The 19+ greatest issues to do in Zagreb with youngsters

Croatia’s capital tends to get ignored by households in comparison with the cities on the coast, like Dubrovnik and Break up, however with so many issues to do in Zagreb with youngsters, it’s someplace that must be on your loved ones metropolis break checklist.

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We teamed our go to with a couple of days in Dubrovnik, travelling (virtually) from one finish of the nation to the opposite – and should you suppose that seeing one Croatian metropolis is seeing all of them, Zagreb will change your thoughts.

With extra of a central European really feel right here and a complete host of very quirky museums, alongside historical past and streets made for strolling, right here’s why we beloved Zagreb plus my decide of the perfect issues to do in Zagreb with youngsters.

Take a metropolis tour

I like a metropolis strolling tour as one of the simplest ways to get your bearings in a brand new metropolis, in addition to sharing a few of the uncommon tales that you just won’t in any other case uncover.

Not like another European capitals, Zagreb isn’t big, so you can even cowl various the highlights in a couple of hours.

We beloved this metropolis tour with a go to to the Second World Conflict tunnels – in addition to taking us previous a couple of landmarks, such because the statue in Ban Josip Jelačić Sq., Zagreb cathedral (at the moment principally underneath scaffolding), the Stone Gate and the Lotrščak Tower – in addition to studying in regards to the mannequin photo voltaic system round Zagreb and visiting the Oktogon passageway.

Our tour information additionally stuffed in a few of the historical past of Zagreb, in addition to life in Zagreb right this moment, plus gave us tips about every thing from the place to go for a stroll to the place to eat. At 2 1/2 hours lengthy, it’s higher with barely older youngsters however positively family-friendly.

I additionally beloved the look of the Secret Zagreb excursions, which has some enjoyable family-friendly choices (however sadly timings didn’t work for us) or you may obtain some free quests that are excellent with youthful youngsters, with puzzles and challenges to finish as you discover.

This two-hour strolling tour is a barely shorter choice, or save your ft with a motorbike tour of Zagreb as an alternative. For one thing on more moderen historical past, a Communism and Croatian Homeland Conflict tour is an fascinating various for teenagers, or uncover Croatian delicacies as you go along with a meals strolling tour of Zagreb.

You may even get artistic and make your individual memento postcard, in addition to listening to a few of the tales and legends of town on this uncommon Zagreb tour.

Hear the cannon

Head to Lotrščak Tower in Zagreb’s Higher City (one of many oldest components of town) and day-after-day at midday you may hear the cannon fireplace from the highest ground.

The tower itself dates from the thirteenth century, and as soon as housed a bell used to sign the time when town gates closed every night. However within the nineteenth century, an additional ground was added to the highest of the tower, and a cannon positioned there, first fired at noon on January 1, 1877.

Used as sign to town’s bellringers that midday had arrived, and for town’s inhabitants to set their clocks, lately it’s solely a vacationer attraction nevertheless it’s nonetheless a enjoyable free factor to do in Zagreb with youngsters, and it’s typically included in strolling excursions that are timed to succeed in the tower simply earlier than 12.

Just a few phrases of warning; the bang is REALLY loud. It might sound apparent, however having seen comparable spectacles elsewhere, the truth that this sounds proper above your head makes it appear even louder – my ears have been ringing. With large crowds targeted on the tower, you can even get pickpockets right here, so keep watch over your belongings in addition to the upstairs window.

Discover town mannequin

I’m a little bit of a sucker for metropolis fashions, which appear to pop up fairly a bit on this a part of the world – I’ve seen ones in Break up and Ljubljana to this point. And Zagreb has its personal, simply across the nook from Ban Josip Jelačić sq., one other frequent cease on metropolis excursions.

The size mannequin is 13 sq. metres in dimension, with bronze castings of town structure, in addition to greater than 400 separate constructions seen on the block of stone, so you may spot your lodging, a few of the metropolis landmarks and usually tower over Zagreb like an enormous.

it’s additionally a fast method to see the place Zagreb’s oldest areas are: Gradec, the place you may nonetheless discover the Stone Gate, and Kaptol, house to the cathedral. When you look on the edges, you can even see the unique coat of arms, in addition to some details about town’s historical past (in English and Croatian).

