Where to Go for a Weekend with Children in Moravia — Luhačovice and Surroundings
Are you planning a family holiday in Moravia and looking for a place where even the youngest will have fun? Luhačovice and its surroundings are among the best destinations in the Zlín Region for families with children. This spa town in the foothills of the White Carpathians offers a surprisingly diverse range of activities — from water attractions and rope centres to nature trails, unique zoos, and boat trips along the Baťa Canal. In this article, we bring you a complete guide to help you plan the perfect weekend with children in Luhačovice and its surroundings.
Whether you’re looking for where to go for a weekend with children in Moravia in summer, spring, or autumn, Luhačovice has something to offer year-round. The combination of a peaceful spa environment, natural beauty, and modern children’s attractions makes it an ideal family base for exploring the entire region.
Luhačovice Reservoir — The Heart of Summer Fun
The Luhačovice Reservoir is undoubtedly the most popular destination for families with children in all of Luhačovice. This water reservoir in the neighbouring village of Pozlovice offers a whole range of activities that will entertain children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.
Pedal Boats and Boats on the Reservoir
Right by the reservoir, there’s a boat rental service offering boats, pedal boats, and paddleboards. A family trip on a pedal boat is one of those unforgettable experiences — children can try steering, watch ducks and swans, and enjoy a peaceful cruise on the water. The rental offers a wide selection of vessels for various group sizes, so you needn’t worry even with a larger family. You can also rent paddleboards, which have gained enormous popularity in recent years, even among older children.
Inline Track and Cycle Path
Around the entire reservoir runs an asphalt cycle path approximately 3 kilometres long. Its flat profile and smooth surface make it an ideal place for inline skating, riding scooters, balance bikes, and children’s bicycles. The route is clear and safe — no motor traffic uses it. For young cyclists who are just learning to ride, it’s absolutely perfect terrain. Older children will appreciate the opportunity to complete the entire circuit several times in succession, whilst parents can sit comfortably on one of the many benches overlooking the reservoir.
Stepping Stones and Paddling Areas
Along the tributary flowing into the reservoir, you’ll find popular paddling areas and stepping stones that are an irresistible attraction for children. Jumping from stone to stone, wading in shallow water, and building dams from pebbles — these are exactly the activities that will keep children occupied for an entire afternoon. Don’t forget to pack spare socks and shoes, as wet feet are practically guaranteed.
Duha Swimming Pool — Summer Water Paradise for the Whole Family
The Duha swimming complex in Pozlovice, built in 2010 directly by the Luhačovice Reservoir, is a modern summer aquapark offering fun for all generations. The complex operates from June to September and is one of the best-equipped summer swimming facilities in the entire Zlín Region.
Pools and Water Attractions
The swimming complex has several pools — a swimming pool for proficient swimmers, an attraction pool, and a children’s paddling pool. The attraction pool is the main draw for families with children. Here you’ll find a wild river that carries children along with the water current in a circular channel, a wave pool with artificial waves, water mushrooms spraying water, massage benches with jets, a climbing net over water, and a climbing wall.
Water Slide and Slides
The main attraction for more adventurous children is the water slide and slides. The slide offers a fast ride with twists and turns down into the pool and is suitable for older children and adults. Smaller children will enjoy the open slide, which is less intense but equally fun. The children’s pool with bubble jets and a water hedgehog is ideal for the youngest visitors.
Facilities
Duha swimming complex also considers parents’ comfort. Changing rooms, showers, toilets, first aid room, and refreshments are available. On the terrace, you can borrow books and use free WiFi. Near the swimming complex, you’ll also find sports courts with mini golf and tennis courts — a great option if someone from the family wants to take a break from the water for a while.
Municipal Swimming Pool Luhačovice — Swimming in Any Weather
What to do when it’s cold outside or raining? Municipal Swimming Pool Luhačovice offers a year-round indoor pool complex that has been operating since 2010. It’s a modern facility with barrier-free access, making it an ideal alternative for unfavourable weather.
