Holidays with children in Crimea

A trip to Crimea will be a real great adventure for the whole family. In order for the rest to bring only positive impressions, all the details should be carefully thought out. It is important to choose the season of the year, the route, think over the travel program so that it is interesting to all family members.

Features of the region: climate and landscape

For families with children, the climate of Crimea, which is quite mild and comfortable in summer, is the best suited. This peninsula is washed by the Black and Azov seas. The variety of reliefs and the presence of two seas causes climate differences in different cities of the Crimea.

On the territory of the peninsula there is a huge number of large mountain ranges. Many of them protrude into the sea and form beautiful headlands. Almost every mountain has its own history and various legends that are associated with it. Local residents tell such stories to visiting tourists with great interest.

The Crimea has magnificent nature. More than a hundred thousand different plants and flowers grow there. The Crimean air is literally saturated with the sweet aromas of blooming magnolias and wild roses. Sea ions have a real healing effect for the whole organism.

You can relax here with your child from spring to late autumn. Usually the first vacationers come to Crimea for the May holidays. At this time, as a rule, the air temperature warms up to + 25-26 degrees. Heavy rains or storms are not typical for this time of year. Squall winds can only occur in some flat areas that are not surrounded by massive rocks.

Rather hot weather is recorded in June. In some years the air temperature even reached +32 degrees. However, this is not common. Usually at this time the air warms up to + 27-28 degrees. It is in June that the largest number of tourists is usually observed in different cities of Crimea.

Summer on the peninsula is quite hot and dry; there are practically no thunderstorms. In July, the air temperature rises to +35 degrees. This is not the best month for families with small children, but for children over 7 years old, it is quite like. In babies, acclimatization to the southern climate is more difficult, and the risk of sunstroke is significantly increased.

August is considered one of the most wonderful months of the year to spend a vacation in Crimea. Usually at this time there is an optimal comfortable ratio between the heated air and the temperature of the sea water. The danger of this month is the excessively high content of E. coli in the seas. This is due to the huge number of tourists who come to Crimea this month.

September is rightfully considered the golden time for spending a vacation with a small child in Crimea... There is no sweltering heat this month, and the sea is still very warm. The number of tourists is also decreasing. Couples with schoolchildren at this time do not visit the peninsula due to the beginning of school. For toddlers under 5-6 years old, September is a great month for family travel.

What's the best way to get there?

You can get to Crimea in different ways. It depends on where you plan to travel from. However, the most popular ones are travel by car or travel by plane.

By own vehicle

You can go to Crimea by car. The difficulty of such a trip is that you will need to overcome several crossings. Most of the problems start near Kerch. a huge number of cars accumulate in the queue for the ferry every year. In some cases, waiting for a ride can take several hours. With a small child in the car, it becomes a real tragedy for the parents.

The Crimean administration is annually trying to introduce new measures that would contribute to better carrying capacity of the Kerch ferry. They are trying to put into operation more modern ferries that can carry more tourists at a time. However, these measures do not adequately relieve the tension of the tourist flow, especially in the hot summer months.

Be prepared for the fact that you will have to stand at such a crossing even the whole day! The car must have the necessary supply of diapers, as well as a sufficient amount of drinking water. If you are planning a vacation in July-August, a working air conditioner in your car will be very helpful. During the hours of waiting under the scorching sun, metal elements quickly warm up. This can lead to heat stroke, especially in babies.

You can simplify the path a little. Leave the car in front of the crossing at special parking lots, and then go by bus, which will also be moved by ferry from the mainland to the peninsula. Such parking lots are organized in the Temryuk district and in the Krasnodar Territory. Few tourists use this method. Most vacationers prefer to get to the Crimea on their own vehicles. The cost of transporting a car through the ferry is usually 1500-2500 rubles.

By plane

The modern airport is located in Simferopol. You can get to it from almost any Russian city. Most Russian airlines even organize direct flights without transfers. In some cases, in the absence of such flights, you will have to fly through Moscow - such a trip will cost a little more.

The largest number of flights to Simferopol airport is carried out by Aeroflot. The number of flights increases every year. This leads to an increase in the load on the airport itself. Since 2015, active reconstruction work has been carried out in it, which should improve the material and technical base and increase traffic during the vacation period.

The cost of plane tickets, of course, depends on the season and the timing of booking. The cheapest tickets will be for February, March, and from the end of October to November. At this time, the number of tourists in the Crimea decreases several times. If you are planning a trip with a child in advance, try to book air tickets as soon as possible - this allows you to save up to 25-30% of the cost of air travel documents.