See the meteorological put up

Head right down to Zrinjevac park and you may spot Zagreb’s uncommon meteorological column (also called the meteorological put up, meteorological pole or Meteorološki stup in Croatian) on the north finish of the sq..

A brief stroll from Ban Josip Jelačić sq., the devices within the column have been recording temperature, humidity, and air stress since 1884 when Dr Adolf Holzer, an novice meteorologist, constructed the column as a present to town.

But it surely wasn’t only a need to provide one thing again (or to make himself look rich and benevolent, although it most likely helped) as Holzer was additionally making an attempt to find how local weather affected human well being.

At present, the column not supplies official knowledge however nonetheless supplies impressively correct measurements – so should you fancy an alternative choice to an app in your telephone, or simply seeing one thing a bit of uncommon, it’s properly value stopping by.

See the Stone Gate

As soon as there have been 4 essential gates by way of town partitions into Zagreb – the Stone Gate, Mesnička Gate, Opatička Gate, and the gate close to the Friar’s Tower.

Between earthquake, fireplace and metropolis enlargement, all of the gates (and a lot of the partitions) have been destroyed over the centuries apart from the Stone Gate.

The truth is, this can be a rebuilt model after the picket gate burned down in 1731, when in line with legend, solely a portray of the Virgin and Baby miraculously escaped the flames.

At present, it’s a shrine with the portray inside, and house for folks to gentle candles and provide up prayers – you’re requested to be silent as you stroll by way of. You may nonetheless see some small fragments of the outdated metropolis wall close by on Ulica Ivana Tkalchiceva, in addition to by the cathedral, however visiting the Stone Gate is an efficient method to visualise how the medieval metropolis may need regarded.

Enterprise into the Second World Conflict tunnels

Tucked away underneath a hill, the Second World Conflict tunnels get their identify as a result of they have been constructed throughout the battle as an air raid shelter, though they weren’t used as a lot because the identify suggests.

After that, they principally fell into disrepair till they hosted one of many nation’s first raves within the 90s, earlier than getting used as a civilian refuge throughout the Croatian Conflict of Independence – and now sometimes to host occasions and exhibitions.

Nowadays, they’re principally utilized by locals as a short-cut somewhat than going the entire means across the hill, as they’re free and open to the general public between 9am and 10pm (usually), and makes a really atmospheric place to stroll.

There’s an entrance simply across the nook from the bottom of the funicular, simply off Mesnička Road, resulting in Radićeva road (with another passageways main south from the central corridor). Round 350m lengthy, it solely takes about 5 minutes to stroll by way of.

Stroll the inexperienced horseshoe

The inexperienced horseshoe – Lenuci’s Inexperienced Horseshoe to be exact – is the catchy identify for the string of parks, gardens and inexperienced areas in Zagreb which kind a U form by way of town.

An ideal choice with youngsters, you may stroll from one inexperienced house to a different, a stunning method to discover a part of the capital. You can begin anyplace you need however a simple choice is to start at Zrinjevac park after trying out the meteorological put up, and head south.

The route takes you in the direction of King Tomislav Sq. then alongside to the Zagreb botanical gardens (free to enter) and thru one other collection of parks and squares to the Croatian Nationwide Theatre.

Relying how briskly you stroll, you might do the entire horseshoe in round half an hour with none stops, though it might be a disgrace to race by way of somewhat than strolling it, particularly within the fairly botanical gardens, that are house to greater than 10,000 species of vegetation.

For one more inexperienced house in Zagreb with a distinction, head to Maksimir Park, the place you’ll discover the 17-acre Zagreb Zoo – it’s round quarter-hour from central Zagreb by taxi or public transport and is house to over 7,000 animals from internationally

Stroll up Ulica Ivana Tkalcica

As soon as, there was a creek dividing the 2 unique components of Zagreb – Kaptol and Gradec. At present, the water nonetheless runs underground, however the route it took is hidden underneath Ulica Ivana Tkalcica within the Higher City.

