Czech Republic in May: Family Fun and Sunshine

The May weather in the Czech Republic is like a good hostess: it regularly gives the old buildings a wet cleaning, after which the ancient buildings become even more beautiful, the greenery in gardens and parks even thicker, and the jasmine and cherry blossoms even more fragrant. Visitors of the country rejoice at this, walk a lot, and then, with appetite, eat "Pečené vepřové koleno" and drink Czech beer.

A trip with children to the Czech Republic is almost the same, only in the program is added more Children's Island, Majaland Amusement Park, Prague Zoo ... But one line is not enough to describe it. Read about family holidays in the Czech Republic for the May weekend and a more extended trip in Kidpassage's review.

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If you read reviews about holidays in the Czech Republic in May, it may seem that tourists composed them before the trip. Otherwise, why so much enthusiasm and not a single mention of the disadvantages? Most likely, traveling brings so many pleasant impressions that the "cons" seem just an annoying trifle. And here's the good news:

• the weather becomes more stable and warmer than in April — you can see architectural monuments and walk in the fresh air;
• gardens and parks are in bloom — pink cherry trees and magnolias complement the white foam of chestnuts;
• castles and other attractions are opening — in the low season, some of them are closed, and some of them have inconvenient opening hours;
• the number of tourists is not yet off the scale — in summer, it will be more challenging to approach the sights;
• you can have a short holiday if you have only the May weekend to spare — though you will want to come back again afterward;
• prices remain affordable — air tickets and hotels will likely increase as early as June.

Almost the only disadvantage is the vagaries of the weather. In May, the Czech Republic enjoys almost summer days, or it scares you with a sudden cold snap. There are more chances for good weather in the second half of the month.

The Czech Republic and Prague, in particular, are one of the main tourist destinations for the May holidays. It means that tour prices are rising and that you need to organize your trip in advance.

Another disadvantage is that May is already considered a high season in thermal spas. Holidaying in Karlovy Vary is already expensive, and at the end of spring, the cost rises even more. If the advantages seem more convincing to you than the disadvantages, then you can start looking for where to holiday in the Czech Republic in May. You should begin by studying weather forecasts.

When has rain and cold weather ever prevented tourists from coming to the Czech Republic in May and on May holidays? The main thing is to dress appropriately, and the holiday program can be adjusted to any weather. For example, the weather in early May is not always warm. So, more time should be allocated for trips to museums. Days can be rainy — umbrellas or raincoats are helpful.

The weather in the Czech Republic at the end of May is much more favorable for walking. The sun shines more often, the air smells of summer, and on hot days, you even want to go to the beach.

The weather in May and June is characterized by frequent rainfall. Up to 20 days in each month can be cloudy and overcast, with two weeks of rainy days. If you are going to the Czech Republic in May with a child, it is better to take three-layer clothes — for example, a T-shirt, a fleece and a waterproof jacket. With such a wardrobe, it is easier to adapt to the vagaries of spring.

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The climate of the Czech Republic makes it impossible to predict what May will be like. Sometimes, the end of spring is as hot as summer. Sometimes it is cold, up to night frosts. But if you look at the average air temperature, it's clear that jackets are useful:

	Daytime t	Nighttime t
Prague	+18,0°С	+8,9°С
Karlovy Vary	+16,8°С	+6,7°С
Marianske Lazne	+16,7°С	+6,7°С
Spindleruv Mlyn	+13,2°С	+7,4°С
Brno	+18,6°С	+10,2°С

Daytime temperatures in the Czech Republic in May can range from +9°C to +26°C. In the mountains, it is colder, from +2°C to +17°C. At night, the air cools down to +2-15°C, and thermometers in mountain resorts may show subzero. In the second half of May, daytime temperatures are usually above +15°C, with more chances for good weather. The water temperature in the Czech Republic in May does not reach +20°C.

There is no sea in the Czech Republic, but this does not mean that the residents do not like beach holidays. There are beaches in Prague, on the banks of the Vltava River, on lakes and reservoirs. However, the infrastructure on them unfolds only in summer, and swimming in the Czech Republic in May is cold.

