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What exactly is Children’s Island in Prague
| Accessible to public transportation? Yes | Level of challenge: Low, ideal for families |
| Duration of excursion: Approximately 1.5 hours | Type of outing: Attractions, park |
| Ease of access: Yes | Expense: No cost involved |
| Open in winter? Yes | Location: Prague 5 |
Personal Recommendation: Children’s Island is located in the heart of Prague’s tourist area and can provide a nice break during a day of exploring the city with your children. However, despite its promising name, the island is mainly a wide but rather simple playground as of 2024.
Children’s Island, or Dětský Ostrov, is a small island with an area of just 1.8 hectares, situated along the picturesque Vltava River. The island has a rich history, shaped over centuries by the river’s changing currents. (map)
What exactly is Children’s Island in Prague?
Psst: Planning a trip to Prague? Here are some other posts:
The Ultimate Prague Itinerary (3, 4 or 5 Days)
The Guide to Petrin Hill
Best Parks in Prague
Pruhonice Park: A Magical Day Trip from Prague
Location
Children’s Island is located on the west side of the Vltava River, between the Legion and Jiráskův bridges. This wonderful location offers views of Prague’s iconic landmarks.
Address: Dětský ostrov, 150 00 Praha 5-Smíchov
How to Get There?
The island is centrally located in Prague, close to well-known sites such as the “Dancing House”.
You can reach it on foot or take tram lines 9, 12, 22, 23, 97, 98, and 99 to the Újezd station near the island.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Prague Itinerary (3, 4, or 5 Days)
What Can Be Found There?
Spacious Playground
In the island’s center is a spacious playground, divided into areas for different age groups. Children will find various games such as slides, swings, climbing facilities, and a refreshing water fountain, perfect for hot summer days.
Sports Fields
Quality sports fields are scattered throughout the island, including basketball courts, ping-pong tables, and courts for tennis, volleyball, and soccer. It’s important to bring your own sports equipment as it cannot be rented on-site.
Who is it For?
The playground is intended for small children (under 12 years old), while the sports fields are open to all ages.
Recommended Hotels:
The Art Nouveau Palace Hotel: A luxurious hotel located close to the Powder Tower at the entrance to the Old City. This hotel is situated right in the heart of Prague, making it convenient for visiting many attractions and tourist centers.
Hilton Prague Old Town Hotel: A well-regarded hotel next to the Powder Tower, placing you close to numerous tourist spots. Known for its excellent service and amenities, it provides a comfortable stay in a prime location.
Hotel Leon D’Oro: The hotel is conveniently located between Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. Almost all tourist attractions are within walking distance, making it an ideal base for exploring Prague.
Hotel Golden Crown: An excellent budget-friendly option with a central location. This hotel provides good quality accommodations and is close to public transportation and parks, ensuring easy access to various parts of the city.
Click here to book your hotel.
Hours of Operation
Children’s Island is open year-round:
October to April: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
May to September: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Cost
Entrance to Children’s Island is free.
Additional Comments
When visiting Children’s Island, it’s important to bring hats, sunscreen, and water, especially during the warmer months, as there are not many shaded areas on the island.
Also, if you plan to use the sports facilities, remember to bring appropriate sports equipment.
While there are no restaurants on the island, many dining options are available in the surrounding areas.
Plan to spend about an hour or two here, letting the kids play, do sports, and relax.
History
The area around Children’s Island used to include several small islands whose shapes and sizes changed over time due to the river’s flow.
A major flood in the 17th century caused most of these islands to disappear, leaving Children’s Island in its current form.
The island originally belonged to the Maltese Monastery of the Virgin Mary but later passed through various municipal and private owners, including prominent Jewish owners, leading to its temporary nickname “The Jewish Island”.
In the 19th century, the island hosted famous events like the festive “Philip-Ya’acov Night”. Between 1911 and 1914, it became part of the technical navigation corridor of the river with the construction of an adjacent gatehouse.
After the First World War, the island was used as a warehouse for ships until after the Second World War, when it was fully dedicated to children and became a playground.
An arched bridge at the entrance allows tall ships to pass, and a huge statue depicting the Vltava River with its tributaries stands as a landmark.
Enjoy your visit to Children’s Island in Prague!
Checklist Before the Flight:
- Air Ticket or Train Ticket to Prague: Ensure you have your travel tickets booked and ready. Find your next flight by Kiwi or Agoda.
- Book your accommodation in advance, preferably in Prague 1.
- Consider purchasing an eSIM card for easy internet access, using the Airalo app.
- Download Applications for Easy Mobility: BOLT for taxis and the PID public transport card application.
- Buy tickets to Popular Attractions in advance to avoid queues at major attractions.
- If you plan to explore out of Prague, consider renting a car for easy mobility.
What questions can I answer? Let me know below!
