Moscow with Kids: Top Activities
Traveling to Moscow with a child will definitely be exciting for both the child and the parents. It will certainly be easy to find entertainment for youngsters of any age no matter what their interests may be.
The Moscow Zoo
The capital's zoo is one of the oldest in Europe, and its more than 10,000 animals and 1,200 species will amaze and entertain for hours and hours. Among the inhabitants, the cute panda Katyusha is particularly popular, and both children and adults come to see her. Visitors can also see elephants, tigers, giraffes, polar bears, seals, wolves, and exotic birds. Other animals deserve visitors' attention, too. Watching their feedings is especially fascinating: they take place daily, and the schedule is published on the Moscow Zoo website.
Actually, visitors have the chance to feed the animals. For example, in the summer of 2024, Alpaca Park opened at the Children's Zoo, where little ones are invited not only to look at its funny inhabitants, but also to give them special treats and take photos with them.
At the Moscow Zoo, in addition to walking along the enclosures and watching the animals, various private or group tours are available. Numerous exhibitions and lectures will provide a more educational experience. Celebrating a child's birthday or another special occasion at the Tik-Tak children's theatre will definitely be unforgettable, too!
Address: Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street, 1 (Metro stations: Barrikadnaya or Krasnopresnenskaya)
City Farm at VDNH
This is a real rural retreat within the city. More than 50 different animals live in the main eco-friendly area all year round: rabbits, raccoons, cows, goats, nutria, ponies, chickens, and even deer are quite cosy in their open enclosures and houses. Give them treats purchased at the farm, and even stroll with some of the inhabitants along the paths.
The other area of the farm is the workshops, where children craft cute souvenirs, such as wooden toys or wax candles. The cost of attending many workshops is included in the ticket price. The farm also holds culinary classes for young chefs of any age (children under eight cook dishes with their parents).
If you just want to kick back and relax, head over to the area by the lake or grab a bite to eat at Farm, the cute, Scandinavian-style café. Also, children will enjoy being out in the fresh air in the recreation area equipped with a rope park and jungle gym.
Address: Mira Avenue, 119, bldg. 45 (Metro station: Botanichesky Sad)
Moskvarium at VDNH
In the largest oceanarium in Russia and one of the largest in Europe, children can see the aquatic inhabitants of the world's oceans and rivers: rays, sharks, gigantic octopuses, jellyfish, otters, and Baikal seals, a total of over 12,000 fish and more than 600 species of other marine inhabitants that live at different latitudes. There are regular demonstration feedings of sharks, octopuses, Moray eels, and piranhas. Also, watching the seals and capybaras, as well as some other inhabitants, train is great fun!
Stroll through the halls of Moskvarium on your own or as part of a tour. The large auditorium hosts major shows with dolphins, beluga whales, sea lions, and killer whales. Children always enjoy making cute souvenirs at the workshops or taking part in an oceanarium-themed scavenger hunt. Also, the youngest guests are invited to check out Moskvarium’s interactive children's theatre (free for children under eight).
Water Parks
Moreon Water Park
The largest aqua complex in Moscow has 9 pools and 11 slides, some of which are for children as short as 107 cm. There are three shallow water areas and one dry area for younger visitors. Your children will love the Laguna hydromassage pools equipped with geysers and a waterfall.
Stay for as long as your little ones want and recharge at one of the snack bars right inside the water park. The menu has dishes for both adults and children, including infants. Also, if you want to celebrate your child's birthday or any other special occasion with a splash, come to Moreon Water Park!
Luzhniki Aqua Complex
Spend the whole day in the water park and be entertained the whole time. Children taller than 107 cm are allowed to go down the slides (there are nine of them in the water park). Take a break from the rides on one of the lounge chairs, as well as in the thermal pools, where you can float out into an open-air pool and admire the view of Sparrow Hills and Moscow State University. We also recommend taking a large inflatable ring and drifting down the lazy river or riding the waves in a special pool.
For children up to seven years old, there is a special mini water park with small slides, figures of cute sea animals, and fountains. Take a dip and then recharge your batteries at the AquaFood café right inside the water park.
