Planning a trip to Písek, Czech Republic with kids? This one is close to my heart, because I was born in this beautiful South Bohemian town and spent my childhood here. Although I later lived in Prague for many years, Lukáš and I recently decided to move back down south, so we now live here with our two-year-old son Jonášek. As a local mum, I can tell you with a clear conscience that Písek is an absolutely ideal destination for families with kids, where everything is conveniently close at hand.
Since I move around town every day with a pram and an energetic toddler, I know all too well how hard it can sometimes be to come up with a plan that keeps the whole family happy. That’s why I decided to put together this comprehensive guide, where you’ll find the best playrooms, outdoor playgrounds and day-trip ideas, so your family holiday goes as smoothly as possible. Písek is about far more than just the oldest stone bridge in the country — it offers amazing facilities for kids of all ages.
I’ve prepared 44 tips that we local mums are constantly sharing in various groups and forwarding to friends who are just arriving. I’ve added practical info on prices and opening hours for 2026. Whether you’re coming for a long weekend or the whole summer holidays, I’m sure you’ll easily piece together an itinerary you’ll remember for a long time.
TL;DR
- Biggest indoor playroom: Myška herna in Portyč has fairly dated equipment, but it’s still the largest playroom in Písek, so we keep going there.
- Culture for kids: Sladovna with its Pilařiště and Mraveniště exhibitions is an absolute must — just don’t forget to buy tickets online in advance.
- Favourite playground: The new playground with a giant wooden deer at Na Trubách and the marble runs on Jiráskovo Embankment will keep kids busy for a whole afternoon.
- Café with a play corner: Our favourite, Travel Cafe, has a courtyard garden with a great sandpit and playhouse.
- Top 3 day trips: Farmapark Maletice, Kingdom of Time in Protivín and the Fairytale Forge in Selibov are safe bets.
- What to do when it rains: Sladovna, Myška herna, the swimming stadium pool, the small Hernajs playroom or Portyč cinema will save the day.
When to visit Písek with kids
Písek is beautiful all year round, but if you want to enjoy the town to the full with outdoor activities too, the ideal time to visit is from late May to September. From late May, giant sand sculptures start rising on the riverbank by the Stone Bridge — a big draw — and the summer months practically call for a visit to the lovely river lido at St Wenceslas.
If you’re coming in winter or autumn, you definitely won’t be bored, because the town has great indoor facilities led by Sladovna and several playrooms, so you’ll be sorted even if it’s pouring down. For a visit with kids I’d recommend setting aside at least a long weekend, but if you want to fit in day trips to the surrounding area too, you could easily spend a whole week here full of experiences.
Where to stay in Písek with kids
Choosing the right accommodation is key for families with kids, and in Písek you’ll find several great options right in the centre. Hotel Biograf is a lovely four-star hotel a short walk from the centre, with an excellent 8.6 rating on Booking, and parents will surely appreciate the chance to unwind in the sauna in the evening.
The historic Hotel Otava, with Aleš murals on its façade, has a newly refurbished ground-floor Café Otava (breakfast from 7:30, lunch menu, homemade desserts) — a great spot for breakfast with kids. You won’t find rooms on Booking at the moment though, so for accommodation go for Biograf or U Kapličky instead. If you’re after a more modern gastronomic experience combined with a stay, take a look at Hotel U Kapličky, whose Chapelle restaurant even made it into the Michelin Guide.
For families coming mainly in summer for swimming and sport, Penzion Sport is absolutely ideal, sitting right by the river within the town lido complex. The advantage is that the restaurant with a terrace is right inside the lido, so the pools and paddling pool are just a few steps away. You can easily book all of these via Booking, where you’ll sometimes find interesting deals too.
Playrooms and indoor fun in Písek
When the weather doesn’t cooperate, or you simply need to hide from the summer sun for a few hours, Písek offers plenty of indoor options. A regularly updated overview of playrooms, cafés with play corners and playgrounds with verified opening hours can be found at pisek.info/deti/hernicky. Every Písek mum has these places saved on her phone.
1. Myška herna
This is by far the largest indoor playground in Písek, which you’ll find on V Portyči street (no. 450), and we local families head here really often, especially when it’s chucking it down outside. Inside there are huge climbing frames, slides, a big trampoline and lots of foam building blocks that kids use to build dens.
The playroom is primarily aimed at kids up to age 10, but thanks to special play features even the smallest toddlers can enjoy themselves in a safe environment. Meanwhile parents can sit in the café area, have a coffee and keep an eye on the kids the whole time.
Admission depends on how long you spend in the playroom — an hour for a child costs around €3.50 (84 CZK), but for about €5 (129 CZK) you can stay all day. Babies under one pay just €2 (49 CZK) and accompanying adults a symbolic €2 (50 CZK), which makes Myška very affordable fun.
Let’s be honest: the equipment is pretty dated and nothing here smells of newness. But it’s still the biggest playroom in Písek by far, which is exactly why we keep coming back. Nowhere else in town gives kids so much room to run around.
2. Sladovna – the Pilařiště exhibition
Sladovna, which works as a huge hands-on gallery, is an absolute one-of-a-kind and the pride of Písek that you can’t miss. Its section called Pilařiště is designed especially for the youngest kids, from newborns to six-year-olds, who can safely explore the world through colours, sounds and tactile experiences.
