Art has always been my favorite way to express feelings, a creative outlet when words fall short. As adults, stress and expectations often dim our innate creativity. After my son Zephyros was born, I rediscovered the joy and freedom of seeing the world through a child’s eyes. Art—whether music, painting, cinema theatre, or books—does more than entertain; it sparks wonder, curiosity, and emotional growth. By introducing art early, we empower children to keep their inner artists alive as they grow.
”Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.
Pablo Picasso
Baby Theatre
Theatre offers far more than material gifts—it’s a deeply enriching experience! Through vibrant costumes, engaging music, and imaginative performances, it stimulates children’s senses, fosters cognitive growth, and creates lasting memories. Theatre is also inherently social, encouraging little ones to observe and respond to the emotions of others around them.
My lifelong love of theatre began in childhood, inspired by my father’s belief that even babies can experience its magic. He often shares fond memories of my first theatre outing at just 18 months old. When I moved to the Czech Republic, language barriers initially posed a challenge. However I uncovered a treasure trove of baby-friendly performances designed specifically for children aged 0-3 and of course me!
UNIMA — the world’s oldest puppetry organization—offers a comprehensive directory of theatres across the Czech Republic, including Brno. With nine professional puppet theatres and countless amateur groups, it is a vital part of Czech culture.
Brno, baby theatres deliver interactive performances designed to delight the youngest audiences. Many are inspired by educational approaches like Montessori, focusing on curiosity, joy, and sensory engagement. With these events in high demand, booking early is essential.
Follow along as I share our theatre adventures in Brno!
Radost: A Magical Introduction to Theatre (0-3) ↗
When Zephy turned eight months old, we stepped into the enchanting world of baby theatre with ”Lesní Fantazie” (Forest Fantasy). This unforgettable performance erased the boundaries between the audience and the stage, inviting babies to freely explore a vibrant forest filled with colors, sounds, and textures. Watching him engage with the environment was pure magic. We later experienced ”Plavba za duhou” (Sailing Over the Rainbow), another captivating production that left us in awe, mesmerised by its gentle storytelling and sensory delights.
These unique performances took place at Radost Theatre, a cultural gem renowned for captivating audiences of all ages—from six-month-old infants to adults. Founded in 1949 by Czech puppetry pioneer Vladimír Matoušek, Radost Theatre holds a prestigious place in the country’s rich artistic tradition. Today, under the direction of Magister Pavel Hubička, the theatre continues to push creative boundaries, blending puppetry, music, and striking visual storytelling. Its collaborations with Czech and European artists result in imaginative, engaging productions that leave lasting impressions on audiences of every generation.
Radost offers three distinct performance spaces: the small theatre, the large theatre, and a charming boat-shaped stage, where intimate baby performances unfold.
As Zephy grows, so does our appetite for theatre. If your child has already enjoyed several baby performances, consider introducing them to shows designed for ages 3 and up, even as early as two years old. As long as the stories aren’t too intense or frightening, it’s a wonderful way to expand their imagination and ease them into more complex narratives. One of our favourite performances for toddlers was ‘‘A pak se to stalo” +4 (And Then It Happened) in the small theatre. Through humour and vivid storytelling, the performance playfully reflects the strange and funny ways we try to teach and guide our children.
Polarka: A Magical Journey into Art and Imagination (0-3) ↗
Polárka Theatre, founded in 1999 in Brno, has been enchanting audiences of all ages with the magic of growing up. It nurtures a deep connection to the arts, helping young viewers appreciate and reflect on artistic quality. Polárka holds a special place in our hearts—every performance with Zephy has been magical, effortlessly blending art and storytelling into experiences that deeply resonate.
One of our favourite baby performances was ”Co je moje doma” (What is Our Home?). This enchanting production follows Benu, a majestic wooden bird, as it soars through the Universe and across Earth. Along the way, Benu introduces us to breathtaking landscapes—volcanoes, steppes, and coral reefs—revealing the homes of incredible creatures like giraffes, fish, and octopus.
We had the joy of attending the premiere, where we met Filip Bednár, the production designer. He shared how the performance was inspired by Maria Montessori’s educational principles, allowing the youngest viewers to become explorers, guided by the performers. Children and their parents are encouraged to interact with every corner, touching and exploring the landscapes and puppets up close.
We also had the chance to experience ”Věci, nad kterými se tají dech” (Breathtaking Stuff)—a beautifully crafted ritual celebrating birth. This performance stood out for its unique, metaphorical storytelling and striking direction, weaving a poetic narrative that captured the wonder and mystery of new life. It felt less like a traditional play and more like a sensory journey—one that left us reflecting long after the final scene.
