Prague sports venues now open for free through December

Pro tip: you can get a head start on that New Year's resolution this week in Prague, and it won't cost you a thing.

From Christmas Day through New Year's Eve (December 25-31), the Week of Free Sports returns to the Czech capital. During the annual event, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, dozens of sports centers throughout Prague are open to the public free of charge.

Participating venues include gyms, pools, squash courts, skating rinks, climbing walls, and much more. The nature of the event encourages those not familiar with a particular sport to give it a try for free.

"This small Christmas gift will allow sports enthusiasts to use all kinds of sports venues in Prague for free from December 25 to 31," says Vít Šimral, Prague's councilor for education and sports.

"It's an ideal opportunity to try a new sport, do something for your health, or lose those extra pounds from Christmas cookies."

Options include the Aqua Dream water park in Barrandov, mini-golf at the Kotva shopping center, and the Eagles Park baseball complex in Prague 4, where hitters can face off against a pitching machine in an indoor batting cage.

A full list of options can be found at the official website of the Week of Free Sports, which is organized by Prague Sports, a city-sponsored initiative.

In past years, tens of thousands of Prague residents have taken advantage of the sports on offer. Swimming pools and skating rinks have traditionally been the most popular venues; indoor beach volleyball and badminton courts also give participants the chance to try a sport out of its season.

Note that the capacity of some venues may be limited; reservations are encouraged and for some locations required. Due to the Christmas holidays, operating hours for many venues may also be limited. Contact information for participating venues can be found at the Week of Free Sports website.

The Week of Free Sports has been an annual holiday tradition in Prague since 2008. Last year, participation was limited at most venues do to anti-coronavirus restrictions in place at the time.