Best Family Friendly Activities in Plzeň When It Rains

Rainy days in Plzeň do not have to be boring. The city has invested heavily in indoor entertainment and education. You can find everything from high-tech planetariums to traditional puppet theaters. Most of these sites are close to the city center. This makes it easy to hop between attractions using the tram system. Here are the top 12 spots to visit when the clouds gather.

• Quick Pick: Best for Learning: Techmania Science Center
• Quick Pick: Best for History: Plzeň Historical Underground
• Quick Pick: Best for Young Kids: Puppet Museum
• Quick Pick: Best Free/Low Cost: Great Synagogue

1. Name: Techmania Science Center Type: Science center Why go: It is one of the top Techmania Science Center locations in Europe. Kids can touch everything and learn through play. Best for: Curious children and teens. Where: Tylova street, near the main train station. Time: 3-5 hours. Cost: 280-450 CZK. Getting there: Take trolleybus 15 or 16. Tip: Buy a combined ticket for the 3D Planetarium.
2. Name: Puppet Museum Type: Cultural museum Why go: Plzeň has a long history of puppetry. Kids can watch shows and even try moving the puppets themselves. Best for: Families with younger children. Where: Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky). Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: 100-150 CZK. Getting there: Walk from any city center point. Tip: Look for the interactive puppet stage on the second floor.
3. Name: Plzeň Historical Underground Type: Unique experience Why go: Explore a labyrinth of medieval corridors beneath the streets. It is a thrilling Plzeň historical underground tour for older kids. Best for: Brave kids aged 6 and up. Where: Veleslavínova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 150-250 CZK. Getting there: Near the Brewery Museum. Tip: It is chilly underground, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
4. Name: DEPO2015 Type: Creative zone Why go: This former bus depot hosts rotating interactive exhibitions. There is often a large indoor playground or creative workshop for kids. Best for: Families looking for unique, modern art. Where: Presslova street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Varies by exhibition. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the city center. Tip: The on-site cafe is very family-friendly and spacious.
5. Name: Museum of West Bohemia Type: Museum Why go: It houses one of the largest historic armories in Europe. Kids love seeing the suits of armor and old weapons. Best for: History buffs and school-aged children. Where: Kopeckého sady. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 100-200 CZK. Getting there: Located on the main park ring. Tip: Check the temporary exhibits for family-themed displays.
6. Name: Techmania Planetarium Type: Science/Cinema Why go: It features the first 3D planetarium in the Czech Republic. The films about space are immersive and exciting. Best for: All ages, especially space lovers. Where: Tylova street (part of Techmania). Time: 1 hour. Cost: 150-250 CZK. Getting there: Same as Techmania. Tip: Check the schedule for English-language screenings in advance.
7. Name: Brewery Museum Type: Museum Why go: It is the only museum of its kind in a medieval house. While it sounds adult, the historic tools and tunnels are fun for kids. Best for: Older children interested in how things are made. Where: Veleslavínova street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 150 CZK. Getting there: City center, near the underground entrance. Tip: Use the audio guide to hear stories about old Plzeň.
8. Name: Patton Memorial Pilsen Type: History museum Why go: It tells the story of the liberation of the city in WWII. It is small but packed with interesting vehicles and gear. Best for: Teens and history-loving families. Where: Pobřežní street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 100-150 CZK. Getting there: Near the Peklo Cultural Center. Tip: Ask the staff about the local stories of the American soldiers.
9. Name: Pilsen Plaza Entertainment Center Type: Indoor play/Cinema Why go: If the kids just need to run, there is a cinema and a bowling alley. It is a standard mall but perfect for escaping a storm. Best for: A relaxed afternoon or evening. Where: Radčická street. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Varies by activity. Getting there: Tram 1 or 2 to the Palackého náměstí stop. Tip: There is a large food court with many kid-friendly options.
10. Name: Great Synagogue Type: Architecture/Viewpoint Why go: It is the second-largest synagogue in Europe. The interior is breathtaking and offers a quiet, dry space to explore. Best for: All ages. Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: 100 CZK. Getting there: Very visible from the tram stop of the same name. Tip: Climb the towers if the rain isn't too heavy for a great view.
11. Name: Ghost Museum (Muzeum strašidel) Type: Experience Why go: It focuses on local legends and fairy tales. It is located in a cellar and features figures of ghosts and monsters. Best for: Younger children who like a little spookiness. Where: Republic Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: 80-120 CZK. Getting there: Central location. Tip: It is quite small, so it is a good "filler" activity between larger sites.
12. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour Type: Experience Why go: While mostly for adults, the tour includes a bus ride and a massive elevator. The scale of the bottling plant is impressive for kids. Best for: Families with older children. Where: U Prazdroje. Time: 1.5-2 hours. Cost: 300-400 CZK. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the main train station. Tip: Book your Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour online to avoid long wait times.

Interactive Museums and Science Fun

When looking for family friendly activities in Plzeň when it rains, museums are the top choice. Techmania is the crown jewel of the city. It offers hundreds of exhibits that explain physics and biology. Kids can race against animals or see how electricity works. It is a great way to spend a full rainy day without getting wet. You can find more best things to do in Plzeň nearby.

The Puppet Museum is another local favorite. Plzeň is the birthplace of famous puppets like Spejbl and Hurvínek. The museum is very interactive for little ones. They can put on their own shows behind small wooden stages. It is located right on the main square. This makes it easy to find a cafe for a snack afterward.

For those interested in the city's roots, the Brewery Museum is surprisingly fun. It is not just about beer. It shows how people lived hundreds of years ago. You can see old kitchens and workshops. It provides a great look into the daily life of historic Plzeň residents. The building itself is a beautiful example of medieval architecture.

Adventure and Play in Any Weather

If your children have too much energy, head to the indoor play areas. The Pilsen Plaza mall has a modern cinema showing the latest family films. There are also bowling lanes that are kid-friendly. This is a great spot to wait out a heavy downpour. You can also find many shops and restaurants in the same building.

The Plzeň Historical Underground is a must-see for adventurous families. It is dark, cool, and very atmospheric. Walking through the tunnels feels like a real treasure hunt. Guides tell stories about hidden wells and old secrets. It is one of the most unique indoor experiences in the Czech Republic. Just remember to wear sturdy shoes for the uneven floors.

DEPO2015 often has large-scale interactive art for children. These exhibits are designed to be touched and climbed on. The space is huge, so kids don't feel cramped. It is a hub for creativity in the city. You can often find workshops where kids can build their own crafts. It is a modern contrast to the city's older museums.