Travelling and vacationing with children can be one of life’s great joys, but there are times it can also prove somewhat challenging. Children are often not as intrigued by those things that interest adults, and their attention spans aren’t as high as that of parents either.
If you’re taking a Baltic Sea cruise with your children to visit Russia visa free, rest assured that there is plenty to do in St Petersburg that will delight tourists both young and old.
Here are some fun attractions in this Imperial Russian city which will delight even the most demanding child…
St Petersburg Zoo. The Leningrad Zoo is the oldest zoo in Russia, dating from 1865. Located in the centre of the city, it houses over two thousand animals from more than four hundred species. Enjoy polar bears, tigers, giraffes, deer, anteaters, orang-utans, elephants, monkeys, reptiles, and insects, to name but a few. Children aged between six and ten years can also participate in the zoo’s Pony Club, where they learn to care for and ride a horse.
St Petersburg Dolphinarium. This small marine attraction includes sea lions, beluga whales, dolphins, and sea horses, with a forty-five minute show. Alternatively (or as well), visit the Oceanarium, an underwater museum which is one of Russia’s most recent family attractions. See many thousands of fish, shellfish, and sea mammals, including sharks, seals, and piranhas.
Dino-Park. At the same location as the Oceanarium, Dino-Park allows kids to get up close to large scale models of dinosaurs, as well as enjoying car racing, labyrinths, video games, carousels, and a dino-train.
Mariinsky Theatre. Great for both kids and adults, the Mariinsky Theatre envelopes visitors with the magic of experiencing the best in opera, music, and dance. Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are childhood favourites performed by world-class performers, including those from the world famous Kirov Ballet. Though it’s all in Russian, your kids (and you) will be enchanted.
The Bolshoi St Petersburg Circus. Established in 1877 on the Fontanka River Embankment, this is another world-famous attraction. Thrill at aerial gymnastics, trapeze fliers, tight-rope walkers, jugglers, and many more circus performances. Also visit the Museum of Circus Art onsite.
Bolshoy Puppet Theatre. Some shows involve puppets; others have live performers putting on plays for kids. Here is where you can see the best fairytale performances in the city. Even if you don’t speak Russian, you will enjoy the colour, movement, and song.
Also popular for kids are the Planetarium, the Railway Museum, the Grand Maket of Russia, Peterhof Fountains, and the Doll Museum. Provide a mix of child-friendly outings with cultural tours that appeal more to adults. When a balance is struck between these, your children might even surprise you with how much they enjoy the entire trip!
Contact Scandi Travel today to plan and book your trip to Russia visa free and also enjoy a Baltic Sea cruise as your method of passage. We are the top tour operator for the Baltic region and guarantee you’ll be delighted with what we have to offer.