Lined with bars and eating places, in addition to memento outlets and a string of fairly vibrant buildings, it’s touristy for positive, however horseshoe nonetheless a stunning place to wander, to take a couple of images and cease for a drink or two.

We truly ended up staying in a terrific AirBNB on the road, which additionally made a terrific base to discover the Higher City.

There’s even a playground on the road should you’ve bought youthful youngsters, though it’s value figuring out that there’s a statue of a unadorned girl very shut by as this space was as soon as the pink gentle district in centuries passed by. The statue, by the way, was there earlier than the playground!

Trip the funicular

Relationship again to the Eighteen Nineties, the Zagreb Funicular is the oldest and first technique of public transport within the metropolis – and at solely 66m lengthy, it’s additionally the shortest funicular on the planet.

The Funicular is at the moment closed for renovations and is because of reopen in 2026 so that you’ll have to attend till then for an opportunity to expertise ‘the outdated girl’ of Zagreb

Connecting the Higher and Decrease Cities, it cuts out the hill main as much as the Lotrscak Tower should you’re coming from Tomićeva road – not an unimaginable stroll even with youthful youngsters, however driving a funicular is all the time enjoyable!

Absorb the views

Standing within the Higher City, you get some unbelievable views down onto the rooftops and out in the direction of the Decrease City – you needn’t pay for a pricy viewpoint both, simply standing by the Lotrscak Tower is an efficient choice, or climbing the highest for a good higher view.

You can too stroll from the tower to the Strossmayer Promenade, simply alongside the hillside, which has extra pretty views. Or within the different course, stroll in the direction of St Catherine’s Church and there’s a viewpoint at Gradec Plato, not removed from the love locks on the high of the Zakmardi stairs.

If you’re contemplating Zagreb 360, the point of view tower not removed from Ban Josip Jelacic Sq. on the rooftop of the Ilica Skyscraper, it’s at the moment closed.

Browse the meals market

Save time for a wander round Dolac Market, the principle market of Zagreb for round 80 years, which takes place day-after-day (it’s greatest to get there earlier than 1pm, the sooner the higher).

The part underground consists of the fish market, in addition to meat and a few cheese – simply head down the steps from the principle sq. to get there.

Or should you’re searching for fruit and greens, they’re within the open-air part together with souvenirs, honey and different gadgets on the market. Maintain an eye fixed out for the contemporary cornbread as properly.

Main down the road in the direction of Ban Josip Jelacic Sq., there’s additionally a flower market. Whether or not you’re searching or shopping for, it’s a stunning place to wander round. And should you head there on Friday evenings from round mid April to mid July, you can even discover meals being served as a part of the particular Place Market occasions.

Nikola Tesla Technical Museum

Regardless of its identify, the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum isn’t solely targeted on Tesla’s concepts and innovations – though you may see these inside too.

As an alternative, it’s a a lot wider science and know-how museum, with a complete part on transport and planes, one other on geology, a planetarium, shows on agriculture and firefighting and even an opportunity to study extra about radioactive waste.

When you go to at particular occasions (3pm Tuesday to Friday) or at 11am on weekends, there’s additionally a guided tour by way of the museum’s mine included in entry, in addition to an indication of Tesla’s experiments on the Nikola Tesla Cupboard for some extra interactive reveals.

It’s value figuring out that whereas a lot of Zagreb is walkable, the museum is a bit of means out of the centre – it’s not too onerous to get to, round 10 minutes by taxi from Ban Josip Jelacic Sq. or round a 25-30 minute stroll.

When you’re strolling the inexperienced horseshoe, it’s about 10 minutes from the botanical gardens so it’s simple to mix with that as properly.

Museum of Up to date Artwork

In case you have youngsters who love artwork – or who you’re hoping to get a bit extra engaged with artwork – it’s onerous to beat someplace which has an enormous slide in it.