Beaches

In Crimea, you can find several types of beaches:

From pebbles. More suitable for families with children over 4 years old. The rocks that form this beach can injure the baby's feet. An absolute plus is cleanliness and the complete absence of sand in clothes, hair and towels. Pebbles also have an additional healing effect. It massages the baby's legs, improving tactile sensitivity.
From sand. Suitable for toddlers who like to play in the sandbox. The sand usually warms up very well. In July and August, there are even foot burns if the baby runs on the sand without shoes. Usually the sea near such beaches is rather muddy, mostly during the high season.
Sandy and pebble. Combines the pros and cons of sand and pebble beaches.
Pebble and stony. Usually not suitable for families with children, because large stones can injure a child. The sea is usually the cleanest near such beaches. Quite large waves can be observed. Such beaches are often less well equipped.

Description of East Coast resorts

Feodosia

One of the most beautiful and popular places on the Crimean peninsula. The beaches, mostly pebbly and sandy, are about 25 kilometers long.

The history of Feodosia is truly amazing. On the territory of this city there are various tourist offices and agencies that offer the organization of excursions to the most interesting historical sites in the district.

If a child attends an art school and is interested in painting, then he can visit a huge art gallery - the Aivazovsky Museum. Here are the originals of the paintings of the famous marine painter.

There are numerous other museums in the city. They constantly hold various exhibitions and thematic events dedicated to the work of genius artists from different historical periods.

Upon arrival in Feodosia, you can stay at:

Hotel "Lydia". Located in the heart of the city. Not far from it there are famous sights, restaurants, as well as a real Crimean market. The hotel has a family pool.
Recreation center "Ai-Petri". Here you can relax with the whole family. Especially such a vacation will appeal to people who are used to spending their free time quite actively. The doors of the recreation center are open for kids from the age of five. Professional guides offer a huge selection of various interesting excursions and walks.
Hotel "Feodosia". Located in close proximity to the sea. The hotel has a restaurant where you can have a delicious meal. There is also an entertainment program every evening in the summer. The hotel has playgrounds where little ones can have a great time.

Zander

Perfectly connected by roads with other cities of Crimea. Excellent transport interchanges have been organized.

The resort has been known for many years. All family-oriented hotels and inns offer reservations at an average cost, quite acceptable for families with children. From this resort you can easily get to Bakhchisarai or the Swallow's Nest.

For rest with kids in Sudak, the following are suitable:

Hotel "Breeze Morskoe". Located 20 kilometers from the center of Sudak. There is an equipped beach next to the hotel. Animators work with children. You can dine in its own restaurant, which offers a wide variety of delicious dishes. Cuisine - Russian and European.

Soldaya Grand Hotel. Located five minutes from its own beach. Various entertainment activities are organized for children. A children's menu is provided. The beach is sandy. Lifeguards are on duty every day. There is a children's club.

Hotel "Forum". Located close to a public beach. Shops, grocery market are very close. Not far from the hotel there is a park in which beautiful and fragrant cypresses grow.

New World

It is located just 10 kilometers from Sudak. The beaches are pebbly, but for most of them, entering the water is quite dangerous for children. This resort is chosen for its excellent ecology and beautiful views. The Galitsin trail leads to the royal beach. This is one of the most picturesque places in Crimea.

For families with children in the New World, the following are suitable:

Vintage hotel "New World". Located close to the Galitsin trail. The hotel organizes various hiking trips and excursions for families. The public beach is just a couple of minutes away, its territory is fully equipped with sun loungers and sun umbrellas.

Hotel "Tikhaya Gavan". The public beach is 25 meters away. Kids under five years old eat and stay free. All rooms are equipped with a bathroom, inside the premises there is everything you need for a good rest.

Koktebel

This unhurried Crimean city attracts many tourists from various cities every year. There is no frantic traffic in it. Life runs smoothly and without fuss. A great place to relax with kids. A beach with good shallow water where children can safely play and splash in warm, well-heated sea water.

For a family vacation in Koktebel are suitable:

Boarding house "Creative Wave". Leisure activities for all family members are perfectly organized. There are bicycle paths on the territory of the guesthouse, and bike rental is organized. Toddlers can play on the children's rides and well-equipped sports fields.

Mini-hotel "Villa classic". The hotel area is closed and secure. There is a green inner courtyard with playgrounds.

Kerch

SunDali is the largest public beach in Kerch. Visits to it are free. It is quite comfortable and well-groomed. There are playgrounds and attractions on the beach. Vacationers are looked after by lifeguards and medical staff.

There are also a lot of historical sites in Kerch. Arriving at this place, you can visit the Fortress, the Tsar's Kurgan, the golden storeroom and a huge number of various interesting objects.

When choosing hotels, it is better to choose those located in suburban areas. Kerch has a lot of traffic and a huge number of cars. Therefore, the city center is not the best choice for families with small children.

