Exciting Outings: Discovering Fun at Museums, Castles, Pools, and Playrooms
Are you planning a trip to the Beskydy or Javorníky mountains, but the weather isn’t cooperating? In the Beskydy Mountains, you might face another issue: there are not many castles or chateaus to shelter from the rain. Some places, like the castle in Vsetín, Nový Jičín, Frýdek-Místek, and Žerotín castle in Valašské Meziříčí, function as museums, but most castles are just ruins where you won’t find cover from the rain. So, what’s the next step?
Take a break for an hour, two hours, or even half a day
You might have to explore these museums instead. The Museum of New Bohemia at Žerotín Chateau features an exhibition dedicated to hat making. In the Museum of the Wallachia Region in Vsetín, you can discover the local history of the town, the castle, and the surrounding area. The Museum of Beskydy in Frýdek-Místek, formerly a guard castle above the Ostravice River, provides tours of the castle’s interiors and various exhibitions focused on the town’s and its surroundings’ history. You are welcome to check out the Kinský Chateau in Valašské Meziříčí, where you can also explore an interesting tapestry manufactory that features a tapestry and carpet workshop along with a café—set aside about two hours for your visit.
There are also a few noble mansions, but they tend to be somewhat far away; you could visit Kunín Castle or even further away options like Hradec nad Moravicí Castle or Raduň Castle. The Zbrašov Aragonite Caves in Teplice nad Bečvou, as well as the Zdeněk Burian Museum in Štramberk, also provide brief shelter from the rain. Reliable options for spending longer hours include the Tatra Truck Museum and the Tatra Technical Museum in Kopřivnice; technology enthusiasts will find engaging programs there, while others can enjoy various exhibitions at places like the Laško Museum in Šustal Villa or at the Fojtství Museum. Part of the Šustal Villa showcases the famed Olympic couple Emil Zátopek and his wife Dana.
Suggestions for families with children and water lovers
If you are on holiday in Solana and it’s been raining non-stop with no indoor play areas, thermals, or other fun spots available, as one frustrated mom shared, what can you do with kids? One great option could be the Horal hotel in Velké Karlovice, which features a saltwater pool, alongside a children’s pool and a play area in the restaurant. Another exciting venue is the Water World in Velké Karlovice, boasting modern water attractions, and kids will have a fantastic time at the Children’s World in Resort Kyčerka, located just a short walk from Water World. The two-story fun zone is designed specifically for younger visitors. Additional options include an aquapark in Hranice, an indoor pool in Valašské Meziříčí, a pool in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, and the water park Olešná in Frýdek-Místek; however, it’s important to note that these facilities are not open to children under one year of age.
The options for indoor playgrounds are limited. In Frenštát pod Radhoštěm, you can find the Replay Children’s World, which has lots of fun attractions for kids as well as relaxation for the adults. This playground features a two-story maze, a sports court, a climbing wall, and a Play zone for younger children. In Valašské Meziříčí, consider visiting Propeller, where curious kids and adults will find engaging activities in a lovely Renaissance building. For a larger children’s play area, you can go to the Stará Ameryka Hotel in Jablunkov. If you’re in the northern part of the Beskydy Mountains during your holidays, think about taking a trip to Ostrava—it’s not very far, and you can easily spend a whole day sightseeing. You can enjoy both The Big World of Technology and Small World of Technology, and be sure to take your children to the Toy Museum.
Advice for those with pets or where not to take your dog…
If someone suggests that you should stop by Hukvaldy while going to the Technical Museum in Kopřivnice, take this advice with a grain of salt, especially in rainy weather. The walk from the Hukvaldy parking lot to the castle is nearly two kilometers, mostly uphill, with no covered resting spots or gazebos available. The Wallachian Museum in Nature—an Open Air Museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm could be a good alternative but only if the rain isn’t too heavy or if you’re okay with getting a little wet. In all areas, such as the Wooden Town, Wallachian Village, and Mill Valley, you can view the interiors, but you may find yourself running from one cottage to the next.