The space is inspired by the work of illustrator Radek Pilař, and kids can crawl, climb into soft hideaways and play with interactive elements. Given Sladovna’s huge popularity with visitors from out of town, I recommend checking available slots and buying tickets online in advance.
Entry to Pilařiště runs in dedicated 90-minute time slots to avoid overcrowding, and basic admission for 2026 is around €5 (120 CZK) per person. Kids under one get in free, and you can park prams without any trouble in the large cloakroom on the ground floor.
3. Sladovna – the Mraveniště exhibition
While Pilařiště is for the little ones, older kids from age three will be absolutely enchanted by the giant Mraveniště (Anthill), located on an upper floor of Sladovna. It’s a huge wooden labyrinth full of tunnels, bridges and climbing frames, where kids briefly become little ants and explore a complex system of passageways.
Visitors enter the Anthill at half-hourly intervals to avoid jams in the narrow tunnels, and entry is included in the ticket to the main exhibitions (around €6 / 150 CZK, kids under 3 free). These change regularly, so even if you come to Písek several times, you’ll always find something new here.
If you’d like to take a break during your visit, there’s a coffee machine in the foyer, or you can pop straight into the adjacent Balzám Café. A family ticket to the main exhibitions comes to roughly €20 to €25 (500–600 CZK), which is definitely worth it for those hours of quality entertainment.
4. Fazole – Montessori workshops
For parents of toddlers aged one to three, Písek has the lovely Fazole Montessori workshops, run by facilitators focused on a respectful approach. In a specially adapted environment, kids can try working with Montessori materials, practise fine motor skills and learn independence.
Workshops for the public usually run on Thursday mornings, but since capacity is limited to a maximum of six children, you always need to book your spot in advance. Admission costs around €8 (200 CZK) per morning, and a healthy children’s snack is included in the price.
Just be careful about the right address, because some older websites list Sedláčkova street, but the workshops for the public should currently be held on Karlova street. So it’s best to check on their website before you go.
5. Hernajs
You’ll find Hernajs on Jungmannova street, in the same building as the Až na půdu café. The playroom isn’t part of the café, though — it’s a separate business, they just share an entrance, and you can bring coffee from the café upstairs to the kids.
It’s a small upstairs playroom with wooden toys — a play kitchen, a doll’s house, musical instruments for the little ones. Jonášek and I mostly came here between his first and second birthday. Once he got more active we’ve come less often, because there’s simply no room for running around here.
On Instagram @her.najs you’ll find info about clubs, craft sessions and sensory play too. The programme changes a lot and often isn’t running, though, so it’s best to always check the date in advance. They don’t have a public price list.
6. Mini Academy Písek
Another interesting place for families is Mini Academy on Pražská street, which focuses mainly on children’s clubs and organised activities. It offers a huge range (a complete overview of Písek clubs by age is on pisek.info), from popular baby sessions for kids under two, through sensory play, to modern clubs like hobby horsing or gymnastics.
It’s primarily about regular clubs rather than free play, so check specific dates and prices directly with them by phone or online — and by the way, you can also hire the space for a birthday party.
💡 Tip: Holiday day camps are run by Laser Arena (see the next tip); for Mini Academy, ask about their current offer.
7. Laser Arena Písek & Game Café Bar
If you have older kids or teenagers in the family, definitely take them to the Luna department store on the Great Square, where the third floor hides a brilliant Laser Arena. For younger kids from around age six, the rule is that anyone who can carry the glowing game vest can play.
While the older kids run around the darkened arena, you can sit down in the adjoining Game Café Bar, which even caters to babies with a children’s corner and a changing table. Besides laser game, you’ll also find pool, table football, a racing simulator and virtual reality goggles here.
Basic admission for one laser game round is around €4.50 (110 CZK), but it can get very busy at weekends and during holidays, so I recommend booking in advance. They’re usually open Friday to Sunday; on weekdays it’s by arrangement.
8. LezeTop – Písek Climbing Centre
For all the little monkeys who climb the furniture at home, a visit to the LezeTop climbing centre on U Vodárny street is absolutely ideal. They have a huge area of over 1,500 square metres and more than 150 climbing routes of varying difficulty.
Don’t worry about coming with complete beginners, because they have a special kids’ wall and boulder where even the smallest can safely try climbing without any complicated ropes. All the gear, including tiny climbing shoes, can be borrowed right at reception.
The whole space is fully wheelchair accessible, so you can get in with a pram too, and once you’re worn out from climbing, you can settle in at their bar, which also has a small children’s corner. They’re open every day from ten in the morning until evening.
9. Swimming stadium
When it’s chilly outside, Písek’s swimming stadium on Ostrovní street will reliably save the day — this is where local families come for weekend swimming. There’s a children’s pool measuring nine by six metres with a maximum depth of ninety centimetres, so kids can easily touch the bottom.
While the kids splash around in the warm water, adults can take turns in the steam rooms, which are available right by the pool. In summer you can also step out onto the outdoor terrace and catch some sun on the loungers.
Admission prices change often and the website lists an older price list from 2022, according to which adults pay around €4 (100 CZK) and kids up to 140 cm around €2.50 (60 CZK) for two hours, so expect the amounts at the till to be a bit higher. It’s open every day, but at weekends only from the afternoon.
