If you decide to introduce your child to the sights of Moscow, be sure to visit VDNKh. There are many entertainments, iconic buildings and monuments, green alleys and, of course, famous fountains. In recent years, VDNKh has undergone a large-scale reconstruction, which is why some of the pavilions are closed, and the fountains do not always work. Nevertheless, most interesting places are waiting for visitors.
Space at VDNKh
Many children will certainly be interested in the "space" part of VDNKh. What we recommend to see:
- Monument to the Conquerors of Space. Even if this is your first time in Moscow, it will be hard not to notice it. Especially if you arrive by metro, VDNKh station.
- Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics. There are models, duplicates and real samples of space technology, genuine things of famous astronauts and designers. The museum also displays stuffed animals of the very Belka and Strelka.
- Alley of Cosmonauts, which stretches just from the monument and the museum. Monuments and busts of all prominent Soviet and Russian space explorers are installed on the alley. Of course, the sculptures are unlikely to attract kids, but it's nice to just walk here.
- The layout of the Vostok-1 launch vehicle is like a real one! With the help of just such a rocket, Gagarin made the first flight into space.
- Model of the spacecraft "Buran". This is not just a monument, but an interactive museum. You can enter it, take an excursion, and with the help of a special simulation program try on the role of the Buran pilot.
- Center "Cosmonautics and Aviation" in Pavilion No. 34 "Space". Various examples of space technology are exhibited here. And with the help of game simulators and a 5D cinema, everyone can almost “real-life” transfer them into space.
The entrance to the museums is paid. In addition, “space” excursions are held at VDNKh on Saturdays. Their duration is two hours, so calculate your strength.
Moskvarium
The Center for Oceanography and Marine Biology "Moskvarium" is located at VDNKh. You can come here to study the secrets of the underwater world, as well as just for fun.
Moskvarium is divided into three zones:
- Aquarium with marine and river inhabitants. Here you can get acquainted with many species of marine animals - from tiny crustaceans and jellyfish to killer whales. Sharks, rays and octopuses are also there. If you're lucky enough to see the shark feeding, don't miss it: it's a real show!
- A large hall where water shows with marine animals are held.
- Swimming center with dolphins. In the large pool, adults and children can swim with dolphins, which is said to be very beneficial for health and development.
Tickets to each of the zones are purchased separately. Swimming with dolphins will be very expensive for most Russians, but tickets to the aquarium and to the show are quite acceptable. In any case, it is definitely worth spending it once.
Interactive Museum "Robostation"
Pavilion 2 hosts a large interactive exhibition. It contains a couple of dozen robots created in different countries. The whole trick is that you can not just look at robots, but communicate and interact with them.
In addition, they offer to travel to other spaces on virtual reality rides, take part in master classes, watch the show of robot dancers and other activities.
Both old and small come here. For children under three years old, admission is free.
Crafts Park
This is a whole complex dedicated to one topic - manual labor and crafts. Visitors can see what others are able to create, and learn how to make something beautiful for reasonable money. This includes:
- "House of Crafts"
- Dymov Ceramics manufactory
- cosmetic laboratory
- Christmas tree toys workshop
- "City farm"
- "Fishing Village"
The House of Crafts is located in Pavilion No. 47, formerly called Pig Breeding. Several workshops are gathered under one roof: carpentry, flower, ceramics, cheese-making school, architecture, furniture and interior design studio. Various master classes are held for children and adults. Most of them need to be registered in advance.
"City Farm" will appeal to small (and not only) fans of eco-style recreation. The walk will be both pleasant and informative. In the landscaped green area, there is an elegant farm in which raccoons, alpacas, zebu cows, donkeys and goats live. And there is also a poultry house where little townspeople can get acquainted with chickens, geese and ducks.
Young botanists are welcome in the greenhouse. Various exotic plants are collected here. Excursions, creative and educational activities, and holidays are held at the "City Farm".
Fisherman's Village will also appeal to the residents of the metropolis, who are not spoiled by frequent outdoor recreation. The main entertainment is fishing. You need to pay both for equipment rental and for fish. If desired, the catch can be prepared right there. In addition, master classes are held where you can teach a child to catch fish from a pond.
Historical park "Russia is my history"
If your child is already a schoolboy and needs to instill a love of history, adopt modern technology. At VDNKh, there is a multimedia historical park "Russia is my history", where the entire history of the native country is presented with the help of modern visual means.
In many large cities of Russia, such parks already exist, but in Moscow everything is steeper. For example, a three-dimensional panorama “Moscow. Forty-first. Counteroffensive”on a one-to-one scale. As if you will find yourself in a real battle.
Museum of 3D paintings "Imaginarium"
This is a place for those who like to be photographed. The Imaginarium contains one hundred and fifty three-dimensional paintings that create the illusion of reality. You choose a painting and take a picture against its background from the right angle - and you get an unusual photo.
Thus, you can "be transported" to a fantasy landscape, to the epicenter of a natural disaster or a haunted house. Take a photo "in the company" with a super-celebrity or your favorite cartoon character. Or "go" to another era, or even to a parallel world.
According to the organizers, "Imaginarium" is the largest exhibition of three-dimensional paintings in Europe. And it's better to buy tickets on the company's website - there they are 10% cheaper than at the box office.
Attractions and playgrounds
Opposite Pavilion 27 is the country's largest rope park, Sky Town. The rides are located outdoors. Safety is ensured by reliable equipment and supervision by professional trainers. Both adults and schoolchildren can feel like Spider-Man. Tickets are sold right there at the box office.
There are several playgrounds at VDNKh, where you can play and have fun completely free of charge. All sites are equipped with tram-proof surfaces. Both toddlers and older children will find active entertainment. One of the playgrounds is adapted for children with disabilities.
Many children like the Cosmos thematic playground, where slides, swings and other play equipment are made in the form of spacecraft. The site is located not far from "Buran".
Note that there are many cafes and restaurants at VDNKh. Several rooms for mothers and children are equipped for parents with babies, and all stationary toilets have changing tables.
Important
Please note that due to the reconstruction of VDNKh, not all objects of the complex are available to visitors today. Therefore, when planning a route, it is better not to be too lazy to go to the VDNKh website for up-to-date information.
