17 best things to do in Pskov for kids – list, prices 2021, photo, description, map
The ancient Russian city annually receives a large number of tourists. There really is something to see here. First of all, these are magnificent architectural monuments inextricably linked with the history of our Motherland. But those who come to Pskov with a child also need something else – boys and girls crave vivid impressions.
children's park
It is very popular with tourists. It was created on the site of the Governor's Garden, where even at that time entertainments for the smallest were often arranged. Recently renovated in 2012. Its territory is divided into 3 parts. The first is suitable for parents with kids – here you can calmly and leisurely walk, enjoy the smells of flowers, the noise of trees.
The second is for older children. Parents can relax while their child rides on a swing or carousel. The latter is for teenagers. The zone is equipped with comfortable areas, paths for cycling, rollerblading. Even in winter, when it gets dark early, the park is always crowded. It has a lot of lanterns, and the trees are always decorated with garlands, so here everyone can plunge into the festive atmosphere even on ordinary weekdays.
One of the most favorite entertainments for both children and young people is the carousel “In the world of animals”. Two-tier structures in the form of animals have been created here. It is also worth visiting the Winged Carousel, the Chuh-Chukh train, the Airport carousel. Children will be able to jump on themed trampolines: “The Little Mermaid”, “Pirates”, “Turtle”, etc. In the park, each child will ride a Ferris wheel, a water balloon or shoot at a shooting range. Here everyone will find something to their liking.
Museum-Reserve of A. S. Pushkin “Mikhailovskoe”
Anyone who wants to touch the historical past of Russia will be able to visit the museum-reserve of A.S. Pushkin “Mikhailovskoye”. It is here that Alexander Sergeevich writes his famous poem “Count Nulin”, completes the poems “To the Sea”, “A Conversation of a Bookseller with a Poet”, the poem “Gypsies”. About a hundred works were written during the poet's stay at the estate.
The Pushkin House has been restored for the 150th anniversary of the poet's birth. It will be interesting for both adults and children to look into the “Nanny's House”, look at the master's house and walk along the Mikhailovsky Park. The exposition of the museum is dedicated to the historical past of the estate. Here you can see the only lithograph that has survived to our time depicting Mikhailovsky, as this place was during the life of the poet.
Everyone will look at the salute cannon, which was fired only on the occasion of great celebrations. There are copies of Arina Rodionovna's letters in the showcases, and on the walls there are portraits depicting Alexander Sergeevich's parents. The main relic of Pushkin's house is the Trinity icon. Three types of excursions are held in Mikhailovsky: main, thematic and immersive (with the viewer immersed in virtual reality).
Waterpark “Aquapolis”
It appeared quite recently, but, nevertheless, it is very popular among both locals and tourists. Here you can relax alone or with the whole family. If necessary, rent a towel, fins and other swimming equipment. The closed form of the room allows you to visit the water park at any time of the year. Promotions are often held for guests (in honor of a birthday, discounts for large companies, etc.).
Everyone can take part in health training. There are also special activities for children. For example, they do aqua aerobics, gymnastics and jogging. Aquapolis has water slides, a spa pool and an amusement pool. And for those who have back problems, there are special hydromassage beds, as well as a font. Also here you can see illuminated fountains, a geyser. The water temperature in the pool is always warm – about 30 degrees.
Rope park “Razdolie”
On the picturesque outskirts of the city there is a rope park “Razdolie”. This place is literally a godsend for those who want to relax in the bosom of nature, celebrate a birthday in peace, or be with friends, classmates.
Here you will find interesting quests, labyrinths, an exciting animation program, amazing rope routes. Meals can also be arranged here. The trails are specially prepared for both children and adults, routes are thought out. You can also visit the twelve-meter tower. In the complex “Razdolie” for tourists there is a hotel, a restaurant, a bathhouse.
Wake park Pskov
For those who want to try themselves in extreme sports, wakeboarding is provided, which combines elements of acrobatics, jumps and water skiing slalom. The park has kicker jumps for skateboarding, a slider for jibbing. The park has special changing rooms, toilets and showers.