If you have a hot summer day, you can sunbathe on Prague beaches, for example, on Žluté lázně. Admission is free until summer, and there are catamaran and kayak rentals, a beach volleyball court, and an excellent playground for children.

Swimming in May is only possible in indoor water parks in Prague, Čestlice, Kladno, Špindlerův Mlýn, Liberec, Olomouc, Pasohlávky and Pardubice.

Czech mineral springs are as valuable as the waters of Austria or Hungary. Karlovy Vary was a favorite holiday destination of the nobility in the 18th and 19th centuries and remains a status resort. Teplice and Poděbrady are inexpensive resorts where Czech residents go. And any of them is suitable for a holiday with children. Generally, a trip to a Balneo resort does not need to be tied to any time of the year. But the maximum influx of tourists falls in summer, and in May, you can still relax in a relatively calm atmosphere. Where to go in the Czech Republic in May to improve your health? Most tourists prefer tried and tested places.

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The spa resort at the confluence of the Ohře, Rolava, and Teplá rivers dates back to the 14th century, and today, this hill town is the most expensive balneotherapy center in the Czech Republic. People with diseases of the digestive organs and endocrine system come here, and the primary treatment method is drinking mineral water. It is usually quite cool and gloomy until the middle of May. The air temperature varies from +10°C to +22°C during the day and from 0°C to +14°C at night. There are up to 6 rainy days per month and about 10 sunny days.

Karlovy Vary's medical facilities are excellent. It includes a polyclinic, dozens of sanatoriums, and health centers attached to hotels. The well-rooms with water from 13 springs are located in the colonnades, both a place of treatment and a city attraction.

Sulfate and sodium hydrocarbonate water are used for drinking, while water from the Vrdjidlo hot spring is used for thermal baths.

There are hundreds of kilometers of walking trails in and around the town. Walks are also considered a recovery method, but for holidaymakers, they also serve as entertainment. For example, you can go for a walk in Slavkovský les (Slavkov Forest) or cycle to the Svatošské skála (Svatošské Rocks), which are known in legends as the petrified wedding procession.

You don't have to go anywhere else to take your child for a walk: Karlovy Vary has several extensive gardens and parks. A visit to museums, a trip to Loket Castle, and an excursion to the Boheminium Park in Mariánské Lázně complete the program.

A disadvantage of the resort is hotels with family rooms, children's menus, playrooms and playgrounds for children. Some hotels have mini-clubs, but you should check whether they are open in May.

Photo: unsplash.com

The town of Marienbad, as the resort was first called, was built around 200 years ago. It was immediately planned as a garden town, and today, the green areas are a real gem of the spa.

Already in early May, Mariánské Lázně is drenched in greenery, although it is still relatively fresh. The air temperature stays within +9-22°C during the day and from 0°C to +14°C at night. There is a week of rainy weather and 11 days of sunny weather.

The principal value of the resort is its mineral springs, the water from which is helpful for diseases of the respiratory tract, kidneys and urinary system, musculoskeletal apparatus, and gynecological and endocrine disorders.

Mariánské Lázně is known as a children's resort where respiratory diseases are treated. The optimal duration of treatment is 3-4 weeks. Children from the age of 6 are accepted in sanatoria.

There is not much in the way of entertainment in the resort. Children can take a trip to the aforementioned miniature park "Boheminium," the House of Nature, and the Geological Park, where the entire fauna of Slavkovský les (Slavkov Forest) is represented. The rope park opens at the end of May, but before that, you can visit the ecological site at Prelatov Pramen, which has a playground and picnic area.

Next to Mariánské Lázně are Františkovy Lázně and Lázně Kynžvart — you can choose any resort for a holiday with children. Good hotels are everywhere, although they usually offer only essential services for families with children.

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Sightseeing in Prague is the main reason why travelers come to the Czech Republic in May and on May holidays. You usually start by walking around the old town, listening to the golden cockerel in the clock on the Town Hall Tower, climbing up to Prague Castle, and walking across the Charles Bridge. If it's too cold for long walks, you can see the main sights from the window of the "nostalgic tram" number 41 (formerly numbered 91).

