Mongolia Family Travel Guide 2025
Everything families need to know for a successful trip to Mongolia with kids.
Mongolia, the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky, offers vast steppes, the Gobi Desert, and nomadic culture unchanged for centuries. Experience horseback riding across endless grasslands, stay in traditional gers, and witness the ancient traditions of eagle hunting and throat singing.
Top Family Activities
The best experiences for families in Mongolia.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park Day Trip
Mongolia's most family-friendly national park 80km from Ulaanbaatar. Children love climbing on Turtle Rock, spinning prayer wheels at Aryabal Temple, and horseback riding on small Mongolian ponies. Ger camp lunch is an authentic experience for all ages.
Horseback Riding at Terelj or Hustai
Mongolian horses are small, sturdy, and well-suited for child riders. Most ger camps and national park operators offer horses of appropriate size for children. Nomadic guides ensure safety while teaching basic horsemanship. An unforgettable experience for children of any riding experience level.
Chinggis Khan Statue Complex
Children are awed by climbing inside the world's largest equestrian statue to the horse's head for panoramic views. The underground museum with Mongol Empire artifacts and interactive exhibits engages kids aged 7+. A dramatic introduction to Mongolian history.
Gandantegchinlen Monastery Visit
Children enjoy feeding pigeons in the monastery courtyard, spinning prayer wheels, and being awed by the 26-meter golden Buddha statue. Morning prayer sessions show monks conducting ceremonies in colorful robes. An accessible introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.
Camel Riding in Terelj or Gobi
Riding a two-humped Bactrian camel is a unique Mongolian experience that children remember for life. Two-humped camels are very stable and comfortable for children. Available at Terelj National Park ger camps for a day trip option, or as part of Gobi Desert tours.
National Museum of Mongolia Dinosaur Exhibits
Mongolia is one of the world's richest dinosaur fossil locations, and the Natural History Museum's collection of Gobi Desert dinosaur skeletons captivates children. Complete Tarbosaurus and Protoceratops skeletons are highlights. Combine with the main history museum next door.
Ger Stay Experience at Nomadic Camp
Staying in a traditional ger (yurt) surrounded by steppe or national park scenery is the definitive Mongolian family experience. Children participate in milking, learn traditional games, interact with nomadic family members, and sleep under spectacular star skies. Terelj ger camps are the most accessible option.
Activities by Age Group
Find activities suited to your children's ages.
👶 Toddlers (0-3)
- Parks with shaded play areas
- Short, stroller-friendly walks
- Swimming pools at family hotels
- Animal encounters
🧒 Young Kids (4-7)
- Interactive museums
- Easy outdoor adventures
- Cultural shows and performances
- Market explorations
🧑 Older Kids (8-12)
- Historical site tours
- Adventure activities
- Cooking classes for kids
- Nature excursions
👦 Teens (13+)
- Adventure sports
- Photography walks
- Cultural immersion experiences
- Food tours
Complete Family Travel Guide
Family itineraries, packing checklists, and activity planning tips.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Where to stay with kids.
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar's most family-friendly luxury hotel with an indoor pool, dedicated kids' menu at restaurants, and spacious connecting rooms. Concierge team expertly arranges child-friendly activities and tours throughout the country.
Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Central mid-range hotel on Peace Avenue with spacious family rooms and helpful tour desk. Good value for families needing reliable amenities without luxury prices. Rooftop restaurant with city views appeals to older children.
Terelj Star Resort, Terelj National Park
Family-oriented resort inside Gorkhi-Terelj National Park with both hotel rooms and traditional gers. Activities including horseback riding, cultural shows, and hiking make it ideal for families. Playground for younger children.
Three Camel Lodge, Gobi Desert
Award-winning eco-lodge in the South Gobi providing an extraordinary educational adventure for older children (10+). Camel trekking, dinosaur fossil sites, and meeting nomadic families create unique family memories. Age minimum 8 recommended for the remote location.
What to Look For
- Family rooms or connecting rooms
- Swimming pool (supervised)
- Restaurant with kids' menu
- Babysitting/kids' club services
- Safe, enclosed outdoor spaces
- Proximity to attractions
Kid-Friendly Dining
Where to eat with children.
Most Ulaanbaatar restaurants welcome children, and Mongolians are very family-oriented — children rarely cause problems in local restaurants
BD's Mongolian BBQ on Peace Avenue is interactive for children — they build their own stir-fry bowl from a buffet selection
Pizza Hut and KFC near Peace Avenue provide familiar comfort food for picky children after adventurous local eating
Sakura Bakery on Peace Avenue offers pastries, simple Japanese dishes, and gentle flavors that children typically enjoy
Carry snacks on countryside trips — outside Ulaanbaatar, food options are limited and meals may be delayed by travel
Family Travel Tips
Make traveling with kids easier.
Book private car and driver for countryside trips with children — flexibility to stop, rest, and adjust pace is invaluable
Bring motion sickness medication — dirt roads in the countryside create significant vehicle movement
Pack layers for all seasons — temperature swings of 20°C+ between morning and afternoon are common even in summer
Children aged 5-12 tend to enjoy Mongolia most — old enough to appreciate the experiences but young enough to be delighted by novelty
Health & Safety
- Check recommended vaccinations for children
- Pack enough prescription medications
- Bring sun protection and stay hydrated
- Research nearest hospitals/clinics
- Get travel insurance covering the whole family
Plan Your Family Adventure
Get our complete family travel guide with kid-friendly itineraries, packing lists, and activity recommendations.
Download Family Guide