Spring is here - two ideas for outdoor activities
March 30, 2010 -Two ideas for the weekend: The return of sunny weather means that the terraced gardens in Prague's Lesser Town are open to the public. And a new attraction has opened on Žofín Island: a little train for children.

All aboard the children's steam train
A little piece of Tuscany awaits in the heart of Central Europe: The terraced gardens on the slopes below Prague Castle are one of the many undiscovered wonders which Prague offers. The various baroque gardens - which once belonged to the Lesser Town's noble palaces - are all interconnected, with many different flowering plants or pergolas under which to rest and enjoy the views. Especially in summer, you might think you were in Italy. The gardens are accessible from Valdštejnská street. More information on the opening hours can be found here.
The same applies to the Prague's many other gardens. For instance, the gardens of the Wallenstein Palace (which today houses the senate) are a great place to escape the city, and maybe even come across an outdoor concert. The Vrtba gardens on Karmelitská street are also a rare treat. And don't forget the Vojan gardens: open year-round, this little green oasis of peach in the middle of Prague is exceptionally beautiful in the springtime. Located across from the Vrtba gardens and the terraced gardens, admission (like the Wallenstein gardens) is free.
And for the little ones who enjoy sometime a bit more adventurous than roses and fountains, Žofín Island offers rides on a miniature steam train. First presented in 1841, the train is designed for 12 children aged 3 to 10. Hours of operation: April 1 to August 31, Wed-Sun 10am-noon and 12.45 to 7pm. September 1 to October 31, Wed-Sun Wed-Sun 10am-noon and 12.45 to 6pm.