All this is designed to make wakeboarding comfortable. And if it's cool outside, then after training you can go to the sauna. In Wake Park it is nice to relax with the whole family, with friends. On its territory there is a small but cozy cafe with a wide variety of drinks, delicious snacks, ice cream. Younger guests will be interested in the trampoline, and parents can play beach volleyball.
The park is located far from the roadway, so this place is perfect for those who are tired of the city noise. For sports, people come here from different cities, including from Moscow, St. Petersburg. And for those who want to learn new tricks, special master classes are held. Wetsuits are available for children and adults. Before riding, a briefing is required. Discounts are provided for students.
Trampoline Center AirPlaza
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Air Plaza trampoline center is suitable. This is an ideal place for those who want to develop their skills in extreme sport, acrobatics. There is also an opportunity to practice wakeboarding tricks. There are special programs for children, for those who love extreme sports. There are also group classes. Children will love the opportunity to compete with their peers.
Planetarium
Due to the city noise, night illumination of the city, it is rarely possible to see the starry sky. That is why a trip to the planetarium will definitely please any child. In Pskov, the planetarium was opened in 1974. It is located in the building of the former Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. For many years this room belonged to the Ascension Monastery.
Therefore, a tourist who does not know the history of the construction of the planetarium may be very surprised when, upon entering the “temple”, he finds himself in a place where people are shown the starry sky. In Soviet history, there are many examples when churches were given over to warehouses or scientific institutions were located in them. The building, crowned with a dome, amazes tourists with its beauty and grandeur. The snow-white facade, the columns going up, attract many looks.
The former bell tower now houses a telescope. Upon entering, the visitor will immediately be able to see an exhibition of children's works dedicated to space. Here are drawings, collages, applications. Under the dome there is a hall designed for 60 seats, where scientific films are shown to the audience. The creators managed to convey a picture of a real starry sky.
The audience is also invited to listen to a series of thematic lectures. More than 60 programs have been prepared that will introduce you to space, the solar system. Schoolchildren will especially like such lectures. For them, information is presented in a playful way, fairy-tale plots, familiar characters are used.
Futurama Virtual Reality Club
Futurama – this place is designed to celebrate a birthday, spend a children's party or relax with friends, work colleagues. Here waiting for virtual reality from HTC Vive, joysticks. You will have a great opportunity to play air hockey. And also you can always taste tea with delicious cookies and sweets.
Other guests bring cakes and pastries with them. But do not think that virtual reality will be presented only on the computer screen. Children will be actively involved in the process – here you can jump, run and even fly. Little guests note that in the created world everything happens “for real”, “live”.
Summer garden
This is a truly historical place, which is very fond of the inhabitants of the city. You simply cannot leave without visiting the Summer Garden. Arriving at Sverdlov Street, you will see an old fortress wall. It ends with a tower in honor of St. Peter. The tower was erected in the 16th century, and Vasily the Third entered the city at the Petrovsky Gate, which is next to it.
Several hundred years have passed. And only in the middle of the 19th century, the residents became concerned that there were no gardens in the city where the respectable public could walk. They tried to set up parks with private funds, but such undertakings did not justify themselves. Small squares could not meet the needs of the townspeople. And then the governor M. S. Kakhanov turned to the residents, calling for the transformation of the highway that led to the railway station.
Money was collected, alleys were broken, trees were planted. And along the fortress wall arranged small squares. All this became the basis of the Summer and another garden – the Botanical. And at the end of the 19th century, the City Garden was laid out on the territory of the former bastions. The Summer Theater was built to mark the 100th anniversary of Pushkin's birth. The Great Patriotic War caused great damage to the city. The Summer Garden was revived in the 1950s.
In 1983, the monument “Pushkin and the Peasant Woman” by sculptor O.K. Komova. Now, in the days associated with the name of the great poet, it is always crowded here. And, of course, residents and guests of the city come to the Summer Garden to walk along its shady alleys. Here you can see many rare plants – for example, they grow here: red oak, bird cherry Maaka, various shrubs… Children and teenagers will enjoy the rides, concerts and various events are often held in the Summer Garden.
