Welcome to the third part of Croatia for children in 2021 series! *updated in April 2021
This one is dedicated to the capital Zagreb. Zagreb may not have the sunny beaches of Dalmatia (Part 1) or Istria (Part 2) at the seaside, but it has no competition when it comes to cool museums and winter fun!
Fun Museums
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is among the most visited museums in Croatia, so don’t even think of skipping it! It is actually a museum franchise that started in Croatia before taking over the world, and the country had two such museums – one in the capital Zagreb, and one in Zadar. Your family will be able to explore the world of illusions and experience the impossible.
The experience at the museum is suitable and interesting for all ages, even babies and toddlers. Teenagers would love it for sure! It is allowed and great fun to take pictures.
Price is HRK 50 (EUR 6.6) for adults, HRK 30 (EUR 4) for children 5-15 years old and HRK 120 (EUR 16) for a family ticket (two adults and two children). You’ll need about an hour to see everything inside. Up to two hours, if you would like to play all the games.
It is always fun to visit the Museum of Illusions
80s museum
Zagreb 80s Museum will bring you and your kids back in time to the ‘80s era in former Yugoslavia. The exhibits represent a reconstruction of everyday life in the 80s. The cool part is you can interact with the objects inside, take photos, and even have a drink. There is a separate room with old computers and electronic games from the ‘80s which the kids would love.
The entrance fee for this fun museum is HRK 40 per adult (EUR 5.4) and HRK 30 (EUR 4) for students and seniors, while families can get in for HRK 90 (EUR 12). Zagreb 80s Museum is opened every day from 11 AM to 9 PM. You can easily spend a couple of hours there. Plan at least one hour inside.
Do you remeber these?
Funicular
The shortest funicular in the world is situated in Zagreb. It lasts for only 66 m (216 ft), or a one-minute ride. Although the trip is quite short, it is a fun way to go up to the so-called Upper town. Not to mention, kids would love it.
This funicular was also the first means of public transport in Zagreb and is the oldest one that is still in use today. The ticket costs HRK 5 or a bit less than a euro.
Everyone likes the funicular in Zagreb
Zagreb Zoo
Zagreb Zoo may not be the biggest or oldest in Europe, but is a fine place to visit if your kids are into animals. Standing here for two centuries, the zoo is well maintained and provides a look at many different animals.
The entrance fee is HRK 30 per adult (EUR 4), HRK 20 (EUR 2.8) for children aged 8-14, and HRK 10 (EUR 1.4) for children aged 2-7. Plan two, three hours to get the most out of the zoo.
Phyllomedusa bicolor
Image: zoo.hr
Skiing in Slijeme
Slijeme is a mountain peak and ski resort in mountain Medvednica, right next to Zagreb. You’ll need some 30 minutes to get there. It is a great place for skiing with plenty of ski slopes and fine hotels for your vacation. Locals often spend their weekends here both in winter and summer, enjoying nature.
A fortress in Medvednica
Christmas market
The so-called Advent u Zagrebu, or Zagreb Christmas market, starts in the last days of November and lasts until the first week of January. Christmas in Zagreb is a magical moment that kids and parents enjoy a lot.
The weather brings snow every year, there are Christmas treats and winter drinks served across the city, and the atmosphere is just awesome! It’s no coincidence the Advent got the Best Christmas market award in 2016, 2017, and 2018! It was also held in 2020 with the necessary epidemiological measures.
A typical Advent pic in the city center of Zagreb
Plitvice Lakes
The most popular national park in Croatia is called Plitvice Lakes. It is very close to the capital and you can come with either car or one of the many buses that bring visitors from Zagreb every day. Now, Plitvice Lakes requires some walking around to see several beautiful waterfalls and 16 lakes following one after another.
If you travel with young children you can take the shorter routes instead of the long ones. A short route lasts around two hours, while the longest options could take a whole day or up to 8-10 hours.
There are several hotels nearby as well as many private accommodation options. Be aware that swimming is not allowed at Plitvice Lakes.
Waterfalls in Plitvice
Need more information about visiting Zagreb with children?
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