Splash pads, waterslides, beaches, and pools: Where to make waves in Prague

The season for fun in the sun is underway, and temperatures have been soaring. Prague offers several options for cooling off by the water. We've compiled a list of open-air swimming and splashing spots in the Czech capital, from a natural swimming pool to a giant toboggan run.

The natural swimming pool Biotop Radotín, conveniently located near a bike path along the Vltava, shares space with a resort and bar. The water is cleaned by ecological methods, without chemicals. The main area is covered in grass. Outdoors showers and a children’s playground are also available. From October 2022, a sauna will be open.  

Koupaliště Lhotka, near the Novodvorská housing estate, opened in 2018 after a massive renvation. The natural biotope, surrounded by a green lawn, has increased culinary options this year. The  ​​5,570 square meters of water reach a depth of 3.25 meters. Changing rooms, showers, and a clubhouse are available.

Přírodní koupalistě Motol is a natural water reservoir with an area of ​​4,100 square meters. Services are on the minimal side. Patrons in online reviews comment that time seems to have stopped and the place seems untouched by any modernization. But the water is clean and people can relax in peace, along with ducks who also use the pond.

A large swimming complex in Barrandov, Aquadream offers with a 25-meter indoor pool and water slides, plus an outdoor pool and play area complete with sunbathing meadow, paddling pool and mini-golf, beach volleyball, skittles, petanque rental, and refreshments.

This massive Aquapalace Praha complex on the outskirts of Prague in the Průhonice-Čestlice commercial zone is pricey and packed but still a large draw for not only locals but tourists. It ranks on Trip Advisor as one of Prague’s top amusements. The main attraction is its Outdoor Wild Water River.

Possibly the quietest, most scenic outdoor pool in Prague, Koupaliště Divoká Šárka, nestled in the picturesque green valley of the same name, has two pools to choose from; the standard pool or the invigorating icy-cold and stream-fed pool. The water is treated with a minimal amount of chlorine. For children, there is a wading pool, trampoline, swings, slides, and climbing frames.

In addition to swimming and sunbathing, this complex offers a variety of water attractions as well as pétanque,  table tennis, netball, and volleyball. Lockable cabins can be rented. Payment cards are not accepted.

Inviting sun chairs, a grassy beach, playgrounds, trampolines, and beach volleyball make Koupaliště Klánovice in Prague 9 a great place to spend an afternoon. The complex also has mini-golf, trampolines, and volleyball.

The renovated Koupaliště Ládví re-opened in 2014. Visitors will also find pétanque and ping pong courts, a large restaurant, and sunbathing lawns on the grounds.

out in Střešovice in Prague 6, Koupaliště Petynka has a 50-meter pool plus a 103-meter tobogán run, aquazorbing, volleyball, and a trampoline.

The outdoor pool area is one of the most popular parts of the Žižkov sports complex Pražačka in the summer. The pool is open until 9:30 p.m. on weekdays for those in need of a refreshing post-work swim.

ČEZ plavecký stadion Podolí, over 50 years old, is a relic of the Communist era, It has two outdoor pools and a huge grassy lawn full of sunbathers; the whole area is flanked by a massive set of metal bleachers, a unique sight for swimmers. (See our photo essay on this famous pool here.)

Another throwback to a bygone area is Plavecký stadion SK Slavia in Vršovice. The indoor swimming complex has an outdoor pool that opens during the warmer months. Enjoy a 50-meter pool as well as the children’s pools that are situated outdoors.

Located in Kobylisy, Koupaliště Stírka is one of the oldest outdoor swimming pools in Prague. It has given bathers the opportunity to take the plunge for over 60 years. For those who rely on public transport, it is just a few hundred meters from the Kobylisy metro station.

An urban beach resort on the banks of the Vltava, Zluté lázně offers grassy and sandy beaches, several beach volleyball courts, restaurants, and cultural events. A large splash and kiddie pool area is popular with local parents. The entire complex is barrier-free.

The waterfront Kayak Beach Bar provides space for beach volleyball matches, beach soccer, tennis, fitness, yoga, or pétanque. The court is lit at night. The bar area offers light refreshments and also the possibility of renting kayaks or paddleboards.

In addition to swimming and sunbathing, Hostivařská přehrada offers slides, trampolines, pedal boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and more. There is also a section for nude sunbathing and swimming.

Prague’s first so-called water world, Gutovka boasts 15 water elements, as well as beach volleyball, a climbing wall, mini-golf and a skate park.

The water pumps, dykes, mill wheels, and cascades at Malešice park are typically the biggest hit with kids at this renovated park, which is a paradise for kids. People also come to run, skate, or just picnic and relax. 

A fairly new park in Prague commemorates the support shown to Czech dissidents by the late Dutch politician Max van der Stoel. The central focus of the park is a long, linear water feature. Children can also enjoy balance blocks, a rope pyramid, or a barefoot trail.