Kids in Prague

Letna Park with Playgrounds, Prague 1

Playgrounds on 23 July 2010 by Darina

This is the biggest park in the centre of Prague with playgrounds and I am sure most residents have already discovered it. But we’d be neglecting our duty if we did not inform newcomers and tourists of it’s existence. It has the best views over the rooftops and bridges that criss-cross the centre of Prague as well as housing many fun possibilities for all ages.

Letna park is situated on the top of the hill overlooking historical Prague. If you stand at the end of Pariska Street (the most expensive street in Prague showcasing the top designer labels), with the Hotel Intercontinental on your right, across the river and – there – right at the top of the hill is the park.

You would have to be blind not to see a Metronome that replaced a huge statue of Stalin overlooking Prague during the Dark ages of Communism. The Metronome’s long arm swingings from left to right. Locals say that Prague is out of money if it stops pending because the city doesn’t have the money for the electricity to run it. Michael Jackson wanted to place a big statue of himself during his concert in Prague right at the place of Metronome (and where Stalin once stood!) overlooking Prague. Yet again his humble idea was rejected by city hall.

Letna park is 1000 m2 and apart from 2 playgrounds it is interlaced with paths for walking, bike riding and In-line skating. Very often you will meet Moms with In-line skates on holding a pram in front of them.

Close to the 2 playgrounds are 2 restaurants with outdoor seating. I am talking Restaurants, not to be confused with at least 3 or 4 kiosks with drinks and snacks quite close to both playgrounds. Here I would take any tourist families with kids visiting us. You can sit in the garden restaurant sipping beer having the best view of Prague ever and kids can be playing at the playground. A lovely combination.

I considered this park for our wedding venue. The restaurant is called: Letna Chateau (Letensky Zamecek) is very popular for weddings and in the summer it is very romantic. I have seen several weddings there and eventually I got put of by the tourists and casual visitors sitting right next to the festive party. I imagined some German bikers eating their Bratwurst in my wedding pictures right behind my elegant bridesmaids!

Here you can find three restaurants full of culinary experience under one roof and a garden terrace where you can relax, a pavilion, a pétanque green, a non-smoking environment and wi-fi connection everywhere. Right next to the Letensky Chateu is a rental of In-line Skates as well as Petanque ball rental. It is helpful that the Petanque field is right in front of the rental store and apparently Petanque championships were held here. Surprise surprise - organised by the French!

The second restaurant worth mentioning in Letna park is called: Hanav Pavilion (Hanavsky Pavilon) and is rather upper market place. With its position and history they do qualify for such status and I had a quote for our Wedding from here too. It collapsed due to prices when they wanted to charge me nearly 3 EUR just for the mineral water…. but for a romantic dinner or lunch it is perfect.

This Restaurant can be seen from the bottom of the hill and every time I drive around I am thinking: There, we could have had it there!!! Not sure I would go here with kids. Virtual tour: HERE

It is a little hassle to get there now (June, 2010) they started building a big ringroad junction around Ladronka which consists of new roads and tunnels (called Blanka, which have already collapsed twice) and the place is in a mess. I personally go there by car and park in front of the Technical museum. Sure, you can always take the stairs from the riverside. But, I have done this just once and never again. Especially if you have a pram and its hot. If you don’t have a car take the tram to Slavia tram stop and you will get off right next to the park

The main playground is efficient and large with many attractions for small and big kids. The smaller playground is more like a play area with a few climbing frames and carousels and is very close to the main one.

Part of Letna park has tennis courts. I have never played here and I don’t have any personal experiences but I am sure you would be able to get an appointment. The club is called: TK SLAVIA PRAHA, contact for reservations: +420 233 374 033, CELL: +420 603 272 127, email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

So, if you get tired of shopping in the centre or more likely – your kid is, or you are visiting Prague with kids – this place is here for you to relax, have a walk and meet other parents. If you are new in Prague I am sure you will make some new friends at the playground. Just don’t forget to tell everyone that you know about this place because of us :-)