Brno, the capital of Moravia, may not seem like a tourist hotspot at first, but that’s part of its charm. It’s like a story that starts off slow, drawing you in with each chapter. After eight years here, I’ve come to love its safety, comfort, and international spirit—making it one of the most family-friendly cities in the Czech Republic.
With excellent public services, renovated parks, and generous parental leave of up to three years, Brno makes parenting easier. Free public transport for young children and caregivers adds to the convenience, while its growing multicultural community ensures that even non-Czech speakers feel welcome and supported.
Motherhood has given me a fresh perspective on this city, revealing endless family-friendly spaces and opportunities. Join me on my journey through parenting in Brno!
”It takes a Village to Raise a child
The Power of Community
Raising a child far from home can feel isolating, especially for expat parents without family nearby. In today’s fast-paced world, the traditional ”village” of shared parenting support has faded, making it even more important to build a sense of community. A strong support network provides emotional encouragement, practical help, and a sense of belonging—not just for parents but for children as well. In Brno, family-friendly communities offer expats a way to connect, share experiences, and navigate parenthood together. Finding your “village” may take effort, but it can turn parenting from a lonely journey into a shared adventure.
My maternity journey began by connecting with a few non-profit family organisations, and through further research, I uncovered some of incredible resources. I was amazed to discover so many nonprofit organisations with inspiring missions, all focused on supporting families in meaningful ways. Their dedication to empowering families is truly remarkable and has been an important part of my experience as a mother.
Brno Expat Center: Support and Resources for International Families↗
Photo courtesy of Brno Expat Center
The Brno Expat Center was a lifesaver when it came to navigating my residency and tax issues. I first connected with their team at their annual seminar, “Having a Baby in Brno,” and was truly impressed by their support for expat families. They covered essential topics like employment, residency, citizenship, and maternity and parental leave benefits, making the whole process much clearer. I also had the chance to speak with hospital midwives, the wonderful doula Lorena Torsani, and physiotherapist Jana Zlámalová Kuchrýková—a fantastic opportunity to get expert advice in a welcoming space!
What’s great is that this is a free public service funded by the City of Brno, aimed at helping foreign professionals and their families settle in and feel at home here. Their website has a ton of useful information, covering everything from parental benefits to leisure activities and education options. Plus, they host a range of family-friendly events, making it easier to meet other parents and get involved in the community. If you’re moving to Brno or starting a family here, the Brno Expat Center is definitely a resource you’ll want to bookmark!
If there’s one thing that makes the early days of motherhood a little easier, it’s knowing you’re not alone—especially when it comes to breastfeeding. The civic association MAMILA steps in, offering support, advice, and encouragement to women and families throughout their entire breastfeeding journey.
One of the most inspiring people I’ve met on this journey is Andrea Forberger, a wonderful doula and lactation consultant. From the moment I crossed paths with her at a lactation group held at Brána ke zdraví, I knew I was in good hands from her energy. Along with fellow doulas Ivana Bednářová and Karla Štiková, Andrea has created a welcoming support group not only for breastfeeding mothers but also for pregnant women looking to prepare for breastfeeding. And they’ve set up this nurturing space right in the cozy environment of Brána ke zdraví, a lovely bioshop in Brno.
The Czech Association of Doulas (ČAD) is the oldest and largest professional organization for doulas in the Czech Republic. Their mission is to establish the doula profession as an integral part of maternal and child care and setting professional standards. They educate, connect, and support doulas in their vital work.
While searching on ČAD for an English-speaking doula, I contacted Andrea who invited me to a doula gathering.
Andrea has been a huge support for me throughout my pregnancy and beyond. I still remember that perfect moment: a mother breastfeeding her baby in a carrier, wrapped in a scarf—a beautiful image of closeness and connection that truly captured the magic of motherhood. It was in that moment that I felt reassured, knowing I could do it too. Andrea supported me through it all, from helping me realize my birth wishes to being there during the postpartum period, and even teaching me the art of babywearing, while breastfeeding! She made the transition from woman to mother feel so much more natural and empowering. For expectant and new mothers in Brno, I can’t recommend her highly enough – she is truly amazing!
During my postpartum period, I was fortunate to meet Tereza Nožičková, a compassionate and highly skilled community midwife in Brno, thanks to a recommendation from my doula, Andrea.
Tereza is a member of UNIPA (Union of Midwives), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum by providing essential information and advisory services. She is also part of Hnízdo, a collective of Brno midwives working to improve maternity care and empower families with knowledge and support.
The postpartum period is a vulnerable and transformative time, and having the right support can make all the difference. During her home visit, Tereza’s care was both professional and deeply nurturing. She performed a postpartum health check-up for both me and my newborn, conducted the newborn blood spot screening, and provided a soothing belly massage with warm oil and an herbal bag, offering much-needed relaxation and comfort. Her kindness and expertise brought reassurance during one of the most delicate phases of my life. I cannot recommend her enough—her support is truly invaluable.
