Olomouc in the Czech Republic might sound like a risky plan for a family trip at first. Say “the second-largest urban heritage zone in the country” and plenty of parents instantly picture bored kids trudging miserably over cobblestones, asking every five minutes when they can finally go to a playground. But Olomouc is deceptive. It’s an incredibly compact city where everything important is within walking distance, the historic centre works like one big pedestrian zone, and — most importantly — it offers so much interactive fun that you won’t know where to look first. So if you’re wondering what to do in Olomouc with kids, get ready: one weekend probably won’t be enough.
Our family fell head over heels for this city, because from a parent’s point of view it’s simply an ideal destination. You don’t need to constantly hop on packed public transport, a stroller handles surprisingly well here, and the local café culture is famous. So I’ve put together my tips for Olomouc with kids to work in any weather: what to do outdoors when the sun’s out, where to hide when it starts raining, and where to head if you have one extra day to spare.
Whether you’ve got a little toddler at home who mainly needs a safe space to run around, or an older school-aged child who prefers adrenaline and science experiments, you’ll find something for everyone. There are the best attractions, favourite play cafés, a zoo on the hill above town, and tips on stress-free places to eat with the family.
TL;DR
- In good weather: Go on a scavenger hunt for the baroque fountains in the centre, wait for the midday chimes of the unusual astronomical clock, head into the sprawling Smetana Gardens, or explore the Crown Fortress.
- When it rains: Olomouc is a paradise for rainy days. You’ll find the huge Fortress of Knowledge science centre, the enormous Krokodýlek fun park, and an unbelievable concentration of gorgeous children’s play cafés right in the centre — with speciality coffee for the parents.
- Day trips: Svatý Kopeček with its zoo is an absolute must, but if you have a car, definitely consider the fantastic DinoPark in Vyškov or the fairytale Bouzov Castle.
- Where to stay: A great choice in the centre is the OREA Hotel Arigone, where kids up to 5.99 years stay free and parents can climb into the in-room hot tub once the little ones are asleep.
- How many days you need: You can cover the historic core in a day, but if you also want to see the zoo and enjoy the play cafés or the water park, 2 to 3 days are ideal.
When to visit Olomouc with kids
Olomouc has a huge advantage: it’s a year-round destination that doesn’t close its gates the moment the summer holidays end. So when is the best time to come? It mainly depends on what you expect from the trip and how old the kids are you’re bringing along — and on which family activities you prefer.
Spring in Olomouc is absolutely magical, especially April and May. If you time the right week, you’ll catch the magnolias in full bloom in the Bezruč Gardens below the ramparts — a sight that wins over even die-hard romance sceptics — and a little further on, the beautiful Rosarium is slowly waking up. Summer, on the other hand, offers a chance to cool off in the local water park, spend long days at the zoo on Svatý Kopeček, and enjoy evening strolls through an empty centre with a soft-serve ice cream in hand.
Autumn turns the sprawling Olomouc parks golden and is the ideal time for exploring museums and indoor play cafés, of which there are plenty. And I mustn’t forget winter — specifically Advent. Olomouc’s Christmas markets on the Upper and Lower Squares regularly rank among the most beautiful in the whole country: the air smells of mulled wine, the decorations light up, and for kids it’s an absolute fairytale. Two days are enough for the essentials, meaning the centre and the zoo, but if you want to add trips around the area too, set aside a long weekend.
Where to stay in Olomouc with kids
Finding accommodation with kids in historic cities can be a bit of a puzzle, because you need to combine proximity to the sights with comfort, decent parking and, ideally, a touch of parental luxury. On our visit we got incredibly lucky with our hotel choice, and I have to say it made the whole stay so much more enjoyable.
We stayed at the OREA Hotel Arigone right in the historic core, and it was a bullseye. It’s not your typical hotel with a loud entertainment programme and mascots at breakfast, but for us parents it worked as perfect therapy. We had a wellness room with its own hot tub and sauna. You can probably imagine the relief when we finally got little Jonáš to sleep in the evening and Lukáš and I could soak in the bubbles without even having to leave the room. On top of that, the breakfasts are absolutely fantastic, kids up to 5.99 years stay completely free, and the best children’s play cafés and coffee shops are just a few minutes’ slow walk away.
👉 Check prices and availability at Hotel Arigone · we described it in detail in our OREA Hotel Arigone review.