Address: Luzhniki Street, 24, bldg. 4 (Metro stations: Luzhniki or Sportivnaya)
Aquapark Karibiya
This water park is a great place for family recreation. Entry is free for children under 120 cm; however, they will not be allowed on the four water slides in the park. Visitors’ safety is strictly monitored here. There is a separate shallow pool with two slides for younger guests.
All children will certainly appreciate the wave pool (by the way, at 745 m², it is the largest in Moscow) and the grotto with fountains, and they will enjoy swimming with an inflatable ring in Calm River or playing in the hydromassage tub.
The park offers plenty of entertainment on land. Near the water, there are many board and electronic games, a rope maze, a ball pit, colouring books, Legos, and other toys. Even if your child gets tired of soaking in the water, they will still be entertained, and parents can feel free to go down the water slides while leaving their child under the supervision of an experienced nanny.
Also, Karibiya offers entertainment, as well as delicious food at several cafes. Everyone will be able to find what suits their taste.
More Places for Families
Central Children’s Store
The Central Children's Store on Lubyanka has a lot more than just toys. It is an amazing complex where you can spend the whole day with your family in a fun and interesting way. In addition to numerous stores, there are entertainment areas for children, places for taking stunning photographs, many cafes and restaurants, and even a cinema. Various theatre performances and other events with fictional characters are regularly held on the first floor.
On the sixth floor of the Central Children's Store is the Museum of Childhood, where more than 1,000 toys that children played with in the 1950s-1980s are on display. Go back in time and see some soldiers dolls, roly-poly toys, teddy bears, and toy cars from that period, and also take a look at the heroes of famous Soviet cartoons: Karlsson-on-the-Roof, Buratino, Cheburashka, Winnie the Pooh, and other fictional characters are on the shelves.
After visiting the museum, marvel at Moscow from the sixth floor of the observation deck. Take in the view of Kitay-Gorod, a nice neighbourhood in the city centre, and the silhouettes of high-rises, and catch a glimpse of the Kremlin walls in the distance. The observation deck is open only in good weather. It is closed when there are strong winds or precipitation.
Address: Teatralnyy Proyezd, 5, bldg. 1 (Metro stations: Lubyanka or Kuznetsky Most)
Moscow Circuses
Pushkin's Dreams: The Theatrical Circus
Step into a world where imagination takes center stage in this remarkable theatrical circus. Pushkin’s Dreams reinterprets the life and beloved fairy tales of Alexander Pushkin — Russia’s national poet — through a dazzling blend of acrobatics, choreography, and stage magic. Here, human performers are the heart of the spectacle: acrobats, gymnasts, and dancers bring Pushkin’s universe to life across large-scale, high-tech sets filled with illusions and cinematic effects. It’s a vibrant, family-friendly production where good triumphs, wonder unfolds scene after scene, and the spirit of Pushkin’s tales is reimagined for a new generation.
Address: Luzhnetskaya Embankment, 24с5
Nikulin Moscow Circus
The legendary Nikulin Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard has been welcoming audiences since 1880. Here, classic circus traditions are preserved and enhanced with impressive modern technology. The show features clowns, acrobats, jugglers, trained animals, and stunning stunts that leave kids wide-eyed. The cozy, historical atmosphere of the venue makes the experience even more magical. Children especially love the friendly trained dogs, miniature horses, and funny clown performances. Tickets are recommended to be booked in advance as shows often sell out quickly.
Address: Tsvetnoy Boulevard, 13 (Metro station: Tsvetnoy Bulvar)
The Great Moscow State Circus
The Great Moscow State Circus on Vernadsky Avenue is one of the largest stationary circuses in the world. Its unique dome can transform into five different arenas — horse-riding, water, illusion, ice, and light — creating an ever-changing stage for spectacular performances. The circus is known for its grand scale, special effects, and incredible stunts. Kids are mesmerized by the trained animals, aerial gymnasts, and the overall magical ambiance. Each season features a new program, so there's always something fresh to enjoy.