Exploring the Green Heart of West Bohemia

The city center of Plzeň is unique. A series of connected gardens forms a "Park Ring" around the old town. This area replaced the old city walls centuries ago. Today, it serves as a massive outdoor living room for locals and tourists. You can walk through the entire center without leaving the grass and trees. This layout is perfect for parents with strollers. The paths are wide, flat, and paved.

Many of these spaces are among the best things to do in Plzeň. You will find statues, fountains, and seasonal flower displays. During the summer, these parks host festivals and live music. In the winter, they sparkle with holiday lights. Most parks are very safe and well-lit at night. You are never more than a few minutes away from a cafe or a clean restroom.

If the weather changes, don't worry. There are also many family-friendly activities in Plzeň when it rains nearby. However, on a sunny day, nothing beats the fresh air of the city's green spaces. Here are our top picks for your family itinerary.

Top 10 Playgrounds and Parks in Plzeň City Center

These locations offer a mix of relaxation and active play. Most are free to enter and easy to find. Use this list to plan your daily walks around the city.

• Best overall: Mlýnská Strouha
• Best for toddlers: Smetanovy Sady
• Best for older kids: Štruncovy Sady
• Best for nature: Borský Park

1. Name: Mlýnská Strouha Type: experience Why go: Known as the "Pilsen Venice," it features colorful sculptures and a pond. Best for: Creative play and photos. Where: Near the Marriott Hotel. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: 5-minute walk from Republic Square. Tip: Let the kids climb on the giant colorful heads.
2. Name: Štruncovy Sady Type: activity Why go: A large sports park located right next to the football stadium. Best for: Climbing, skating, and burning energy. Where: Between the rivers Mže and Radbuza. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk behind the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. Tip: There is a great climbing wall for older children here.
3. Name: Smetanovy Sady Type: sight Why go: A classic promenade park with beautiful flower beds and fountains. Best for: Stroller walks and ice cream breaks. Where: West side of the city center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the Great Synagogue. Tip: Visit the nearby ice cream shops for a local treat.
4. Name: Kopeckého Sady Type: sight Why go: Features a beautiful music pavilion and the West Bohemian Museum. Best for: Relaxed atmosphere and history. Where: South side of the city center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram lines 1 or 2 to stop "U Práce". Tip: Check the pavilion for free summer concerts.
5. Name: Plaza Shopping Center Playground Type: activity Why go: A massive wooden playground located just outside the mall. Best for: Large groups and diverse ages. Where: Behind Plzeň Plaza mall. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Use the mall for easy access to restrooms and food.
6. Name: Borský Park Type: day trip Why go: The largest park in Plzeň with huge lawns and forest paths. Best for: Picnics and long afternoon runs. Where: Southern part of the city. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take Tram 4 to the terminus "Bory". Tip: There is a great mini-golf course nearby.
7. Name: Lochotínský Park Type: sight Why go: A historic park with a classic spa feel and a large amphitheater. Best for: Scenic views and nature walks. Where: North of the center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 1 or 4 to "Lékařská fakulta". Tip: This park leads directly to the Zoo entrance.
8. Name: Zoo and Botanical Garden Playgrounds Type: activity Why go: Multiple themed play areas, including a farm with animals. Best for: A full day of family fun. Where: Lochotín district. Time: 4-6 hours. Cost: Paid entry to Zoo. Getting there: Tram 4 or the seasonal "Zoovláček" train. Tip: The farm area allows kids to pet domestic animals.
9. Name: Techmania Science Center (Outdoor Area) Type: experience Why go: Science-themed play structures that teach physics. Best for: Curious kids and school-age children. Where: Near the Škoda factory gates. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Part of Techmania ticket. Getting there: Trolleybus 15 or 16. Tip: Visit the 3D Planetarium while you are there.
10. Name: DinoPark Plzeň Type: experience Why go: Life-size robotic dinosaurs in a wooded setting. Best for: Dinosaur fans and young explorers. Where: Above the Zoo grounds. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Same as the Zoo. Tip: Buy a combined ticket with the Zoo to save money.

Planning Your Family Visit to Plzeň

Visiting playgrounds and parks in Plzeň city center is easy if you know the basics. Most parks are open 24 hours a day. Playgrounds usually close at dusk for safety. In 2026, many parks will feature updated interactive maps for tourists. You can find these at the main entry points of the Park Ring.

Public transport is very reliable. Kids under 6 travel for free on trams and buses. If you are staying in the center, you can reach most spots on foot. For a longer day, consider a Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour for the adults while the kids enjoy the nearby Štruncovy Sady. The official Visit Plzeň website offers updated event schedules.

Always carry some small change for public toilets, though mall restrooms are often free. Most parks have benches and water fountains. Pack some snacks, as children will want to stay longer than expected. Plzeň is a very welcoming city for families, so relax and enjoy the green side of town.