Tbilisi with Kids

Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, is a vibrant destination rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. For families traveling with kids, Tbilisi offers an array of attractions and activities that cater to all ages. From engaging museums and historical parks to interactive zoos and thrilling entertainment centers, Tbilisi ensures a memorable experience for young explorers. This guide provides detailed insights into what to do, where to go, the best times to visit, accommodation options, dining suggestions, and a four-day travel itinerary, along with useful tips for a family-friendly trip.

What to Do in Tbilisi with Kids

Museums and Educational Spots

• Georgian National Museum: A visit to the Georgian National Museum is both educational and engaging for kids. The museum features a diverse range of exhibitions, from natural history to contemporary art, offering a comprehensive understanding of Georgian culture and history.
• Tbilisi Doll Museum: This unique museum showcases dolls from various countries, each representing different emotions and moods. A special collection of moving dolls adds a dynamic element, making it a fascinating visit for kids.
• Ethnographic Museum: An open-air museum that highlights Georgian architecture and household items. The Ethnographic Museum is especially lively during festivals, where visitors can enjoy traditional Georgian singing and sample local cuisine.
• Yota Royal Museum of Military Miniatures: Displaying 1,800 miniature soldiers in various scenarios, this museum captivates kids interested in history and miniature models, illustrating historical military life in a detailed and engaging manner.

Parks and Outdoor Attractions

• Vake Park: As Tbilisi’s largest park, Vake Park features fountains, cafes, children’s playgrounds, and an amusement park. It’s an ideal spot for picnics, carousel rides, and enjoying nature.
• Rike Park: A modern, child-friendly park with attractions like singing fountains, a cable car, and a floral clock. Rike Park is designed without hazardous elements, making it safe for kids. Note: The newly planted trees provide limited shade, so evening visits are recommended during hot weather.
• Botanical Garden: A historic garden offering serene walks, river sounds, and fresh air. Kids can explore various plants, observe pond life, swim in a lake with a waterfall, and enjoy a rope course.
• Rodni Rechi “Dedaena” Park: This peaceful park, lacking in attractions or cafes, is suitable for quiet strolls and relaxation amidst greenery. It’s safe for kids as it’s on a single plane with no steep areas.
• Mushtaidi Park: A historic park with a children’s railway, sculptures of cartoon characters, and fairy tale figures. Kids can enjoy a nostalgic train ride and other attractions.
• Bombora Park on Mtatsminda: Located atop a funicular, this park offers coniferous trees, various attractions, shooting galleries, a water area, a Ferris wheel, carousels, and eateries. It’s a picturesque location with plenty of activities for kids.

Zoos

• Tbilisi Zoo: Operating since 1927, Tbilisi Zoo is home to exotic animals like zebras, hippos, elephants, and lions. It features an equatorium, Ferris wheel, and various attractions, with sweet treats available for kids.
• Contact Zoo “Faunaland”: Situated in the “GTC” shopping complex, this zoo has domestic and wild animal sections. Children can feed and touch animals in the farm section and observe exotic creatures in the jungle section.
• Contact Zoo “Zootopia”: Located in “TbilisiMall,” this larger zoo offers similar interactive experiences as “Faunaland” with a greater variety of animals.

Children’s Entertainment Centers

• Focus Mokus: One of the largest family entertainment centers, featuring arcade games, carousels, and play areas suitable for all ages.
• Boom Boom: A quieter entertainment center ideal for young kids, offering mazes, playhouses, toy cars, and a ball pit. It’s a perfect place for a calm and fun experience.
• Madagascar: Centrally located with slides and play areas. The steep slides may not be suitable for kids under three, so parental supervision is recommended.
• TbiliKids: Located on the outskirts, TbiliKids provides a spacious, cozy environment with arcade games for teenagers and themed rooms for pretend play. It’s suitable for kids of all ages and includes workshops and toy cars.

Theaters

• Griboedov Theater: A Russian theater offering performances like “Scarlet Sails” and “The Scarlet Flower.” It’s a popular spot for Russian-speaking kids, especially during New Year holidays.
• Gabriadze Marionette Theater: A puppet theater created by Rezo Gabriadze, known for its deep and artistic performances. Though small, it attracts older kids with its meaningful shows.

Water Park

• Gino Paradise Water Park: This expansive water park includes indoor and outdoor pools, extreme water slides, a water playground, and a beach area. A dome-covered children’s pool allows for swimming in any weather, and there are fields for football and volleyball.

When to Go

• Summer (June-August): Hot with temperatures ranging from +28°C in June to +40°C in July and August. Mornings and evenings are the best times to explore.
• Autumn (September-November): Cooler temperatures make it ideal for visiting. October is particularly pleasant, with temperatures around +20°C and fewer tourists.
• Winter (December-February): Mild but windy, with temperatures around +2-+4°C. Warm clothing is necessary.
• Spring (March-May): Warms up in March, reaching +18-+19°C by April, though heavy rains are common.

Best Time to Visit: June and October are optimal, with comfortable weather and fresh fruits in markets. October’s City Day celebrations add a festive touch to the visit.

Where to Stay

• Central Areas: Old Town and Mtatsminda are ideal for exploring main attractions and staying in high-class hotels.
• Affordable Options: Avlabari district offers budget-friendly accommodations.
• Vera District: Remote but equipped with hotels and entertainment for kids, requiring a taxi to reach the hotels.
• Recommended Hotels: Internationally renowned hotels such as Holiday Inn, Radisson Blu, Tbilisi Marriott, and Sheraton Metechi Palace offer reliable services, though specific family amenities might be limited.
• Alternative Accommodation: Renting an apartment allows for cooking and maintaining a routine, providing a more independent stay.

Where to Eat

• Family-Friendly Restaurants: Look for restaurants offering children’s menus and high chairs. Many cafes and restaurants in central Tbilisi are accommodating to families.
• Local Cuisine: Try traditional Georgian dishes such as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (dumplings), and fresh fruits from local markets.

Travel Route for 4 Days

Day 1: Explore Tbilisi’s central attractions

• Morning: Visit Georgian National Museum
• Afternoon: Walk around Vake Park and have a picnic
• Evening: Stroll through Old Town and have dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2: Fun and learning for kids

• Morning: Tbilisi Doll Museum
• Afternoon: Ethnographic Museum and nearby parks
• Evening: Attend a performance at Griboedov Theater

Day 3: Adventure and wildlife

• Morning: Visit Tbilisi Zoo
• Afternoon: Explore Contact Zoo “Faunaland”
• Evening: Relax at Rike Park and enjoy a cable car ride

Day 4: Thrills and spills

• Morning: Gino Paradise Water Park
• Afternoon: Play at Focus Mokus or TbiliKids
• Evening: Take a funicular to Bombora Park on Mtatsminda

Tips for Traveling with Kids

1. Stay Central: Choose accommodation in the city center or near metro stations for convenience.
2. Hydrate and Shade: Carry water and sun protection, especially during summer visits.
3. Safety First: Ensure young children are supervised, especially in parks and entertainment centers with steep slides.
4. Plan Evenings: Visit outdoor attractions like Rike Park in the evenings to avoid midday heat.
5. Pack Essentials: Bring necessary items such as snacks, first aid, and comfortable walking shoes.
6. Explore Local Markets: Enjoy fresh, safe-to-eat fruits from local markets.
7. Check Festival Dates: Plan visits around local festivals like City Day in October for additional cultural experiences.