10. Mother and Child Care Centre
If you have a really small baby and want to enjoy the water in a more intimate setting, check out what the Mother and Child Care Centre on Erbenova street offers. They have a special heated children’s pool for swimming courses for infants and toddlers up to six years old.
Besides the pool, the centre has a pleasant children’s corner, where kids can play after swimming and acclimatise before heading out. The centre focuses primarily on regular courses and physiotherapy, so one-off entries always need to be arranged by phone.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday (Mon–Thu 8am–6pm, Fri 8am–4pm), but for exact info on availability and current prices I recommend calling, as this information is unfortunately missing from the website.
11. Town library and Upekla café
The town library on Aleš Square isn’t just a boring book-lending spot — Písek’s children’s department is a real feast for the eyes. The space is beautifully painted in an underwater style, two large live aquariums with fish are built into the walls, and there’s even a proper children’s slide.
In the same building there’s the Upekla patisserie and café, which also has a courtyard in the inner block. And that’s exactly where you’ll find a sandpit and a fairly large space where kids can happily let off steam while you finish your coffee. From the children’s department it’s just across the yard, so reading and playing can be combined into one morning.
💡 Tip: Upekla also caters for a gluten-free diet, so a child with coeliac disease can have a cake here too.
Playgrounds, parks and the river: Písek with kids outdoors
As soon as the sun comes out, Písek comes alive and all the families head to the river and the parks. Here’s an overview of places where kids are guaranteed to have fun in the fresh air.
12. Sand sculptures on the riverbank
This is the absolute symbol of summer in Písek, drawing visitors from all over the country. Every year from late May, huge sand sculptures start rising on the riverbank by the Stone Bridge, created by experienced sculptors, and every year they have a completely different theme.
This event used to be called Cipískoviště; today you’ll find it as Sand Sculptures in Písek, and the whole display is completely free to visit all summer long, until the autumn rains destroy the sculptures. There’s always an accompanying festival with a programme for families too.
For toddlers it’s fascinating to watch those enormous sandcastles, and you can also stroll along the river and grab some ice cream at Pomodoro by the church, or at one of the cafés near the bridge.
13. The Stone Bridge and riverbank
While you’re at the sculptures, don’t miss a walk across the Stone Bridge itself, which is the oldest preserved bridge in the Czech Republic, dating back to the 13th century. For kids the bridge is interesting for its niches and statues, among which they can run about, since cars aren’t allowed.
Beneath the bridge runs a beautifully landscaped riverbank, where local families regularly come to feed the ducks and swans. Just please remember that bread is bad for the birds, so bring them a little corn, peas or special waterfowl pellets instead.
From the riverbank there’s also a lovely view of Písek castle, and you can photograph the whole scene for your family album. The walk along the water is completely step-free too, so prams and kids’ balance bikes will get through without the slightest problem.
14. Town Island
The Town Island, surrounded by the Otava river, is a quiet green oasis right in the town centre, reached via a footbridge. You’ll find a large park here with beautiful mature trees that provide much-needed shade in the summer heat.
For kids there’s a large fenced playground with modern play features, where you needn’t worry about your toddler running off somewhere. Right next to the playground, older kids and adults can also play mini golf on the well-kept local course.
When the kids get hungry, the island has the traditional Restaurace Ostrov, which has its own smaller playground by the summer garden, so you can finish your lunch in peace while the kids play nearby.
15. Traffic playground at St Wenceslas
The traffic playground on Zátavské Embankment recently underwent a major renovation and has been reopened in full glory since May 2025. It’s an absolute paradise for all the little fans of cars, balance bikes and scooters, who can practise riding by the rules here.
The playground has real working traffic lights, a roundabout, pedestrian crossings and various road signs. If you don’t have your own vehicle with you, you can hire brilliant pedal go-karts here for around €2 (50 CZK) per half hour, which are especially fun for preschoolers and younger schoolchildren.
During the summer holidays they’re open every day, morning and afternoon; in spring and autumn they mostly operate in the afternoons and at weekends. Entry with your own bike or balance bike is completely free.
Right by the playground there’s also YEZ Café, so you have somewhere to sit down for a coffee and a bite to eat. And since there’s also a sandpit for the little ones, siblings who aren’t yet big enough for the pedal karts will be entertained too.
16. Jiráskovo Embankment and marble playground
Jiráskovo Embankment is another beautifully landscaped riverside space, home to a unique marble playground covering 186 square metres. There are nine different runs here and even a special marble slide, which can keep kids busy for an unbelievably long time.
If you don’t have your own marbles, don’t despair — you can buy marbles for around €1 (20 CZK) at the nearby info centre or straight from a machine by the run. The whole space is wonderfully interactive and playful, though the popular pump track was unfortunately removed here in May 2026.
Besides marbles, you’ll also find a playground made of living willow, a barefoot walking trail where kids can try different surfaces, and the Flux parkour playground for older athletes, so activities for all age groups blend together here.
17. The deer playground at Na Trubách
This is a brand-new hit of 2026 that all the Písek kids are absolutely thrilled about. The dominant feature of the new forest playground at Na Trubách is a huge, eight-metre-tall wooden deer, which serves both as a lookout and, above all, as an intricate climbing frame with a slide.
