Prague's summertime top ten list for kids

If you have kids and are in Europe this summer, the best fun to be had is in Prague. Don't wait any longer to enjoy the last few weeks of summer, especially as many of these activities are low-cost, offer discounts for kids, or are even free-and the Czech Republic is still an economical place to visit.

The Troja region, in Prague 7, is a must with children. Three attractions are clustered together: Prague Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, and Troja Chateau.

1. Prague Zoo (adults $5, children $3.50, families $15) was heavily damaged in the floods of 2002 but as a result of its restoration, the animals' living space has been greatly improved.
Take metro line A to Nadrazi Holesovice, bus 112. Prague Zo U trojskeho zamku 3;
tel. +420 296 112 111; website: www.zoopraha.cz

2. The Botanical Gardens offer both an outdoor strolling area and an indoor greenhouse; (entrance to both is adults $6, children $3, families $16); the Japanese garden is the most relaxing spot.
Take metro line A to Nadrazi Holesovice, bus 112. Botanical Gardens: Nadvorni 134; tel. +420 234 148 111; website: www.botgarden.cz

3. Troja Chateau also offers a generous ramble opportunity, plus art exhibits inside the Chateau. It's free to wander the grounds, but if you'd like to visit the exhibitions in the Chateau, prices are $5 for adults, $2.50 for children, and $10 for families.
Take metro line A to Nadrazi Holesovice, bus 112. Troja Chateau:U trojskeho zamku 1; tel. +420283 851 614; website: www.citygalleryprague.cz

4-6. If it's truly some fresh air you are looking to get, head to Divoka Sarka Park, Hvezda Park, or Pruhonice Park. All have plenty of running space for the kids. You'll feel like you have truly left the city behind, yet it's still easily accessible on public transport. Divoka Sarka Park probably has the most "wilderness" feel while Hvezda boasts a Baroque chateau. Hvezda was formerly Ferdinand I's game preserve, and his unique star-shaped palace is a bonus to the lovely walking paths. Pruhonice is a little farther away, and there's an entrance fee, (adults $2, children $1, families $4.50) but trekkers will be rewarded with pleasant trails, woods, lakes, and another chateau.
Divoka Sarka: Metro Line C to Dejvicka, tram 20 or 26 to Nad dzbanem.
Hvezda: Tram 22 to Vypich.
Pruhonice: metro line A to Opatov, bus to Pruhonice

7. A popular urban beach, practically in the city center, is Zlute lazne. If you just want to lay in the sun, there's sand, grass, and hammocks available; if you have more energy, take advantage of beach volleyball, climbing, or petanque. Again, there are numerous activities for the kids, plus DJs and dancing till 2 a.m., making it a popular summer spot for the younger set. Adult entry is $5, children $3-both half price after 2 p.m.
Tram 3, 16, 17, or 21 to Dvorce.

8. Renting a boat for a trip on the Vltava River is some good DIY fun. Rowboats, paddleboats, and motorboats are available from Slovansky Island, right next to the National Theater. Prices vary but it's roughly $3 for 60 minutes in a rowboat, $4 for 60 minutes in a paddleboat, and $7 for 30 minutes in a motorboat.
Tram 6, 22, 23 to Narodni divadlo

9. Participate in a summertime Czech tradition with a visit to Riegrovy Sady Park in the Vinohrady neighborhood of Prague 2. It's on top of a hill, which means you have to climb, but it has a lovely view of Prague Castle, a playground for the kids, and-the best part-a huge, shaded beer garden.
Tram 11 to Vinohradska trznice.

10. Most of the above sites are off the tourist track. One that may see more visitors is Vysehrad Castle and Park. Site of the original Prague settlement, Vysehrad boasts old city walls, a cathedral, fascinating cemetery, and one of the most pleasant free walks with a view of the city.
Metro line A to Vysehrad.