Adventure play at Sedmička

In May, a pop-up space for creative and adventurous play was built in the park between Tusarova and Dělnická in Prague 7. Playful Tusarka is open daily from 2 to 7 pm and uses the principles of free play and so-called loose parts play—children can, together with instructors, play with natural materials, build, demolish, and invent during these designated times. Playful Tusarka was created in cooperation with the City Friendly to Children association and is operated by the Prague 7 House of Children and Youth. It is not a classic playground, but a place where imagination has no limits. Unlike traditional playgrounds, where the play elements are fixed to the ground and offer limited possibilities for use, free play elements made of various materials encourage creativity, experimentation and exploration. Children can constantly transform, combine and use the materials in new ways, which develops their imagination, creativity and problem-solving skills. You’ll find the same concept at the Pod Juliskou (Prague 6) and Jeseniova (Prague 3) adventure playgrounds—though they’re closed in the summer. Take a look at other new adventure playgrounds that are being created in Prague (albeit temporarily).

An urban oasis with a Rubik's Cube

Lannova Park has had a makeover! The children’s playground on the right bank of the Vltava has undergone a complete revitalization under the direction of landscape architect Zdeněk Sendler, who also designed the park’s original layout. This time, however, local residents were also able to comment on the reconstruction. The main feature is a playhouse inspired by the Rubik’s Cube—a striking structure with an integrated shop, counter and colourful glass that encourages children’s play and imagination. It is complemented by other interactive game elements and repurposed favourites such as the wooden cube and the Lannova pyramid. At the request of parents, a shaded sandpit was added to provide more comfort in the warmer months. The playground also offers relaxation areas and a view of the river, making it a pleasant oasis of calm in the city centre. It is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm and, in the summer months, to 9 pm.

Skateparks for riders of all ages

Skateboards and scooters are a natural part of city life. In recent years, Prague has become home to numerous new skateparks designed by the U/U studio. Among the most interesting ones are Triangle in Hloubětín, Čakovice leisure area, Řeporyje skatepark and the sports complex at Hořejší nábřeží in Prague. And if it rains, we recommend, for example colour bomb under the Hlávkov Bridge on Vltavská Street, where you can also play basketball, or the indoor skate hall at the Plechárna Community Centre in Černý Most. Children quickly learn balance, develop motor skills, and gain independence here.

Exhibitions not only for the little ones

A few minutes outside Prague lies the Roztoky u Prahy Museum, which this year has prepared two exceptionally successful exhibitions. The interactive exposition I, the City draws children and adults into exploring urban life through play, drawing, models and touch. It is loosely linked to the exhibition City for Everyone, based on the book of the same name by Osamu Okamura, Jiří Franta and David Böhm. Alongside the authors, the exhibition presents works by artists such as Eva Jiřička, Krištof Kintera, Jiří Kovanda, Rafani, Kateřina Šedá and Vladimír Turner. Here, children can design their own street, explore transport systems, and understand what makes a quality, vibrant city. Both shows are clever, fun and perfect for family exploration together.

We also recommend a trip to the Museum of Design and Art in Benešov. Architect Klára Koldová, who regularly contributes to our magazine articles focusing on children, and designer Eduard Herrmann have prepared an exhibition with the telling title Place of Children. Children become authors, curators and architects of the exhibition. Adults, on the other hand, have their own ‘corner’ with informational texts and toys from the design collections.

Untamed nature in the middle of Prague

The Troja Basin represents one of the largest and most valuable natural areas of Prague. At present, several projects are being prepared here that will fundamentally change the quality of life for the city’s residents. The concept for the revitalization of Císařský Island is based on a design by an interdisciplinary team consisting of architect Petr Pelčák, landscape architect Eva Wagnerová, transport engineer Václav Malina and water management engineer Miloslav Šindlar. Yet the Troja Basin already offers access to water, places to play freely, and peace and quiet away from the crowds. In the height of summer, it is therefore an ideal space for picnics, barefoot running and birdwatching. Children can build little houses from sticks, play with stones or simply splash around in the streams. According to research, free play without boundaries in nature has the greatest impact on children’s development. On Sunday, 28 September, you can attend the postponed première of the Prague festival Discover the Vltava, which did not take place last year due to flooding.

Forget the backpack. Borrow a ball

One more small tip before we wrap up. Don't have your own rackets, goals or frisbee? No problem. For some time now, special lockers from Decathlon, created in cooperation with the Slovak start-up YourLOX, have been operating in selected parks and sports facilities across Prague. Currently, they are located in Pankrác Central Park, at the multipurpose sports field in Podolí, and in Brno near the Prýgl reservoir. With just a mobile app and a few clicks, you can rent sports equipment for football or badminton for free. This means children can join in games without complicated preparation, and parents can sometimes spare themselves the need to carry a heavy backpack. Simply a smart service that promotes active urban life and sharing.