Zagreb for Kids
If you are travelling with kids, you have to devise your travel plan according to them. The thing to keep in mind the most is that they will probably get bored and tired more quickly than adults. So, you should plan a lot of breaks and something fun to keep them animated and give them interesting experience through which they will learn something new – after all, that is what any trip should be, no matter how old you are.
Wait a minute, how did I even start to think about this when I don't have children and I'm not planning to have one at the moment? Well, soon my dear friend will visit me, and she is coming to Zagreb with her little one, a five-year-old son and this is a list of a few places where I will take them that will be amusing and educational for all of us, especially for the kid.
Image credit: Muzej iluzija
Museum of Illusions
Let's be real, a kid in a museum, on some regular painting exhibition, would die out of boredom – but not in this one! Museum of Illusions is a unique experience for all generations. There are more than 70 exhibits. Among them, there is one of the largest hologram collections in this part of Europe, challenging games as well as all kinds of optical illusions and installations – anti-gravity, infinity, rotated and games rooms are the most interesting ones. All of this will keep the kid animated and intrigued for hours, the only problem could occur when you decide it is time to go. But, there is a shop so you can reach for the good old kid bribing with some cool game to bring home.
The Zoo
I have never met a child who doesn't like animals, so I assume Zagreb Zoo is the must-go destination for anyone who is here with children. For example, my only memory from the first trip to Zagreb about 15 years ago when my dad brought me here is the zoo. Since education is one of the primary activities of the zoo, there are public feedings, keepers' talks, workshops, games and other activities that serve for familiarisation and bonding with the animals. It is proven that the proximity to the animals, especially the tactile feelings, arouse the interest of visitors and encourage them to become actively involved in their protection whereas animal species in the zoo act as ambassadors for their vulnerable relatives in the wilderness. So, visiting the zoo is a great lesson to get from the earliest age and a great opportunity to see about 275 animal species and 2,225 specimens from all continents including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and invertebrates.
Image credit: Zoo.hr
Backo Mini Express
Backo is the largest scale model railroad in the southeastern Europe, with 1,050 meters of railway that operate as many as 90 trains simultaneously is guaranteed to impress youngsters and take you back to your childhood. The scale model is located in an area of 75 square meters and is the result of the four-year work and an effort of five train enthusiasts who proudly point out that their trains are always on time. This mini express is the result of big love and it is always great to see a manifestation of that, and it is an inspiration for the little ones as well as adults that anything is possible if you work and try hard enough.
In between
We will probably spend a lot of time in beautiful Zagreb parks. Also, at the beginning of September, the 49th International Puppet Theatre Festival – PIF will be held so we'll check that out. And when we get enough of all the kid friendly activities, we'll most likely go shopping. Good thing to know is that most, if not all, of the shopping malls have supervised playgrounds. Not sure about dads and how they will entertain themselves but I'm pretty sure both mums and children are happy with that solution.
Header image credit: Pixybay
Author: Anđela Ivčević