If this hotel is full, take a look at other places to stay in Olomouc — there are plenty of options. Parents often praise the various family apartments dotted around the centre, which give you the chance to cook your own meals — always handy with younger kids. Just make sure, when booking accommodation right in the heart of the city, to carefully check the parking situation, because the pedestrian zone has strict rules and the public car parks nearby can really put a dent in the family budget.
Outdoor things to do in Olomouc with kids
When the sun peeks out and the weather is on your side, the historic centre of Olomouc turns into one big outdoor playground full of surprises. It’s not just about dryly admiring old façades — the city has a playful soul and plenty of nooks and crannies that will entertain even the youngest travellers. I’ve put together ten ideas for outdoor activities that will make Olomouc for kids an experience, not a punishment.
1. The Olomouc Astronomical Clock
While the Prague astronomical clock shows its apostles high above the crowds, the Olomouc one on the Upper Square, right on the town hall, has two huge advantages for families with kids. First, it sits beautifully at eye level, so even smaller children can easily spot all those moving figures, and second, it’s simply a world-class curiosity. It’s one of the few astronomical clocks in the world that was rebuilt after wartime destruction, between 1947 and 1955, in the spirit of socialist realism, to a design by Karel Svolinský.
So instead of saints, you’ll see a blacksmith, a baker, a chemist and other honest workers parade past — which kids usually find hilarious, because they understand these professions better than historical figures. The whole spectacle springs into motion every day exactly at noon, so plan your walk through the city to be standing here, ready, before twelve.
2. The Holy Trinity Column
Just a short walk from the astronomical clock on the Upper Square stands a monument you’d be a fool to miss, since it has been on the UNESCO list since 2000. It’s a huge plague column, roughly 32 metres tall, and the largest single baroque sculptural group in all of Central Europe.
For kids, the sheer size of the column is impressive, and what’s more, a small chapel is hidden inside its massive base. Even though you can’t usually just wander inside whenever you like, just knowing there’s “a little house hidden inside the big column” works on a child’s imagination absolutely every time.
3. A baroque fountain scavenger hunt
In my opinion, this is the single best way to lead kids through the entire historic centre without them even noticing they’re actually “touring monuments”. Olomouc has the only preserved collection of baroque fountains this extensive in the country, and you can turn it into a brilliant family game.
Hand the kids a map and let them hunt for the Neptune Fountain from 1683, which is the oldest of all, plus the Hercules, Jupiter and Mercury fountains, the Fountain of Tritons, and the majestic Caesar Fountain, where they have to spot the dog beneath the horse, symbolising the city’s loyalty to the ruler. But the absolute hit for kids is the modern Arion Fountain from 2002 by sculptor Ivan Theimer. It features a large bronze turtle that stops just about every child walking past.
4. The Town Hall Tower
If you’ve got slightly older kids who can already handle a flight of stairs, don’t miss the bird’s-eye view of the city. The Town Hall Tower stands an impressive 75 metres tall and rises right above the Upper Square, next to the famous astronomical clock.
The climb runs seasonally and always with a guide, so you’ll also pick up some interesting bits of history. The view from the gallery is absolutely breathtaking — you’ll see all those red roofs, the tangle of little streets, and the surrounding hills — and it’s definitely worth the effort in your legs.
5. St Maurice’s Church and its tower climb
An even better view is said to open up from the tower of St Maurice’s Church, which stands 46 metres tall, with a beautiful old spiral staircase leading up that feels a little like something out of an adventure film. It’s usually open roughly from May to September and only in good weather, for safety reasons.
Besides the great view, this church has one more big draw. It’s home to the largest organ in Central Europe. If you’re lucky and someone happens to be practising or there’s a concert on, that majestic sound echoing through the vast nave will pin you to the spot.
6. Smetana Gardens
When everyone’s had enough of cobblestones and you need to let the kids run around a bit, head for the Smetana Gardens. It’s a sprawling, beautifully maintained park just a short walk from the centre, boasting a great rating of 4.6 stars on the maps. You’ll find plenty of mature trees offering blissful shade on hot summer days, and endless asphalt paths perfect for balance bikes.
There’s tons of peace and plenty of space for a picnic on the grass. That said, parents often honestly point out one small drawback in reviews: for such an enormous park, there’s only a single playground, so at peak times it can get pretty crowded.
7. Bezruč Gardens and the ramparts
Right within sight of the Smetana Gardens, stretching beneath the old city walls, lie the Bezruč Gardens. If you come in spring, you’ll witness an incredible sight, because the whole park lights up with gorgeous blooming magnolias, under which just about every visitor to the city stops for a photo.
