Traveling is fun, but with small children or a stroller it can be pretty demanding. We've put together some tips for places to go and things to see when you have little ones in tow. This brief guide tells you…

• Where to take the kids in Decin

• Kid-friendly adventure activities to try

• Ideas for excursions with children (even the littlest ones)

Where to take the kids in Decin

1) Decin Castle

Learning about history can be fun. Decin Castle keeps this in mind, offering fun interactive tours. Some are designed especially for children! (Ask what is available for children who don’t speak Czech. The helpful staff at the castle will be glad to help.)

2) Decin Regional Museum

Exploring the past can be a blast at the museum. There are permanent exhibits and various special exhibits and events throughout the year that children of all ages will enjoy. (The museum is closed for renovations in 2025. Keep an eye on their website www.muzeumdecin.cz/en for the latest info.)

There is also a museum for railway lovers. Located near the main railway station, visits are available by appointment. More about the Railway Museum of Communication and Signalling Technology and Railway Museum Exposition.

3) Decin Zoo and Paradise Islands

Who doesn't love animals? Decin’s zoo is consistently rated one of the country’s most beautiful. And it’s no wonder. Located in the forest on Pastyrska stena (Shepherds Bluff), it offers visitors a shady, green retreat in the summer.

There are roughly 400 animals representing 150 species. There are also educational stations along the way that bring the animal kingdom to life for the kids, and a great play area with a big jungle gym. From spring to autumn, the zoo presents commented feedings (in Czech). Visit the zoo website to learn more.

Decin Zoo also has a separate exhibition called Paradise Islands that rewards visitors with a view of selected world regions and the plants and animals native to them. One of the main attractions is the large marine aquarium, the largest in the Usti nad Labem region. Regions represented here include the archipelagos of the western Pacific Ocean and the mangrove coastline, the islands of Southeast Asia and the fauna of the tropical forest, and the Caribbean and the semi-desert environment. More about the Paradise Islands exhibit.

4) Aquapark

Have fun year round in Decin’s Aquapark. The indoor area is open all year with swimming pools, a jacuzzi, and three toboggans. In summer, when the weather heats up, hit the outdoor area with its tanning lawns, lap pool, fun pool, wading area, water slides and fountains. See our page on the Aquapark.

5) Hopsarium

A place where children can act like grown-ups and grown-ups can act like children – that’s the Hopsarium in Decin. It’s the largest indoor playground in North Bohemia, offering fun for children, older siblings and parents too. There’s a traffic playground with pedal cars, traffic lights and a gas pump, a big climbing tower with slides and obstacles including a trampoline, a jumping tower, foosball, and even Xbox Kinect. For more information, see Hopsarium (website in Czech only, but you’ll get the idea ;-)

6) Nature trails in the forest around Decin

Here in Decin, you’re always just a short walk from the forest. There are two forest parks where children can learn about the local nature and its fauna and flora. One is located right in the hear of town at Pastyrska stena (Shepherds Bluff) where, in addition to the zoo and a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint, there is also a nature trail. Educational stations on the trail show how the ecosystem affects us, how the amount of greenery and water impacts our quality of life, and more. See the Pastyrska trail website for hiking tips, points of interest, and trail maps. And have a look at our post on the trails on Shepherds Bluff.

There is also a wooded park across the Elbe River near the viewpoint on Kvadrberk (or Quaderberg). This nature trail combines nature and history, with a total of 20 small information panels about rare trees and 4 large panels about the history of Kvadrberk and the local flora and fauna (panels are in Czech). Hike up to the panoramic lookout point and Labska straz pavilion for a beautiful view of the port town of Decin and the picturesque Elbe Canyon. This route is suitable for strollers with good sturdy wheels.

7) Playgrounds around Decin

There are also a number of playgrounds around Decin where children can blow off some steam between sightseeing stops or other activities in the city. Here are a few recommendations:

Playground U Kocanka

• Just across from Kocanda restaurant and a fast food buffet.

• Right on the international Elbe Cycle Route. You can use the playground as a stop or as a reward on your family bike trip.

• Children can have fun on the jungle gym, slides, zip line, watchtower, climbing wall, slides, pendulum and other fun attractions.

• There is also a large sandbox.

• The playground is suitable for children from three to twelve years old.

