Kids in Prague

Detsky Ostrov Playground, Prague 5

Playgrounds on 03 April 2009 by Darina

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If you have a feeling that you don’t get enough culture as you’re too preoccupied with your little treasures, then this is where you ought to go. There are great views of Prague’s historical buildings all lined up on the other side of the river. The National Theatre with its golden crown, Zofinsky Palace, and the sparkling and bubbling Sluice (canals). Wether you are a local or a visitor, you will always appreciate the touch of magic Prague.

Detsky Ostrov translates literally as Children’s Island. It is a perfect place that we never manage to leave on time. Despite the playground being on an island, it is completely fenced-in, safely separating the children from the water, while the nearby river provides a refreshing breeze in the hot summer months.

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There is a stone sink with a tap to drink water from when you get thirsty, a small pool with a fountain where all the kids dip their feet (and not only that!). What my boys are thrilled about is a shower in a shape of mushroom which spays a gentle mist from sensors when you walk underneath. It is very refreshing, especially if you are out on a hot day in the city. I have learned my lesson and I always take a spare set of clothes for the boys. Of course, it is switched off in colder months.

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There are two parts to the playground. The first is full of a wide range of attractions for younger kids such as slides: big and small, a carousel, sand pits-always equipped with spades and buckets and variety of swings. The second part contains courts for volleyball, tennis, petaque and basic skateboard jumps.

Unfortunately, there isn’t any food establishment so make sure you take some snacks or food with you. There is a restaurant on the same Island called Rezavá kotva (Rusty Anchor), but it is rather expensive for a regular lunch. Meals are priced from 200 – 300 CZK. When I got stuck with two hungry boys and was contemplating having to pack the boys up and rush off home I discovered that the caretaker has a microwave in his little cabin and allowed me to warm up the food comfortably right on the spot. I am sure he would understand if you asked for the same thing in English. He was very friendly as was the security man.

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As with all playgrounds in Prague dogs are not allowed, however I have seen some doggies tied up to the front of the gate.

One of Nicolas’s first words was was boat because there are plenty of boats passing by the small canal, so children have chance to see them upfront. You can also rent a little paddling boat right on the island. I wasn’t that courageous yet to do this with the two of them, but it is on my TO DO list.

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There are public toilets and it will cost you 5 CZK to use as is normal in the Czech Republic.

ADDRESS: Janáčkovo Nábřeží, Prague 5 – Smíchov

OPEN: April – October 09:00 – 20:00,  November –March 10:00 – 18:00

DIRECTIONS: The closest metro Station is the yellow line B: ANDĚL, aprox: 500m walk towards the river. Trams are: 5, 6, 9, 12, 20 to tram stop Arbesovo náměstí – go towards the river until you reach the island. Parking is possible, but you would have to look for parking place in the nearby streets. With a bit of a luck, you will find one. There is no paid parking in this part of Prague so you don’t have to worry about finding metered parking.