Another unforgettable experience was ”Zlatovláska” +3(Goldilocks), performed in the magical setting of Polárka’s garden. This imaginative puppet-mechanical fairy tale follows George, whose boundless curiosity grants him the ability to understand the language of animals. The blend of technical artistry and classic storytelling brought the tale to life in a way that felt both timeless and fresh—pure theatre magic under the open sky.
Mimi Festival 2024: A Magical First Encounter with Art
Every February, Polarka Theatre hosts the Mimi Festival, a delightful celebration of art for the youngest audience (ages 0–3). This family-friendly event features performances from Polarka and theaters across the country, alongside a Montessori playhouse, children’s bazaar, and cozy cafés.
Our first visit in 2024 was truly special! My little one experienced his first musical concert at the Philharmonic Hall, with enchanting violin and cello performances of Paganini, Bartók, Mozart, Dvořák, folk tunes, and movie soundtracks. He also explored ”Farbatolarium”, a playful, color-filled art experience.
The standout for us was ”Neényi” by Ostruzina, an immersive performance set in an underwater dreamscape of shimmering lights and soothing cello and xylophone sounds. The show blurred boundaries, making everyone—children and adults—both creators and spectators, fostering a deep sense of connection and wonder.I had the pleasure to talk with Ostružina co-founder, dancer, and choreographer Barbora Látalová, who shared her vision of reconnecting worlds and fostering true togetherness—the essence of community.
This year, one of the standout performances was ”Damúza’s Chramst”, a delightful adaptation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Brought to life by Naive Theatre Prague, it transformed the beloved story into a visually stunning and playfully enchanting experience.
Mikro-teatro: An apartment theatre (0-3) ↗
I first encountered the magic of Mikro-teatro when I met Tereza and Alžběta at the Department of Social Science, where they performed ”Vítr z plachet” (Wind from the Sails) —a delightful and engaging performance designed for young children After the show, Tereza shared with me the beautiful story behind Mikro-teatro, a cozy pop-up theatre in Brno that began in 2019.
Inspired by Veronika’s Erasmus stay in Madrid and her love for intimate apartment theatre, she teamed up with actresses Alžběta and later Lucka to bring the idea to life. What began as a traveling theatre in homes, schools, and parks is now based at Josefska 1, still staying true to its mobile, community-focused spirit.
Mikroteatro offers more than performances—it’s a vibrant community hub. They host Spanish classes for kids 3+, storytelling for ages 1–4, and music- and movement-filled meetups for parents with young children.
What makes Mikroteatro special is its intimate, interactive feel. Performances turn everyday spaces into magical experiences and bring people together—whether for a garden party or thoughtful reflections on nature and ecology.
Our favourite performance is ”O zrzavé vlčici ” (About the Red-haired She-Wolf), inspired by the book The She-Wolf by French writer and illustrator Fanny Ducasse. This enchanting story about deep autumn was brought to life through a stunning artistic book, full of secret doors, animals, and sensory elements like smells, tastes, and music. It was a warm, immersive experience that engaged all the senses and created lasting memories.
Divadlodip : A new Immersive Theatre for Children (0-3) ↗
DIP is a new immersive innovative children’s theatre platform. DIP is a unique theatre platform designed for toddlers, children, teens, and adults It offers immersive performances for the public, nurseries, schools, and kindergartens, alongside creative workshops and educational programs. DIP reimagines theatre by breaking the fourth wall, making the audience feel like part of the story.
We attended the performance ”Čeho že se Drobek bojí” 3+ ( What is Drobek afraid of?) in Leitnerova club especially love how DIP connects with its youngest viewers, encouraging active participation and even letting them influence the story in some performances. It’s a refreshing, interactive way to experience theatre—full of creativity, connection, and unforgettable moments!
Another unique performance was the ”Pohádka naslano” 0-3+ (Fairy tale sent) in Salt Cave Kamenná panna.
Korab: A theatre with classic children’s fairytales (+3) ↗
We had the pleasure of watching their production of Puss in Boots in the enchanting outdoor setting of Čertova rokle (Devil’s Ravine) natural amphitheater. Revitalized in the summer of 2024, the venue added an extra layer of magic to the experience, making it truly unforgettable.
Koráb Theatre has been a beloved part of Brno’s cultural scene since 1996, captivating children and their parents with playful, imaginative performances. Their repertoire draws from classic stories but always with a fresh, humorous twist that delights audiences of all ages.
Since 2020, Koráb Theatre has had a permanent stage in the U Tří knížat building on Jánská Street, where they host public performances every Sunday at 11 a.m.
