Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city and cultural and commercial capital, set at 700-900 m on the northern slope of the Trans-Ili Alatau, with snow-capped peaks rising directly behind the city. It combines Soviet-era parks, Orthodox and Muslim landmarks, a thriving cafe and restaurant scene, and the best access in the country to ski slopes, high lakes, canyons and petroglyph sites.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Almaty Zoo
City zoo open daily 09:00-19:00 with ticket office until 18:00; the exotarium is closed on Tuesdays. Tickets can be bought in the Kaspi.kz app. Website: almatyzoo.kz
Duration: 2-3 hours
Kok Tobe Park rides and Ferris wheel
Hilltop park above the city with a Ferris wheel, children's playground, small zoo (entry KZT 3,000, approx USD 6.40) and city views, reached by cable car from Dostyk Avenue. Website: koktobe.com
Duration: Half day
Medeu and Shymbulak gondola ride
Three-stage gondola climb from Medeu to Shymbulak with mountain views, snow play in winter and walking paths in summer. Check that the lifts are running before going up.
Duration: Half day
Kids' skiing at Shymbulak
Beginner slopes and ski school at the resort base, usually from December to March. Book an instructor in advance and confirm the meeting point, language and group size.
Duration: Half day
Panfilov Park stroll
Shaded central park with wide paths, the Zenkov Cathedral, monuments and open lawns where children can run; the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments is inside the park.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Museum of Folk Musical Instruments
Wooden building in Panfilov Park displaying the dombra, kobyz and other traditional instruments; open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-19:00. Phone +7 727 291 6337.
Duration: 1 hour
Central State Museum of Kazakhstan
National history museum with archaeology, ethnography and nomadic life displays; open Wednesday to Monday 09:00-18:00, closed Tuesdays. Phone +7 727 264 2680.
Duration: 2 hours
First President's Park fountain show
Large landscaped park with open lawns, paths and the city's biggest musical fountain, reported to run in the evening from about 18:00 to 22:00 in the warm season.
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Green Bazaar tasting walk
Covered market for fruit, dried fruit, nuts, honey and sweets; children enjoy sampling at the dried-fruit stalls. Open Tuesday to Sunday 09:00-19:00, closed Mondays.
Duration: 1 hour
Central Park (Gorky Park) rides and water park
City amusement park with an open-air water park in summer. The park is a short walk from the Arbat pedestrian street.
Duration: Half day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Rixos Almaty
Upscale hotel with an indoor pool and spa, spacious family rooms and a children's menu in the restaurants; close to Dostyk Avenue and the Kok Tobe cable car.
Holiday Inn Almaty by IHG
International chain hotel with family rooms, a buffet breakfast and a central position for the zoo, Panfilov Park and the metro.
Hotel Kazakhstan
Landmark tower hotel with views of the Zailiysky Alatau mountains, family rooms and an outdoor pool in summer; a short taxi ride from Medeu and Shymbulak.
My Hostel Almaty
Budget option with family rooms with private bathrooms and a shared kitchen, useful for families preparing their own meals.
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Restaurants in Almaty welcome children and most offer a children's menu or simple soups and noodle dishes.
Plov, manty (steamed dumplings), lagman noodles and baursaks are safe, filling dishes that most children eat.
Cafes at Kok Tobe and Medeu are busy on weekends; arrive before noon.
Carry bottled water and snacks for mountain trips; there are no shops at Big Almaty Lake.
Cash in tenge is useful at bazaars and small cafes.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Choose Almaty Zoo, Panfilov Park and the Central State Museum for young children; leave the longer mountain trips for ages 6 and up.
Altitude at Shymbulak (about 2,260 m) and Big Almaty Lake (2,511 m) can cause headaches in young children; go slowly and keep them hydrated.
Use Yandex Go or inDrive taxis; child seats are not guaranteed, so bring a portable booster for young children.
Dress children in layers for the mountains, where temperatures drop quickly even in summer.