For kids, a great attraction here is the nature trail running along the old baroque fortifications. You can feel the history of the old fortified city, and for boys who love knights and castles, these massive brick walls are made for all kinds of imaginative battle games.
8. The Rosarium
On 17. listopadu street you’ll find another green oasis, the Olomouc Rosarium, which works as a botanical garden and rose garden in one. It’s an immensely popular spot, as proven by its rating of 4.7 from 1,877 reviews, and locals love coming here for weekend strolls.
A huge advantage for families is that the grounds are partly barrier-free and boast wide, flat paths, so it’s an absolute breeze if you’re getting around with a stroller. And when the roses are in bloom, the scent is so lovely you won’t want to leave.
9. The Crown Fortress
Olomouc used to be a mighty fortress, and you can get hands-on with a piece of this military history at the Crown Fortress grounds at Michalská 8. Here you’ll find a preserved section of the baroque Theresian fortress, and the former powder magazine now houses a museum where you can see a huge plaster model of the city’s original fortifications. People really love this place and give it a lovely rating of 4.6 from 733 reviews.
The grounds are open from April to October (closed on Mondays, otherwise Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., weekends 10 a.m.–5 p.m.), with the last entry at 4:30 p.m. The entrance fee is very friendly: adults pay around €2.50 (60 CZK), children aged 6 to 15 pay around €1.20 (30 CZK), and the littlest ones under 6 go completely free. There are also good-value family tickets for around €5 (120 CZK, 2+1) or around €6 (150 CZK) for larger families.
10. Murals and street art in the passageways
My last outdoor tip is a kind of urban treasure hunt. Olomouc may breathe history, but it’s not afraid of modern art either. Right in the centre, often tucked away in passageways, arcades, or on the tall gables of old houses, you’ll find several stunning large-format paintings — so-called murals.
Try to look up their locations in advance and turn your city walk into a detective game. Kids usually discover these giant, colourful pictures with huge enthusiasm, and it pairs perfectly with the baroque fountain hunt mentioned earlier.
When it rains: play cafés, museums and fun centres
If you’re wondering where to go in Olomouc with kids when it rains, I have great news for you. This city is possibly the best equipped in the whole country for rainy days. The concentration of quality indoor play cafés and interactive exhibits is absolutely unrivalled here, and one of those gorgeous play cafés in the centre saved our own entire afternoon. Let’s take a look at the best options.
11. The Fortress of Knowledge
If you’re looking for a programme to fill an entire rainy afternoon, the interactive science centre of Palacký University, the Fortress of Knowledge, located within the Crown Fortress grounds (17. listopadu 939), is number one, hands down. The Fortress of Knowledge has an incredible rating of 4.7 from nearly three thousand reviews, and spread across an old military building are four main exhibitions: Into History!, Living Water, Brains at Hand, and Light and Dark.
In total, over 100 interactive exhibits await, where kids can touch, try and explore everything, plus an amazing digital planetarium. It’s open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (note: from September to May it’s closed on Mondays). An adult pays around €8 (190 CZK), the reduced ticket for children, students and seniors is around €6.50 (160 CZK), and family tickets range from around €19 to €32 (460–775 CZK) depending on the number of people. If you only want to see one specific exhibition, it costs around €3 (70 CZK).
12. JáSám
Right in the heart of the city at Horní náměstí 7, a few steps across from the astronomical clock, tucked between a lavender bistro and a cheese shop, hides the JáSám children’s play café. This place is the embodiment of every parent’s dream — to sip a warm coffee in peace while their child plays safely. A rating of 4.7 from 219 visitors speaks for itself.
It’s enormously cosy here, full of quality wooden toys. Kids will find a play kitchen, a little shop, a doctor’s kit, a great workbench for tiny handymen, and big climbing frames with wall bars and slides. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy speciality coffee from the local roastery or excellent homemade cakes and breakfast menus. It’s open every weekday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. A huge plus is that you only pay admission for the children playing — accompanying adults pay nothing.
13. V lese
A short walk away on Žerotín Square 3 you’ll find another gem among cafés with a children’s play area. V lese (“In the Forest”) takes a lovely Montessori and zero-waste approach, and from reviews averaging 4.7 from more than five hundred people, it’s clear they do it brilliantly. Instead of loud plastic toys, calm reigns here, along with a heap of honest wooden toys.
