Kids in Prague

Rajska Zahrada Cafe with 2 Play Areas, Prague 3

Playgrounds, Restaurants and Cafes on 18 April 2009 by Larissa

image

Last September I raved about the fantastic new park and playground in Zizkov and eagerly anticipated the opening of the cafe within this diverse complex. Well the cafe is now open, brilliantly coinciding with the gorgeous Spring weather. How rare it is to find a fantastic deck, comfortable seating and tables bathed in sunlight, overlooking not one but two safe play areas for the under 8 crowd. Even better, one can order a range of snacks, bagettes, cakes and drinks (including this mummy’s best friend ‘coffee’).

We headed down here on a balmy late afternoon and were not alone. Many other families were present at both the cafe and playground but a table was easily found and Lucie soon ran off ready to explore the new indoor play area. We were left to relax and enjoy the unexpected warmth that has blessed us early this year and took in distant views of Hradcany Castle and Tyn Church.

image

This venue is ideal for mothers groups who can monitor their children whilst enjoying a catch-up over coffee, there is plenty of space for prams plus well-maintained toilets right on premises. In total there are 15 tables, a few of these are in an undercover area where the ‘indoor’ play area is located. This play area is surrounded by a cargo net so kids are somewhat contained and are well entertained by a couple of tents, a range of toys, books and a table set up for drawing. Inside the cafe there are additional comfy chairs and couches too so customers can move indoors during cooler weather or shelter from unexpected rain.

imageimage

The playgrounds both cater to children 8 years and under and I’d say that the equipment here makes this a more ideal playground for young toddlers than the nearby Riegrovy Sady which can get very busy and have a lot of bigger, rougher kids running around. If you do have older ones then don’t worry, right next to the cafe is a brand new sports court where kids can play basketball, football, tennis or volleyball. This court can actually be reserved in advance, even in the evenings as it’s under lights, so if you’ve got a whole team together you can reserve by calling 222 363 088 or 606892276. Also, further up the hill is an outdoor gymnasium (which I may put to good use in a few months) and two ping pong tables.

image

The staff in charge of the cafe are very friendly and eager to please and here they were happy to comply with our odd request. We’ve been slowly introducing the concept of frothy milk with chocolate powder on top (known as a Babychino in Australia) to places we regularly visit as it keeps Lucie happy and quiet and is a relatively healthy alternative when compared to the many sugar laden kid drinks. There is no table service at the cafe, you do have to order and pay inside which is understandable as you could easily do a runner from here and avoid the bill. A big range of drinks are on offer (but no alcohol) as well as snacks, ice-creams, cakes (approx. 25 CZK) and bagettes and sandwiches (24 to 44 CZK).

image

I’m amazed with the transformation when I walk around this stunning recreational area, this was such a scrubby wasteland and now it’s a spot that caters and spoils us all. Heres hoping that there are many more public spaces around Prague that will be planned and executed as beautifully as Rajska Zahrada. And if you do know of any, please let us know!

OPEN: Monday to Sunday from 10.00am till 7.00pm

ADDRESS: U Rajske Zahrady Street, Prague 3

DIRECTIONS: Take tram numbers 5, 9, or 26 to Husinecka tram stop. Metered parking is available right on U Rajske Zahrady only 10 or 15 metres past the main entrance heading up towards Vinohrady.