• Toilet, water: No (only available in the restaurant or in the toilets of the buffet)

• Fenced in: Yes

• Benches: Yes

Children's playground at Marian meadow

• At the south end of Marian Meadow behind the tree line (by ulice U Plovárny).

• Good place to stop when visiting the castle.

• Suitable for children from one year and up.

• Equipped with a play set with a bridge and slide, a ropeway, see-saws, a rope climbing set, swings and a pendulum.

• Toilet, water: No

• Fenced in: No

• Benches: Yes

Playground on the Elbe Embankment

• On the left bank of the Elbe River. You will walk past it if you walk from the castle towards the zoo or museum.

• Parents will enjoy the view of the Decin Castle and the Elbe River (definitely worth a photo).

• Toilet, water: No

• Fenced in: Yes

• Benches: Yes

Playground under Kvadrberk ridge

• In the wooded park at the foot of the Kvadrberk ridge. From here you can start or end your walk on the nature trail on Kvadrberk and on to the Elbe viewpoints.

• There are various play elements, a slide, swings and a large sandbox.

• Toilet, water: No

• Fenced in: Yes

• Benches: Yes

Kid-friendly adventures

Looking for a little adrenaline? Here are four tips for adventure activities to tire out the kids (and get your heart pumping).

1) Rafting on the Elbe

There are several boat and raft rentals in Decin. Navigate the Elbe Canyon with the kids and give them a turn at the paddles. Rafting is fun for both young children and teenagers. You might also try canoeing or paddleboarding.

Rental companies offer a range of trips – whether it's just to Dolni Zleb at the edge of Decin, to the border town Hřensko, or all the way to Bad Schandau in Germany. The rental staff will pick up the boats from you at your final destination and you don't have to worry about anything else. The regional train service will take you back to Decin.

More about rafting on the Elbe.

2) Via Ferrata with children

Climbing on anchored trails (or via ferrata) has become very popular in recent years. Try it yourself! An unforgettable experience awaits you and the kids. Decin’s via ferrata on Pastyrska stena is right in the heart of town, right across from the castle.

If you’re climbing for the first time, you don't have to worry about anything. You will receive training from the rental staff, from whom you will also receive the necessary equipment. They will also show you which climbing routes are best for beginners and kids. If you don't dare to go on a ferrata alone with your children, you can also arrange an experienced guide with the rental companies. A guide is also useful if you are climbing with children under 10 years of age, or those smaller than 120 cm.

More about Decin’s via ferrata.

3) Cycling and skating along the Elbe

A bike ride along the winding Elbe, beautiful scenery, an easy journey. Sounds great, doesn't it?

Rent bikes for a day with the kids or take your own and ride along the Elbe trail towards Germany. The route runs along the river, so the terrain is mostly flat. Moreover, in this section you will see one of the most beautiful parts of the Elbe Canyon.

Take a ride with the kids to Dolni Zleb, where you can work out right by the bike path. You can go further afield – cross the border to the spa town of Bad Schandau or to the Konigstein fortress, and the regional train service will always take you back. Most trains also carry bicycles.

You can also explore the Elbe trail on inline skates, which are available in the rental shops in Decin.

If you head upstream, the Elbe trail will take you all the way to Prague. You can, for example, drive to Usti nad Labem and walk through the town center or visit Strekov Castle. However, it’s a slightly hillier ride.

4) Riding down from Decinsky Sneznik on scooters

With older children or kids in car seats, you can also try a fun scooter ride down the highest mesa in the country. The local rental company will take you to Decinsky Sneznik and then the ride is up to you!

You can try a similar downhill from Tokan in Bohemian Switzerland.

Trips with kids around Decin

1) Hike with a stroller to Decinsky Sneznik

Length of route: 4 km
Terrain: Hilly
Suitable for strollers: Yes

Although Decinsky Sneznik is the highest flat-topped mountain in the country, you can easily see the top with a stroller in tow. We recommend starting at the picturesque village of Sneznik just above Jilove, which can be reached by car or by bus 433 (timetable) from Decin. Your journey to the top starts at Hranicar restaurant, where a paved bike path heads upwards. On the way you’ll come across a beautiful viewpoint (Drazdanska vyhlidka), which is also a great spot to stop for a snack. Then return to the path and continue up the gentle hill to Decinsky Sneznik lookout tower. Once you’ve taken in the view, simply turn back and retrace your steps.