Kids can go wild on the swing, discover a sound tree, play with a wooden rainbow, explore a giant activity board or a tactile memory game. All-day admission costs a wallet-friendly €2.50 (60 CZK) (reduced €1.20 / 30 CZK), and a huge advantage is that with a wristband you can leave during the day and come back again. Given its popularity, though, it does sometimes get full. It’s open Monday to Friday 9 a.m.–7 p.m. and on weekends 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
14. Človíčkov
If you really need a large space for the kids to burn off pent-up energy, at 8. května 24 you’ll find the popular Človíčkov play centre (rated 4.1). It’s a classic large play area with climbing frames, where younger kids will reliably keep themselves busy for several hours.
Parents have seating available with coffee and tea on offer, and the big draw is undoubtedly the price. Admission is a lovely around €2.40 (59 CZK) per child, with no time limit, which these days is a very pleasant sum for saving a rainy afternoon.
15. Snoezelen Olomouc
At Mariánská 7 hides a slightly different kind of play space, one you’ll especially appreciate if you have very young children or children with special needs who can’t cope with the usual noise of big play centres. Snoezelen is a relaxing multisensory room designed to calm and gently stimulate the senses (rated 4.5).
You’ll find all kinds of light elements, bubble tubes, relaxing music and pleasant tactile materials. It’s an oasis of calm in the middle of the city, a place you go to genuinely rest and take in the world at a slightly different, slower pace.
16. Krokodýlek Family Fun Park
When you need to pull out the heaviest weapons against childhood boredom, head to the Lazce district on Florykova 556. This is where you’ll find Krokodýlek, one of the largest children’s fun parks in all of Moravia, boasting an impressive rating of 4.5 from 1,659 reviews. Across an area of over 3,000 square metres, an incredible 25 giant attractions are spread out.
Kids won’t know where to look first. There’s a massive wooden pirate ship, three-storey climbing frames with slides, trampolines, a climbing wall, a lagoon with attractions, a cannon arena for foam-ball battles, a motorbike track, and a unique pin-art panel with 40,000 pins for imprinting your body. There’s also a restaurant and a quieter corner with board games. All-day admission from Friday to Sunday costs around €14 (339 CZK) per child and €5.50 (139 CZK) per adult (family €36 / 879 CZK), and Monday to Thursday it’s cheaper: around €10.50 (259 CZK) per child and €5 (119 CZK) per adult (family €29 / 699 CZK). You can also choose hourly admission from around €4.50 (109 CZK) per child.
17. Amazonie Olomouc
Another popular anchor point on the rainy-day map is the Amazonie children’s centre at Pražská 255/41 (rated 4.3). It’s a classic but very well-equipped indoor play centre, ideal for those days when kids simply need to climb, jump and slide.
Inside, a giant climbing frame stretching across several storeys awaits, a bouncy castle for bouncing lovers, plenty of safely padded swings, fast slides, and of course the beloved big pool full of colourful plastic balls, out of which you usually can’t get the kids.
18. PROUD Rope Centre
You might think a rope centre makes no sense with small children, but the PROUD branch on Lazecká 50/49 will set you straight (with a superb rating of 4.6 from 347 reviews). They’ve designed the activities so that all age groups can enjoy themselves.
Besides the high obstacles for older kids and adults, you’ll find all sorts of swings, huge air trampolines set into the ground, water cushions, and, most importantly, low rope obstacles near the ground that are safe and suitable even for children from 1 year old. It’s a great place for practising gross motor skills and balance.
19. The Olomouc Regional Museum
If you’d rather have a bit of culture and learning under a roof, the Regional Museum at náměstí Republiky 5 is an excellent choice, praised by over 900 visitors with an average score of 4.5. It’s no dusty bore full of “don’t touch the display cases” signs.
The museum maps the history of the city and the whole region very nicely and engagingly, and has a lovely nature exhibition. The exhibitions try to keep up with the times, so you’ll find plenty of interactive elements, touchscreens and demonstrations that easily hold children’s attention.
20. The Haunted House
Do you have slightly older kids at home who are bored by classic play cafés and are after adrenaline instead? Then head to Komenského 865, where you’ll find the Haunted House with an absolutely incredible rating of 4.9 from more than 400 reviews. But I’ll honestly warn you again — this is really only for bigger, braver kids; the little ones would definitely be scared to tears.
It’s a dark, adrenaline-fuelled tour with an elaborate horror storyline, and the theme is updated and changed every year, so it never gets old. If you’re looking for even more fun for teenagers, a little further into town there’s also the excellently rated Mistr úniku escape room, where they’ll have to put their heads together to get out within the time limit.
