The Crimean peninsula pleases with a stunning kaleidoscope of natural areas, attractions, cultural traditions. Rest here will not only have a positive effect on the health of young travelers, but also leave only the most vivid and pleasant impressions. Don't know what to see in Crimea with children? Don't worry about it. Whichever part of Crimea you choose, local attractions will be able to please.
Crimean foothills
The Crimean foothills are, perhaps, the most original component of the Crimea, since it is here that mountain ranges and endless plains merge together.
White rock (Ak-Kaya)
The snow-white rock hanging over the Biyuk-Karasu river near Belogorsk still remembers mammoths and Neanderthals. Archaeologists have proven that it was once part of the ocean floor. It is not surprising that the bones of a real amphibian whale were found in one of the Ak-Kai quarries! Hidden among the majestic pillars is the Golden Burrow - the refuge of ancient people, according to scientists, and a huge snake, if you listen attentively to ancient legends. There are also treasures from the time of the Sarmatians.
Marble cave
The marble cave is located in the vicinity of the village of the same name. Getting here is a bit tricky, but the kingdom of the Underkings is definitely worth it. This stunning underground palace begins for guests with a descent through the Fairy Tales Gallery. The chronicle of the underground epic continues to unfold: a huge hall with columns (King and Queen), tiny baths with spring water, graceful galleries ... Be careful with local paths - they can lead you straight to the Stalactite Forest - impassable calcite thickets.
Central Museum of Taurida in Simferopol
If you want your child to get the fullest possible impression of the nature and history of Crimea, visit the Museum of Tavrida with him. These are dozens of rooms, which contain historical artifacts that tell about Taurida in colors, starting from the Paleolithic era. Decorations of the kings of the Crimean steppes, ceramics, coins, manuscripts, ancient sculptures - the past of Crimea will unfold with a multicolored patched blanket. Also noteworthy are the expositions dedicated to the landscape wealth of the Crimea, as well as "Lapidaria" - a collection of stones with antique inscriptions.
Interactive center "Znanium" in Simferopol
This is the first museum of this type in Crimea, perfect for visiting with the whole family. Physical laws and scientific incidents will be not only theoretically, but also practically mastered by small researchers. Tea drinking on nails, a soap bubble that you can fit into yourself, control of living lightning in the likeness of a Tesla laboratory, hundreds of pendulums and mechanisms that can be set in motion - a sea of vivid impressions is guaranteed. And a visit to the Aquarium, which is home to rare species of crocodile and turtles, will be remembered for the adrenaline rush - the inhabitants of the aquariums can be fed!
Cinema Park "Viking"
This quite blooming Viking city, stuck somewhere in the Early Middle Ages, is located in the village of Perevalskoye, which can be reached from Simferopol. The settlement was recreated with amazing clarity: the designers not only worked out the setting, but also prescribed the stories of the locals. And now you, together with your young prospectors, can become apprentices of the blacksmith and forge your first sword, or you can turn into fierce warriors and arrange a battle with axes.
Cultural and Ethnographic Greek Center "Karachol"
This unusual ethnographic museum was created on the initiative of the Greek settlers, who at one time arrived in the village of Chernopolye from Eastern Thrace. Despite the fact that the museum's collections were opened to the public relatively recently, the museum fund began to be collected in the second half of the twentieth century. Today's "Karachol" is a real Greek estate, whose life came to a standstill somewhere at the beginning of the 19th century. Among the presented artifacts you can see embroidery, clothing and household items, old photographs.
Bakhchisarai Palace Museum
In the former residence of the Crimean khans, the spicy atmosphere of the hot East is most vividly felt. Here - as in a small state - there is its own mosque, mausoleums, baths. The construction of the Bakhchisarai Palace began in the 16th century. The old palace was too small, and Sahib I Girey decided to build a new one, into which he soon moved with his numerous retinue. Each subsequent khan strove to make the palace as magnificent as possible, and they fully succeeded: the Yellow Beauty, the Great Khan's Mosque, the fountain of Tears that Pushkin loved - all this is definitely worth seeing with your own eyes.
