Tashkent with Kids: Parks, Museums and Fun

Tashkent is a big city, but there is plenty to do with children. Green parks, fountains, the zoo, rides, a planetarium and museums let you vary your days, and the capital's infrastructure makes a break convenient. Here is how to plan a trip with children to Tashkent, what to watch for and what to choose. Opening hours and visiting conditions change, so check current information in advance.

Parks and walks

Tashkent has many parks where you can walk, ride scooters and bikes, feed ducks and rest on shady benches. Among the well-known:

• Parks in the city centre, with avenues, fountains, playgrounds and cafes. A good place for a first walk and getting used to the climate.
• Large city leisure parks with lakes, where you can ride boats or pedal boats (seasonally) and have a picnic.
• Embankments and canals with wide pedestrian paths suitable for strollers and scooters.

In summer go out in the morning or evening, and in the heat look for shade and fountains. Bring water, sun hats and sun protection.

Tashkent Zoo

The zoo is a classic choice for a family with children of any age. You can see a wide range of animals and spend a few hours outdoors. Plan the visit for the morning, when animals are more active and the heat has not yet set in. Check ahead whether there are cafes and rest areas, and bring water. Check opening hours and ticket prices on official resources.

Rides and children's entertainment centres

Tashkent has amusement parks and shopping centres with children's zones: carousels, a Ferris wheel, trampolines, play rooms. It is a good option on a hot day or in bad weather when it is unpleasant outside. Pay attention to the age limits on rides and to safety. Do not let small children go alone.

Planetarium and museums

For curious children, the following are suitable:

1. The planetarium. Shows of the starry sky and space attract schoolchildren. Check the session schedule.
2. Museums. The city's history, natural history and art museums. Choose ones with interactive and vivid exhibits, and do not overload the children. One museum a day is enough.
3. Interactive centres and workshops. Ceramics, drawing, crafts: children like to try for themselves.

The children's railway

Tashkent has a children's railway: a small train ride in the park delights little ones and stays in the memory. Check operating conditions and season before going.

The metro as an adventure

For many children a metro ride is already an event. The stations are decorated with mosaics and paintings, and if you do not go at rush hour it is an interesting excursion. Hold children's hands, watch the platform edge and do not block the way.

Bazaar and food

A visit to Chorsu Bazaar or another market introduces children to bright colours, smells and fruit. Let them choose for themselves: a melon, grapes, a pomegranate. Samsa, flatbread, fruit and ice cream suit children. Bring wet wipes and avoid very spicy dishes.

Weekends outside the city

If you want a break from the city, head to the foothills. The Tashkent — Chirchik route is convenient for getting out of town: beyond it green places and mountains open up with the Charvak reservoir. Read more about rest in the mountains with children in our article on family rest. The road does not take long, and children love fresh air and water.

Practical tips

• Plan one or two places a day. Children tire fast, and a day overloaded with programme turns into an ordeal.
• Account for the heat. From May to September it is very hot in the daytime, and it is better to rest indoors at midday.
• Bring water, snacks, wet wipes and a change of clothes.
• Do not leave children unattended, especially near water and on rides.
• Check child seats and belts when travelling by car.
• Check opening hours, because many places have days off.
• Plan lunch. Pick a cafe in advance so you are not searching for one with a hungry child.

Where to stay

If you arrive with children, choose lodging with air conditioning, a roomy room and a convenient location, preferably near the metro or a park. Many hotels offer family rooms and cots.

How to get there

People reach Tashkent by plane, train and road. For family trips around the country, a shared ride is a fit: you know the time and pickup point in advance and can message the driver in Yo'ldosh to check on a child seat. See all directions on the all routes page, with useful tips for passengers on the for passengers page.

Bottom line

Tashkent with children means parks, fountains, animals, the metro and tasty food. Do not chase the number of places: two or three good days in the capital will leave pleasant memories and prepare you for further travel around the country.

Cover photo: vit5112, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.