Street Baby
Street Baby
In Prague With Babies
We had a short holiday break in June and we went to Prague for 5 days, with our son.
We looked on Internet for tips on travelling to Prague and came prepared, but there are a few details we wanted to share with other travelers, as you cannot find them in any guide book.
To begin with, we followed our friends' advice and rented an apartment for our stay. This was definitely a better choice than a hotel room. I think all apartments have kettles and cooking plates but not all of them have washing machines. As our son is 16 months old and an explorer, he has the talent of getting himself dirty from head to toes by the end of the day. We didn't get an apartment with washing machine as we didn't think it would be so important at that time, but once we got to Prague we started looking for laundry service. Laundry service is not expensive; that is, once you found one.. there aren't many in the centre, and as the clothes were washed we were told that the dryer didn't work so we got back a bag of wet clothes which we hung all over the apartment to get them dry.
However Prague is a great place for children. The air is fresh, unlike in many other capitals, and there are so many parks. We used to hang out in Kampa, where you can sit on the grass and enjoy a quiet afternoon. We found the most beautiful terraces in Kampa, on old historical buildings with gardens, by the creek that gives to the river and separates Kampa from the rest of the city.
A small garden right in the centre is Francizskana Zahrada, behind Wenceslas Square. The entrance is small and a bit hidden from the main road so you can easily miss it. But there are others, like Petrin (close to Prague Castle) or the gardens of Vysehrad, where there is plenty of space for kids to explore.
Another detail to mention about Prague is how you can get around with strollers. The historical centre has cobblestone streets, which is very romantic but difficult when you are on wheels. We had a strong stroller with big wheels which we could use everywhere, but still we had to avoid the steps that lead to Prague castle or the steps at Vysehrad fortress (and there were many of them). There is also a little island in the middle of the river, (easily!!) accessed from Most Legii bridge, but only by a huge flight of steps, so we couldn't get down there.
So don't bring with you one of these light strollers with small wheels which are so handy in other cities, because here it can break easily.
Prague is built on hillside, most of it. The Old Town is flat, so this is the best place to stay with small kids. We visited Mala Strana quarter which is from Charles Bridge to Prague Castle, and found it very beautiful. We would have loved to stay there but pushing the stroller up the hill on those (beautiful) cobblestone streets is a business that I wouldn't want to do every day.
The accommodation itself very baby friendly; we booked it at http://www.pragueapartments-k.com. There was no charge for my son and we got baby cot and high chair free. I get this is normal but don't take it for granted, as there are some places that charge for babies or baby cots. We stayed at ground floor but even so there were a few steps at the entrance of the building. All Czech houses have them but we got used to it pretty fast.
About the Author
Used to work as journalist for a few years while I was a student. I am a house builder now, and keep the joy of writing for my free time.
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Daytrips to Hk Disneyland With Babies and Toddlers
Under 3s are free. Collect a Park Map at City Hall and, if they don’t offer, ask for stickers!
Strollers
Of course, you can take your stroller in and the park is very accessible with one. Near the rides and attractions are ‘Buggy Parks’ where you leave your stroller while you are queueing and riding.
You can also rent three-wheel strollers from the Disneyland Fire Department on Town Square at the beginning of Main Street, just past the entrance. They have a weight limit of 15kg, including luggage but don’t recline. The rental is $50/day and a $200 deposit is required.
Feeding/Food
The Babycare Centre is excellently-equipped. For very young babies, they have:
- changing stations
- wet wipes
- microwaves and bottlewarmers
- nursing room with rocking chair
They also have baby food for sale.
It’s just around the corner from The Corner Cafe on Main Street.
For toddlers, the restaurants offer plenty of choice at very reasonable prices. The Mickey Mouse Waffles with Black & White Ice-cream at The Corner Cafe on Main Street are sure to please. They also have kids meals, as does the Starliner Diner and the Royal Banquet Hall.
Water fountains are fairly plentiful.
Toilets
Dotted around the park are ‘Family Rooms’. These are large enough to take your stroller into and plonk junior on the loo. Some have little loos. All are very clean with tissue paper provided.
The Rides/Shows
Toddlers will enjoy:
Fantasyland It’s a Small World
Cinderella Carousel
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Meeting the Characters (various locations)
Adventureland: Festival of the Lion King (20 mins)
The fireworks start at 7:30pm and are not too loud for little ears.
Parent/Guardian Switch
According to their website:
“Guests with small children may take turns experiencing attractions. See a Cast Member at the attraction or inquire at Guest Relations inside City Hall in Town Square at Main Street, U.S.A.”
If anyone has used this service and can explain it, please add your comments below! Thanks.
About the Author
hongkongbabies.com is HK’s newest online parenting forum.
You'll find all you need to know for raising babies and pre-schoolers in this fine city. If you've ever wondered which restaurants have high chairs/booster seats/children's menus or play areas, you'll find it all right here.
If you want to save time, we can help.
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