Embracing the Rain: Discovering the Czech Paradise When the Skies Open Up
The Liberec Spot for Families, Young and Old
Even though it’s not part of the Bohemian Paradise area anymore, it’s very close by and when it rains, it’s a fantastic “go-to place” to lift your spirits. Plus, it’s quick and easy to get to from Bohemian Paradise. Yes, we’re talking about the Babylon Centre in Liberec, where you can easily spend an entire day and you might even want to return here if the weather doesn’t get better. Just see for yourself: in Liberec, you’ll find everything under one roof, including a water park packed with attractions, a wellness center and sauna, indoor adventure golf, an indoor amusement park for kids, a 4D cinema, bowling, and a fun mirror maze.
Younger children will also be entertained at the iQpark science centre, which is designed to introduce kids to science and technology beginning around the age of two. Most of the exhibits are made of wood, and they aren’t too complicated, making it easy to keep track of where your curious little ones roam. Nearby, there’s another building, across the street, that houses the iQlandia Science Center with Planetarium, ideal for older kids from around eight years of age – perfect for those already curious about technology, science, and the natural world. They can even read the exhibit descriptions on their own. Here, the exhibits are more technical compared to iQpark, and various workshops and science shows frequently demonstrate phenomena that align with what they learn in school. And when you need a break from the Babylon water park, why not head to the swimming pool in Liberec?
Fun for Kids: Dino-Park, Go-Karts, and Fairy Tales
If you’ve explored both science centers and your kids are looking for something fresh, it’s time to bring out new options. In the Liberec shopping gallery, for instance, you’ll find the one and only indoor Dinopark in the Czech Republic; if you take your time and don’t rush, you can easily spend at least two hours there. The indoor go-kart track can fill up more time, along with the Technical Museum or the one-of-a-kind underground system located in an old civil defense shelter. Just a heads-up, though—it’s only open on the first Saturday of every month!
For a true adventure, keep the kids entertained with tours featuring ghosts, devils, dragons, and other curious creatures at Staré Hrady Castle and Chateau, a place filled with fairy tales and knights from the cellars to the rooftops. You can also visit another castle, which includes tours led by fairies and wizards.
Castles for Rainy Days: Which to Visit and Which to Skip?
Castles and Chateaus might seem less enticing when it’s sunny, but they’re fantastic options when the rain falls. For instance, you could take a few guided tours at places like Sychrov Castle or Kost Castle. At Hrubý Rohozec, you can explore the interiors on two different routes and check out the cellars, kitchens, and rooms used by the upper class. Mnichovo Hradiště Castle offers some fascinating sightseeing options too. However, it’s best to steer clear of Trosky, Valečov, and Vranov – Pantheon; they’re often in disrepair and can be quite slippery during rain. Valdštejn, the oldest castle in Bohemian Paradise, is a bit of a challenge as well: a lot of the tour is outside, and you need to walk nearly a kilometer uphill through a forest path just to reach the castle entrance.