2) Rock formations in Tisa

Length of route: 4 to 5 km (depending on which route you choose)
Terrain: Varied
Suitable for strollers: Not really

Want to see where The Chronicles of Narnia was filmed? Visit Tisa rocks to explore a truly amazing grouping of sandstone formations. Even the little ones can manage this trip, but don't risk it with a stroller (there are steep metal stairs in places). If you decide to walk the 8 km circuit that skirts the Tisa rocks, you won't see much. To take the trail right through the rocks with your baby, we recommend a baby carrier. The trail through the greater and lesser rocks will surprise you with its natural passages, overhangs, openings, rock gates and towers. Children will be thrilled by all the opportunities to clamber up, over, and through the rocks. Afterwards, you can return along the top of the rocks by following the red sign "Vyhledy na Ceske stredohori". Access is possible from the village of Tisa or the chalet on the other end. In summer there is an entry fee. A visit to the rocks will take you approximately 4 to 6 hours. We recommend going first thing in the morning. You can get to Tisa by car or bus (bus 432 from Decin to Libouchec and then from Libouchec to Tisa by bus 452). More about the trip to Tisa.

3) Views from Velky Chlum

Length of route: 6-10 km (depending on the type of route)
Terrain: Hilly
Suitable for strollers: Yes

If you want to see Decin laid out at your feet, climb the hill to the Velky Chlum viewtower. Your route will start at the final bus stop of the public transport system in Decin, Stare Mesto (buses 202, for which the bus stop is the final stop, and 209, 229) and continues up the narrow asphalt road. The trail takes you for 3 km past a series of garden plots. It’s an ideal dog walk or short summer hike when you want to keep out of the sun – most of the trail is shaded by surrounding trees. Moreover, the terrain is easy, so you can manage it with a stroller.

Take in the amazing view and then take a break on the benches at the foot of the lookout tower. There’s a campfire circle here where you can roast hotdogs (bring your own). The lookout tower is, by the way, open year round free of charge.

If you're walking with a stroller, we recommend heading back down the same way. If you’ve got bigger children, try hiking from the lookout tower to Horni Chlum. From there, follow the winding asphalt road towards Breziny, then join the Ploucnice bike path, which will take you to the city center. From Chlum this route is about 7 km.

You can also reach the tower by car. Drive to Horni Chlum, park there and then walk 1 km to the lookout tower.

4) Forest fun park at Mezni Louka

Length of the route: 1.5 km
Terrain: Mostly level
Suitable for strollers: Yes (sturdy, terrain wheels recommended)

On the red trail from Mezní Louka there is a forest fun area for children (Rysi stezka) where 20 interactive stops present how to care for the forest, species found here, and area history.

The 1.5 km long circuit includes a forest pavilion made of four types of wood from trees typical to the national park. There is also a wooden walkway over a pool, a trail with animal tracks, a rope bridge in a beech stand, a tactile walkway, a hollow tree, a wood skid, a jungle gym, bird silhouettes and a dendrophone.

In Mezni Louka, kids will love the playground with its walk-through wooden model of Pravcicka brana natural sandstone arch, which also serves as a slide, jungle gym and climbing wall. There are also a sandbox, a teeter totter, a swing, and more. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables too.

5) River gorges in Hrensko

Length of route: 1-2 km to the gorges
Terrain: Hilly
Suitable for strollers: No

A boat ride on the Kamenice River is a great experience for kids and the Edmund and Wild Gorges are one of the main attractions in Bohemian Switzerland. No matter how many times you visit, you’ll notice something new every time.

To get here, leave your car in Mezna, there are also buses (438 from Decin). Take the green trail down via a long staircase to the bottom of the gorge.

The gorge can also be reached from Janov from the Na hajenkach stop. It’s a 2 km walk on the trail from there.

Currently some restrictions are in place (strollers are not allowed).

6) Old mill ruins at Dolsky mlyn

Length of route: 6 km
Terrain: Flat to slightly hilly
Suitable for strollers: Yes
(Also suitable for kiddie bikes)

The old mill at Dolsky mlyn is one of the oldest structures in Bohemian Switzerland National Park. The ruins and their surroundings have an enchanting atmosphere, thanks to which they have featured in a number of beloved Czech films for children.

There are several trails leading to Dolsky mlyn mill. However, for those traveling with children and strollers, we recommend the yellow hiking trail from Jetřichovice (by car or bus 434 a 436). This nice, easy trail runs on a level surface along the Jetrichovicka Bela stream. Although the walk is relatively short (4 km), there are several opportunities to rest and have a snack along the way. And at the mill ruins you can wet your feet in the stream. Return to Jetrichovice the same way.

