Lovely lake with large slabs of stone where people can sit on its edge

When we were planning to visit Prague we asked our host to recommend some outdoor spaces that we could take our daughter to and one of the ones she recommended was Max van der Stoel Park. Travelling with a toddler is not the easiest but it helps that I actually love spending time in parks and would rather be outdoors than inside a museum anyway.

Prague is in fact a city that begs to be explored on foot with so much to see and experience in the outdoor realm. I was amazed by the beautiful sidewalks and took several pictures of the cobbles and the patterns and details they were constructed in.

Variety of colours and textures in the sidewalk paving in Prague

Before I get carried away with describing the delightful vistas and beautiful buildings that are found in this magical city, let me get back to this gem of a park.

The central focal point is a long, linear water feature that is interactive and a real delight for little ones. You to get up close to the water that merrily winds its way to the bottom and it allows you to manipulate the stream in various ways.

Beautiful long linear interactive water feature

Start of the water feature - the source of the stream - follow it and have loads of fun!

The Park has comfortable seating and play equipment for children of various ages. The seating and most of the play equipment is made from timber so the park has a natural and warm feel to it. I liked the fine pebble crush that was used beneath the play equipment – a much nicer material than the rubber matting we mostly use in South Africa. It crossed my mind that a park like this would probably not be robust enough in a South African setting.

Play equipment has fine gravel surrounding - easy on children's feet. How does it not spread with no edging I wonder.

Pathways requiring some maintenance - gravel washed away by rain

Lots of trees have been planted and properly staked. Like every garden, maintenance is required and some of the gravel pathways have washed away. I am sure these will be quickly repaired.

Very nice chairs. Likely to be stolen if used in South Africa

Love the curving paving and curving chair

Visit http://www.praha.eu/jnp/en/life_in_prague/environment/park_for_everybody.html for more information. You can also view videos of the water feature posted on YouTube

It is situated on the tram line at Hládkov station and on Google Maps it is called Park Maxe van der Stoela. 50°05'27.7"N 14°23'10.5"E

Wonderful ceramic horse sculptures that children were playing on!

I was so impressed with this large leafy green space situated North of the Old Town (The entrance is a 10 minute walk from Letenské náměstí). Not only is it loved by locals, but you will see many tourists enjoying the scenic views over the Vltava River as well as a beer from Letná Beer Garden.

Beer Garden with Views over the Old City and Vltava River

Broad walkways with tall leafy trees make this a lovely park to explore

This park caters for every age: we saw elderly ladies reading; moms with babies and toddlers at the children’s playgrounds; a youth group attending a class under a tree; teens learning to roller blade; hip young men skating and filming stunts; couples picnicking; people walking their dogs or sunbathing or cycling or jogging. A multi-functional space providing recreation opportunities in a safe and well maintained environment. I also saw a fenced off section that was specifically designated for dog training with obstacles where you teach your dog to do tricks.

People admiring the view from Letná Terasa

Like most public spaces there is an element of vandalism which is particularly present at the uppermost viewing point where most of the skate-boarding takes place. This is also the platform with the best view point of the city which is dominated by a giant moving Metronome – one of the many quirky artworks dotted around the city)

I always orientate myself when I arrive somewhere by looking at the map they provide

Even through the graffiti it's interesting to read the Park's history

If you need a breather form the tourist filled streets of Malá Strana, this is the perfect place to go!

Max van der Stoel Park, Prague

Letná Gardens, Prague