Activities for families in St Petersburg

Activities for families

If you want to thoroughly enjoy your time in St. Petersburg with your children, then it might be an idea to consider some other places you can visit except for the museums, cathedrals and palaces. Although most children are amazed at the splendour of these places, this amazement soon wears off. So here are some other ideas to keep those little ones happy, or maybe gives some of you big kids an alternative option to the history and culture!

First of all St. Petersburg is full of beautiful parks and green spaces to relax in during the summer time. When the sun is out then there's nothing better than being able to take a picnic, have a lie down, listen to some music and maybe play the odd game of Frisbee.

Summer Garden

Image by Jori Samonen from Pixabay

Summer Garden is right in the centre of St. Petersburg and is the oldest park in the city. It was originally built as a private retreat for Peter the Great, but nowadays anyone can enter and see the recently renovated park.

Mikhailovsky Gardens

Image by Sergey Gorbachev from Pixabay

Mikhailovsky Gardens are located behind the Russian Museum, so are very central and easy to find. The gardens are a favourite place for locals to go for stroll.

Yusupov Gardens

Image by ExpressToRussia Staff

Yusupov Gardens is an extremely popular place for sunbathing due to the beautiful lake in the middle, surrounded by flowers.

Tauride Palace and Gardens

Image by Sergey Gorbachev from Pixabay

Tauride Palace and Gardens were built for one of Catherine the Great's lovers. The palace isn't open to the public but the gardens are, and with playground equipment, is a great place to take the youngsters.

Peterhof

Image by ExpressToRussia Staff

Peterhof is a must-see in St. Petersburg and one that your children will enjoy as much as you, as long as you come prepared with a towel and spare clothing. Children love playing in all the various fountains so exploring the grounds become that little bit more enjoyable for them. Personal tours are organised with Express to Russia.

Kirovsky Islands (Krestovsky, Kamenny, Yelagin)

Image by Luidmila Kot from Pixabay

Kirovsky Islands (Krestovsky, Kamenny, Yelagin) are some of the greenest areas in all of the city, yet are only 3 metro stops out of the centre. Yelagin Island is the biggest parkland out of the 3 islands and is a car-free zone. There is a small entrance fee at the weekend and there are rowing boats which can be hired.

Aside from the stunning parks St. Petersburg has a lot to offer the little ones. Simple things like travelling on the metro and a river cruise will entertain them, but here are some other ideas specifically suited to the kids.

St. Petersburg Zoo

Image by zoosnow from Pixabay

St. Petersburg Zoo is the oldest zoo in Russia and although is fairly small it has over 2000 animals. There are horse shows and even a pony club if the kids want to have a go themselves.

Oceanarium

Image by zoosnow from Pixabay

Oceanarium opened in 2006 and there are 45,000 different types of fish, sea mammals, sharks, piranhas and seals. There are shows with the sharks and seals.

Dolls Museum

Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay

Dolls Museum houses hundreds of different dolls from different countries and time periods.

Railway Museum

Image by RZD

Railway Museum is the best museum of trains in Russia. There are models of some of the first locomotives all the way up to the present day models.

Address: 50, Sadovaya Ul.
Metro: Sennaya
Open 11:00 – 17:00 Sun – Thu

Divo Ostrov

Divo Ostrov is a small amusement park located on Krestovsky Ostrov. You pay per ride and the prices range from 40 RUB to 340 RUB. There are height restrictions on the bigger rides.