Divadlo Lisen: Independant experiment theatre (2+) ↗
We haven’t had the chance to visit Líšeň Theatre yet, but I keep an eye on their schedule for performances suitable for younger children. While most of their productions are designed for audiences aged 5 and up, as well as adults, there are a few performances for little ones—like Andělé z lesa (Angels from the Forest) for 2+.
Líšeň Theatre is an independent, experimental theatre known for its bold and innovative approach to storytelling. Their performances blend puppetry, masks, object theatre, movement, and sound stylization, creating visually and emotionally rich experiences. Beyond Brno, Líšeň Theatre tours across the country and participates in international festivals, bringing their unique productions to the public, schools, and care facilities.
Theatre Studio V: Brno’s Amateur Stage (3+) ↗
The “V” Theatre Studio, a cherished part of Brno’s cultural scene since 1997, is on our must-visit list! Managed by Katka Adamcová Kusá and housed in the ZUŠ building at Veveří 133, the theatre maintains a strong connection with the primary school, drawing talent from its drama department and collaborating with the art department for creative support. With around a hundred performances to its name, Večko Theatre continues to grow its repertoire, often delighting audiences with enchanting fairy tales.
Art Galleries & workshops for toddlers
When the children are young, it is the perfect time to take them to a gallery! You will never have the chance to experience such a sense of wonder, curiosity, and fun in a gallery as when you see it through the eyes of a 1-2-year-old. Abstract art becomes an adventure of colour shape and imagination. I saw things in ways I couldn’t on my own. The huge doors, high ceilings, and large rooms will be new and exciting; and the art – it’s like magic for kids.
Moravian Gallery ↗
Brno’s art galleries are family-friendly, offering playrooms, engaging exhibitions, and art workshops for toddlers aged 2 and up. These galleries host exhibitions paired with family-focused events, including unique collections designed for the blind and visually impaired.
The Moravian Gallery in Brno oversees five fascinating locations: Pražák Palace, the Museum of Applied Arts, Jurkovičova Vila, the Governor’s Palace, and the Josef Hoffmann Museum, which it manages in collaboration with the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna.
The Museum of Applied Arts is a standout with its intriguing exhibits, a cozy café featuring a kids’ corner with wooden blocks, and even a robot barista that captivated my son. Meanwhile, Pražák Palace boasts a fantastic playroom open on weekends and, to my little one’s delight, a slide within the same building! Read more here.
Credit: Moravská galerie
One of our favorite activities has been the Moravian Gallery’s toddler art workshops. Every Thursday, we eagerly head out for ”Barevné dopoledne” (Colorful Mornings), armed with excitement and a good supply of wet wipes. Our first adventure led us to the enchanting Jurkovičova Vila, a space that feels like it’s plucked from a fairytale. The vibrant gardens alone are a wonderland, brimming with colors and ornaments that invite little hands to explore.
We also ventured to the Governor’s Palace (Místodržitelský) and Museum of Applied Arts (Uměleckoprůmyslové muzeum) where the grandeur of the space added a magical backdrop to our creative endeavors. Alena Lokosová and Gabriela Imreczeová, our brilliant workshop guides, took us on a sensory journey through seasons, life rhythms, and art. Watching my son engage with the art—his tiny hands exploring textures and shapes in a palace steeped in history—was a truly unforgettable moment.
Credit: Moravská galerie
Music
Family-friendly concerts
I believe it’s important to introduce children to live music and dance from an early age. Summer is an ideal time for kids to experience the joy of live performances. We especially enjoy the Kamenka Festival, swing jazz concerts and dances at Music Lab, and the engaging summer programs at Villa Stiassni and Anthropos. Festivals and music workshops at Lužánky festival and Špilberk also provide relaxed, family-friendly settings where children can dance, move freely, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
While attending indoor concerts during the colder months can be more challenging, the Brno Philharmonic offers a variety of child-friendly performances throughout the year. I highly recommend the Philharmonie’s family subscription, which includes four concerts throughout the year. It’s a popular program, so be sure to book early—it typically sells out before autumn. You can also explore more about music classes for little kids here.
One delightful discovery for us has been The Music Library at Brno’s Central Library. With a valid library registration, visitors can play the electronic piano, keyboard, and even use the Sibelius notation program. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to share songs and musical playtime with my son—turning our library visits into impromptu jam sessions!
Cinema
Mimikino: Family-friendly cinema ↗
Have you ever thought about taking your baby to the cinema? In Brno, there’s a fantastic concept that makes it possible—MimiKino at Kino Art! Twice a week, this baby-friendly screening allows parents to enjoy films without the need for a babysitter. Currently, screenings take place on Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings, with the weekly program announced in advance on their Facebook page.