Kuopio Park
The history of the banks of the Pskov River is very interesting. In the 15th century, the inhabitants of these places surrounded the Okolny city with fortress walls, and water was taken from the river; in difficult times, the fish caught here became the main food. In the 16th century, mills began to be built on the coast, and later, on the initiative of Peter the Great, the left bank became a line of defense. Earthen bastions hid the monastery churches. Defensive structures were also located on Ostrovka, as the inhabitants simply called this place.
Also, tanneries and many residential buildings were built here. Many years later, when the “islanders” were resettled, a park was laid out on these lands and named after the sister city of Pskov, the Finnish Kuopio. Several old manors have been preserved in Kuopio. By the way, the sister city helped rebuild the park after World War II. In the 80s of the last century, the Finns set up a playground here.
Today Kuopio is a popular holiday destination. In winter, people go skiing and sledding here, it is possible to race on snowboards. By the end of 2015, the reconstruction of the park was completed. The design of the bridge was changed, the footpaths along Pskov were laid out with paving stones, lamps were installed, new varieties of trees and shrubs were planted, the slopes were strengthened, original stairs leading to the embankment, beautiful benches appeared.
For the younger generation, new game elements were brought to the playground, adults are pleased with the Rock Garden and the observation deck.
Pskov Krom
One of the main attractions of the city. Krom appeared here during the Middle Ages. This is a real fortress, which covers an area of 3 hectares. The architectural monument has no analogues. The word “krom” means “fenced area”. The construction of the fortress began in the 10th century, when Christianity had just appeared in Russia.
After all, Pskov was on the border of Russian lands, and its inhabitants were constantly afraid of enemy raids. First, earthen fortifications, log defensive structures appeared. While the city was fighting off the enemies, in Moscow they managed to gather an army and move it against the enemy. Later, the townspeople erected stone walls. There were 5 belts of fortifications in total – they stretched for 9 km, and the internal area exceeded 200 hectares.
The defenders could move along the internal passages. Shooting was carried out from 40 towers. The center of all this construction was the Trinity Cathedral. Today you can see the Kremlin as part of excursions – there are many offers. Children will also be very interested here.
They will feel as if they have been transported to another time. They will see the powerful fortress walls, historical towers and the legendary cathedral, visit museums with their parents. Entrance to the territory itself is free.
Puppet Theatre
A beautiful building, a rich repertoire, talented artists – all this attracts spectators, big and small. There is only one piece of advice that can be given – do not come with a child right before the start of the performance, hoping to buy a ticket. All seats may already be sold out, and the kid who wants to see a fairy tale will be upset, it is better to take care of tickets in advance.
In 2018, the theater officially turned 55 years old, but in fact it is much older. The cultural center is located in the building of the temple, which previously belonged to the Old Believers. The church was built at the beginning of the 20th century. And the first performances of puppeteers could be seen during the Great Patriotic War. The city was then occupied by the Nazis, and the artists tried to give the children at least a few happy moments during this difficult time.
After the liberation of Pskov, a studio was formed, and the first students went to study in Leningrad, at the Puppet Theater. The premiere was the play “Petrushkin Treasure”. Then followed: “Little Red Riding Hood”, “Dog Knight” and other productions. Artists traveled to different parts of the region.
By the end of the 1940s, they were already giving over 500 performances a year. They put on new performances, well-known masters joined the theater. Today you and your children will enjoy magnificent performances. So do not miss the opportunity to visit the famous Puppet Theatre.
space
This is a modern, well-equipped family recreation center. There is a swimming pool, medical facilities, a fitness club, a science and sports center, and much more. In the fitness center you can work out on an interactive treadmill or on a modern simulator, or do yoga. There is also a sauna and a solarium, there are holidays and competitions. In the center of Bubnovsky, those who need to restore their health work, they also accept children here.
Treatment is based on a special set of exercises. Individual programs are being developed. Classes end with the fact that you are offered to taste herbal tea. A tennis court and a cafe “Podznoev's Garden” are waiting for you in Prostoria, where you will be served quickly, fed deliciously, and the dishes are quite inexpensive. There is also an excellent SPA center, as well as a multifunctional pool. In short, the whole family can have a great time here.