Water, sport and letting off steam
When the mercury climbs high, or when you simply need to wear the kids out with some active sport, Olomouc offers great options to let loose. Whether you’re waterslide lovers or prefer bikes and climbing frames, you definitely won’t be bored here.
21. Aquapark Olomouc
The big Olomouc water world is at Kafkova 526/21 in the Slavonín district. It’s a huge complex rated 4.2 by almost four thousand people, combining a spacious indoor section for winter and a great outdoor area for summer. You’ll find proper waterslides, plenty of fast slides, a sauna zone for adults, an activity park, and a restaurant where you can easily beat the ravenous hunger that comes after swimming.
For the littlest ones there’s a special kids’ world called Akvárko. As for water temperature, the children’s pool is a lovely 32 °C, the massage pool is also 32 °C, and the whirlpools warm up to 34–36 °C. Parent reviews do come with one important warning, though: the big recreational pool is only 28 °C, which can feel chilly for smaller kids after a while, so it’s better to spend time with the very youngest primarily in the separate Akvárko. The water park has one practical advantage you’ll appreciate when travelling with kids in the car: you drive straight to it off the motorway and park without hunting for a spot.
22. Centrum Semafor
If your kids love riding anything with wheels, you can’t skip Centrum Semafor on Legionářská 15 (with a fantastic rating of 4.8 from 140 reviews). It’s the only dedicated traffic playground in all of Olomouc, and it’s genuinely top-notch. The roads are lined with real signs, working traffic lights blink at the junctions, and there are crossings and even a railway crossing with sound and light effects.
If you don’t have your own fleet with you, it doesn’t matter one bit. There’s a great rental for around €2 per hour (50 CZK) or €8 for the whole day (200 CZK). Renting children’s bikes up to 24 inches even costs half price, and they have around 50 bikes, plus scooters, popular pedal go-karts, and even handbikes. It’s open from April to June and again in the autumn in September and October (weekdays 2–6 p.m., weekends and holidays 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 2–6 p.m.); the opening hours differ slightly during the summer holiday months, so it’s best to double-check.
23. Veverák Rope Park
Another great dose of movement awaits at the Veverák rope park, located near Darwinova street right on Svatý Kopeček. Parents praise it with a very high rating of 4.7, because it offers routes divided by difficulty so that both younger kids and adults looking for a bit of adrenaline up high get their fill.
What’s more, professional instructors oversee everything — they explain the safety gear and help out when someone gets stuck on a trickier obstacle. A huge advantage of this park is its location, since a visit can be brilliantly combined with a full-day trip to the nearby zoo.
24. Playgrounds in the parks
When you don’t need any big organised activities and just want to sit on a bench for a while as the kids swing, Olomouc offers plenty of classic public playgrounds. The most popular and best-maintained ones are in the aforementioned Smetana and Bezruč Gardens, but smaller climbing frames and sandpits are dotted throughout other parts of the centre and wider surroundings, so you’ll reliably stumble across them sooner or later while wandering the city.
Svatý Kopeček: the zoo and a whole day above the city
If you’re coming to Olomouc for more than one day, you simply must add Svatý Kopeček to your itinerary. This wooded district rising above the city is a byword for a perfect family day full of animals, lovely views and walks in nature.
25. Olomouc Zoo on Svatý Kopeček
This is, without argument, the region’s main family draw. Olomouc Zoo, tucked away in a beautiful coniferous forest, collects enthusiastic praise, and its score of 4.4 from more than 16,500 reviews shows just how beloved it is. The animals have spacious enclosures set right into the sloping forest terrain, so a visit doubles as a pleasant walk among the trees, where there’s shade even in summer.
Admission prices vary by season. In high season (March to October) an adult pays around €7.50 (180 CZK) and children, students or seniors around €6 (140 CZK). Off-season in the winter months (November to February) prices are friendlier: around €6 (150 CZK) for adults and €5 (120 CZK) reduced. The littlest ones under 3 get in completely free, and a family ticket (2+2) costs a fair €25 (600 CZK). Opening hours also change with the seasons. In January and February it’s open 9 a.m.–4 p.m., in March and September 9 a.m.–5 p.m., from April to August it extends to 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and from October to December the gates close again at 4 p.m.
And how do you get here if you don’t want to pay for parking at the zoo? Very simply. Bus no. 11 runs regularly from the main train station (stand D). Connections run at handy 10- to 15-minute intervals, the ride itself takes about 20 minutes, and from the stop there’s just a short, five- to ten-minute walk up a gentle hill straight to the entrance.
