does happen to be centrally located can be found here.
Can You Find Family Discounts on Activities in Prague?
Major attractions and landmarks in Prague will often offer discounts in the form of “family” pricing when it comes to admission tickets.
For example, kids under 6 years old can enter Prague Castle for free. Additionally, families with at least two adults and one child (between 6 – 16 years old) will receive a discounted package.
Other prominent museums like the National Museum (including the Museum of Czech Puppets and Circus) offer free admission for any children under 15 years old.
Are Restaurants Expensive in Prague?
Families visiting Prague with kids can expect to pay around 150 to 300 CZK (about $6 to $13) per person at a casual restaurant. If you’re located closely to the town square or in a notably touristy zone, the price can be twice as much.
The cheapest things to eat in Prague consists of hot dogs (known as párek v rohlíku), slices of pizza and bakery items.
How to Get Around Prague With Kids
On Foot
Hauling the family around on a trip in Prague is fairly unchallenging on foot. The reason being, most of Prague is relatively flat. However, the west side of Prague (left of the Vltava River) can get really steep, really quickly.
The Malá Strana neighbourhood consists of many staircases and inclined paths, so it’s important to keep this in mind if you’re travelling with young kids who may tire easily.
Public Transportation
Prague’s public transportation system is efficient, affordable, and easy to navigate, making it ideal for tourists. In our opinion, it’s one of the most underrated public transportation systems in Europe!
The system includes trams, buses, and the metro, which are all interconnected. The metro has three main lines – A (green), B (yellow), and C (red). Together, they cover most of the city, including major sites.
Trams are a great way to explore above ground, with many routes offering scenic views of Prague’s neighborhoods and landmarks. It’s always better to travel on street level than below the ground, right?!
Tickets are valid across all types of transport so you don’t have to worry about buying tickets for each type of transportation. Kids under 10 years old ride for free in Prague!
Public transportation tickets are time-based, meaning you can use them for multiple rides within a set period (e.g., 30, 90 minutes, or longer). You can purchase tickets at ticket machines (located at stations) or from a kiosk.
Taxi
Unsurprisingly, taxi rides are the most expensive method for getting around Prague. As an example, a transfer from Prague Airport to the city centre will cost a minimum of 600 to 800 CZK ($25 – $35).
You can opt for other ride share apps such as Uber or Bolt, which may have slightly cheaper pricing.
Given the amount of traffic in Prague, we wouldn’t recommend taking a taxi unless you’re in a bind.
Where to Stay in Prague for Families
The neighborhoods that are most suited for families visiting Prague include Malá Strana (near the castle) and Vinohrady. Both of these areas are quiet, with beautiful residences and elegant buildings on every corner.
If you’re not interested in staying in what can be a chaotic city center with a lot of noise at night, choosing accommodation in Malá Strana or Vinohrady is a solid idea.
Our recommended places to stay in Prague with kids:
Pawlansky Residence (2-Bedroom Apartment in Malá Strana) – CHECK PRICES
CE Apartment Prague Castle (Apartment w/Rooftop Terrace in Malá Strana) – CHECK PRICES
Angelo Roma Apartments (Studio Apartment in Vinohrady) – CHECK PRICES
Charming Apartment by Museum (2-Bedroom Apartment in Vinohrady) – CHECK PRICES
More Prague Travel Posts:
Indoor Activities in Prague for Kids
Family-Friendly Places to Eat in Prague
Best Outdoor Activities for Kids in Prague
Best Areas to Stay in Prague for Families
