Saint Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city and its cultural capital, built on 42 islands at the mouth of the Neva River. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703, it served as the imperial capital for over two centuries and is home to some of the world's greatest museums, palaces, and architectural masterpieces.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Peterhof Trick Fountains
The trick fountains hidden in the Peterhof lower park are designed to spray unsuspecting walkers — an irresistible interactive experience that delights children and adults alike
Duration: 3–4 hours
Canal Boat Tour
Explore Saint Petersburg's canals and rivers from a small boat — children love the low water-level perspective and passing under low bridges
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Kunstkamera Natural History Museum
Russia's oldest museum with a famous collection of natural curiosities and ethnographic items from around the world — the slightly macabre exhibits fascinate older children
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Leningradsky Zoo
One of Russia's oldest and largest zoos on Alexandrovsky Park near the Peter and Paul Fortress, with over 600 species. A great half-day option for younger children.
Duration: 2–3 hours
White Nights Bridge Raising
Watching the Neva bridges raise in the early hours during White Nights is a magical family experience — the palace lit against the twilight sky, the huge bridge sections rising, boats passing through
Duration: 1–2 hours (late night)
Peter and Paul Fortress Tour
Exploring the original citadel with the noon cannon firing, the imperial burial cathedral, and the fortress beach creates an excellent half-day of varied experiences for older children
Duration: 2–3 hours
Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery
A moving and age-appropriate introduction to the Siege of Leningrad for older children — the scale of the memorial cemetery makes an indelible impression
Duration: 1 hour
Ice Skating (Winter)
Winter ice skating rinks appear at Palace Square and Krestovsky Island — a magical family experience with the baroque palace as backdrop
Duration: 2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Park Inn by Radisson Pribaltiyskaya
Large hotel on Vasilievsky Island with an indoor pool, spacious rooms, and good family dining options
Family features: Indoor pool, family rooms, restaurant with children's menu, playground area
Novotel Saint Petersburg Centre
Reliable international hotel with family rooms, good breakfast, and a central location
Family features: Family rooms (up to 2 children free), breakfast buffet, babysitting available on request
Lotte Hotel Saint Petersburg
Luxury hotel with an indoor pool, spacious suites, and attentive service for families
Family features: Indoor pool, connecting rooms, children's amenities kit, babysitting service
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most restaurants warmly welcome children — Russians love children and families are respected
Teremok and Chainaya Lozhka serve child-friendly Russian fast food at very affordable prices
High chairs are available at most mid-range and upscale restaurants — ask when booking
Children's menus are common at chain restaurants; independent places can usually prepare simpler dishes
Stolle pie shops are perfect for a quick family lunch — children love choosing their pie filling
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
The metro is safe and efficient for families — children under 7 ride free
Bring snacks for the Hermitage — it's enormous and children (and adults) tire before seeing everything
Peterhof is best visited on a sunny day when all fountains run — check the forecast
Sunscreen is important even in summer — the northern sun is deceptively strong on clear days
Download Yandex.Taxi for reliable family transport between attractions
The canal boat tours are often the highlight for children — book a smaller private boat for families