26. The observation tower at the zoo
Right within the zoo grounds stands a huge steel observation tower (rated 4.6) that you definitely shouldn’t miss, as long as you don’t suffer from vertigo. The climb up the latticed stairs takes a bit of effort, but at the top a reward awaits in the form of a view you won’t see anywhere else.
On a clear day, a breathtaking panorama opens up over the whole of Olomouc spread out in the lowlands below, and when you turn the other way, you can see all the way to the ridges of the majestic Jeseníky Mountains. And for those who need refreshments after the effort, there’s a pleasant café right below the tower.
27. The Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary
While you’re on Svatý Kopeček, walk a little way to náměstí Sadové 1, where you’ll find the stunning pilgrimage Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary (a fantastic rating of 4.8 from 2,572 reviews). It’s a landmark you’ll see shining across the countryside as you approach Olomouc.
This beautiful baroque building was, incidentally, even visited by Pope John Paul II himself. Even though at first glance it might not sound like a typical children’s attraction, the building is so enormous and majestic that it can captivate even little explorers, and you can also take some lovely, peaceful walks in the surrounding area.
Day trips from Olomouc with kids
Olomouc is strategically located in the heart of Moravia, which means that if you have a car, an incredible number of other attractive destinations open up within an hour’s drive. So if you have time to spare and fancy heading just beyond the city limits, here are the best tips for half-day or full-day trips.
28. DinoPark and Vyškov Zoo Park
I simply have to recommend this trip to DinoPark Vyškov, about 45 kilometres from Olomouc (Cukrovarská 9, Vyškov), wholeheartedly, because Lukáš, Jonáš and I went there ourselves and it was an absolute hit. You know those moments when a child’s eyes light up in amazement? That’s exactly what happened when we discovered a huge walking robotic stegosaurus. There are over 100 dinosaurs across the whole park — some are static, but many are amazingly voiced and moving. You’ll also find a 4D cinema, the windy DinoHurricane, a great palaeontology playground for little explorers, an elaborate crashed-plane scene, and mist trees that are wonderfully refreshing in summer.
Handily, the ticket also covers the adjacent Vyškov Zoo Park, which is smaller and focuses mainly on farmyard and domestic animals, but you’ll also come across camels, curious monkeys or ostriches. A special little train called the DinoExpres shuttles between the dinosaurs and the zoo, and it’s an attraction in itself for kids. People love these parks: DinoPark has a rating of 4.5 from nearly 7 thousand reviews and the Zoo Park even 4.5 from more than 7,700 ratings. 💡 On a practical note, though, I have to confirm one thing that reviews often flag: the food offering on-site is fairly weak, and in some spots in the Zoo Park you can’t pay by card. So definitely pack a decent snack of your own and don’t forget cash, so a craving for ice cream doesn’t catch you off guard.
29. Bouzov Castle
About 30 kilometres from Olomouc stands a castle that looks as if someone cut it straight out of a picture book. No wonder loads of Czech fairytale films have been shot at the storybook Bouzov (like the legendary Princess Jasněnka and the Flying Cobbler). Visitors love it and have given it an incredible score of 4.8 from nearly 12,000 reviews.
With small children who wouldn’t enjoy a long guided commentary, there’s great news: you can enter the first castle courtyard completely freely, even without buying a ticket. So you can look around the castle, soak up the magical knightly atmosphere, take photos by the drawbridge, and then carry on at your own pace.
30. Mladeč Caves
If you’re after a shorter underground adventure, about 25 kilometres away in the village of Mladeč you’ll find beautiful karst caves with a rating of 4.7. They’re known, among other things, for archaeological finds of prehistoric human bones.
So why are they great for families? The tour itself takes just under an hour, isn’t especially physically demanding, and according to many visitors’ experiences it’s very suitable even for small children, who might not cope well with a longer stay in the cold underground.
31. Javoříčko Caves
A little further out, about 35 kilometres from the city, hides another and even larger underground gem, the Javoříčko Caves with their breathtaking stalactite formations (a great rating of 4.8 from nearly 3 thousand reviews). A visit here is a huge experience, but I’ll honestly warn you that it’s a trip better suited to bigger and more physically capable kids.
If you take the full route, just under 800 metres long, you’ll spend over an hour in the cave, squeeze through some fairly narrow passages in places, and, most importantly, have to tackle around 250 steps during the tour. With a toddler in your arms, it would be sheer purgatory.