"Crimea in miniature in the palm of your hand"
Bakhchisarai itself is worth visiting, but with the appearance of a miniature park here, it became possible to enjoy not only its beauty, but also the beauty of all the iconic sights of Taurida, without leaving the old capital. Guests will be able to see not only the main castles, villas and churches of Crimea, but also those objects that are currently closed to the public or are under restoration. On the territory of the miniature park, a Multipark for children is also open, in which favorite children's characters live.
House-Museum "Dervish Evi"
The house-museum of Tatar life is located in a classic Crimean estate, in Bakhchisarai, rebuilt more than two hundred years ago. On the territory there is not only the main house, but also a coppersmith's workshop. The latter is a unique project created within the framework of the program for the restoration of traditional Tatar crafts. Local craftsmen create copper products that can be purchased right there in the museum shop. The interior and exterior decoration of the estate has been preserved almost in an authentic form.
Donkey farm "Ishachok"
Don't let the name fool you. This small farm is home to not only donkeys, but also wolves, foxes, monkeys, lions, porcupines and other representatives of the animal world. You can get to know some of them better. Numerous workshops, inflatable slides and sports grounds are open for children. From the farm you will be able to take with you not only warm memories, but also a self-fashioned jug, as well as a real certificate of a donkey breeder, which can be obtained after a short walk along the Belbek River.
Fortress city Mangup-Kale (Zalesnoe village)
The ruins of the fortified city, the largest structure of this type, are located in the Bakhchisarai region. Once a prosperous Byzantine city was located here, and only then a Turkish fortress appeared. The city was called a cave town for a reason. It was possible to get into it only through ravines, which were blocked by powerful towers. From the north and south, Mangup-Kale was protected by the slopes. The mysterious and inaccessible city was starved to death and soon became a huge ghost town, in which only the shadows of the past days live.
Cave city Chufut-Kale
The ancient fortress is located near Bakhchisarai. Three of the four approaches to Chufut-Kale are sheer cliffs. If you are trying to find this ancient fortress city, be guided by the Assumption Monastery and take it to the left of it or you will find yourself in the old cemetery, where, however, you can look for colorful architecture. For many centuries, the Jewish fortress was almost the only stronghold of the Karaites. She naturally emptied closer to the 19th century, when they were allowed to settle in Taurida.
Kerch Peninsula
The Far East of Crimea is a completely independent region, whose air smelled of thick steppe spirit and sea salt.
Mount Mithridates
You can climb the main observation deck of Kerch only by steps. Once on it was the ancient ancient city of Panticapaeum, from which today there are partially preserved dwellings, a temple, a colonnade, as well as a giant underground necropolis, which is currently closed to tourists. Many scholars continue to search for the treasures of King Mithridates - too many legends unanimously shouted about the wealth of the king who sits on the mountain. Climbing the mountain can be tiring, but the panoramic view outweighs all the disadvantages.
Chokrak lake
The perimeter of the lake is estimated at 16 kilometers, and its salinity level is almost the same as in the notorious Dead Sea. Because of these conditions, only tiny red crayfish live here - completely harmless and very bright. Back in the first century BC, the first chronicle mentions of the almost magical blue-black mud of Lake Chokrak appeared, which can cure any disease. Legends did not lie, and today Lake Chokrak, which is located near the village of Kurortnoye, becomes the goal of many tourists planning to take care of their own health.
Koyashskoe lake
Koyashskoye Lake is part of the Opuksky Nature Reserve and is located at its western end. The lake practically merges with the sea - they are separated by some ten meters of land. The popularity of the lake is explained not so much by the status of the most salty body of water in Crimea, but by its unusual color - the unusual color gradually fades from deep red to pale pink. It is worth coming here not only for the sake of views, but also for the sake of recovery - local salts and muds perfectly cope with the problems of the musculoskeletal system.
East Coast
The eastern end of Taurida is known for its rocky beaches and unique nature. It is not surprising that it is here that the most beautiful nature reserves of Crimea are concentrated.