Around the deer stretches a lovely space with swings, wooden logs for balancing and a large sandpit for toddlers. The playground is designed in a natural style to fit into the surroundings, and the plan is to gradually add sculptures of an ant, an owl and a squirrel too.
Since the playground is brand new, expect it to be packed at weekends, so with smaller kids I’d recommend heading over on a weekday morning instead.
18. Palacký Gardens
Palacký Gardens are the largest park in the centre of Písek, created on the site of former moat trenches. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful pram walk under the crowns of old trees, and in summer various promenade concerts are often held here.
On the western edge of the park there’s a smaller children’s playground with a pebble surface, dominated by a beautiful wooden climbing frame shaped like a fish. You’ll also find spring rockers for toddlers and one popular hanging swing.
The only downside of this playground is that there are no benches right by the play equipment for parents, so you usually have to stand nearby or sit on the edge of the wooden kerbs. Even so, it’s a great stop while wandering around town.
19. The lido at St Wenceslas
When the summer heat hits, the whole town moves to the lido at St Wenceslas on Zátavské Embankment. This complex combines classic swimming in the Otava river with modern pools, so there really is something for everyone.
For families with kids there’s a shallow children’s pool with a slide and a separate paddling pool for the very smallest toddlers. Around the pools are grassy areas for blankets, and there are also mature trees you can shelter under with a pram in the shade.
The lido is open from May to September, every day until half past seven in the evening; adults pay around €3.50 (90 CZK) and kids up to 140 cm around €2.50 (60 CZK). The advantage is that the restaurant of the adjacent Penzion Sport operates right within the complex, so lunch is sorted.
20. Boats and paddling on the Otava
The Otava river doesn’t just flow through Písek — it practically invites all sorts of water fun that you can manage even with smaller kids. There’s a rental right by the Town Island, where in season you can hire classic rowing boats or pedalos.
Kids love being able to see the town from a completely different perspective from the boat and watch the ducks gliding across the water up close. At the lido at St Wenceslas you can also hire a boat for around €4 (100 CZK) per hour and paddle a little way along the Otava.
If you like longer trips, the Otava is a renowned canoeing river, so you can plan a family descent of one of its calmer stretches — there are several boat and raft rentals around Písek.
21. The U Vodáka deer enclosure
For families who love animals and nature, a lovely walking destination is the U Vodáka forest enclosure, located on the edge of the Písek Hills. It’s just a short distance from town, yet you’ll find yourself in the complete peace of the forest.
From the viewing platform and along the fence you can watch fallow deer and mouflon, which are used to people — that reliably keeps kids busy for a long time. An easy forest path leads to the enclosure, manageable even for little legs; with a pram, expect some rough terrain.
The best thing about this trip is that it’s accessible year-round and completely free, so local families happily head here even in winter with a flask of tea, when snow has fallen and the animals stand out beautifully in the snowy forest.
22. Živec 3D maze
In the forests above Písek, right next to the well-known Živec cottage, a unique 3D maze suspended among the trees has appeared. It’s a system of hanging walkways and little houses, completely secured with protective nets, so you don’t need any climbing harnesses or helmets.
The attraction sits at a height of three and a half to six metres above the ground, which guarantees a proper dose of adrenaline. Kids aged three to seven can only go up accompanied by an adult; for the very smallest, there’s a smaller forest rope playground with a crystal house down on the ground.
The maze is part of the educational Gemstone Trail and is freely accessible, so there’s no admission fee. You can leave your car at the U Tří rybníků or U Honzíčka car park and reach it by a pleasant forest walk.
23. Jarník lookout tower
While you’re at the Živec cottage, definitely take the roughly 700-metre walk along the blue trail marker to the iron Jarník lookout tower, which rises to 606 metres above sea level. More active preschoolers can manage the climb too — just note that 182 fairly see-through steps lead to the top.
From the viewing platform you’ll get a wonderful view over the whole Písek region and the Šumava mountains, which is definitely worth the effort. Entry to the tower is free, but in winter and off-season it’s usually locked and you have to borrow the keys at the Živec cottage.
💡 Tip: If you plan to combine the trip with lunch, check the opening hours of the restaurant at the Živec cottage in advance, as in winter mode they’re usually open only Friday to Sunday.
24. Hradiště marble run
In the suburban forests at Hradiště, where a prehistoric hillfort once stood, a fantastic forty-metre forest marble run was created in August 2025. It’s wonderfully set into the natural terrain, weaving around tree stumps and bumps, and kids can run up and down beside it for hours.
Unlike the marble playground on the embankment, here there’s no machine, so you have to bring your own marbles from home — ideally the bigger wooden or glass ones. The run is part of wider sports trails in the forest, so you’ll come across various exercise elements too.
The forest walk at Hradiště is very calming and manageable even with an off-road pram; just expect a slight incline, as the run is built on a slope to give the marbles just the right speed.
25. Giant sandpit at the Exhibition Grounds
If you have a determined sandcastle builder at home, take them to the Písek Exhibition Grounds, where you’ll find an absolutely huge public sandpit. It’s such a large area of sand that dozens of kids play here at once without getting in each other’s way.