The swimming pool has a main 25-metre pool with four lanes (water temperature 27°C), an adventure pool with jets, showers, wild river, loungers, and other attractions (pleasantly warm water temperature of 32°C), and a children’s pool with bubble jets and water hedgehog (water temperature 34°C, pleasantly warm even for the smallest ones). There’s also a whirlpool for ten people (35°C) and a steam room with a temperature of 52°C for parents who want to treat themselves to relaxation.
In the entrance hall, you’ll find refreshments and free WiFi. The Municipal Swimming Pool is thus a perfect tip for a trip with children in the Zlín Region even in colder months — children can have fun in the water whilst parents can relax in the whirlpool.
Children’s Playgrounds in Luhačovice — Sea World and Pirate Bay
Luhačovice can boast several themed children’s playgrounds that far exceed the standard of ordinary climbing frames and swings. Two of them deserve special mention.
Sea World Children’s Playground
The Sea World playground can be found right in the centre of Luhačovice, near the local church on Nádražní Street. The main attraction is a large wooden ship, whose deck children can reach via stairs, ladder, or net — and slide down via the slide. The ship has a main mast with a lookout, the rear deck is designed as a cabin with a helm and benches, so children can play sailors and pirates for hours.
The playground also includes a zip line, a wooden dolphin, spring rockers in the shape of seahorses, and classic swings. Benches with a view of the entire playground are prepared for parents. The playground is freely accessible and, thanks to its location in the city centre, easily reachable on foot from most accommodation facilities.
Pirate Bay Children’s Rope Centre
On the shore of the Luhačovice Reservoir, approximately 700 metres from the Duha swimming complex, you’ll find Pirate Bay — a children’s rope centre with a pirate theme. The centre is designed for children aged 3 to 12 years and offers 11 disciplines with various difficulty levels.
Here, children overcome rope obstacles, slides, and climbing elements — all in a pirate theme that adds adventure to the entire activity. The obstacles are placed at a maximum height of 1.7 metres, allowing easy parental supervision whilst giving children a sense of real adventure. Pirate Bay is a great activity for Luhačovice with children — it combines movement, fun, and a mild dose of adrenaline in a safe environment.
Nature Trails — Education and Exercise in Nature
For families who want to combine walks in nature with learning, Luhačovice and its surroundings offer several nature trails suitable for children. Educational trips are precisely what makes Luhačovice with children such an attractive destination.
Through the Kingdom of Lookouts
The Through the Kingdom of Lookouts nature mini-trail is unique and probably the shortest nature trail you can imagine. It measures just 109 metres and is located directly in Luhačovice. Along the route, you’ll find 19 information panels, each dedicated to one region of Bohemia and Slovakia. The panels feature a map of the region and stories of lookouts — a total of 9 selected lookouts are presented with photographs and technical data.
Part of the area is the Mini Gallery of Lookouts, managed by the Jurkovičův svět civic association. This is a European rarity — you won’t find anything similar elsewhere. For children, it’s an interesting and undemanding stop where they can learn something about Czech architecture and landscape without having to cover kilometres.
Luhačovice Zálesí — Nature Trails in the Surroundings
The Museum of Luhačovice Zálesí and its surroundings offer further opportunities for educational walks. The Zálesí area is characterised by undulating countryside with meadows, pastures, and forests, ideal for undemanding hiking with children. Nature trails in the area introduce visitors to the region’s history, local flora and fauna, and traditional life in the Moravian countryside.
For families with smaller children, we recommend shorter circuits where children learn interesting facts about the nature around them whilst enjoying fresh air exercise. Older children and teenagers might be interested in the history of the spa industry and stories of famous personalities connected with Luhačovice.
Tourist Train — Sightseeing Train Around Luhačovice
One of the most popular attractions for children in Luhačovice is the tourist train — a sightseeing train that travels around the town and its surroundings. The train runs from April to October and offers a comfortable and fun way to see Luhačovice from a different angle.
The train route leads from the town centre past the spa colonnade and Jurkovič House, around the inhalation centre, through 28. října Square, past the Palace and Morava spa houses, and on to Pozlovice towards the reservoir. The return journey goes past the Church of St. Martin in Pozlovice back to the centre of Luhačovice. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and ticket prices are very reasonable.