Tip: At the end of August, there is an annual forest crafts festival here. Learn about blacksmithing, glassmaking and other traditional crafts. Children can try their hands at the potter’s wheel and more. The national park website has more information (in Czech).

7) Dwarf Rock and Pavlina Valley

Length of route: 7 km
Terrain: Mostly flat
Suitable for strollers: No

The picturesque Pavlinino udoli (Pavlina Valley) is located between the villages of Jetrichovice and Studeny. You can get there from both places on the red hiking trail. The valley is about 3.5 km long. The trail starts at Studeny brook and winds its way among sandstone hills to the former Griesel mill. A series of bridges span the Chribska Kamenice river, on whose banks mature willows, alders and ash trees thrive. Unfortunately, the trail is not entirely passable for strollers, so a carrier is recommended.

But the main attraction for children is not so much the hiking trail or the bridges. It is a cliff face (known as dwarf rock) with carved figures of Snow White and the seven dwarfs. Stop by to tip your hat to the Brothers Grimm.

8) Trip to Ruzenka viewtower

Length of the route: 2.5 km
Terrain: Slightly hilly
Suitable for strollers: No

Want a beautiful view of Bohemian Switzerland without forcing the kids out for a long hike? Take a trip to the little viewtower Ruzenka in the village of Ruzova. There are a restaurant, a playground and a handmade soap factory (we recommend a visit) in the village below.

You can park at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Ruzova or take bus 432 from Decin. From the church, turn right towards the stables. In the pastures around the stables, you might see llamas, goats, sheep and horses grazing. From there, the green path leads across the pasture to the top of the hill (about 1 km). At the top you have a beautiful view of a large part of Bohemian Switzerland and the mesas in Saxony (Germany). To the east are the Lusatian Mountains, and in the south the Bohemian Central Uplands.

Walk down from the lookout tower along the nature trail towards Ruzova for a stop at the playground and some refreshments (open April–October). The little soap workshop in Ruzova is also popular with kids. In the summer, children can walk on the barefoot paths outdoors, sniff the herbs and make their very own soap.

9) Nature trail in Srbska Kamenice

Length of route: 3 km
Terrain: Mostly flat
Suitable for strollers: Yes
(Also suitable for kiddie bikes)

This nature trail will take you through the valley of the Kamenice River in the picturesque village of Srbska Kamenice. You can start at Kavarnicka v prirode, a cafe that is both a good place to stop and relax and a local attraction in its own right. There is parking available at the cafe, making it an ideal starting point for a hike. The path runs along the river past an agricultural museum and a children's playground in the Arba nature preserve, where thousands of wildflowers (snowflakes) bloom in the spring. The trail continues to a viewing platform with a big wooden snake overlooking the protected moorland meadows. The path is easy enough for a stroller. Small children can ride their bikes.

If you want to extend your trip, check out the view of the lake or visit Kriegsloch cave or the outdoor forest theater.

10) Kögler trail through Kyjov valley

Length of route: 3 km
Terrain: Hilly
Suitable for strollers: No

Opened in 1941, Kögler is the oldest marked nature trail in Bohemia. The entire route is 23 km long, but only part can be done with small children. One short section passes through the magical Kyjov valley. The terrain is quite rugged, with all kinds of cool steps, viewpoints and narrow passages.

Start at the parking lot in Kyjov near Na fakulte restaurant and walk up the road between the cottages to the old school. From there, follow Kögler nature trail – also known as Kyjov rock path – past the remains of the cemetery to Kinska vyhlidka viewpoint, and then up and down the stairs to the Bratri vyhlidka viewpoint. The trail has info panels, benches and wooden animal statues.

After Bratri vyhlidka, the trail goes through a small rock tunnel to the platform of the old Kyjov dam and continues along the rocks around to the valley. Then turn off into the red trail to the stone arch Klenotnice. Finally, return to the Kyjov valley, through Vinny sklep cave to Kyjov.

Although the hike is relatively short, the terrain is challenging, so we recommend it for older children.