32. The Olomouc Cheese Museum in Loštice
The famous Olomouc cheese (a pungent, ripened soft cheese) simply belongs to this region, and if you want to see how this fragrant — or, to some, rather smelly — treasure is made, head about 35 kilometres to Loštice at Palackého street number 56. The local museum (rated 4.8) is dedicated to the only original Czech cheese, which has been made here continuously for a remarkable 400 years.
Even though it sounds like a bore for grown-ups, kids usually find the tour hugely entertaining, mainly thanks to that distinctive, all-pervading ripening smell they can nudge each other about and giggle over. 😅 The cheese is, of course, completely fine for vegetarians in terms of ingredients, so after the tour you can buy some to take home without any guilt.
33. Praděd Children’s Museum in Bludov
If you fancy a slightly longer trip, about 45 kilometres north to Bludov, you’ll come across a paradise made purely for the littlest ones. The Praděd Children’s Museum holds a great rating of 4.7 from nearly a thousand reviews, and it’s a place where they’ve truly thought of every childhood whim.
The whole exhibition and the adjacent outdoor area are built so that kids can play with everything, discover the nature of the Jeseníky Mountains in a playful way, run around and enjoy freedom without constantly being told not to touch things in a museum.
34. Fort Radíkov
And the last tip brings you back to the very edge of Olomouc. If you were intrigued by the Crown Fortress in the centre, definitely go and see Fort Radíkov too (rated 4.3), one of the other preserved forts that once formed an ingenious defensive ring around the city.
Besides the interesting military structure itself, the main draw here is the beautiful nature. A very pleasant, easy forest walk runs around the fortifications, where you can collect pine cones, build a house for the woodland sprites, and enjoy a moment of calm far from the bustle of the city.
Where to eat with kids
As vegetarians with a toddler, we have fairly specific requirements when it comes to restaurants, and in Olomouc we had no problem whatsoever. As a family that doesn’t eat meat, I’ve got tips on places that local diners — and vegetarians especially — rave about in reviews. And with pizza, you simply can’t go wrong with kids.
- Koza zůstala celá (Mlýnská 952): An absolutely fantastic and renowned vegetarian restaurant that holds a top-notch rating of 4.8 from 517 reviews. Diners praise the huge creativity on the plate, and in summer you can also sit on the lovely, quiet terrace where the kids won’t be in anyone’s way.
- Bistro ROZMARÝNY (Masarykova tř. 61): Another purely vegetarian spot (rated 4.8 from 184) that runs as a bistro. It’s an ideal choice when you need to get a quick but nutritionally balanced, healthy lunch full of vegetables and legumes into the kids.
- GREEN BAR (Ztracená 3): If hunger strikes in the middle of a morning wander through the centre, this place will save you (rated 4.6 from 379). They’re open from 10 a.m. and serve excellent, and above all fast, vegetarian food buffet-style, so you can see exactly what’s going on your plate.
- Kathmandu (Dolní nám. 25): Fancy a bit of the exotic? This Nepalese restaurant is a huge hit in Olomouc (a fantastic 4.7 from 1,789 ratings). Parents very often mention the immensely helpful staff, who are more than happy to patiently advise you on choosing the best vegetarian options so they aren’t too spicy and taste good to little diners too.
- Pizza Hradlo (Mrštíkovo nám. 6): A rating of 4.7 from more than a thousand reviews says it all. With kids, pizza is always a huge safe bet, and if you order a classic Margherita, everyone will be happy.
- Buon Gusto (Velkomoravská 8) and La Scala (Masarykova tř. 15): Two more amazing pizzerias with excellent ratings (4.9 and 4.7). They offer plenty of great pasta dishes and meat-free pizzas that smell of real Italy.
- Zmrzlinárium Café Centro (Na Střelnici 37): No family trip is complete without a sweet finish. This place has a rating of 4.7 from nearly 1,700 ratings, and according to locals they make the best desserts and ice cream for miles around.
- Olomouc cheese: Finally, I mustn’t forget the local pride. This only original Czech cheese with an EU protected designation is, of course, meat-free, so you can taste it with a clear conscience. There’s a specialist shop right in the centre. If it’s too aromatic for you cold, try tasting it fried in a pub or melted into a hot garlic soup — apparently it tastes noticeably milder that way.
Practical info
Before you set off, it’s good to know a few practical details that will save you plenty of nerves and money right after you arrive. Olomouc is very easy to reach, especially if you decide to leave the car at home and take the train. From Prague you can reach it on a comfortable express in about 2 hours and 15 minutes, and from Brno the journey takes just 1.5 hours. Travelling by train with kids is also much calmer than stressing out in motorway traffic jams. If you’re arriving from abroad, Olomouc is an easy connection from major hubs like Prague or Vienna, both well served by carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet and Lufthansa.
