Don’t Leave the Kids at Home

THE OBSERvATORy (ZvjEZDARNiCA) An observatory is where you should head to make use of all those wishes you’ve been stockpiling over the years. It is located in the picturesque surroundings of Gornji Grad (upper town). The building continues to be a key post for scientific observation of natural astronomical phenomena, and regularly hosts visitors – both young and old – looking for a peek at stardust.C‑1, Opatička 22, tel. (+385‑1) 485 13 55, www.zvjezdarnica.hr. Open Wed & Thu 20:00‑ 21:30. Admission free. For organized tours call (+385‑ 1) 485 13 55. Kid ‘s friendly: It is defintiely worth going onto the Zagreb’s funicular and once you reach the Upper town, the views of the city and beyond will give you goose bumps, especially from the Lotrščak Tower.

BACKO TRAiN MuSEuM - BACKO MiNi ExPRESS The largest model train set in Southeast Europe. It is a miniature wonderland where no detail has been spared. With a kilometre of tracks winding from underfoot to overhead, this miniature world is a favourite for small children, while at the same time just as interesting for discerning adults of all ages. Enthusiasts of the genre will be mesmerized by the over 100 model train compositions: featuring passenger trains to freighters and everything in between. Not to be outdone, hundreds of roads are set into the stunning scenery and are alive will all manner of moving motor vehicles; complete with stoplights and traffic signals. Unique to Backo is a model ski hill complete with tiny skiers carving up the face of this one-of-a-kind feature. B‑2,Gundulićeva 4, tel. (+385‑) 098 20 28 83, www.backo.hr. Open 12:00‑20:00;closed Mon. From January 7, be sure to check the opening hours on their website. Tickets 30/35kn. Kid ‘s friendly: Once you’ve visited the Backo Mini Express, honk into Magnolia, a famous Zagreb pattisserie with fresh cakes made from fresh ingredients and a selection of hot and cold teas and beverages. They pay attention to detail and serving!

MuSEuM Of iLLuSiONS (MuZEj iLuZijA) Test your perception at this amazing and unique Museum in this part of Europe where things do not appear as they should, and that is where the fun begins. An adventure of visual and sensual stimuli is about to test your very perception, or is it deception? Best of all, a transformation of the premises has just occurred with stereograms, illusion chairs and a kaleidoscope amongst the new features. Test your skills with amazing visual and sensory challenges open for all ages and in both Croatian/English. Find the solutions to all of the illusions! B-2, Ilica 72, tel. (+385-1) 799 96 09 / (+385-) 091 942 20 07, www.muzejiluzija.com. Open 09:00–22:00. Admission 50/30kn.Family ticket 120kn (includes two adults plus two small children). Kid ‘s friendly: Now that you have mastered the Museum of Illusions, dive into a world of fables and books that you can sit, read and discuss together with your child at Planetopija bookstore.

POLiCE MuSEuM (MuZEj POLiCijE) The Museum provides an interesting cross section of the development of the Croatian police forces over the past decades, stresses the important role of the police in the Homeland War and showcases a large collection of weapons. Kids will enjoy the collection of police vehicles and equipment. Section of the Museum is dedicated to the father of dactyloscopy, Ivan Vučetić, where visitors will learn all about the fingerprinting technique, and can pose on a chair for the police photograph, popularly known as the mug shot. Kids Friendly: Very close to the gallery is the Maksimir neighborhood. Make your way through the Maksimir park and find a restaurant called Ježeva kućica.QK‑2, Avenija Gojka Šuška 1, tel. (+385‑1) 242 65 51/(+385‑1) 242 63 18, www.muzej‑policije.gov.hr/. Open 10:00‑13:00; closed Sat, Sun. Every first Sat‑ urday of the month open from 10:00 ‑ 13:00. Free admission.

top Cultural souvenirs for Children

Boya is a dry, waxy pastel for drawing, colouring and painting. Unlike crayons in sticks, they can draw lines of different thicknesses, as well as draw surfaces, making them perfect for little children’s hands which are not used to holding classic pencils and colouring pencils. They can be purchased at Take me Home.

Ivana Brlić Mažuranić was a great Croatian writer for children. In Planetopija, you can buy a set-pack in English with her story ‘Stri‑ bor’s Forest’ which includes (CD, Audiobook, DVD with cartoon and a surprise gift). Sincere recommendations and it is a fantastic read!

Story Teller Cube, a didactic game with no rules for children and adults. Each cube makes one category: time, person, place, object, animal and means of transportation. Tossing or picking dice offers children and parents basic illustrations to help them invent stories. You can buy online, on storytellercube.com.

The Goldsmith’s Gold, a classic novel by the great Croatian writer Augusta Šenoa with a theme based on unrequited love. A romantic story centred on historical facts. You can find it at the Link Gallery.

Photo by Željko Beštek