The advantage of this spot is the huge and very cheap car park right next door, so you don’t have to carry toys, sand moulds and balance bikes far. The sandpit is also partly shaded by trees, so you can bear it here even in the summer heat.
What’s more, it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the river and the centre, so you can easily combine it with other activities in Písek.
Day trips with kids around Písek
All of these places are at most a 45-minute drive away, so they can be managed as day trips.
26. Farmapark Maletice
This brand-new farm park only opened in summer 2025 and is enjoying its second season this year, sitting just twelve minutes’ drive towards Protivín. Kids can see goats, sheep, alpacas, adorable piglets and parrots up close, and for an extra fee even try grooming and pony rides.
But the biggest hit is the giant air trampolines, which the owners claim are the largest in the country, where kids can bounce until they drop. Besides that you’ll find a hay-bale maze, water pillows on a sandy beach, ziplines and a covered sandpit, so there’s at least half a day’s worth of activities here.
Admission on the spot costs around €10 for kids (250 CZK) and €8.50 for adults (210 CZK), but if you buy tickets online in advance you can save around €4 (100 CZK) on a family ticket. Kids under two get in free, and there’s a bistro inside where payment is cashless only.
27. Naše zvířátka Putim
Nearby Putim, made famous by the Good Soldier Švejk, is just six kilometres from Písek. Here you’ll find the beautiful, lovingly built Naše zvířátka animal corner, cared for by Mrs Kozáková, where you’ll see Bennett’s wallabies, meerkats, birds of prey and even a talking raven.
The whole place is very family-oriented, and besides the animals, kids will find a pleasant retro playground with features for ages two to twelve. Toddlers will surely appreciate most the enclosures with goats, sheep and rabbits, which they can watch from up close.
The best thing about this place is that entry is completely free or by voluntary donation into the box, and it’s open every day from nine in the morning until seven in the evening. You can park for free about half a kilometre from the site, and you can buy small refreshments inside.
28. Kozel’s farm in Předotice
Předotice is just under 13 kilometres and twelve minutes’ drive from Písek, making it one of the very closest farm parks we have. The animals here are used to kids, they can be stroked and fed, and the whole place feels more like a family farm than a paid attraction.
Besides the animals, kids can enjoy a merry-go-round, toys and discovery games around the grounds, so even those who’ve quickly had enough of stroking goats will be entertained. There’s a refreshment kiosk at the entrance where you can sit down in peace.
💡 Tip: They’re closed on Wednesdays, otherwise open from ten to six. Current admission prices are on kozluvstatek.cz or ask on the phone at 775 172 474.
29. Starý Bor farm near Sedlice
Starý Bor farm lies near Sedlice, 16 kilometres and a quarter of an hour’s drive from Písek, and it’s one of those places that wins over parents too. Most of the animals came here from owners who couldn’t or didn’t want to care for them, so it’s half farm, half sanctuary.
You’ll see ostriches, emus, llamas, goats, sheep and exotic parrots and peacocks, the animals can be fed, and puzzles are dotted around the grounds for kids to solve as they walk. There’s a playground and a refreshment stall too, where among other things they sell ice cream, including gluten-free.
The farm operates seasonally, roughly from May to September, daily from eleven to six. According to visitors, admission is usually voluntary, but it’s best to check in advance at farmastarybor.cz or on the phone at 606 560 993. An off-road pram will manage the grounds, and you can extend your visit with a walk around the pond.
30. Štětice stables
Štětice near Ražice is just under 12 kilometres from Písek, so a quarter of an hour by car, and these are the best-rated stables around here. They run rides in the surrounding area and take complete beginners, so you can come even with a child who has never sat on a horse.
During the holidays, Písek families come here for rides regularly, and reviews repeatedly praise the attitude of the people who care for the horses. Arrange dates and conditions for kids in advance at stajestetice.cz or on the phone at 724 759 880.
31. Ranch Calamity Jane in Probulov
The ranch near Probulov is a bit further, 32 kilometres and half an hour’s drive, but it’s close to the Orlík reservoir, so it can be combined with a trip to the water. The grounds are really spacious: horses, farm animals, pastures and a western atmosphere.
Besides horse riding, there’s also a campsite with teepees where you can spend the night, which older kids especially appreciate. They’re usually open daily from ten to six; check the programme and prices at calamity.cz or on the phone at 775 646 461.
32. Fiziland Protivín
If you have schoolchildren at home or follow kids’ YouTubers, you’re sure to know the name Fizi, who opened his own huge amusement park Fiziland in Protivín (about 15 minutes from Písek). In the enormous hall everyone has to move around in socks only, and long trousers and sleeves are recommended for safety on the attractions.
Kids will find giant slides, racing tracks, foam pits and lots of huge trampolines here, plus an outdoor playground and plenty of arcade machines. For the smallest toddlers there’s a designated quiet zone so the older kids don’t knock them over during their wild games.
Be aware that a visit to Fiziland isn’t exactly cheap — a child’s ticket costs around €16 (389 CZK), an accompanying adult around €6.50 (159 CZK), and the best-value family package for two adults and two kids comes to around €36 (889 CZK). But interest is so huge that on-the-spot ticket sales aren’t guaranteed at all, so you have to book in the e-shop at least a day or two in advance. I’ve written up all the attractions, prices and tips on where to stay near the park in a separate article about Fiziland in Protivín.