If you’re considering where to go for a weekend with children in Moravia and want to impress even the smallest ones, the tourist train is a sure bet. Children love the experience of riding the train itself, whilst parents appreciate the opportunity to get to know the town comfortably without the need for long walks. The train runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with regular departures — we recommend checking specific times at the Luhačovice Municipal Information Centre. On Friday and Saturday routes, you can also take an extended circuit including the Lake of Love with views over the town.
ZOO Zlín-Lešná — One of the Best Zoos in Czechia
Just 20 minutes’ drive from Luhačovice, you’ll find ZOO Zlín-Lešná, which ranks among the most visited tourist destinations in all of Moravia. If you’re planning a family holiday in Moravia, visiting Zlín zoo is practically mandatory.
Animals and Pavilions
Zlín Zoo offers an extensive collection of animals from around the world, divided into thematic sections by continents. Main attractions include the Yucatan tropical hall, elephant pavilion, and a whole range of enclosures with exotic and domestic animals. Commented animal feeding sessions throughout the day are enormously interesting and educational for children.
Attractions for Children in the Zoo
Zlín Zoo really thinks thoroughly about its young visitors. In the lower part of the area near the Farma U Koaly restaurant, there’s an Australian children’s corner with wooden castles, slides, swings, climbing frames, an Australian water pump, and gold panning. Children can ride ponies and a camel, take the train around the area (stops at the restaurant, elephant pavilion, and Yucatan tropical hall), or try the rope centre.
Lešná Castle — Fairy-tale Tours
Part of the zoo area is the beautiful Lešná Castle, where special children’s tours take place. During holidays, these occur daily at 11:00 and 14:00 — for example, experience tours with fun etiquette or the Castle Cipher treasure hunt for primary school children. For families, visiting the zoo can easily be a full-day programme — count on at least 4 to 5 hours and don’t forget comfortable shoes.
Kovozoo Staré Město — Unique World of Metal Animals
About 30 minutes’ drive from Luhačovice towards Uherské Hradiště, you’ll find a completely unique attraction — Kovozoo in Staré Město. This is an original zoo where animals are created from metal scrap and decommissioned industrial material.
What You’ll See in Kovozoo
In the area of a former sugar factory, you’ll find more than 500 metal animals. Kovozoo is an excellent tip for a trip with children in the Zlín Region that will delight all age groups. Children can look into the eyes of two-tonne rhinoceros Norbert, look up at five-metre giraffe Safíra and her calf, admire the lion enclosure, herd of elephants, crocodiles, walruses, camels, monkeys, and dozens of other metal creatures. The new Prehistoric section with life-size dinosaurs has been added — the largest is triceratops Jindra, weighing nearly a tonne and measuring seven metres long.
Other Attractions in the Area
Besides animals, the area offers the Šrotík lighthouse, Naděje ship, L610 aircraft, Steelinka train, observation walkways, Kovozoo Maternity Ward, Veterans Museum, Smithy and Blacksmith Craft Museum, and the Tree of Life. The entire area is woven through with the idea that beautiful and interesting things can be created even from seemingly unnecessary waste. For children, it’s not only entertainment but also gentle ecological education.
Kovozoo is an ideal trip with children in the Zlín Region for 2 to 3 hours. The area is accessible year-round, and since most exhibits are outdoors, it’s most suitable in good weather.
Envicentrum Vysoké Pole — Nature and Tradition Within Reach
Envicentrum Pro krajinu in Vysoké Pole has been operating since 2010 as an educational centre focused on nature, landscape, and traditional Wallachian way of life. For families with children, it offers a unique experience combining ecological education with direct contact with animals and nature.
Programmes for Families
The Envicentrum offers ecological educational programmes focused on various topics — herbs, forest, water, waste management, and animal protection. Programmes are adapted to different age groups from preschoolers to secondary school students. The centre’s main theme is preserving traditional farming methods in the region — sustainable agriculture, livestock farming, and processing of agricultural products.
Animals and Environment
In the centre’s area, you’ll find horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, and poultry. For city children, contact with farm animals is often a completely new and fascinating experience. The Envicentrum also offers accommodation with a capacity of 15 beds if you’d like to extend your stay and spend more time in nature.