Centre for family & social care (CRSP): Supporting Families Every Step of the way↗
CRSP was the first place I visited with my son after his birth, for lactation support sessions. This non-profit organisation has been a cornerstone for families and individuals, offering a variety of leisure, educational, and support programs.
One of CRSP’s standout achievements is the establishment of the first Family Point, which officially opened on International Family Day, May 15, 2009. It’s a space where families can find valuable resources, connect with others, and participate in activities designed to strengthen family bonds.
Brno has a bunch of family-friendly spaces, and one of the best-kept secrets are the 24 Family Points scattered across the city. From the very start of my maternity journey, I found myself needing a cozy spot to recharge during our busy days out. Family points truly feel like a home away from home—complete with toys, books, and all the essentials to keep your little one content. Whether you need a break, a quick diaper change, or a warm spot during Brno’s chilly winters, Family Points are there to save the day. And the best part? They’re absolutely free!
One of our favourite Family Points in the city centre is the newly opened location on Biskupská Street, nestled in the shadow of the iconic Petrov church. It features two cozy rooms—one for toddlers with charming wooden toys and another baby-friendly room equipped with a changing table and play mat. There’s also a small kitchen area where you can heat up food, use the microwave, or enjoy a cup of Sonnentor herbal tea (for 5 CZK) or coffee (for 20 CZK).
Another gem we discovered, located in the same building as the Montessori hub, is the Family Point in Lesná, which also serves as a Senior Point. It’s a cozy and welcoming space, featuring a well-organized playroom filled with a wide range of toys, a fully equipped kitchen, and even a little library.
Family Points also host free workshops, adding an extra layer of fun to your visits. In Lesná, the Monday toddler workshops are especially popular, and they also offer music therapy and singing classes for adults led by Petr Škranc. During one of our visits to the city centre Family Point in , we had the chance to meet Tatiana Jopková, the director of Family Points. We were discussing with Tatiana and Janečková Monika, the possibility to introduce English-language workshops at the Biskupská street location, which would be great for the international community!
And here’s the exciting news!: Starting in March, I am leading an English-speaking club for kids aged 1.5–3 years at Family Point on Biskupská Street. The sessions will incorporate Montessori elements to spark curiosity and foster growth. Through a carefully structured sequence of activities, children will strengthen their attention spans, while exploring and learning in a nurturing environment. I can’t wait to embark on this journey with you and your little ones!
For parents, finding the perfect baby carrier is essential to comfort and mobility, but choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s where Matata, a Brno nonprofit since 1998, comes in. Dedicated to supporting babywearing and breastfeeding, Matata offers the chance to borrow a carrier for up to a month for free, allowing families to truly test it before committing to a purchase.
We took advantage of this when Zephyros was around 2 months old and we needed a carrier for an upcoming train trip. Borrowing a carrier gave us the chance to try it for a few weeks, ensuring it was the right fit before buying.
In addition to babywearing services, Matata offers babysitting through the Housata children’s group, classes, crafts, singing groups, and relationship-focused courses for parents.
Vicinis: Fostering Community Connections Through Nature and Cultural Events ↗
Vicinis, a non-profit organization led by a passionate group of parents, is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences for families in Brno. They host a variety of events, including family hikes, parent meet-ups, courses, and DIY workshops.
I had the pleasure of meeting Lucia at one of their parent meet-ups, Día de Muertos. It was a lively and colorful gathering filled with arts and crafts for children, delicious Mexican food, and an introduction to the newly developed community garden in Lesná. This space is more than just a place to grow fruits and vegetables—it’s a hub for making new friends, learning new skills, and enjoying unforgettable moments with others who share a love for gardening and the outdoors.
As part of their initiatives, Vicinis runs the Forest Family Club in Čertova rokle regular Thursday & Fridays meet-ups for homeschooling families at the Milan Genserko Centre’s scout cabin in Lesná. There, we had the pleasure of meeting Jitka, a warm and friendly organizer, along with many wonderful individuals who share a deep appreciation for nature and community. They embody a spirit of mutual support, making it an enriching experience for all involved. This setting is ideal for preparing children interested in attending a forest school.
Vesna : Charity & Community for Czechs & Ukrainian families ↗
Vesna (which means “Spring”) began as an informal volunteer group in May 2021, blossoming into something much bigger as the Women’s Educational Institute Brno was officially founded in February 2022. Vesna has become a beacon of support for Ukrainian families fleeing the war, offering guidance on social services, material help, and a compassionate space for those in need. If you’ve got women’s or kids’ clothes to donate, I highly recommend reaching out to them—they’re always grateful for any help!
Since May 2023, Vesna has found a new home in two beautiful historic buildings on Údolní 10, kindly provided by the Statutory City of Brno. These spaces have turned into vibrant community hubs, where Czech and Ukrainian families come together for educational activities, cultural events, and fun community meet-ups. There is a children centre and also covers the Vesnenka children’s group, which provides many activities for kids +3 and also afternoon babysitting for kids 3-5y. Vesna also offers a variety of creative workshops and activities for moms.