Museum-Reserve “Izborsk”
A very popular tourist attraction, because Izborsk is a completely unique corner. A visit to the museum-reserve will leave vivid impressions. Izborsk was first mentioned in the 9th century. Today, guests can see peasant huts, monasteries, houses of rich people – all this is well preserved. Many rare trees and shrubs grow around the village, taiga and broad-leaved forests are combined here.
Tourists will be shown the Truvorovo hillfort on Zhuravya Gora – the remains of fortifications have been preserved.
Guests will also see the stone walls of the fortress built in the 14th century. When the Pskov Republic was annexed to the Moscow Principality, Izborsk became a border town. He saw the troops of False Dmitry, then the troops of Vasily Shuisky took the local lands. Tourists visit the famous Lukovka tower, visit St. Nicholas Cathedral, founded in the 14th century. From the observation deck, which guests are invited to climb, offers beautiful views.
Izborsky Ostrich Ecofarm
The kids will just love it. The ostrich farm is located 25 km from the city and is open every day. Here you can watch the life of amazing animals – black ostriches, whose homeland is Africa. The largest birds on the planet are capable of speeds up to 70 km per hour, their eggs weigh up to 2 kg. They are much larger than a human.
Ostriches are curious and friendly, especially females, they can eat from their hands. On the farm, they are kept in excellent conditions. You will learn a lot of interesting things about these representatives of the fauna. Beautiful sheep of the Romanov breed also live here – they have a very unusual color and are able to endure the harsh climate.
Sheep will also be offered to treat. And, of course, you can take pictures with all the animals. The local cafe serves unusual and delicious dishes, for the preparation of which ostrich meat is used, as well as confectionery, coffee, tea and chocolate. They also serve an ostrich egg omelette.
As a memento of the tour, you can buy local cosmetics, various souvenirs, ostrich eggs, or maybe one of the guys will be lucky and their parents will give him a live ostrich. True, in this case it is better to make an order in advance – through the site.
honey farm
Arriving here, you can be transported to a typical Pskov village, as it was several centuries ago. Around the picturesque nature, forests where mushrooms and mushrooms grow. Together with the children, you can try yourself in different roles. Imagine how the landowners and peasants lived, learn the basics of various crafts, get an idea of agricultural work.
All this will allow you to better feel the soul of Mother Russia. You will see carts and carts, as well as many exhibits, including tools, clothes, jewelry, toys, craft machines, irons, dishes, pot-bellied samovars, honey extractors and so on. The apiary complex is of particular interest.
Together with the children, you will look at the ancient beehives, the beekeeper's tools, look into the bee house through the glass wall and see what is being done there. And at the end of the tour you will go to the refectory. She is a real mountain. Here they serve different types of honey, herbal tea, soaked lingonberries and fresh cranberries, cheese, dryers, mead… All this is according to old recipes.
The tour lasts an hour, of which half an hour is spent in gatherings when you taste delicious treats. So even a small child will not get tired. You can take interesting photos in the picturesque corners of the estate, buy thematic books and beekeeping products.
And also make a donation – the funds are sent to save honey bees. The museum is open throughout the year, there are no days off. Many famous people have already visited this place and appreciated this place.
House of Crafts
This center was opened on Nekrasov Street 8 in 1998. It is designed to revive and preserve the crafts that once flourished in these parts. There are also exhibitions, festivals, fairs, master classes. It will be especially interesting to visit this place for those who are fond of various types of arts and crafts.
Various circles work in the House of Crafts. Children and adults learn to weave products from a rod, do patchwork, master wood carving, weave tapestries and belts, sew, sculpt from salt dough, comprehend the art of batik and embroidery.
Expositions are regularly updated, there are guided tours. It is here that you will most fully get acquainted with the ancient crafts of the Pskov region. It will be possible to make a souvenir with your own hands – for example, a clay toy or a folk doll, a beaded ornament. The master will tell and show everything, you will do the work under his guidance.
You can arrange a private tour. The Pskov region is rich in sights, there are many entertainment centers and museums. So come on vacation with children and do not hesitate, they will be interested.