As for getting around the city, the historic centre works as one big pedestrian zone and is very compact in size, so you can easily cover everything on foot. Getting around with a stroller is fairly easy and comfortable, you just have to watch out a little for the bumpy cobblestones covering the main squares — though for smaller babies these can actually work as a great sleep aid. ☺️
If you do travel by car, be prepared for parking right in the historic core to be very expensive and parking spaces to be desperately scarce. It’s definitely worth seeking out one of the covered car parks on the edge of the centre, or even better, booking a hotel that offers its own guest parking. And keep in mind that on Czech motorways you’ll need a motorway vignette (a toll sticker, similar to those in Austria or Switzerland). For more distant spots, the reliable local public transport network of trams and buses works great, and to reach popular Svatý Kopeček you can count on the aforementioned bus no. 11 departing from the main train station.
Where to next
Heading to Moravia or looking for more tips on trips with kids? Take a look at our other articles:
- What to see in Olomouc: 14 tips on sights worth seeing even without kids.
- OREA Hotel Arigone review: a hotel in the centre with a hot tub and sauna right in your room.
- The best water parks in the Czech Republic: 13 tips on where to head with kids for a splash.
- Where to holiday in Central Moravia: 15 tips for Haná and Wallachia.
- Písek with kids: another compact Czech town where kids won’t be bored.
Frequently asked questions
Finally, I’ve gathered the questions parents most often puzzle over before a trip to Olomouc. Prices and opening hours do change, though, so it’s best to double-check them before your trip.
Where to go in Olomouc with kids when it rains?
Olomouc is brilliantly prepared for rainy days. The biggest hit is the interactive science centre Pevnost poznání in Korunní pevnůstka, and for younger children I recommend the lovely cafés with play areas right in the centre (JáSám or the Montessori play space V lese). Older kids can let loose for hours in the huge entertainment park Krokodýlek or in Amazonie.
How much does Olomouc ZOO cost?
Prices at the ZOO on Svatý Kopeček vary according to the season. In high season (March to October) adults pay €7 (180 Kč), reduced admission for children and students is €5.50 (140 Kč). Off-season (November to February) prices are €6 (150 Kč) and €5 (120 Kč). Children under 3 always enter completely free and a family ticket for two adults and two children costs a good-value €24 (600 Kč).
How do you get to Svatý Kopeček?
The easiest and most comfortable way is to use public transport. From the main railway station in Olomouc (specifically from stop D) bus number 11 runs regularly. Services run at perfect 10 to 15-minute intervals, the journey itself takes about 20 minutes, and from the stop on the hill you can walk to the ZOO in under ten minutes.
Is Olomouc suitable with a pushchair?
Yes, very much so. The entire historic centre is essentially one large compact pedestrian zone, so you don’t have to constantly dodge cars. The only snag for small wheels might be the cobblestones and paving stones on the main squares. Pushchair walks are then absolutely ideal in the extensive and flat city parks, such as Smetanovy sady or the beautiful Rozárium.
Where to go with kids in Olomouc for free?
Completely free of charge you can enjoy hunting for all the baroque fountains in the city centre, wait for the famous astronomical clock on the town hall to chime at noon, or search for giant colourful murals and street art on building facades. All the extensive city parks are also freely accessible, including the beautiful Rozárium and Bezručovy sady beneath the fortifications.
How many days do we need for Olomouc with kids?
You can comfortably explore the historic city centre with all the fountains and the astronomical clock in one day. However, if you want to combine your visit with a half-day trip to Svatý Kopeček to the ZOO, a visit to Pevnost poznání or swimming in the aquapark, the ideal time for a visit is 2 to 3 days – a perfect long weekend.
Where to go on a day trip from Olomouc with kids?
If you have a car, within about 45 minutes’ drive from Olomouc there are loads of beautiful places. A huge hit is DinoPark and ZOO Park Vyškov, for history you can head to the fairytale castle Bouzov, and to explore underground there are the shorter and less challenging Mladečské caves. For younger children, Pradědovo children’s museum in Bludov is also fantastic.
How far is DinoPark Vyškov from Olomouc?
DinoPark and ZOO Park in Vyškov are located about 45 kilometres from Olomouc. The drive by motorway takes approximately half an hour, making it an absolutely ideal and easy destination for a great half-day family trip.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
