Moscow Zoo
This is a place children tend to visit several times a year or more. Here you can see more than eight thousand animals: from capybaras and pandas to elephants and polar bears. Among the rare animals that will attract the attention of young visitors are manul, snow leopard, vicuna and white-tailed gnu (did you even know the last two existed?).
In addition to getting acquainted with animals, the Moscow Zoo also has a lot more entertainment that will ensure no child gets bored. There are educational excursions, quests, master classes, and lectures for kids. They can also watch animal feedings and demonstration trainings.
For the youngest guests, the zoo has an area where you can pet and feed the most harmless animals. One day in the Moscow Zoo will make a life-long impression!
Address and Operating hours
Moskvarium at VDNKh
One of the largest oceanariums in Europe, this is a place where children can get acquainted with the most curious marine fauna. Orcas, beluga whales, sharks, rays, crocodiles and turtles are especially delightful for kids. Moskvarium even has a tunnel with sharks swimming overhead — here the bravest kids can determine how fearless they really are.
In addition to observing the inhabitants of the underwater world, Moskvarium offers more active entertainment for children. There are exciting master classes on drawing, molding and creating postcards all with an oceanic theme. Children older than eight years old can attend classes on swimming with dolphins and diving. If your child is fascinated by the underwater world and already knows how to swim, these classes are sure to be an experience of a lifetime!
Nearest metro station: VDNKh
Address and Operating hours
Central Children’s Store
The largest children’s shopping complex in Russia is a real paradise for kids. Every corner is imbued with an atmosphere of joy and fun! You can come here with your child for the whole day and be sure that your child will not get bored. The Central Children’s Center is not so much a store as a huge entertainment center, where there are activities to suit every child.
In the interactive city of professions “KidBurg”, children will be able to try on various professions — from a doctor to a policeman, the Museum of Childhood will introduce toys from different eras, and reptile lovers will get a kick out of the “Dinosaur Show”!
You can end your busy day in one of the many cafes before heading off to the movie theater, where the most interesting cartoons for children are regularly shown.
Address and Operating hours
Darwin Museum
One of the largest natural history museums in Europe, the Darwin Museum contains 28 scientific collections — from paleontological and botanical collections to collections of insect nests and fossilized shark teeth. In total, the museum owns almost half a million items.
Children love to look at the amazing exhibits, chase holograms through the halls, and try to catch an ostrich or a tiger! Younger kids will be happy to get stuck in the “Life under the microscope” classes, and, if you come with older kids, take a look at the “Inventive laboratory,” or one of the many informative and entertaining eco-lessons. The highlight of any visit will be the impressive video show about different periods of our planet’s history.
Address and Operating hours
Skazka Fairy Tale Park
The open-air Skazka is an amazing place where the atmosphere of childhood, joy and fun reigns. Once in “Fairy Tale”, any child will want to come back here more than once!
There are more than 70 types of entertainment in the park. There are rides for kids and more extreme slides for older children. Kids can ride the Ferris wheel and enjoy the beautiful view of the neighborhood, go on a journey on a pirate ship, or overcome fear on the attraction “Small Tower of Fall”. If your child adores animals, be sure to visit the petting zoo — here you can meet alpacas, huskies and raccoons!
When choosing a place to celebrate a child’s birthday party, you should definitely take a closer look at “Fairy Tale”. This space has created the best conditions for the celebration, and the park’s staff will certainly help you in organizing contests and games.
Address and Operating hours
Museum of Cryptography
Russia’s only interactive museum dedicated to encryption and cryptography. Come and see the unique exhibits, like the Soviet M-125-ZM encryption and coding machine. Try your hand at deciphering messages and take part in quests!
One of the main features of the museum is its interactivity. Most of the exhibits can be touched and used, which makes the learning process for children more exciting and memorable. Children can decipher messages, solve puzzles, and create their own ciphers.
The Museum of Cryptography also offers a number of educational programs for children of different ages. Among them are fascinating lectures, master classes, and games, during which it will be easier for children to understand the complex concepts of cryptography.
Nearest metro station: Fonvizinskaya
Address and Operating hours
PandaPark
The largest chain of rope parks in Russia, which offers entertainment not only for children, but also for adults. Some of the parks are open-air in spring and summer, and some of them are located in shopping centers, so they are available all year round. In “PandaPark” you can test your endurance at altitude, test yourself in the maze and jump on trampolines.
Address and Operating hours
VDNKh
The country’s largest exhibition-cum-park complex was first opened in 1939 as the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition. By the middle of the twentieth century, the Exhibition was already a favorite place for Muscovites to visit, and one of the main tourist attractions of the capital.
After major restoration in the 2010s, VDNKh is now the largest museum complex in the world. You can walk for hours around the gigantic space (325 hectares!) filled with historical pavilions, unique museums, ponds, parks, alleys, flower beds and sculptures.
One of the main draws of VDNKh is a breathtaking series of fountains. The most famous of these is the “Friendship of Peoples” fountain in which beautiful, golden sculptures symbolizing the republics of the Soviet Union dance in a circle. People come here on dates, or just sit by the water to enjoy the beauty of how the shimmering sun plays on its surface. And yes, gorgeous photos are guaranteed!
Address and Operating hours
Nikulin Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard
One of the oldest in Russia and the most famous in Moscow. It is named in honor of the great Soviet artist Yuri Nikulin, who was its long-time director.
Upon entering the circus, children dive into a world of bright colors and cheerful music, see dazzling posters, hear the sounds of the orchestra, and smell cotton candy. In Nikulin’s circus, dreams become reality, fantasies come to life, and lifetime memories are made!
Clowns amuse kids with jokes, acrobats delight them with complicated tricks under the dome, and jugglers surprise them with their dexterity and skill. Special attention is paid to trained animals, which are especially loved by the little guests. You will see bears riding on bicycles, horses jumping over artillery shells, and fearsome tigers calmly following the trainer’s commands. After each performance, children can take pictures with their favorite artists and get autographs as a souvenir!
Address and Operating hours
Great Moscow Circus on Vernadskogo Avenue
The auditorium of the largest circus in Europe seats 3.4 thousand people. The troupe consists of artists whose names are known all over the world. Here you can see the Zapashny brothers — famous animal trainers, and clown Andrei Sharnin.
Address and Operating hours
Luzhniki Aquacomplex
The aqua complex, located on the site of the legendary Luzhniki swimming pool, includes an aqua park, three swimming pools, recreational areas for children, recreation areas with lounge chairs, as well as baths and saunas. The aqua complex is open all year round.
Address and Operating hours
Programm "Let's play Moscow"
“Play Moscow” route will turn a normal walk into exciting family adventure.
Children will learn more about city attractions in a playful way, solving riddles and puzzles.
You will get to know a lot of interesting facts about Moscow and learn how to work in a team. You will also have a great time together which is especially valuable. The route will be available after July, 20.
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