Waterparks, museums, and tropics – where to go with kids in Ukraine

When was the last time you went somewhere with the little ones? Exploring new corners of our country together is an incredible experience, with the added joy of discovering new impressions and emotions as a family. With great weather still here and school holidays underway, now’s the perfect time to unwind, recharge, and gather energy before getting back to school or work routines. Here are five ideas for family outings in Ukraine.

Legend Park "Gedzo"

Let's start with the themed Legend Park "Gedzo", which opened last year in Yaremche. As soon as you enter, you're transported to a fantastic world of elves, hobbits, and other magical beings. With plenty of cool photo zones for adults and kids, some even have props like elf cloaks. This park is an ideal place to fill your family album with photos from the elf cave and cozy houses, including the residences of "Gedzo," the fisherman, and the mushroom picker Darmil. There’s also a real hobbit pub, mini zoo, treasure palace with a themed souvenir shop, lakes, waterfalls, swings, and even more locations. But we won’t spoil all the surprises – better to come visit Mr. Gedzo yourself!

Yaremche, near the souvenir market

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:00

Full ticket price: 250 UAH

Waterpark "Karpatia"

It’s already a bit too cool for the sea, but for a water park, it’s just right!

"Karpatia" is one of the largest water complexes in the country, located in Mukachevo. It combines modern attractions, thermal pools, a spa, and the mythical atmosphere of the Carpathians. Endless opportunities await for both active fun and relaxation. Just take a look at what’s on offer:

• "Carpathian River" – A 200-meter-long river that flows through the entire aqua zone, connecting various locations.
• "Energy Source" – The largest indoor pool in the water park, where the Carpathian River flows. There’s plenty of space for everyone to dive and swim!
• "Yalynsky Waterfall" – A pool with an inner reservoir, pulsing like a waterfall with water streams. A great photo spot for kids.
• "Ivor" – A safe pool for the youngest guests, named after a small lake among the Carpathian mountains.
• Four types of water slides, each named after Carpathian mountain ranges.
• A thermal water pool, providing the opportunity to enjoy the healing properties of the water in a comfortable setting.
• A spa zone with a sauna, salt room, steam bath, infrared sauna, and massage room where you can recharge after an active day.
• A dining area with a variety of treats.

And there’s so much more to discover in Mukachevo and its surroundings! We've even prepared a route for you.

Location: Mukachevo, Dukhnovicha St., 89

Pool hours: daily from 9:00 to 22:00

Children’s ticket price: from 200 UAH.

Museum "Heritage Center of Vygoda Narrow-Gauge Railway"

Museums are not boring! And at the Vygoda Narrow-Gauge Railway Heritage Center, you’ll definitely be convinced of that. This is likely one of the most interactive museums in Ukraine, where most exhibits are not just touchable but meant to be touched: solve puzzles, rummage through drawers in cabinets to explore local animals, crawl through tunnels, feel like a narrow-gauge train engineer, watch a film about the Carpathians' formation, and learn about the unique culture of the Boikos who live in mountain villages! And all of this takes place in the oldest building in the village of Vygoda, the former residence of Austrian Baron Leopold Popper von Podragi, the founder of the first narrow-gauge railway in the Carpathians.

The museum also offers a nature school for children.

Location: Vygoda village, Danylo Halytsky St., 66

Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday – from 9:00 to 18:00; Sunday – until 17:00. Lunch break – from 12:00 to 13:00.

Children’s ticket price: 80 UAH.

Previously, we also talked about the fascinating Johann Zeh pharmacy museum in Boryslav.

Yasnohorodka

In the Yasnohorodka Family Park, besides the largest ostrich farm in Ukraine, there are also:

• Rancho 4X4 Rally – a children's attraction where kids aged 4 and up can ride on quad bikes.
• Zoo with around forty animals, from ducklings to camels! You can feed and take photos with all of them!
• Yasnograph Children's Amusement Park with trampolines, a treetop rope park, swings, slides, animators, quests, entertainment, and workshops!
• Locavore Restaurant Ferma. Local Food Hub – a place the founders call a true theater of farm-to-table cuisine! You’ll find delicacies like ostrich steak, ostrich egg omelets, fried snails, pheasant and turkey dumplings, and many other dishes made from products grown on their own farm.

Every weekend, Yasnohorodka hosts exciting events, so keep an eye out and don’t miss your special weekend.

Yasnohorodka village, Pidlisna St., 32

Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 19:00

Children’s ticket price: from 250 UAH

Tropical Farm

Just 10 km from Lviv in the village of Lypnyky, Andriy Trush has been cultivating exotic plants for several years, including bananas, kumquats, coffee trees, lemons, limes, pomegranates, kiwis, papayas, and more. The greenhouses, built using Dutch technologies, are home to nearly 30 plant species, some of which reach up to 4 meters in height!

The farmers organize incredibly interesting tours of the greenhouse, where guests can taste exotic fruits, and for adults, there’s a unique tasting of craft liqueurs, including banana liqueur. For a lasting memory of your visit, you can purchase a delicious souvenir or even a seedling of one of the trees.

Location: Lypnyky village

Visits are by prior arrangement with the host.

Spend time with your loved ones discovering new corners of our Homeland!

Photo: facebook.com/hedzoparklegen