Description
What happens when learning meets fun? Magic!
Introducing the Brno Hippo Mat™ — a Brno play mat and road play mat for toy cars, designed to spark imagination, storytelling, and thoughtful screen-free play.
Designed to celebrate real places through imaginative, screen-free play, with recognisable landmarks, city-centre character, and local details that make each route feel distinctly Brno.
With wide, drivable roads made for toy cars and 15+ landmarks, places, and local quirks from Brno, every play session opens up a new adventure. Children can invent routes, create missions, and act out real-world scenes — from bustling city-centre errands to hilltop castle visits, science stops, and lakeside boat trips.
A road play mat for toy cars that celebrates Brno with character, care, and a strong sense of place.
What’s on the mat
The Brno Hippo Mat™ road play mat features a playful, map-style layout inspired by the city, including highlights such as:
- Špilberk Castle, Brno’s hilltop castle and one of the city’s best-known landmarks
- Špilberk Park, a green hilltop setting that adds scenic routes and open play space
- Cathedral of St Peter and Paul on Petrov, the dramatic twin-spired landmark that dominates the skyline
- Freedom Square, Brno’s lively central square and a natural town heart for the mat
- The Brno astronomical clock on Freedom Square, one of the city’s best-known modern quirks
- Old Town Hall, a historic city landmark with tower, passageway, and strong story value
- The Brno Dragon, a legendary local detail perfect for imaginative play
- The Brno Wheel, a curious local feature that invites discovery
- Vegetable Market / Zelný trh, one of Brno’s best-known squares, full of market-life character
- The Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market, adding an underground layer of adventure
- Parnas Fountain, a striking centrepiece in the square
- Church of St James, a major historic church in the city centre
- The ossuary at St James’ Church, a fascinating hidden-under-the-city detail
- Villa Tugendhat, Brno’s UNESCO-listed modernist villa
- A Mendel Museum and abbey reference, linking the mat to Brno’s scientific story
- VIDA! Science Centre, a hands-on favourite for children and families
- Brno Observatory and Planetarium, adding a space-and-stars touch of wonder
- Brno Reservoir, a waterside adventure zone with boats, beaches, and play energy
- Veveří Castle, a dramatic landmark above the reservoir and a brilliant destination feature
- Brno trams, a signature city feature that helps bring the map to life
Play that builds skills
As children explore routes and make up stories with their toy cars, they naturally practise:
- hand-eye coordination and fine motor control through driving, parking, and navigating
- communication and social skills through role-play with family and friends
- early geography language through places, directions, landmarks, and routes
Soft, grippy, and made for everyday play
This Brno play mat is made with a soft microfiber velvet surface that feels smooth under hands and knees, making it ideal for floor play. A non-slip latex backing helps keep the road play mat in place when play gets energetic, while also helping to protect floors and reduce noise.
What’s included
- 1× Brno Hippo Mat™
- Pre-order perks
Specifications
- Size: 100cm × 100cm
- Weight: 990g
- Surface: Microfiber velvet
- Backing: Non-slip latex
- Care: Hoover regularly, and wipe clean with a damp cloth
- Packed dimensions: 114cm × 10.2cm (mat is rolled into a cylinder tube)
- Packed weight: 1.6kg
Peace of mind
- CE and UKCA certified
- Recommended age: 12 months+
Discover more about Brno
- Discover more about Brno with the official city guide
- Learn about Villa Tugendhat
- Explore VIDA! Science Centre
- Discover more about the Brno Observatory and Planetarium
- Explore Brno Reservoir and Veveří Castle
Read more
Read our guide to the landmarks included on the Brno play mat.
Designed for everyday play
Designed for imaginative everyday play, and made to feel thoughtful and gift-worthy from the moment it arrives.