33. Kingdom of Time in Protivín
While you’re in Protivín, definitely don’t skip the Kingdom of Time, which is a wonderfully restored Art Nouveau villa that works as a clock museum, but above all as an absolute paradise for families with kids. The exhibition of historic clocks and a tower clock mechanism is on the upper floor, but the main draw for kids happens on the ground floor and in the garden.
You’ll find a lovely creative workshop where kids make alarm clocks or puppets, and a wonderful playroom with a play kitchen and balance bikes. Even better is the fenced garden with a chute, a zipline and lots of climbing frames, where kids can let off steam while you sit with a coffee.
Best of all — the playroom and garden are completely free for café visitors; you only pay admission to the clock museum itself (adults around €3.50 / 90 CZK, kids around €2.50 / 60 CZK). For families with two-year-old toddlers it’s an ideal place that will safely save the day if it rains.
34. Crocodile Zoo Protivín
Protivín for the third time, this time for reptile lovers, because right on the square you’ll find the Crocodile Zoo, home to over a hundred of these prehistoric animals. The whole exhibition is also completely wheelchair accessible, so you can get in easily with a pram too.
The crocodiles can be seen in huge terrariums, and a family ticket for two adults and two kids comes to around €41 (1,000 CZK), while kids under two traditionally get in free. They’re usually open from September to June until four in the afternoon, and an hour longer in summer.
Just be aware that the popular commented crocodile feeding is currently only part of a paid exclusive tour, so if you want to see the animals in action, you’ll have to pay extra for the experience. You can easily park for free in the surrounding streets or by the nearby Norma supermarket.
35. Fairytale Forge in Selibov
On the way to Protivín, be sure to stop in the small village of Selibov, home to the magical Fairytale Forge, which delights preschoolers most of all. Right at the entrance you’re welcomed by the live donkeys Aladin and Jasmínka, and inside kids can dress up as all sorts of fairytale characters.
The whole visit takes about two hours, during which you’ll walk through a fairytale stable, try a creative workshop and get lost in a maze full of characters. Around the forge there’s also the Ferdinand the Stork trail with twelve fun stations.
Admission this year is a flat rate for everyone at around €4 (95 CZK), and little ones under two pay nothing. During the summer holidays they’re open every day; off-season they mostly operate at weekends and hold lovely events during Advent too, when the U Červené karkulky refreshment stand fills the air with tempting smells.
36. Zeměráj Kovářov
About 35 minutes’ drive from Písek lies Zeměráj, a huge outdoor park focused on Czech history and traditions. For the little ones there’s a beautiful children’s village called Hrejkov, where they can try old crafts and play in stylish wooden houses.
Every child who loves being active in nature will get their fill here — there’s a kilometre-long barefoot walking trail, water play and an archaeological site, and you can even bake flatbreads from dough together. Given the natural terrain, definitely leave the white trainers at home and bring sturdy shoes.
Admission to Zeměráj costs around €8 for adults (190 CZK) and €7 for kids from age two (170 CZK), and parking at the site is free. They’re open from May to the end of September, and in summer they operate every day from half past nine in the morning until evening.
37. Bagrárium Strakonice
Strakonice is about half an hour from Písek, and since February 2026 it’s home to the first indoor digger park in the country, a real one-of-a-kind. It’s a huge covered play hall with a sandpit, where kids operate realistic, large RC models of diggers, loaders and dumper trucks.
With this tip I have to strongly point out that the attraction is suitable for kids from age six, because operating the machines requires good fine motor skills and coordination of both hands, so it’s completely unsuitable for toddlers. But if you have an older sibling who loves construction, it’ll be the experience of the year for them.
Rides run in half-hour slots, and for one machine for thirty minutes you’ll pay around €11 (279 CZK), with a drink included in the price. Due to high demand, you need to book online at least a day in advance; they’re open from ten to six in the evening.
38. Zvíkov and a boat trip to Orlík
Combining a castle with a boat trip sounds like the perfect summer outing, and that’s exactly what Zvíkov Castle offers, located about 25 minutes from Písek. This majestic castle at the confluence of the Vltava and Otava has a beautiful exterior, and the tour of the royal palace is self-guided, so you can walk it at your own pace, which you’ll really appreciate with restless kids.
Right below the castle there’s a jetty, from which boats set off towards Orlík Chateau in the summer season. The cruise itself takes just under an hour, which is just right to keep kids entertained without getting bored, and an adult ticket is around €12 (300 CZK), while kids under three sail for free.
If you decide to visit Orlík Chateau itself, bear in mind that the chateau tour lasts almost an hour, which may already be too long for a two-year-old, so with smaller kids I’d recommend sticking to just the cruise and a picnic below the castle.
39. Blatná Chateau and fallow deer
The water chateau of Blatná is about half an hour’s drive away and is one of the most popular places for local families, thanks to its wonderful chateau park. A herd of fallow deer roams freely here, used to visitors and happy to be watched from just a few metres away.
Entry to the park costs only around €2 (50 CZK) and kids under six get in completely free; it’s open every day from early morning until evening. Just be very careful during the autumn rut, when there’s a strict ban on feeding or approaching the animals.
