Vojanovy Sady (orchards), Prague 1
Surrounded by a huge stone wall which seems to go up all the way into the sky, these former orchards are actually a large public park. Open all year round, it is a super place to visit for adults as well as children.
It is hard to believe that such a quiet oasis could be so close a very busy metro and tram stop in the heart of historical Mala Strana. Upon entering, there is a small playground with a slide and climbing frame in the shape of a boat. Bring some sand toys and let your little ones play, while you sit and relax at one of the surrounding benches.
When the kids get bored, you can explore the rest of the park together. If you continue along the path to your right, you will come across a lovely artificial pond, full of beautiful orange koi. They were incredibly tame and little 4-year-old Albie seemed to be more frightened of them than vice versa!
As you continue strolling through the park you will notice many different types of trees and flowers in bloom and constantly changing, all depending on the time of year that you happen to come here. Lots of people chill out on the grass and I imagine that it would be a nice place to have a quiet little picnic. Yes, there are signs saying ‚no stepping‘ on certain sections of the grass, but there is so much grass available, that you’ll find a free and ‚permitted to go here‘ spot somewhere.
Vojanovy sady is quite famous for housing a small family of peacocks, who are always a huge hit with the children. Unfortunately, when we came, these majestic birds decided not put on display their sunning feather tails. We had to make do with listening to their ‚singing‘ and could only admire them from a distance, as they sat perched up high on a branch of their favourite tree.
In addition to the wonderful flora, adults can also admire some modern stone sculptures including, an 18th century sundial (on one of the buidlings in the peacock sanctuary), a man-made stalactite cave (exterior only) and a small chapel in the centre of the park.
If you have small children, then you will appreciate the toilets with a baby change table, which is located just behind the playground.
Vojanovy Sady used to be fruit orchards way back in the 13th century and were turned into a public park/garden in the middle of the 20th century, when they were named after the famous Czech actor, Eduard Vojan, who lived and died in the nearby area of Klarov. During the devestating floods of 2002, water from the Vltava river flooded the entire park to a level of more than 4 metres, and the whole area had to be completely reconstructed.
Should you be peckish, then the Hergetova Cihelna restaurant which is close by, has a kids‘ menu and on Sundays also offers a family brunch with entertainment and minders for the children. If your little ones should require a little more space for playing and running, then the Playground under Charles Bridge, is only about a 5-minute-walk from here.
OPEN: April-October: 8am-7pm & Nov-March: 8am-5pm (no dogs allowed).
ADDRESS: U Lužického semináře 17,Malá Strana, Prague 1
DIRECTIONS: By Tram: No’s 12, 18, 20 or 22 getting off at Klarov. By Metro: Green Line A line to metro stop Malostranska, walk down towards the river and veer right into U Luzickeho Seminare street (5 minute walk). By Car: paid outdoor parking available at Maostranske Namesti (10 minute walk to the park) or you can also park across the Vltava River at the Rudolfinum concert hall’s parking lot (50 CZK p/h) and walk over to the park by crossing Manesuv Most (bridge).