MimiKino screenings are thoughtfully designed with little ones in mind. The cinema remains softly lit, ensuring you can keep an eye on your baby, and the volume is lowered to protect sensitive ears. The films are gentle and non-violent, creating a calm and pleasant atmosphere. Blankets and toys are provided in the hall, adding to the cozy environment, and there’s even a baby-changing table right in the cinema. Plus, there’s plenty of space for strollers!
Childrens Books
We’ve discovered a variety of wonderful places that celebrate the magic of books. From cozy library corners designed for kids to artistic bookshops offering English children’s books with beautiful illustrations and engaging workshops where actresses bring stories to life for little ones—each space has added something special to our reading journey.
Mikro-teatro: Bringing a book into life (1-4y) ↗
Mikroteatro offers a magical way to experience children’s books, turning stories into interactive adventures. These hour-long sessions introduce little ones to a selected book, sparking their imagination and curiosity. After the reading, the journey continues with a creative workshop—whether through art, music, or theatre—showing both children and parents how to engage with stories in new, playful ways. Books are thoughtfully chosen in collaboration with the beloved Dlouhá Pančocha bookstore.
One of Zephyros’s favourite British classics, ”Where the Wild Things Are”, was read in Czech during one session. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to experience a familiar story in the Czech language, adding another layer of meaning and connection.
For English-speaking families, there’s even better news—once a month, Jana Repelová leads a special reading session in English, creating a welcoming space for the international community to enjoy stories together. Recently, she introduced an exciting new activity at Vesna: ”Mommy & Me English Time” for children 1 year and up. All the programme can be found at Angličtina společným čtením a hraním.
Bookshops with English books
Martinus: A big cozy bookshop with kids corner and cafe ↗
This spacious store offers a wide variety of books across all genres, with a charming children’s corner perfect for reading and play. One of its highlights is a well-stocked English children’s library, making it a great spot for international families.
To top it off, the bookshop features a cozy café serving excellent coffee and delicious cakes—an ideal place to unwind while diving into a new book or letting the little ones explore stories in a relaxed setting. It’s more than just a bookshop; it’s a warm and inviting space for families to enjoy together.
Booktherapy: An independent boutique bookstore with subscription ↗
Booktherapy is an independent boutique bookstore with a carefully curated selection of English children’s books. What makes this bookstore truly special is its unique philosophy—when a new book arrives, another must say goodbye. This constant rotation ensures fresh discoveries with every visit, keeping the shelves dynamic and full of surprises.
For young book lovers, Booktherapy also offers the Flowers & Dinosaurs program, their expertise lies in handpicking the good quality titles from around the globe—introducing children to stories that spark curiosity, encourage empathy, and prepare them to navigate the world with confidence.
Better Story: British Stories to Brno ↗
During the Mama Market event at Kumst, we had the pleasure of meeting Iva Petrovová and instantly fell in love with her charming corner filled with British book selections. Iva’s passion for literature blossomed during her time in the UK, where a visit to the English Story Museum sparked an idea to bring the magic of beloved English books to the Czech Republic. Whether you’re searching for timeless classics or modern gems, her thoughtfully curated collection offers something special for every book lover.
Recently, Iva had a wonderful idea and invited KNIHOHRÁTKY to host a storytime session for children aged 2–5. Věrka and Gabča created a delightful program inspired by ”The Most Beautiful Gift” by Petr Horáček. After a warm and cozy read-aloud, the children explored a series of themed activity stations that brought the story to life through play, creativity, and imagination. Find out more about similar events here.
Dlouhá Puncocha: A cozy bookshop next to the playground ↗
Nestled on Jiráskova Street since 2018, this charming bookshop offers a carefully curated selection of high-quality children’s literature. Here, books are chosen not just for their stories, but for their artistic illustrations, rich language, and thoughtful adaptations.
The shop features titles from both the Czech market and abroad, making it a perfect spot for international families seeking diverse and beautiful books. It’s a wonderful place to stop by after a visit to the playground at Obilný trh—a cozy retreat where stories come to life.
You can also find a few English books for kids in Knihy Dobrovský – A popular bookstore with a selection of English children’s books, Oxford Bookshop Specializes in English-language books, including children’s titles or you can also order online in Megaknihy – An online platform where you can conveniently order a variety of English children’s books.
Library with kid’s corner ↗
Brno’s libraries are a treasure trove for young readers. Each neighborhood has its own branch, but our favourite spot is the library in the city center. The children’s library is located on the 3rd floor, complete with a cozy kids’ corner perfect for reading and playtime. It’s a wonderful space to borrow books and introduce little ones to the joy of reading. Read more here.
Through art, I’ve rediscovered the joy of seeing the world through my son’s eyes. From theatre and paintings to literature and music, every artistic experience sparks creativity, deepens emotional understanding, and strengthens our connections.