For a family vacation in Kerch are suitable:

Recreation center "Riviera". Lake Chokrak is located near the residential buildings. The water in it has medicinal properties. Animators work with kids. On the territory of the base there are playgrounds for active games.

Hotel "Kerch". Suitable for those who want to choose the city center for recreation. All historical sites are close enough to the hotel. Family accommodation is provided.

Villa "Moonlight". Located in the village of Geroevskoye, in the suburb of Kerch. Nutrition is organized. A special children's table is offered for babies. The organization of a transfer from the Kerch railway station is provided by prior arrangement.

Features of recreation in the Western Crimea

Evpatoria

This resort is one of the most wonderful for families. Toddlers will love a visit to the dolphinarium and the large water park, which features numerous species of marine life. Boys will be interested in going to the Black Sea Pirates Museum. In Evpatoria, there are more than a hundred different interesting historical and entertainment sites.

The doors for family rest in Evpatoria are opened by:

Sanatorium "Burevestnik". The private beach is located near the territory. The road to it takes about 10-15 minutes. For kids, water attractions are organized, playgrounds work. The beach is sandy with shallow water, suitable for kids of any age. All family members can receive different treatments.

Pension “Planet. Physiotherapy techniques are used to restore health. There is a swimming pool. Vacationers can drink water from artesian springs. An interesting entertainment program is held.

Saki

The beaches in the area of this resort are sandy, so the water in the sea can be rather muddy during the high season. There is a whole playground on the public beach. It has a pool for toddlers and various water attractions. The beach is equipped with a shower.

This lovely town is great for families. In order to improve your health a little, you can go to Lake Saki. Healing mud has a real healing effect on the joints, and also has a positive effect on the skin.

Suitable for family vacations:

Sanatorium "Yurmino". There is a restaurant on site, which organizes a menu for all family members, including a children's table. Adults can relax at the spa. Meals are served as a "buffet".

Sanatorium "Saki". There are fun activities for the whole family every day. The animators work with the kids. Children's leisure is excellently organized.

Sevastopol

One of the largest cities in Crimea. Resting in the city center is not quite suitable for families with small children. The level of exhaust gases there is quite high.It is better to choose a vacation in the suburbs - in villages that are located not far from the center of Sevastopol. These are Nikolaevka, Sandy, Orlovka and Chernomorskoye.

There are two public free sandy beaches in Sevastopol. During the height of the holidays, the sea near these beaches is rather dirty and muddy. In the off-season, the situation gets better. The entrance is shallow, suitable for swimming for children.

For a family vacation in Sevastopol, they recommend:

Hotel "Dream Bay". Located next to the beautiful mountain Ilyas-Kaya. There are two swimming pools that are regularly heated. For children, sports grounds and attractions for children are organized. The hotel has its own pebble beach.

Pension "Izumrud". Children's rest is perfectly organized. Has several small private beaches. The hotel offers a variety of accommodation options. For families who prefer an unusual stay, you can choose a bungalow.

Resort areas of the southern coast of Crimea

Big Yalta

The most beautiful city of Crimea. Poets and artists expressed love for Yalta in their works. This resort is famous for a huge number of attractions and places of interest for the whole family. Near Yalta, there are no less beautiful cities that are also suitable for families. These are Simeiz, Gurzuf, Foros, Gaspra, Alupka.

In Yalta, kids will definitely love visiting the Glade of Fairy Tales, a private zoo or Crocodilarium. Not far from the city center is the beautiful Massandra Palace, filled with secrets and various legends of antiquity. Interesting excursions to waterfalls and caves are organized.

Big Alushta

Getting to this resort is not difficult. You can come to Alushta from Simferopol or Yalta. This city is quite small, with a sedate and measured way of life. It does not have a huge number of vehicles, and at night the streets are plunged into quiet sleep. This is a great place for families with children.

The town has a fairly large number of different hotels and inns for every taste and wallet size. However, rest in Alushta is quite affordable. The cost of groceries in grocery markets and in stores is average, suitable for families with an average budget. Kids will definitely like a visit to the valley where ghosts "live", as well as excursions to waterfalls or a trip to the dolphinarium.

Popular accommodations with a small child

In Crimea, you can find a variety of living conditions that are suitable for family holidays. For babies who are often ill, it is better to choose boarding houses with treatment or health centers. In the Crimean sanatoriums, various physiotherapy techniques are carried out to improve the health of any family member. Prices for vouchers to such health centers depend on the season, as well as living conditions.

For families who just want to relax and swim in the sea, you can choose a hotel or a guest house. They usually offer to book rooms with meals. Many of these hotels are located near beaches or in the private sector. Usually, there are shops near guest houses where you can buy all the necessary goods or food.

For very young children, it is better to choose hotels with animation. There professional educators work with children. In such hotels, the organization of children's leisure is given great attention. Various themed and entertainment events are held for the little ones.