In summer the chateau also holds special children’s tours for kids from age three, lasting about 40 minutes and needing to be booked in advance. After your walk, be sure to pop into the chateau café Oh My Deer, where you’ll occasionally spot cute alpacas in the enclosure too.
40. Hluboká Zoo
The South Bohemian Zoo at Hluboká is beautiful, compact and lies about 40 minutes from Písek, making it an ideal destination for a half-day trip. They mainly keep animals from the temperate zones of Europe and Asia, and thanks to the flat terrain the whole zoo is great to walk around with a pram.
Basic adult admission is around €7.50 (180 CZK) and kids under 90 cm tall get in completely free. The zoo is open year-round, in summer from half past eight in the morning until seven in the evening, and parking at the entrance costs around €3 (80 CZK) per day.
Right next to the zoo there’s the popular Park Hluboká, where older kids from age six can try the adrenaline rope course, or the whole family can play mini golf and bounce on bungee trampolines.
41. Tábor and its museums
The historic town of Tábor, just under an hour’s drive away, is a great rescue when it rains on holiday, because it has two amazing museums. The first is the renowned Museum of Chocolate and Marzipan, where you’ll see incredible sculptures made of these sweet materials (admission around €12 / 290 CZK, kids €8 / 200 CZK, under 100 cm free, family €34 / 830 CZK).
Right nearby is the Lego Museum, which offers a huge brick play area where kids can build for hours on end, and toddlers under three get in free. The exhibition is full of giant models and interactive buttons.
If, on the other hand, the sun is shining, you can head to the local Tábor Zoo in Větrovy, which is smaller but very pleasant. Adult admission is just around €4.50 (110 CZK) and kids under three again pay nothing.
42. Museum of Milevsko Masks
The town of Milevsko is known for having the oldest carnival procession in the country, which is why the unique Museum of Milevsko Masks was created here, about 25 minutes from Písek. It’s a smaller but very visual museum full of giant colourful masks that are sure to captivate kids.
The tour doesn’t drag on, so even impatient toddlers can easily manage it, and a family ticket comes to just around €6 (140 CZK). In summer they’re open Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday only in the afternoon.
After visiting the museum, you can stroll around the beautiful grounds of the nearby Milevsko monastery, surrounded by nature, where kids can run freely on the grassy areas far from the road.
43. Horažďovice Aquapark
When you want a proper swim and the Písek pool isn’t enough, head to the aquapark in Horažďovice, about 45 minutes away. Compared to classic swimming stadiums, the water here is heated to a lovely 28.4 °C, which you’ll appreciate especially with small children who feel the cold.
For families there’s a perfectly equipped children’s pool with two slides and a water mushroom. Admission is very friendly — an adult pays around €6.50 (160 CZK) for two hours and a family ticket comes to a lovely €20 (490 CZK).
The only thing to watch out for is the regular autumn technical shutdown, which in 2026 falls between 31 August and 13 September, so definitely don’t come during that time and choose a different plan instead.
44. Vodňany and the fishing museum
Just over twenty kilometres from Písek lies the fishpond town of Vodňany, which offers a very pleasant and peaceful alternative to busier tourist destinations. Kids will surely love the local Zátiší forest park, through which runs the fun Vodňan the Stork trail, which is also freely accessible and completely free.
After a walk in nature, you can move on to the Fishing Museum, where you can see large aquariums with live freshwater fish, always a big thrill for toddlers. If you have energy left, head just outside town to the freely accessible Haniperk lookout tower, which offers a lovely view over the countryside.
Where to eat in Písek with kids
When it comes to food and coffee, I swear by Travel Cafe on Komenského street, where Jonášek, Lukáš and I go most often, almost always sitting outside. They have a wonderful courtyard garden with a great sandpit and a little playhouse, so I can enjoy my speciality coffee in peace while the little one plays with the sand moulds.
It’s not just about the coffee: they do perfect breakfasts and light lunches, so we all eat here, including the little one, who has pancakes. For us it’s clearly our favourite spot in town.
If you’re looking for more child-friendly cafés, definitely try SOHO Cafe with a fenced play corner and excellent crêpes, or the Sova na Větvi café, which has its own roastery and a play corner. YEZ Café right by the traffic playground is also a great choice, with a sandpit for the little ones, as is the Upekla patisserie (they also have gluten-free desserts), which hides another sandpit in its courtyard.
If you want to combine lunch with time outdoors, Restaurace Ostrov sits right in the park by the river, and next to its summer garden you’ll find a fenced children’s playground. Parents can enjoy their meal in the partial shade while older kids play nearby or practise on the local mini golf.
For a hearty lunch or dinner, I warmly recommend the Indian restaurant Tandoor, where great Nepalese chefs cook, and they make the best vegetarian Palak Paneer, which my husband and I always look forward to. Alternatively, head to the Do Nebe restaurant in Palacký Gardens. It’s primarily a steakhouse and the menu keeps changing, so I never know in advance whether we’ll find something for us as vegetarians. But they sometimes have something meat-free, so we keep going.
When you fancy classic Italian food, Pizzeria San Marco on the Great Square serves great wood-fired pizza and excellent homemade pasta. Equally great is the Italian restaurant Pomodoro right next to the church, where in summer you can also have their outstanding homemade ice cream on the terrace.