As a result of Zagreb’s Museum of Up to date Artwork has its personal custom-made double slide created by Belgian artist Carsten Holler, which takes you right down to the automotive park earlier than you allow – there are stairs instead should you don’t fancy racing one another down.

The main target inside, with everlasting and non permanent exhibitions is on all types of up to date artwork, so you might see performing artwork and movie artwork in addition to visible arts, together with worldwide artists akin to Marina Abramović in addition to Croatian artists since 1950.

It’s additionally a means out of town centre, throughout the Sava river from Zagreb’s Higher and Decrease Cities – it’s solely round quarter-hour by taxi from Ban Josip Jelačić Sq. or half-hour by public transport, however not inside simple strolling distance.

There’s a reduction on household tickets when you’ve got youngsters underneath 15, at the moment 12 Euros (In comparison with 11 Euros for a single grownup ticket)

Zagreb Metropolis Museum

Zagreb’s Metropolis Museum dates again to 1907, sharing the historical past of Croatia’s capital from its earliest days – together with some traces of prehistoric life found underneath the museum’s foundations.

As you stroll by way of, beginning with these underground sections on the Iron Age settlements, you’ll transfer by way of Zagreb’s historical past, significantly wanting on the founding of Kaptol, centered across the cathedral, and Gradec on the hill reverse.

There’s an enormous quantity to find as you go, however the museum’s age does inform – this can be a very conventional, old style sort of museum the place most issues are in glass circumstances so there’s not so much that’s interactive for teenagers. It’s additionally value having Google Translate in your telephone, as not all the data is in English.

The medieval historical past is unfold out over fairly a couple of rooms, together with some fascinating shows on the guilds, and a shocking quantity on every of the vital spiritual orders primarily based within the metropolis, earlier than taking you thru the Ottoman assaults and Zagreb’s previous as a part of the Austro-Hungarian empire.

The final hundred years or so are coated at a gallop, with one room on Communist Yugoslavia and one other small one on Croatian independence, though should you’re seeking to study extra in regards to the Balkans battle of the 90s, you received’t discover it.

There are some sudden quirky areas although, together with a room on the Oscar-winning Zagreb college of animation.

By the way, should you occur – like us – to go to on Could 31, which is Metropolis of Zagreb day, it’s fully free. In any other case, household tickets price 8 Euros should you’re visiting with youngsters underneath 15 (or 5 Euros for adults). Not one for toddlers or youthful youngsters, though a fast go to works for older youngsters who’re occupied with historical past (and it’s not too pricy for that).

Haha Home

Zagreb appears to specialize in quirky museums – and Haha Home is likely one of the most family-friendly of the lot. The world’s first Museum of Laugher, the principle goal is to make you snort at the least as soon as, in addition to introducing you to various kinds of humour.

To get you within the temper, there’s a slide from the doorway down into the museum, the place you progress by way of a collection of rooms and interactive shows.

Some appear designed with youngsters in thoughts – urgent a button to play fart noises? Why not. However there’s a lot to make adults giggle as properly – one spot had a rooster choir rendering varied tunes, which was surprisingly hilarious, whereas one other performed completely different giggles, guffaws, chuckles and laughs while you pressed completely different buttons.

There’s additionally an opportunity to decorate up and take foolish images, or pull on big inflatable Sumo fits for a little bit of Sumo wrestling.

However there was additionally one other room wanting on the various kinds of comedy, with illustrations together with cartoons and references to TV reveals, all whereas Charlie Chaplin performed on a display screen within the background for a little bit of silent slapstick enjoyable.

You may spend so long as you want, and at busy occasions you’ll have to queue – there was one room which completely appeared to have an extended line, though the remaining was fairly quiet on the afternoon after we visited.

In the long run, we spent lower than an hour, so it wasn’t the most cost effective attraction in Zagreb for households, nevertheless it actually is unimaginable to not snort!

Cravaticum

You would possibly suppose {that a} museum on the historical past of the tie can be the very last thing to enchantment to youngsters, however Cravaticum – one other of the string of quirky museums in Zagreb – is surprisingly good for households.

