Kids in Prague

Lefik Indoor Playground, Prague 7

Indoor Playgrounds on 01 August 2011 by Darina (3 comments)

I’m having difficulty finding a name to describe this 3 room Indoor Playground because it is big -  more like a Play Centre. Apparently it has the cheapest entry fee in town; the fee is 89czk for the whole family, no matter how many kids you have, bargain!

Their latest addition is a fully-operation kitchen allowing them to operate as a restaurant serving a range of hot meals to visitors. Previously it was set up like a Café with a self-service counter and basic snacks.

You have to be ready for a bit rough entry. I have to admit I was a bit confused on how to get in to Lefik, where to park and how to find it. It is a bit of a puzzle. Lefik is situated in an old factory area surrounded by automotive workshops. It felt a bit rough to walk past these businesses being somewhat eyed up by the mechanics, I can imagine some Mom’s could be revolted, or confused. I was very happy that I had my trainers and jeans on because my regular high-heals and skirt would look ridiculous there. Once you get there - you will have fun.

Lefik is more focused on price than luxury. It is more in the style of a friendly, family centre – help yourself – clean up after yourself – play nicely. It has its pros and cons. If you are into luxury then you may have issues here. It is very well equiped thought with plenty things to do.

Saying that – the play areas are nice and offer the kid’s more options and space than many of Prague’s smaller Indoor Playgrounds. The main room where the bar and café tables are has a big sand pit with slides and toys. I have never seen a sand pit of this size in an Indoor Playground - great for when its raining outside.

The second room has a tunnel connecting it through the wall into the main room and continues to the sand pit. The rest of the room is dedicated to kids on scooters and cars with roadways drawn on the floor. There is a lot of area to run around in and I am sure kids view it as a massive place.

They have also created an area downstairs for the smallest babies with 2 tables, carpet and toys. It is hidden under the staircase and I thought it was a bit dark. This area was created on the request of Mom’s. I’d rather go upstairs to the Baby and Kids Play area under the roof with carpet, cushions and toys.

I personally think Lefik is best suited to bigger kids who are capable of just running around, who understand the concept of playing and can be left alone with minimal supervision in the various rooms. The smaller kids you will have to be watching at all times because of the vast space, 2 rooms and the upstairs Play Area.

When you arrive at Lefik – they expect chldren and more surprisingly adults to take off their shoes and change into slippers. I didn’t know about this thus didn’t have my slippers with me. For such a situation they do provide a few pairs of IKEA slippers but its better to bring your own ones. I don’t recommend to walk just in socks or bare feet because there is sand everywhere. I wouldn’t like to be cleaning it every day.

What I think could be a problem is the heat. They do not have Air Conditioning because it is impossible to build it and cover the whole area, so you can expect to feel really hot inside if the temperatures go through the roof. Saying that – this summer’s weather is just awful so it might be fine!

The Play Centre is open plan and your child can walk everywhere – even go outside. Remember, you are responsible for your child at all time.

They do provide babysitting upon request, you need to book one day prior so do not expect same set up that exists in the Indoor Playgrounds within shopping malls where you drop your kid off and then go shopping. Here you are expected to spend time with your child no matter what age – unless you book the babysitter beforehand. I have been told they could provide a babysitting on the day – but it could be a problem if they did not have an English speaking sitter on duty.

We went to Lefik by car and because you cannot drive into the complex, we had to leave the car at a paid parking place on the other side of the road. It was a hassle to cross the busy road but we made it. Right at the entrance gate you start following the lion prints (Lefik is the name of a Lion character) that will take you through the complex and straight to the Play Centre.
If you come by Tram you should get out opposite the Vystaviste Exhibition Centre. And again follow the lion prints but from the other side.

I can imagine you will have a good time there with your children and friends. Take it easy – it’s very laid back here, everybody is dressed very comfortably just like they would be if they were going to the sand pit with their kids.