Hang gliding museum
This unique museum appeared in Feodosia in 1990, when several daredevils decided to conquer the wind, gliding from Mount Kliment'ev. The museum has only three rooms. The first contains historical sketches from Icarus to the present day, the second contains exhibits dedicated to the development of this sport in Russia, and the artifacts of the third prove how organically hang gliders have been woven into human life. Numerous models, drawings, drawings, letters of pilots - the atmosphere of this place is amazing.
Ancient fortresses
Due to its location and fruitful climate, Crimea now and then became the subject of disputes between various states. Each nation brought with it its own culture and its fortification traditions. Eastern Crimea is famous for its fortresses, but the creations of Genoese masters are of the greatest interest. The most powerful and beautiful outposts survived in Feodosia, Balaklava and Sudak. Some are located on the plains, others among the sheer cliffs, but the history of each citadel is rich.
Adzhimushkay quarries
One of the most tragic monuments of the Great Patriotic War is located in the city of Kerch. At one time, military and civilians descended into the underground quarries, who held the defense for five months. The Adzhimushkai quarries simply could not get lost in the depths of history - first, revolutionary-minded Bolsheviks gathered here, then the fascist plague came here. Today a museum has been opened in the quarries. It is enough just once to see hundreds of inscriptions on sheer walls and toys thrown by a child on the floor, and you will not be able to forget the gloomy imprint of this place.
Ostrich farm "Exotic"
This farm is located in one of the most picturesque corners of the Eastern Crimea. Its territory is more than vast - about 24 hectares. The first ostriches were brought to Kerch only in 2004, but over the past years, more than thirty birds of different ages have appeared on the farm. You can see very tiny, barely hatched ostriches and adult families. Shell products are offered as souvenirs, and ostrich eggs can also be tasted at the local café.
Bird Park "Dinotherium"
The bird park is located in Koktebel, it is located on the outskirts of the city and it is rather difficult to confuse it with anything else. It is here that you can plunge into the world of wildlife, frozen at different intervals of time. The park complex includes two pavilions and a living labyrinth. The first of them contains models and bones of dinosaurs and ancient birds, and the second contains the exoticism of the living bird kingdom in all its roaring diversity and splendor. Birds feel completely free and are not constrained by cages.
Dolphinarium
Communication with dolphins and seals will leave a lot of pleasant impressions for both adults and children. These amazingly intelligent denizens of the deep will cheer you up. Grandiose performances end with the opportunity to get to know talented actors or even swim with them. There are quite a few dolphinariums in Eastern Crimea, but the best of them are located in Sudak (Nemo), Feodosia (on the territory of the Water World water park), Koktebel.
Golden Gate
The Golden Gate rises above the warm Crimean sea. If you plan to admire them from the coast, the coastline of the Karadag reserve is ideal, but a really beautiful view of this massive independent community opens from the sea. Millions of years ago, this rock broke off from the Karadag massif and gradually recedes further and further. Many myths have always been associated with it, for example, it was believed that Odysseus at one time descended into the Kingdom of the Dead, passing just through these "gates".
Sudak fortress
Today, the Sudak fortress literally overwhelms with its grandeur, but at the time of its construction, the greatness worried the masters least of all. Only the fortification properties, which the citadel had in full measure, were really valuable. It is believed that the foundations of the fortress were laid by the Byzantines and the Khazars, but the Genoese masters brought it to the absolute - hence its second name - the Genoese fortress. Wars did not pass it by - many buildings were destroyed and have come down to us only in fragments.
The south coast of Crimea
The southern coast of Taurida is literally buried in tropical greenery. This corner of the peninsula will prove to you that cable cars are commonplace, and pebble beaches are no worse than sandy ones.
Bird home
Cape Ai-Todor cuts the sea, and a stunningly beautiful medieval castle, known more as the Swallow's Nest, hangs over just above the blue abyss. It appeared in the village of Gaspara during the Roman times, however, then it was just a small outpost. Much later, by the end of the 19th century, an unknown person rebuilt a wooden house on this very place, which was usually called the House of Love. Gradually, a Gothic fortress with sharp peaks and lancet windows grew out of an unremarkable building. This is how we know the castle today.