Vysoké Pole is located in the picturesque environment of the Vizovice Hills, approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Luhačovice. A trip to the envicentrum can be excellently combined with walks along surrounding nature trails.
Baťa Canal — Adventure on Water
The Baťa Canal is a historic waterway with a total length of 52 kilometres that originally served to transport lignite to Baťa factories. Today it’s one of the most attractive tourist destinations in southern and eastern Moravia and is easily accessible from Luhačovice.
Cruises for Families
For families with children, regular sightseeing cruises with a guide are ideal. Excursion boats are barrier-free, equipped with toilets, and on most you can buy refreshments. Boats are adapted to carry bicycles, prams, and pets. A canal cruise with passage through navigation locks is a fascinating technical experience for children — watching the water level in the lock rise or fall so the boat can continue is something they’ll remember for a long time.
Boat and Bicycle Combination
Along the entire Baťa Canal runs a more than 80-kilometre cycle path with asphalt surface and clear terrain, suitable for families with children. A popular option is combining a cycling trip with a cruise — going one way by bike and returning by boat (or vice versa). Excursion boats and houseboats are adapted to carry bicycles. Around the canal, you’ll also find numerous other tourist destinations — historic towns, castles, châteaux, museums, and wine trails.
The Baťa Canal is a popular destination for family holidays in Moravia and offers experiences you won’t find elsewhere in Czechia. For more adventurous families, it’s possible to rent a motorboat, houseboat, or canoe and set off on your own canal cruise. Houseboats offer the possibility of sleeping directly on water, which is an unforgettable experience for children.
Hotel Vincent — Ideal Family Base in Luhačovice
For a family holiday in Luhačovice, the right accommodation is crucial. Hotel Vincent offers everything families with children need for a comfortable and carefree stay.
Family Apartment for the Whole Family
The main attraction for families is the spacious family apartment for up to 6 people. The apartment is located in the hotel’s attic and is comfortably equipped so that even a larger family or group of friends travelling together feels at home. Besides the apartment, the hotel offers a total of 13 rooms of various sizes — from single to quadruple rooms. Guests have access to a fully equipped shared kitchen for preparing their own meals, which is a huge advantage for families with children — you don’t have to deal with restaurants with tired children after a full day of excursions.
Practical Services for Families
Hotel Vincent considers the practical needs of travelling families:
- Parking — directly at the hotel, so you don’t have to worry about finding a space in the spa town centre
- Electric car charging station — if you’re travelling by electric car, you can conveniently charge your car directly at the hotel
- Bicycle rental — ideal for family cycling trips around the area, to the reservoir, or on cycle paths in the White Carpathians
- Free WiFi — in all rooms
- Television — included in room price
- Breakfast — option to purchase breakfast
Near the hotel, you’ll find the Radostova sports centre with a large hall, mirror hall, badminton court, sauna, bowling, fitness centre, tennis court, and covered tennis hall. The hotel also allows accommodation with pets.
Hotel Location
Hotel Vincent is located in a quiet part of Luhačovice, yet within walking distance of the town centre, colonnade, and all main attractions. From the hotel, you can comfortably walk to the Sea World children’s playground, the tourist train, and the Municipal Swimming Pool. To the reservoir and Duha swimming complex, we recommend a short car or bicycle ride.
You can easily make accommodation reservations online at vincentluhacovice.cz/rezervace-ubytovani. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at ahoj@vincentluhacovice.cz or call +420 720 072 780.
Practical Tips for Family Trips to Luhačovice
To make the most of your family holiday in Moravia and weekend with children in Luhačovice, we’ve prepared a set of practical advice and tips based on the experiences of dozens of families who have visited this destination.