In May, river cruises on the Vltava River are already available — from the river, the architectural beauty of Prague seems even more expressive.

What about museums? With a child, you can go to a solid Technical museum, a spooky and mystical Museum of magicians and alchemists, the Chocolate museum that spreads delicious aromas, or a Toy museum.

Where you can't fail to go with the kids is the Railway Kingdom. This railway layout depicting the Czech Republic in miniature is full of funny and touching details.

If you're going to Karlovy Vary, you won't be bored either. There is the Moser Glass Museum, the Jan Becher Museum dedicated to creating Becherovka liqueur, and the House of Wax Figures. Loket Castle is not far from the resort: it is said that a dragon lives in its dungeons, and gnomes and ghosts can be found in its halls.

A trip to the city of Brno is also memorable. If you travel with children, you will probably not limit yourself to visiting the town hall, Špilberk Castle, old churches, and monasteries. Children will be more interested in the VIDA! Science Center and the modern planetarium. There are also several fascinating museums in the city.

At the end of spring, it is already warm enough to see the natural sights of the Czech Republic. The most famous one is the Moravian Kras Nature Reserve. How many impressions will remain after you know the stone branches on the walls of the caves, swim along the underground river Punkve, and look into the Macocha Abyss! And here are some more places where the majesty of nature takes your breath away:

• Bohemian Switzerland National Park has sandstone cliffs, which in one place formed a natural bridge called "Pravčické Gate."
• The rocky town of Adršpach, where the wind has carved bizarre figures out of rocks.
• Krkonoše National Park, where the Pančavský Waterfall, the highest waterfall in the Czech Republic, is located.
• The Czech Sahara (Váté Písky) is reminiscent of the Baltic Sea coastline with pine trees and dunes.
• Slavkovský les near Karlovy Vary, where there are hiking trails.

Photo: letnanylagoon.cz

What is there for children in the Czech Republic that other countries don't have? For example, the Children's Island in Prague. It's an island, and it's given over to active kids. Slides, swings, climbing walls, climbing walls, tourniquets, water playgrounds, sports fields — you must spend a whole day trying everything. There are no cars on the island but benches in the shade and a restaurant.

Among Prague's unusual attractions is the Mirror Maze on Petřín Hill. After climbing the hill, you can also visit the observatory, the flowering Petřín Gardens, and the observation deck, where you can see the whole city.

The zoo and the botanical gardens are other places to visit with children in good weather. In both places, you will feel like traveling around the globe, going from North America to South America, Europe to Asia, from hot Africa to the cold poles.

In case of bad weather, the indoor water parks AquaDream, Šutka and Letňany Lagoon, indoor entertainment centers such as Majaland Praha, and the oceanarium can help you out.

Family entertainment is scarce in thermal spas. In Karlovy Vary, the young greenery of the gardens pleases the eye, but even more colors can be found in the Butterfly Garden. The most exciting place in Mariánské Lázně is the Boheminium Park, where tiny replicas of castles and other famous Czech architectural structures are assembled.

Among the Czech holidays in May, some dates are celebrated in many countries. May 1 is Labour Day, now without demonstrations, and becomes an extra day off. If the weather is good at the beginning of May, Czech people like to relax in nature. But it is also interesting to stay in the city: in Prague, for example, they prepare a May Day concert program and other entertainment.

On May 8, the Czech Republic celebrates Victory Day. To this date, there are timed solemn ceremonies, parades of military equipment, reconstructions of battles, and concerts.

In addition, another date commemorates the events of the Second World War. On May 5, 1945, the so-called Prague Uprising occurred in the Czech Republic. The spontaneous uprising began when the civilians of Prague started to destroy the symbols of occupation and hang national flags on their houses. The occupation authorities tried to suppress the protest, and the clashes turned into fierce fighting. By May 9, when Soviet troops entered Prague, the city was almost liberated from fascist invaders.