Miniature park
The miniature park in Alushta never ceases to amaze its guests, supplementing the collection with more and more sights. Today, there are about fifty exhibits in the park, each of which is accompanied by a brief historical background. Children are unlikely to appreciate the craftsmanship of the creators of these strikingly detailed creations, but the cartoon part of the park will definitely be to their taste. In addition, each hero "guards" his own attraction.
Cable cars
Among the cable cars of the southern coast of Crimea, tourists are especially fond of the Miskhor - Ai-Petri road, which allows them to see the city from more than a thousand meters height. The beauty of the panoramic views is truly breathtaking.This cable car even got into the Guinness Book of Records: it is considered the longest unsupported cable car in Europe. If you get hungry or freeze, you will always have the opportunity to get off at the lower or middle stations, where the shopping arcades are located.
Zoo "Fairy Tale"
The history of this zoo is not very long. It began at the end of the twentieth century, when next to the open-air museum for children, which was called "Glade of Fairy Tales", they decided to open a zoo corner with peacocks, bears, squirrels. Later, the zoo passed into private hands, and even then its history began in earnest. Gradually, the territory of the park has expanded, and today it occupies about 3 hectares. Among its inhabitants appeared large predators, such as the Himalayan bears, and also opened the "Marine Aquarium", which recreated the ecosystem of the tropical sea.
Dolphinarium "Aquarelle"
Unlike many other Crimean dolphinariums, Aquarelle is open all year round. It is located in the center of tourist Alushta and consistently gathers full halls of spectators. The show always comes out enchanting! The interactive approach to the performances is especially appreciated - the guests themselves do not notice how they completely relax and become involved in the process. The dolphinarium not only guarantees a bright show, but also provides an opportunity to get a little closer to the stars themselves - swimming with dolphins can become the most vivid memory of a trip to Crimea.
Arboretum
It is in Alushta that the largest natural reserve of Crimea is located. Back in the early 19th century, local conservationists sounded the alarm - some species of animals and plants practically disappeared in the forests. To everyone's surprise, the zemstvo reacted quite positively - then the first reserve appeared, which soon received the status of a National Reserve. Today, its complex includes five forestries, the Swan Islands, where bird watchers usually strive to get, and the Karkinitsky reserve.
Mount Demerdzhi
The road itself to Mount Demerdzhi is already an adventure: you have to walk along a bridge thrown over a rapid mountain stream, pass the ruins of an ancient fortress, enjoy the beauty of peach orchards, and only then find yourself at the foot of the mountain. The first thing that catches your eye is the colored spots of numerous landslides that happen here quite often. Climbing the steep slopes will pay off - you will be able to capture the panoramas of the Alushta Valley, and in clear weather you will be able to even distinguish Ai-Petri seen in the distance.
Bear Mountain (Ayu-Dag)
Bear Mountain is the largest formation on the south coast. It is located in close proximity to the village of Gurzuf. It is believed to be a failed volcano. At different periods of history, Ayu-Dag bore different names, but the present one is explained by the fact that her silhouette strikingly resembles a predator leaning over the water. Many legends are associated with this place. Especially poignant stories are dedicated to the powerful giant bear, the owner of this mountain.
Uchan-Su waterfall
Uchan-Su or Flying Water is located on the territory of the Yalta Nature Reserve. He was lost among the age-old forest. It is best to go to him in the spring, when the stream becomes really full-flowing, at other times it is unlikely to make such a deafening impression. Slightly higher along the path is the source of the waterfall itself, but it is better to climb there without children, as it can be dangerous. It is noteworthy that it is not at all necessary to make a long hiking ascent for the very sight of the waterfall - you just need binoculars, and the Flying Water will be visible from Yalta itself.