As for more speciality coffee, head to Coffee Dealer on Drlíčova street, where they make excellent filter. The often-recommended Kaférna has good coffee, but the staff are capable of shouting at you across the street for no apparent reason. This coffee bar is known among locals for its unpleasant service, and it’s a shame to spoil your visit with that, so spend your money a few steps further at Coffee Dealer instead.
What to do in Písek with kids when it rains
Even if bad weather catches you out on holiday, it doesn’t matter at all in Písek. Here’s a quick overview of the best options for taking cover with the kids:
- Sladovna Písek: Duck into Pilařiště or Mraveniště for a few hours, but buy tickets online.
- Myška herna: The giant climbing frames and trampolines in Portyč reliably tire out kids up to age ten.
- Swimming stadium: The warm water in the children’s pool will warm you up and shorten a rainy afternoon.
- Hernajs: A small upstairs playroom with wooden toys, ideal for toddlers up to about two.
- Portyč cinema: A modern digital cinema on Čechova street that schedules afternoon kids’ screenings.
- Laser Arena Písek: A great action-packed option for older kids and schoolchildren, right on the square.
- LezeTop: An indoor climbing wall with a safe kids’ boulder and a pleasant bar.
Practical tips for families: parking, prams, nappy changing
Getting around Písek is fairly easy, but for parking in the centre definitely download the MPLA app, which lets you pay for parking without hunting for coins. If you want to park completely free, leave the car by the Elim sports hall, or park very cheaply in the large car park by the Exhibition Grounds.
You can get almost everywhere with a pram, but remember that the historic centre has cobbles and paving, so larger air-filled wheels will come in handy. Along the river and in the parks, on the other hand, the paths are beautifully smooth and paved.
When visiting the renowned Sladovna, you needn’t worry about complicated logistics, because you can conveniently park prams in the spacious ground-floor cloakroom, where there’s a dedicated spot for them. Likewise, most cafés and restaurants on my list have highchairs and facilities for comfortable nappy changing.
Where to go next
To see what’s happening in Písek right now, check pisek.info/akce; an overview of places and sights is at pisek.info/mista, and parents will appreciate the whole Kids section with nurseries, playgroups and clubs.
If Písek has caught your eye and you want to explore it even more, read our article What to see in Písek: 39 tips from a local, full of historical highlights. For planning a longer holiday, the guide Where to go on holiday in South Bohemia will come in handy, or get inspired by 8 trips around South Bohemia.
If you like discovering more beautiful towns, take a look at our article What to see in Tábor, and don’t forget about České Budějovice either. Nature lovers will definitely appreciate tips for Šumava with a pram, and for a broader picture, check out Where to go on holiday in Czechia.
And if you’re planning trips beyond family destinations too, take a look at Day trips around Písek: 30 tips from a local, where you’ll find castles, chateaux, lookout towers and water sorted by distance from Písek.
Frequently asked questions
What to do with kids in Písek when it rains?
The best rainy-day refuge is the Sladovna play gallery with its Pilařiště and Mraveniště exhibitions. A great alternative is the giant Myška play centre in Portyč, the swimming pool at the plavecký stadion, or the small Hernajs play area on Jungmannova Street. For a rainy afternoon, Portyč cinema with children’s screenings is also a good option.
How much does Sladovna cost?
Basic admission to Pilařiště costs €5 per person, with free entry for babies under one year. Family tickets for the main exhibitions range between €20 and €25. Definitely book your tickets online in advance, as capacity sells out quickly.
Where to go in Písek with a toddler?
For two-year-olds, Pilařiště at Sladovna is ideal, as well as the sandpit at Travel Cafe or the brand-new Na Trubách playground. For trips in the surrounding area, toddlers will especially love the Naše zvířátka petting zoo in Putim, which is also completely free to enter.
What is the best play centre in Písek?
The biggest and most popular is Myška herna on V Portyči Street. The equipment is getting a bit dated, but it’s still the largest space in town: huge climbing frames, a trampoline, and a safe corner for toddlers. You’ll pay €3.50 per hour, but kids can easily stay entertained here for a whole morning.
What are the best excursions within 20 minutes?
Don’t miss the new Farmapark Maletice with giant trampolines and animals. Another great choice is Království času in Protivín, which has a beautiful play area with a café, or the magical Pohádková kovárna in Selibov with live donkeys and creative workshops.
Is Písek suitable for strollers?
Yes, Písek is very stroller-friendly. The embankment along the Otava River, Městský ostrov, and the surrounding forests in Písecké hory have beautiful paved or hardened paths. Only in the historic centre around the squares should you expect traditional cobblestones.
Where to swim with kids in Písek?
In summer, the plovárna u Václava right on the river is absolutely unbeatable, where you’ll also find a children’s pool with a slide and a paddling pool. Outside the summer season, head to the municipal plavecký stadion, which offers a heated children’s pool and steam rooms.
Where to go with kids for free?
Completely free are the viewing of the giant Sand Sculptures on the waterfront and feeding the fallow deer at the forest enclosure U Vodáka. Also free is entry to the amazing marble-run playground on Jirásek embankment or the beautiful petting zoo with kangaroos and meerkats in nearby Putim.
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!