There are also many sporting and cultural events in May. For example, the Prague Marathon takes place in the capital every year, with runners from all over the world participating.

The Prague Spring academic music festival begins in mid-May. Most of the concerts take place in the famous Rudolfinum Hall.

For two whole weeks in May, Prague is buzzing with a beer festival. Visitors can taste not only their favorite beer but also the products of small breweries.

And if you come to the Czech Republic on 30 April, you can see the holiday Pálení čarodějnic, an analog of Walpurgis Night. As darkness falls, bonfires are lit on the hills, young people jump over the fire, and at the end of the action, a straw effigy of a witch is burned. The day is not without treats either.

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Prices in the Czech Republic are still moderate in May, as the tourist rush will only begin in July and August. Demand, and with it costs, increases in the first week of May, and then the excitement subsides.

Airfares

In May, ticket prices are approximately the same as in April, except for a price hike on the May weekend. In June, flights become more expensive by 5-7%. The demand for tickets to Prague in spring is almost as high as in summer, so you should buy tickets in advance or watch for favorable offers, including low-cost flights.

Accommodation

The cost of housing rises during the May holidays but then falls back to April levels. In June, there may be a slight, within a few percent, increase or decrease in price.

Package Tours

The low season for excursion lovers is over, and already, at the end of April, the price of a tour can increase by 5-20%. The maximum cost is in the first days of May, after which the package tour prices become slightly cheaper.

Food

There are no problems with organizing meals in the Czech Republic. You can visit local restaurants, European and Asian cuisines, or cook in your apartment.

Prices in public catering are moderate when compared to neighboring Germany and Austria, but the general rule applies here, too: the further away from tourist places, the cheaper. In cafes where locals go, lunch for one person will cost about 150 CZK; in a tourist restaurant — it costs a minimum of 250 CZK crowns (including alcohol).

Supermarkets have almost all the usual products, including baby food, from well-known manufacturers. Meat, fish, cheese, vegetables, and fruit can be bought in shops and markets. Food prices are lower than in neighboring EU countries.

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Prices for mass-market goods in the Czech Republic are lower than in other European countries, and travelers usually take the time to go to the shopping malls. But even if you don't buy anything worthwhile, you will find something nice. It may be thin-walled glasses made of Bohemian glass, Moser crystal, or Becherovka herbal liqueur, or just a Krtek toy — the mole from the cartoon is loved by adults and children alike.

A good gift for children would be round Carlsbad wafers, or Karlovarské oplatky, with different fillings, a Merkur metal constructor, or Koh-i-Noor stationery.

According to reviews about holidays in the Czech Republic in May, from the end of April, many stores have sales — it's a good chance to buy branded clothes, shoes, and other goods at a reasonable price.

• What to Buy in Prague: 19 Ideas of Souvenirs and Gifts

Holidays in the Czech Republic in May with children require standard preparation — buying tickets, looking for accommodation, and arranging insurance. There are only a few nuances that need to be taken into account.

1. The second half of May is preferable for a sightseeing trip. Usually, at the end of the month, it is warmer than at the beginning. Besides, there are a lot of tourists in Prague on the May holidays.
2. Choose your wardrobe so that you can adapt to any weather. Be sure to take jackets that will protect you from wind and rain. Younger children can benefit from hats.
3. Hotels in Prague and other cities provide a minimum of services for families with children. You can count on a cot and a high chair in the restaurant, but not on children's entertainment. Family hotels are available only in the main spa resorts.
4. Holidays in the mountains are better postponed until summer. At the end of spring, it is still too cold for traveling with children.
5. If you are not going to the capital, take a supply of baby food for a few days. Shops in small towns close early may be open half a day on Saturday and closed on Sunday.

With children who already eat from the adult table, you can safely go to a traditional restaurant. Bramborachka with smoked meat probably shouldn't be offered to the younger ones, but baked brambora or bramboraki the kids eat with pleasure. What is behind such similar names? Read Kidpassage's article about the Czech cuisine, and you'll easily find your way around the menu.