Jur-Jur waterfall
"Eternally babbling", and this is how the name of the waterfall is translated, fully justifies its essence. It is considered the most powerful waterfall in Crimea and does not subside even on the hottest summer days. It is located on the territory of the Khapkhal reserve, which is easiest to reach from Alushta. A forest trail will take you to a wooden observation deck. You should not try to swim in the waterfall - the force of the fall of the water and its volume are no joke. If you still want to plunge, it is better to go down into the cave of the same name and swim without threat to life.
Yalta embankment
The oldest street in Yalta - aka the Embankment - is the busiest walking street in the city. Its architecture is pure eclecticism. Most of the buildings are faced with light gray stone, and palm trees grow along the sidewalks. Many city concert halls, exhibition centers, shops and restaurants are concentrated here. In the evening you can ride a boat. Noisy festivals and celebrations are often held on the Embankment, so the atmosphere of the eternal holiday does not have time to dissipate.
West Coast
The Black Sea resorts of the West Coast are famous for their sandy and rocky beaches and wide steppes.
Miniature park
The main children's health resort simply could not do without a miniature park on its territory. It is located in the open air, among centuries-old trees. The presented models - despite their potentially small size - are quite large, which allows you to get a closer look at the architectural features. All sights are grouped by city and include masterpieces of sacred, town planning and palace architecture. The territory also has a Multipark for children and a small zoo corner, with the inhabitants of which you can play.
Contact zoo "Tropic Park"
The exotarium is located on the territory of the Children's Amusement Park in Evpatoria. Today, dozens of species of reptiles, amphibians, exotic birds and primates live here. The real gem of the zoo is the reticulated python, which reaches seven meters in length. But children especially love dwarf horses. All representatives of the fauna live in close to natural conditions. You can appease them with specially selected food and take a few pictures.
Tarkhankut Peninsula
Tarkhankut is the westernmost island of the Crimean coast. Its steep shores are well known to all tourists: the local coastline is heavily indented, and therefore there is always a chance to stumble upon a miniature wild beach or a cozy cove. This peninsula is especially prized by diving enthusiasts. The visiting card of the peninsula is the old lighthouse. Here you can also find the remains of ancient settlements - the ancient Greek polis and Scythian burial grounds.
Lake Donuzlav
Donuzlav is a huge lake with an area of almost fifty square kilometers. The nearest city to it is Evpatoria. Scientists are still debating the origin of this lake. Some are sure that it was once part of the bay, others argue that the lower reaches of the Dnieper could pass here. It is noteworthy that the waters of the lake are mixed - the further from the underground springs in the interior of the island, the saltier the water becomes. The area around the lake is a protected area, as it is home to many relict species that need protection.
Saki mud
The first mention of the Saki healing mud appears in the writings of Herodotus. The ancient inhabitants of Taurida already then used the Egyptian method of mud therapy. Local silt deposits stop a whole list of diseases, improve blood circulation and metabolism, and increase regeneration. The best resorts that use the mud of the Saki Lake in treatment are located in the cities of Evpatoria and Saki.
Museum of Antiquities "Kara-Tobe"
This museum complex is located in the city of Saki and is famous for its truly complete collections, which allow you to immerse yourself in the history of the northwestern part of Taurida.Its complex includes not only the usual exhibition halls, but also archaeological finds right in the open war.
Aqua complex "Saxony"
Another source of pride for the city of Saki is the Saksinia aqua complex, which has grown around the mineral water pump-room. In the center of the complex there is a huge statue - the majestic brontosaurus, the symbol of the city. Saxony became the first entertainment aqua complex in the city and was highly appreciated by tourists.
When is it better to go with children on vacation
Winter and spring are rather cold and unstable. A trip this time of year will be cheaper, but your child is unlikely to be able to fully appreciate all that the usually sunny and bright peninsula has to offer. For families with children, the summer months are better suited. June is not the best option as the weather becomes changeable. This is the time of cold currents, which periodically cool the water and make swimming with children impossible. In July and August, the weather begins to please with stability. Water usually warms up to + 24 ° С. But despite this, it is September that is the best month for a trip to Crimea. The velvet season is coming with an abundance of ripe fruits, soft sun and orderly deserted beaches. And prices are slightly decreasing by September.