The children's health-improving boarding house "Raduga" annually opens its doors for kids from 7 years old. You can also relax with the whole family in this institution on the May holidays.

Attractions and excursions

On the territory of Crimea, there are a huge number of different interesting places. In each city, you can find hundreds of attractions that will cause a storm of positive emotions in visitors. In order to remember the trip for a long time and remember it with pleasure, you should first plan all the excursions that can be visited during such a vacation.

Children will be delighted by visiting various reserves. The most famous: Yalta, Karadag, Naples-Scythian. The nature in these places is truly amazing! The purest mountain air and a huge number of rare green plants allow all family members to breathe deeply. You can have a pleasant time in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden.

Many tourists enjoy visiting the falls. Moreover, such excursions are interesting not only in the summer. In winter, the water freezes in the waterfalls, and they turn into a real museum of ice figures.

Crimea is a great place not only for summer vacations. In winter, it turns into a real ski resort. Families who love alpine skiing or snowboarding will love the winter holidays.

For toddlers, as well as their parents who love creativity and reading, there are also excellent excursion options on the peninsula. Artists' houses, various museums, art galleries and a huge number of palaces will surely appeal to tourists who do not like fuss

Fun for kids

Water parks

Almost every city located in the Crimea is happy to offer kids with parents various water entertainment attractions. Among them are several of the largest: "Banana Republic" and "At Lukomorya" (in Evpatoria), "Atlantis" (in Yalta), "Water World" (in Sudak), "Almond Grove" (in Alushta).

In addition to large water parks with water slides and various catamarans, almost every small hotel also has its own children's pool. Children are usually supervised by animators or lifeguards.

Zoos

They make rest in Crimea even more attractive for families with small children. While visiting the zoo, kids can get acquainted with various animals that live not only in Russia, but all over the world. On the territory of such centers, you can buy delicious cotton candy or have a snack in the children's cafe.

Among the most famous and largest zoos:

Zoo located in Simferopol.

The Exotic ostrich farm. Located in Kerch.
Aquarium in Alushta.
Dolphinarium in Yalta.
Yalta Zoo.
Terrarium located in Sevastopol.

Amusement parks

Each resort town of Crimea has a huge number of parks where you can spend time with your child. Here is just a kingdom of attractions!

For children, entertaining contests and various competitions are held. Anyone can participate. The winners are presented with prizes and sweet souvenirs. Playgrounds with colorful swings have been built for younger kids. Park paths are paved and allow for strolls.

Active rest in Crimea

For families who prefer hiking, camps are great, which are located in fairly remote locations from the centers of major resorts. The instructors in these camps offer various hiking tours and even mountain walks. For younger kids, this option will not work.

Usually families choose tent camps for outdoor activities. This type of accommodation allows you not to depend on the operating hours of the hotel or hotel and independently plan your own free time. In the West of Crimea, campgrounds are located near Evpatoria, near the cleanest sea.

If you are planning a trip to the East Coast, then in this case you should pay attention to the Kazantip Bay. These places are characterized by beautiful nature and huge beaches. All vacationers who want to live in tents will find a place here for a good rest.

Useful tips for vacationers

In order for your vacation in Crimea to bring only positive emotions and to be remembered for a long time, use the following recommendations:

Plan your trip in advance. It will be possible to have an inexpensive vacation only if you correctly and carefully calculate all the financial costs that lie ahead on this trip.
Book flights months in advance. In this case, it will be possible to save significantly and save the family budget from heavy losses.
Choose hotels or inns that provide accommodation with children. Also pay attention to the age at which babies are accepted. If at the time of the choice there are doubts, it is better to call the hotel administration in advance and clarify all the details.
Pay attention to the proximity to the sea. Traveling with small children is often associated with the need for a closer location of the hotel to the sea coast.
For toddlers under 5 years old, do not plan a trip in July or the first half of August. Usually the air temperature is the highest at this time. Try to choose June, August or September.

Reviews

Many families who have visited the peninsula speak of their time there with great warmth. They celebrate the wonderful climate, the warm sea, the abundance of fruits and vegetables grown under the southern Crimean sun.

A huge number of positive reviews are also about the wonderful historical places and sights of Crimea. Even families with a one-year-old toddler have found great vacation options.

Among the negative responses, we can note those where parents were not satisfied with the level of the material and technical base of some playgrounds. They note that many slides and attractions are already too old and require replacement. Some tourists note the relatively high cost of basic foodstuffs that need to be purchased during their holidays.

With all the disadvantages, there are certainly more advantages of recreation in Crimea. The resort towns of this southern region are waiting for vacationers from all over Russia. The wonderful climate and amazing nature will ensure a good rest for all family members.