Boo! Halloween for Kids 2013

Dýňový Svět lies an hour and a half from Prague. Each fall this family-run farm builds installations from things they grow. Pyramids of pumpkins, a labyrinth of straw – it’s different every year.  Their Czech-language site refers to these sculptures as “agro-attractions” and that sums it up nicely. They sell all kinds of pumpkin, grain, and even their own honey. Admission: 50 CZK adults, 30 CZK kids. Open weekdays 13.00-18.00 and weekends 9.00–18.00. Ends November 3rd.

Dýňová Farma is in Bykoš, about halfway to Plzen, in a beautiful landscape well worth exploring. This charming, family-run farm grows 15 kinds of pumpkins. Each year they construct a living labyrinth of corn stalks. On weekends the smell of grilled pumpkin and squash fills the air, and the soup is wonderful – so bring extra money for food. Entrance is free, but the labyrinth costs 80 CZK for adults, 40 CZK kids or 200 CZK for a family of four. The activities draw to a close after Halloween. 

Bykoš pumpkin farm

For the best selection locally, visit garden centers like TREES and Chladek. Trees, in Černý Vůl, is home to an impressive collection of squash sculptures and hanging art. Every year in early October, Chladek hosts a weekend-long event of pumpkin carving, “scavenger  hunts” (activities at various stations) and live entertainment including clowns and a fire show. 

You can also buy pumpkins at the Botanical Gardens in Troja. Here there is an exhibit about pumpkins that runs until the 20th of October. The weekend of Oct 26th and 27th, Bohemiae Rosa lets you go on to their pumpkin patch and pick your own, and you may carve it there. They offer apples picking, too, and kids can even help to make (and of course drink) the freshest cider.

The great pumpkin at Bohemiae Rosa!

Parties

Hard Rock Café is throwing its Spook-tacular Halloween for Kids on Saturday Oct. 26th, from 13.00–17.00. Expect games, pumpkin painting and face painting. There will be a kids corner – to keep the littlest ones away from the promised “poisonous candles and magic potions”. Entrance is free!

Bohemia Bagel throws their kid-friendly event Oct. 31st from 16.00–18.00. Perfect place to warm up before going trick-or-treating. There will be pumpkin carving, face painting, a Halloween film or fairytale for kids, treats, and more fun stuff! Reserve your space at: masna@bohemiabagel.cz or call 224 812 560.

The annual PACK Halloween party takes place Nov. 2, from 15.00–17.00. On that day, the eerie house at Slunná 7 in Prague 6 will be transformed into a haunted house full of fun. Kids aged 6-10 will play games, dance, compete for best costume and beat down a “Jack-o-Piñata”. There’ll be jack-o-lantern crafting with helium balloons from BalonDekor.cz. Thanks to Bohemia Bagel the buffet will be extra special. And the best part? Free candy for all from The Candy Store. To register email eva@expats.cz. Price is 250 CZK per child.

The Botanical gardens at Troja has a Halloween event every year on the evening of Oct. 31st. Buy your pumpkin there, carve it, then join the parade at 18.00 with your new pumpkin lantern. Contests for kids and sausage grilling is also on the program.   

For the tiniest ones, Bumps Babies and Tots is planning a Fall Celebration at The Little Mole preschool October 19th from 15.00–18.00. Open to members. RSVP required. Members will have access to information about the Nov 2nd Halloween Party through the groups events page.

Castles!

On Saturday, Oct. 27th, Berchtold Castle hosts a Vampires Ball for children and adults. And you’ll find both ghosts and pirates at Karlova Koruna castle Saturday the 26th. 

Berchtold castle

Costumes 

It gets easier each year to find a good costume. Most toy stores carry a small selection, or you could order from this Halloween megastore. The Czech version of Esty, Fler.cz has a selection of hand-made masks and costumes. For more ideas where to find costumes, read here.

Trick-or-Treating

•  Be a good guest and bring candy to donate. Just choose a house you like, and give back. It’s not done in the states,  but at least there, while you’re giving candy out – your child is raking it in, so it balances out.
•  Do not disturb houses with a “No Candy” sign on the door.
•  Please tell your kids to say “Thank You” when they receive candy. 
•  Everybody can wear a costume – adults too!
•  Don’t even try to drive in to the area from the main road – it’s a terrible bottleneck. Enter from the back on Malý  Dvůr or better still, park elsewhere and walk in. 
•  Dress warm! Fairy costumes disappear under coats and scarves, but spacemen and werewolves rule the night in comfort.

Not into costumes & candy?

For a Halloween experience you won’t find ‘back home’, visit the ruins of the castle in Čachtice – where Lady Bathory lived and executed countless young maidens – to bathe in their blood. And if you haven’t been to the Ossuary (Bone Church) near Kutná Hora, this would be a perfect time.