Strolling you thru the origins of the tie, which started its life in Croatia throughout wartime, the distinctive museum follows its historical past and appears at the way it turned modern after which a bit of on a regular basis put on.

The museum go to begins with a video which whisks you thru this historical past and packs in some uncommon details – do you know the longest tie each made measured 8,915ft, longer than 28 soccer fields lined up finish to finish?

There are additionally a number of interactive sections, together with one space the place you may practise tying ties, with diagrams and directions across the partitions. There’s additionally a stopwatch to see how shut you will get to the Guinness World Document for tying a Windsor knot, which stands at simply over 10 seconds. The closest we bought was round 20!

There’s additionally a enjoyable optical phantasm with a curtain of ties round two mirrors, the place you will get some nice results utilizing your telephone and stored us entertained for a surprisingly very long time. Or there’s a tie jigsaw and an opportunity to design your individual on a display screen for some extra hands-on enjoyable.

In the long run, we truly spent over an hour exploring this little museum, longer than we did at HaHa Home…! It’s near the doorway to the Second World Conflict tunnels so you may mix the 2. Children aged 7 and underneath are free.

For extra optical illusions, there’s additionally Zagreb’s Museum of Illusions, which is round a 10-minute stroll from Cravaticum alongside Ilica Road, with loads of enjoyable picture alternatives, possibilities to trick your eyes and mind, and one of many largest hologram exhibitions in Europe

Museum of Damaged Relationships

Maybe the best-known of Zagreb’s uncommon museums, the Museum of Damaged Relationships is best for older tweens/teenagers nevertheless it’s a surprisingly good choice for households with older youngsters.

There’s little or no that’s inappropriate, and whereas all of the shows concentrate on relationships which have ended, the reveals are sometimes surprisingly artistic, humorous and even uplifting, though inevitably so much could be very unhappy.

The rooms are principally themed, so one focuses on gadgets with hyperlinks to meals, for instance, whereas one other hinges round music, with vinyl and cassette tapes among the many gadgets.

However yow will discover every thing from a Mario Kart steering wheel and buttons to an EU flag, all with their tales listed alongside. With a number of rooms, you would possibly spend longer right here than you count on, though it’s one other one which is prone to take an hour or much less.

When you’re searching for one other distinctive exercise in Zagreb with teenagers, try Smash It, an attraction designed to allow you to safely break and smash gadgets up – someplace between stress reduction and enjoyable, it’s one other of Zagreb’s quirky issues to do with older youngsters

Chocolate Museum Zagreb

Head inside Zagreb’s Chocolate Museum and you may study all in regards to the historical past of chocolate and the way it’s produced.

Plus, after all, there’s the possibility to do some tastings, with an opportunity to attempt 9 various kinds of chocolate samples, and purchase some extra from native artisan producers earlier than you allow – in addition to a couple of chocolate-themed selfie spots. You may even grind your individual cacao beans.

When you’ve been to a chocolate museum earlier than, you’ll have already got an thought of what you’ll discover inside Zagreb’s Chocolate Museum too – however what number of youngsters say no to extra choc?

Christmas Market

When you’re visiting Zagreb at Christmas, town’s Christmas market was voted greatest in Europe for 3 years in a row.

Creation Zagreb is definitely a group of 25 Christmas markets unfold by way of town’s squares and essential streets, typically with particular person themes however making it really feel like the entire capital as been reworked right into a winter wonderland.

There are all the standard artisand merchandise and crafts you would possibly count on, plus mulled wine and conventional Croatian meals, in addition to varied performances and different leisure to get everybody in a festive temper.

The markets normally open on the Saturday earlier than the primary Sunday of Creation in late November and run to the primary week of January.

Disclosure: This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee

Photos: Cathedral/meteorological pole/botanical backyard/funicular/Tesla Museum/Up to date artwork museum/Christmas bauble courtesy of Depositphotos, all different pictures copyright MummyTravels

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