Russia Family Travel Guide 2025
Everything families need to know for a successful trip to Russia with kids.
Russia is the world's largest country, spanning eleven time zones from Europe to Asia. From the grandeur of Moscow's Red Square and St. Petersburg's palaces to the Trans-Siberian Railway and Lake Baikal, Russia offers unparalleled cultural heritage, dramatic landscapes, and unique experiences.
Top Family Activities
The best experiences for families in Russia.
Moscow Zoo
One of Europe's oldest zoos with over 8,000 animals including rare Amur tigers, snow leopards, and polar bears. The children's section has petting zoo and interactive feeding areas.
Moscow Planetarium
Russia's largest planetarium with interactive space science exhibits on the lower floors and stellar shows in the main dome. The hands-on science museum engages children of all ages.
Experimentanium Science Museum Moscow
Excellent hands-on science museum where children conduct real experiments, build circuits, and explore physics through interactive exhibits. Highly recommended for curious children.
Peterhof Fountain Gardens
Children love playing near the Grand Cascade's 150+ fountain jets in summer — they can get wet! The Samson Fountain and Lion Cascade create spectacular water shows on the hour.
Gorky Park Ice Rink (Winter)
Moscow's most famous outdoor ice rink in Gorky Park runs from December to March. Skate hire available; hot chocolate and blini stalls line the rink perimeter. Evening skating with music is magical.
Hermitage 'Treasure Hunt'
Create a self-guided treasure hunt through the Hermitage Museum for children — find the Egyptian mummies, Rembrandt's giant paintings, Scythian gold, and the famous Clock Peacock. The palace itself thrills children.
Izmailovsky Market and Kremlin
Colourful craft market at Izmailovo with matryoshka painting workshops where children paint their own dolls to take home. The decorative wooden Izmailovo Kremlin complex makes a fantastic photo backdrop.
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.
Lotte Hotel St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg's most family-friendly luxury hotel with connecting rooms, excellent breakfast, central location near St. Isaac's Cathedral, and staff experienced with international families.
Radisson Hotels Moscow/St. Petersburg
Reliable international chain with family rooms, connecting room options, swimming pools at some locations, and consistent standards across multiple Moscow locations.
Azimut Hotels (multiple cities)
Russian chain with good value family rooms across Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other cities. Child-friendly staff and practical amenities at lower prices than international chains.
Four Seasons Hotel Moscow
For luxury family stays, the Four Seasons provides exceptional family service near Red Square with special children's programmes, dedicated family concierge, and the safest central 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.
Teremok blini chain is Russia's ideal family fast food — buckwheat pancakes with various fillings, clean, cheap ($4-6/person), and children love customising their own blini
Mu-Mu cafeteria chain lets children choose from a display of ready dishes — great for picky eaters who can see exactly what they're getting
Most Russian restaurants welcome children warmly — Russians adore children and staff will make extra effort; high chairs available at most family-oriented venues
Children's portions often unavailable at traditional restaurants — share adult dishes or order multiple starters instead of mains
Stolle pie shops are excellent for family snacking — individual pirogi (pies) are portable, filling, and available in sweet and savoury varieties
Family Travel Tips
Make traveling with kids easier.
Moscow and St. Petersburg metros have many stairs — folding stroller recommended; most escalators are extremely long (and fast!) which children find exciting
Buy bottled water exclusively — tap water is not safe to drink; large 5-litre bottles from supermarkets are economical for families
Learn basic Cyrillic numbers to help children read prices and metro signs — turns navigation into a game
Russian winters require serious children's outerwear — buy children's thermal base layers and insulated boots before the trip
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