The Kyjov valley is easy to get to by car, or you can take bus 434 from Decin (get off at Krasna Lipa, Kyjov). On Saturdays and Sundays, you can catch the tourist train from Krasna Lipa (and Rumburk) to Zahrady, where you can connect to the Kögler Trail at stop 35. This makes the trip 3 km longer. Learn more about the Kyjov Valley.

11) With a stroller to Tolstejn and Jedlova

Length of the route: 8.5 km
Terrain: Rather hilly
Suitable for strollers: Yes

Explore the Lusatian Mountains with the little ones. Even with a stroller in tow, you can reach the ruins of Tolstejn Castle and the lookout tower atop Jedlova. Your hike will start in a small town called Jiretin pod Jedlovou. You can get here by car or bus 402 from Decin. The red trail leading from town is suitable for strollers and a significant part of it leads along a paved road. This route is less than three kilometres long but rewards you with romantic views of the surrounding countryside. There is also a restaurant with a terrace near the ruins of Tolstejn, where you can recharge your batteries for the second part of your trip. While you’re at the restaurant, pick up a token to get you through the turnstile to other parts of the ruins (and two more castle viewpoints). Note, however, that you can’t take a stroller to this area, so you might want to take turns at the viewpoints. The ticket includes a description of the panorama.

Of course, you can shorten your trip to Tolstejn and make it easier for yourself by parking at one of the four car parks in the Jiretin pod Jedlovou and Tolstejn section (expect them to be busy in the summer). This makes the trip a kilometer shorter.

In the second part of the trip you continue from Tolstejn along a paved path marked as a cycle route. At the crossroads at the edge of the forest, turn right and start a gentle ascent on the paved forest path. After about 300 m it joins the green hiking trail, which will take you to the U Rance crossroads. From there, take the red trail to the top of Jedlova, where there’a a stone lookout tower. The entrance fee to the tower is paid in the tourist hut, where refreshments are available. The tower offers beautiful views of the Lusatian Mountains. In good visibility, you can see the peaks of the Ore Mountains and the Krkonose Mountains. Return on the red trail to the crossroads and take the green trail towards Krizova hora, where there is a monumental staircase with six stone columns from the 19th century. From here you will then join the asphalt road towards Jiretin.

Tip: There is also an adventure park in the vicinity of Jedlova and Tolstejn, where you can find fun for all generations. It has a children's playground, a ropes center, a climbing wall and a giant free-fall swing. You can also rent off-road scooters and downhill bikes there.

12) Boat trip to Hrensko

Length of route: 50 minutes
Strollers are admitted on the boat (20 CZK fee)

A boat ride is always a welcome addition to any trip. For those traveling with children, we definitely recommend a cruise to Hrensko, where you can see the main landmarks of the Elbe Canyon in a short time. The ride is about 50 minutes and can be combined with a visit to Pravcicka brana natural stone arch (not suitable for strollers) and the river gorges. You can either take the (much longer) ride on the boat back upstream or catch a bus or train back to Decin. See more information about river cruises.

13) Bastei and railway miniatures park

Length of route: 4 km
Terrain: Hilly
Suitable for strollers: Yes

Our last tip takes you across the border to Saxon Switzerland to see a magnificent rock formation and a fascinating model railway.

The Bastei is the main attraction of Saxon Switzerland park on the German side of the border. The easiest way to get to this impressive rock formation with viewing bridge is by car. If you want to extend your trip, you can park on the other side of the Elbe River in the village of Kurort Rathen, which can also be reached by train from Decin. There is also a large playground with an outdoor gym on that side of the riverbank, where you can work out with the kids on the way. If you start there, take the ferry across the river from Kurort Rathen and then go up the hill, which will gradually climb to the Bastei itself. Or you can get to the Bastei from Kurort Rathen by taking the shuttle bus that runs from the little supermarket just off the ferry on the right bank of the river (roughly 8 euros per person).

While you're there, we also recommend taking a tour of the Neurathen rock castle, which takes about 15 minutes. You can take in the romantic views, and the kids will love exploring all the stairs and ladders. You take this tour with your child in a scarf or carrier. However, the Bastei itself and the path to it are accessible for strollers.

See more about the Bastei.

Tip: In Kurort Rathen you can also take the kids to the Eisenbahnwelten railway world, where there is a miniature railway complete with railway buildings and scenery. It's definitely worth a visit! A family admission (2 adults + 2 children) will set you back 19 euros.

Why not take the kids for a swim? Here’s an overview of local pools, ponds, and swimming holes.