Saint Petersburg Family Travel Guide 2025
Everything families need to know for a successful trip to Saint Petersburg with kids.
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.
Top Family Activities
The best experiences for families in Saint Petersburg.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
Ice Skating (Winter)
Winter ice skating rinks appear at Palace Square and Krestovsky Island — a magical family experience with the baroque palace as 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
Saint Petersburg Family Guide
Family itineraries, packing checklists, and activity planning tips.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Where to stay with kids.
Park Inn by Radisson Pribaltiyskaya
Large hotel on Vasilievsky Island with an indoor pool, spacious rooms, and good family dining options
Novotel Saint Petersburg Centre
Reliable international hotel with family rooms, good breakfast, and a central location
Lotte Hotel Saint Petersburg
Luxury hotel with an indoor pool, spacious suites, and attentive service for families
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 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
Make traveling with kids easier.
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
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.