What to Pack for a Family Trip
Proper packing is half the success of a family trip. Here’s a list of things you definitely shouldn’t forget:
- Swimwear and towels — there’s plenty of water everywhere in Luhačovice, whether at the reservoir, swimming complex, or swimming pool
- High-factor sun cream — especially in summer months when you’ll be spending hours outdoors
- Comfortable sports shoes — for walks, nature trails, and zoo visits
- Spare clothing and socks — children + water = wet clothes, that’s a guaranteed equation
- Insect repellent — especially by the reservoir and on nature walks
- Raincoat or light rain jacket — Moravian weather can surprise
- Snacks and plenty of drinks — on trips with children, it’s better to have supplies to hand
- Helmet and protective gear — if you plan inline skating or cycling around the reservoir
- Backpack for children — let them carry their own things, they feel important and you have free hands
Best Time for Family Holidays
Summer (June — September) is undoubtedly the main season. Duha swimming complex is operating, the reservoir invites swimming, the tourist train runs regularly, and all outdoor attractions function at full capacity. Peak season is July and August, when there are also the most people — if you prefer peace, ideal is the turn of June and July or the first half of September.
Spring (April — May) is a beautiful time for hiking, cycling, and zoo visits. Nature awakens, meadows around Luhačovice bloom, and temperatures are pleasant for active holidays. The tourist train starts running in April.
Autumn (October — November) offers beautiful leaf colours in forests around Luhačovice and a calmer atmosphere. Zlín Zoo and Kovozoo are accessible year-round, as is the Municipal Swimming Pool.
Winter (December — March) is a quieter period but still offers possibilities — year-round swimming pool, walks through snow-covered countryside, and nearby ski resorts in the White Carpathians.
Alternatives for Rainy Days
Weather doesn’t always favour outdoor activities, but even in rain you won’t be bored in Luhačovice and surroundings. Here are tips for indoor activities:
- Municipal Swimming Pool Luhačovice — year-round covered pool with attractions, ideal way to turn a rainy day into fun
- Museum of Luhačovice Zálesí — learning about regional history and traditional Moravian life
- Radostova Sports Centre — bowling, badminton, fitness, and other activities under one roof
- Lešná Castle in Zlín Zoo — children’s tours and treasure hunts inside the castle
- Yucatan Tropical Hall in Zlín Zoo — tropical climate and exotic animals under cover, ideal programme for a rainy day
- Cooking in Hotel Vincent’s kitchen — involve children in food preparation, make cooking together a family experience
- Board games and relaxation — sometimes the best programme is no programme; use a rainy day for rest in apartment comfort
Recommended Weekend Itinerary
If you have a whole weekend available (Friday afternoon to Sunday), here’s our recommended plan:
Friday afternoon: Arrival at Hotel Vincent, check-in, walk through Luhačovice centre, visit to Sea World playground, dinner in town centre or self-preparation in hotel kitchen.
Saturday — full-day programme: Morning trip to Zlín-Lešná Zoo (count on the whole morning and lunch in the area). Afternoon return to Luhačovice, rest by the reservoir, pedal boats, inline skating, or visit to Pirate Bay.
Sunday morning: Duha swimming complex (in summer) or Municipal Swimming Pool (off-season). Alternatively, trip to Kovozoo Staré Město or Baťa Canal. Departure after lunch.
Of course, adapt the itinerary to your children’s age and interests. With younger children, it’s better not to plan too many activities and leave room for spontaneous play and rest.
Why Choose Luhačovice for Your Family Holiday in Moravia
Luhačovice and its surroundings offer a unique combination that you’ll find hard to match elsewhere in Moravia. A spa town with beautiful architecture by Dušan Jurkovič, clean nature of the White Carpathians, modern attractions for children, and excellent accessibility to other tourist destinations in the Zlín Region — all this makes Luhačovice an ideal base for a family holiday in Moravia.
Unlike overcrowded tourist centres, here you’ll enjoy peace and tranquility. Luhačovice has the right size — large enough to offer everything necessary (shops, restaurants, attractions) but small enough for you to feel safe and relaxed. Children can run around the park, cycle around the reservoir, and discover nature — and that’s exactly what a family holiday should be.
Whether you decide on a summer stay full of swimming and water sports, a spring cycling trip through blooming countryside, or autumn walks through colourful forests, Luhačovice won’t disappoint you. And with comfortable facilities at Hotel Vincent, you’ll have the assurance that after full days of adventures, you have somewhere to return and rest peacefully.
We look forward to seeing you in Luhačovice! Don’t hesitate to contact us at ahoj@vincentluhacovice.cz or +420 720 072 780 — we’ll be happy to help you plan your family trip.
Book your stay at Hotel Vincent