One of the most heartwarming experiences in Brno is the Hudební hřiště ( a musical playground) for toddlers – 18+ months, led by the wonderful Veronika Pazderková . As a music therapist and musician, Veronika creates a cozy, lullaby-like atmosphere, strumming her guitar and singing traditional Czech songs. It’s a magical way to introduce little ones to music while offering parents a soothing, welcoming space.
Recently, Jana Repelová from Mikro-teatro (read more here) introduced an exciting new activity at Vesna: “Mommy & Me English Time” for children 1 year and up. This playful, interactive session is a wonderful way for little ones to explore English while bonding with their parents in a fun and engaging environment!
Centre for Foreigners: Czech classes & Community room ↗
I started my first free Czech classes at the Centre for Foreigners (Centrum pro cizince JMK) and it quickly became an invaluable resource for adjusting to life in the Czech Republic. They offer a wide range of free courses and activities, from Czech language classes to integration workshops. From April 7, 2025, they are opening a course level A1.1 for mothers with children (0-6 years old) and also an assistant will be available during the lesson to help you and your children so you can concentrate on the lesson.
The Centre for Foreigners has also a Co-working Space which offers a children’s corner for working parents, along with a space for networking and education.It also offers a community room available for anyone who wants to organize free activities, gatherings, or workshops. And here’s some exciting news for parents: the Tykadla Club has arrived!
Tykadla Club: An English-friendly moms community ↗
In Tykadla, I met fellow foreign mums for the first time. We shared our experiences and challenges of raising young children, inspired and motivated each other, built friendships, and watched our kids play together while offering one another support.
Founded by two creative moms, Kateřina Kačírek Wiecková and Adla Karasaridu, this community club creates a nurturing environment for parents of children aged 0-3. Named after the Czech word for “insect antennae,” the club reflects the heightened sensitivity and shared experiences of early parenthood.
The club’s meet-ups and activities, supported by UNICEF and held at the Centre for Foreigners, cater to a variety of interests—from creative workshops and expert talks to yoga sessions and co-working time for parents. Whether you’re seeking advice, looking to make new friends, or simply wanting a break, the club offers a welcoming community for every need.
You can register online and join the WhatsApp group:
Photos courtesy of Tykadla Club
Brusinka Brno: A Multicultural Hub for All Ages ↗
Brusinka Multicultural Center in Brno is a welcoming space where families from diverse backgrounds come together through cultural and educational activities. While most programs currently focus on children aged 3 and up, Brusinka is expanding to include activities for younger children, creating new opportunities for toddlers and babies.
The Mini Kindergarten supports children aged 3-5 with interactive play, music, art, and family-friendly events that promote early development. Parents can also take advantage of the center’s co-working space with babysitting services, making it easy to balance work and childcare. Brusinka also offers a cozy library stocked with foreign-language books for toddlers .
During a painting workshop for adults, I met Victoria, Brusinka’s manager, who shared their interest in developing more activities for ages 0-3. They have a beautiful space available and are open to new ideas from parents and educators.
I don’t have personal experience with the places below, but they come highly recommended by my friends.
Ranapece: Early care Society ↗
Ranapece offers free, in-home support to families of children with visual, multiple, physical, or mental disabilities, including those born prematurely, across 10 regions of the Czech Republic. For over 30 years, their counselors have visited homes, guiding parents on how to care for their children and nurture their potential in a natural environment.
Hipporehabilitation: Mental health and disability children’s support ↗
The Czech Hiporehabilitační Společnost has been ensuring professional hyporehabilitation for over 30 years. Their goal is to provide high-quality, safe therapy to improve the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
Hipporehabilitation, which uses horses for therapy, helps individuals with physical disabilities and supports mental health challenges like depression, ADHD, and schizophrenia. It is also used in education to address behavioral issues such as aggression and teamwork difficulties.
Tam tam & ČUN: Supporting families with hearing impairments↗
Tam tam and ČUN (Czech Union of the Deaf) are true lifelines for families with children who have hearing impairments. They provide not just support but also a sense of community, helping families navigate the social challenges that come with hearing loss and guiding them towards a new normal. Through promoting effective communication and inclusion, Tam tam and ČUN empower these families to lead fulfilling, connected lives.
Every year, the centre organises cultural and educational events, often interpreted in Czech Sign Language, which help raise awareness about hearing impairment and the Deaf community. Their services are free, and they often collaborate with the Information Center for Parents and Friends of the Hearing Impaired, offering even more support to families. It’s a wonderful space to feel understood and included!
As you embark on your parenting journey in Brno, I encourage you to explore these wonderful resources. They are here to empower you, provide support, and help you create lasting memories with your family. Embrace the warmth of this community, and you’ll find that Brno is not just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive together.