5 Great Late-Summer Activities

Touted as the most modern entertainment center in the Czech Republic, and claiming “Europe’s two largest water attractions” the newly opened Roman-themed water park Aqualand Moravia in Brno is sure to thrill. Twenty different slides, adrenalin-charged water rides, and a wide variety of kiddie and wave pools are complemented by a restaurant, bar, and animated programs for kids. Though it’s open all year round, the water park’s marquee attractions are outdoors (but if you happen to go later in the year be sure to check out the Forum Romanum Wellness Zone where you can enjoy geothermal pools and Roman and Turkish style baths). For now, cool down after a long hot summer in the Ice Well or the Cryochamber.

For a relatively easy route with some serious cultural added-value, check out the new trail extension from Hradec Králové to Kuks. This 26-mile track along the Elbe River opened in May 2013 and connects Hradec Králové with Smiřice, Josefov, and ultimately, the UNESCO-protected baroque statuary near the 18th-century former veteran’s hospital complex at Kuks. Hradec Králové is easily reached by car or train from Prague, where you can pick up the marked trail to Kuks. Visit the well-preserved hospital and Church of the Holy Trinity, the chateau and former spa built by Count František Antonín Špork, and the nearby UNESCO protected Betlém Rock Sculptures of Matthias Bernard Braun.

Late summer is the perfect time to explore the Czech Republic’s wealth of castle as many of the smaller castles limit their opening hours or close entirely during the fall and winter seasons. One not to miss, Kašperk is located along the Kašperské Hory Border Guard Path, a nearly 20-km-long educational pathway established to teach visitors (in Czech, German, and English) about the long history of the border areas of southern Bohemia. Established by Charles IV, choose from the Construction of the Castle or Life at the Castle tours, and learn more about castle life in this important trade area outside of Prague.

A natural haven and a national hotspot for typically-Czech activities such as blueberry or mushroom picking, hiking, and bike riding, Šumava certainly offers something for everyone – especially those who love last-minute deals and spa packages. From now til the end of September, Klatovy’s Wellness Hotel CENTRÁL is offering a 48% discount on spa packages for a week’s stay which includes breakfast, dinner, and free access to the swimming pool, salt, or steam saunas. An undeniably great deal for anyone looking to get away from it all and enjoy life in the slow lane. The OREA Hotel Bohemia at Marianske Lazne is also offering deep discounts for weekend spa packages.

Vyletni Kino in Prague’s Smichov neighborhood is screening great films (The Great Gatsby, Blue Jasmine, Moonrise Kingdom, Red 2) in the original language with Czech subtitles right on the river. Kids activities, food, drinks, ice cream, boat rentals, swimming lessons, massages, workshops, concerts, and pretty much anything else you can think of are all available at the whimsical weekly Vyletni Kino extravaganza. Groups can make reservations for grill parties, group cinema seating, and more. Entrance is a mere 100 CZK, and includes a blanket rental for your seating comfort (book in advance or pay extra to upgrade to a Fatboy beanbag). This all-weather summer cinema treat ends on September 14th, so get there fast before it ends!