Castles
The entire family will have fun exploring the many castles as you travel through the country. Prague Castle, home of ancient royalty, is also the site upon which Prague was founded in the 9th century. It is a huge complex, encompassing a massive Gothic cathedral, old palaces, courtyards, gardens and museums. If you’re visiting in summer, be sure to tour the castle in the evening – it is truly an unforgettable experience. Also in Prague is Vysehrad Castle, where you can enjoy fantastic views of the Vltava River.

Charles Bridge (Prague)
A stroll across this old stone pedestrian bridge is a lively and lovely place to take in the sights. Children and adults will enjoy listening to a busker’s tune, gazing at the ancient statues of saints and the gorgeous views of the castle above and the river and boats below. At statue 16 there is a plaque where you can place a hand and make a wish.

Kampa Island (Prague)
Kampa is a little island on the Vltava River, just to the left of Charles Bridge. This charming place attracts all kinds of people from dog walkers to Frisbee enthusiasts, from couples relaxing on the spacious lawn to women washing their laundry in the old flour mill wheels. It is one of the best places to spend a lazy summer day. There are a handful of bars and restaurants here as well.

Pedal Boating (Prague)
In nice weather, the Vltava River is the perfect place to go pedal boating with the family. There are many bridges to pedal under and interesting sights to see. You can rent pedal boats at the Charles Bridge, Manesuv Bridge and Zoffin Island (on the Stare Mesto side).

Petrin Park (Prague)
This is possibly one of the most idyllic spots in the city. Through a gate in the ancient Hunger Wall lies a lush, quiet garden with a small waterfall and pond with many varieties of flowers. There is also a children’s maze surrounded by a rose garden and a cable car that takes you up to Petrin Observation Tower, bestowing spectacular views.

Shopping
Shops are filled with all kinds of delightful goodies for children. Especially in Prague, you will find beautifully crafted marionettes in an array of kinds, queens, witches, and the traditional Czech joker; wooden toys and wooden dolls in traditional costumes, fun crystal necklaces in rainbow colours, and much more.

Trams (Prague)
Riding the trams around Prague can feel like taking a journey back in time. Many of the trams were built in the 19th century and take you through ancient neighbourhoods. At the weekend, the historic Tram 91 goes from Prague Castle (near the Powder Bridge), through the Old Town and crosses the river twice. The tourist office in Old Town Square sells good value one-day and three-day tram passes, which can be used on the buses and metro as well.

Boat Tours 
Czech is blessed with some fascinating waterways which you can explore by boat. Prague's Vltava River meanders around ancient buildings and under several old stone bridges, affording unmatched views of the castle. Most tours include lunch or dinner. Boat tours offer unique views and insights into the country's cities, landscape and culture.

Hiking
Hiking through the mountains and national parks in the summertime is an enjoyable and rewarding activity. In summer, Czech’s highest mountain range, the Krkonose, transforms from a skier’s paradise to a hiker’s haven, containing well-marked trails and spectacular vistas. More leisurely walks can be found in other beautiful areas, such as the Beskidy range. Another wonderful area to explore is the Sumava Bohemian Forest towards the German border. It is the country’s largest National Park and features glacial lakes, numerous areas of virgin forest and important historic monuments.

Horse Riding
With so many splendid nature trails, it’s no wonder horse riding is also very popular. Many stables offer a variety of rides from one hour or all day to riding holidays and adventure treks. Contact the Czech Horse Riding Federation for more information on (+420) 22051 1105. 

Music
The Czech Republic is one of the most musical nations in Central Europe. There are many occasions to enjoy music in concert halls, theatres, stately homes and churches throughout the year. Most towns have their own folk music festivals, with dancing, local costumes and food. These tend to be in the summer months leading up to the harvest festivals in September.

Skiing
There are many well-established ski resorts throughout the country. The popular areas for downhill skiing are in the Krkonose (Giant Mountains) in northern Bohemia, the Jeseniky and Besniky mountain ranges, and in the Orlické Hory (Eagle Mountains). Cross-country skiing is also widespread with facilities and tracks in the Krkonose, and the Sumava Bohemian Forest in southern Bohemia.

Spas
Czech’s many thermal springs and mineral baths have been renowned for their therapeutic benefits for centuries. Today, medical spas combine advanced medical techniques with traditional methods of treating various ailments. The best known spas are in Bohemia and Moravia at Karlovy Vary, Marianské Lazne, Franti¡skovy Lazné, Jesenik and Luhacovice. There are famous radioactive springs in Jáchymov, which specializes in the treatment of nervous disorders. All the spa resorts are located in beautiful surroundings, enhancing their many healing benefits.

Dining
Food is often based on Austro-Hungarian dishes. Western-style fresh vegetables are often missing in lower-class restaurants. There is a wide selection of restaurants, beer taverns and wine cellars.

National specialties include Wiener Schnitzel and pork, Bramborak (potato pancake filled with garlic and herbs), Prague ham, and other meat dishes, mostly served with knedliky, a type of large dough dumpling, and zeli (sauerkraut).

National drinks are sparkling wines from Bohemia and Moravia, fruit juices, liqueurs and various beers (lager, dark ales, and pilsner). Particular specialities are becherovka (herb brandy) and two Moravian favourites, slivovice (plum brandy) and merunkovice (apricot brandy).

A 5-10% tip is customary in bars and restaurants.

Shopping
The Czech Republic is a shopper’s delight with many unique discoveries to be made. Special purchases include Bohemian glass and crystal, pottery, porcelain, wooden folk carvings, hand-embroidered clothing, and food items. There are a number of exquisite shops specializing in glass and crystal, while various associations of regional artists and craftspeople run their own retail outlets.

Other special souvenirs include Kolovec and Straznice pottery, china ornaments and geyser-stone carvings from Karlovy Vary, delicate lace and embroidery from Moravia, and blood-red garnets and semi-precious stones from Bohemia. 

Shopping hours are generally Monday-Friday 09:00-18:00, Saturday 09:00-12:00. The number of shops open on Sunday is constantly increasing.