Zagreb Guide: Fun Activities for Kids and Parents During Summer Holidays
The last day of school is probably one of the happiest days of the year for kids, along with Christmas and their birthday. Two and a half months of freedom. No homework, algebra or early morning wake ups. Having fun with their friends, going on holiday with their family, staying up late are only a few reasons why kids adore summer holidays. Still, parents often have a hard time dealing with their little ones during that period because they don’t get as much free time as their kids so someone has to look after them while they are at work. Finding a nanny isn’t always easy, and sometimes grandparents aren’t the option. Luckily, Zagreb offers a lot of activities for kids, and some are even for parents as well. If you’re looking for ideas on how to give your children the best summer ever, here are some of our suggestions.
Summer Camp “Little Athletes”
If you want your child to spend their summer holidays in fun, safe, active and educative environment, then sign them up for sports academy that organises summer camp called “Little Athletes”. Summer camps are held at three locations in Zagreb: at beautiful Šalata, Sports Park Mladost and Svetice. A five-day summer camp is intended for children aged 5 to 12 years, and it will provide them with an unforgettable time to get acquainted with new sports, art and other activities, as well as develop strong and lasting friendships, enhance their communication skills while recognising diversity and experiencing an unforgettable summer.
Photo Credit: Mali Sportasi
I remember when I was a kid and my parents sent me to a summer camp that lasted for a week. Till this day, I remember all the people I met there. Being surrounded with so many of my peers that I otherwise may never have met because they didn’t attend the same school as me, made me more open and helped me to bond with my new friends.
Since this camp “Little Athletes” offers so many exciting things, I must say I’m a bit jealous I can’t apply as well. Kids get a nutritionally balanced lunch and a fruity snack, so you don’t have to worry about packing them a lunch box. Also, each day includes pool activities and various games at the campsite, while a midweek activity is going to Sljeme where they can hike, run and play in the shades of trees as well as admire beautiful nature and learn about ecology.
Workshops at Natural History Museum
First of all, I was surprised to learn how many locals have never been to Croatian Natural History Museum because it’s a fantastic place where you can have fun while learning so much new information. So, if you’ve never been there, you should definitely check it out. Furthermore, if you need any additional reason to go there, then summer is a perfect period, especially for children because Natural History Museum organises workshops for both parents and their kids. It’s a great place to start if you’d like to get your children interested in science or if they are already into it.
They can play educational games, discover how the world around them works through creative assignments, conversation with their peers and educators that will guide them through each program. Aside from daily workshops, they've also prepared a three-day event called Little School of Minerals where kids can hear all about Earth’s structure, how and why earthquakes occur, what are the differences among different types of rocks and why this kind of knowledge is important for people’s everyday life.
Basically, I’d participate if I were young enough. So, ask your kids if this sounds like something they might like and take them to Natural History Museum. Who knows, maybe this visit sparks their love for science and a couple of years from now, you’ll discover your kid is actually a genius.
Programme “Odmorko”
Program Odmorko is a set of sports activities organised throughout the whole year, not just during summer holidays. Each season has something special and so does School Sports Association of Zagreb that organises these activities because they've made sure students can have fun with their peers from every corner of the city. This summer, they’ve prepared carefully thought-out, featured and professionally managed set of activities for kids so they can spend quality leisure time. The programme is designed to satisfy the interests of as many schoolchildren as possible, and it takes place in different sports facilities under a professional and pedagogical supervision of experts.
Image Credit: Skolski Sportski Savez Grada Zagreba
They can play tennis as well as table tennis, swim, play volleyball, grass hockey, handball, rugby, golf, squash, go bowling, practice fencing and much more. List of the whole set of activities is available on their website because there’s something different every day so keep an eye out for what you kid might like the best and set a reminder in your calendar for each day.
Sports School Olimpici
Universal sports school Olimpici was founded because, a few years ago, Zagreb had a lack of adequate content for the children aged 6-10 years and the parents' wish was for their kids to continue doing sports even after kindergarten. The primary task of the summer sports school is to meet the children's need for movement and play, as well as the development of their abilities, qualities and sports knowledge. The great thing about this school is that nothing can stop them from preparing fun sports activities both indoors and outdoors. Professional staff members carefully organise each day for children which allows them to experience all kinds of different sports, even if they’ve never played them before. Summer school is held from Monday to Friday during working hours which is amazing for parents who have to go to work and don’t know what to do with their children if they don’t have a nanny or grandparent to look after them.
Aside from sports, children can also participate in creative workshops and IQ games, but also in a great number of water activities during summer heat waves. What more can I say, other than: can I, please, sign up as well?
Kaptol Boutique Cinema programme for kids
Photo Credit: Kaptol Cinema
I bet your kids will be thrilled if you tell them that this summer Kaptol Boutique Cinema prepared a special program for them called Kinocrtaonica. In a WOW bar they can come and draw, show their creativity, but also participate in a competition because one lucky child will win a prize - a birthday party. How cool is that?! All you have to do is upload to your Facebook profile or on Kaptol Boutique Cinema Facebook page a drawing your kid made at the theatre using a hashtag #kinocrtaonica and wait for Kaptol Boutique Cinema to choose the best drawing. Obviously, make sure your upload is public and visable to everyone otherwise it won’t be considered during the contest. The winners will be announced on 8th of September so for more info check out Kaptol Boutique Cinema website. Better yet, go there for yourself, take your kid with you and watch a movie together. Before that, you can lounge at the bar while your kid is drawing a picture which later you can upload to participate in this contest. Make it a fun movie day for your entire family!
Photo Credit: TZGZ Download Zone
Author: Paula Bracko