A Playful Way to Explore Moscow
Moscow has introduced a new tourism initiative called “Let’s Play Moscow!”, a creative project designed to make sightseeing fun for children and families. Instead of traditional tours, families are invited to follow interactive routes across the city, turning kids into explorers and transforming Moscow into a giant playground of discovery.
This program was recently tested at the IV Children’s International Cultural Forum, where about 2,000 young travelers from 18 different countries took part. The goal is to combine education, culture, and entertainment in a way that both children and parents can enjoy.
How It Works
The experience begins with illustrated maps featuring cartoon characters who guide families along themed routes. These maps are available at tourist information centers, participating hotels, and other key spots around the city. Families can choose their route, complete tasks, and unlock small rewards along the way.
The program is available in English and Chinese, making it easy for international visitors to join in and discover Moscow’s culture while keeping the whole family engaged.
Two Main Adventure Routes
Secrets of the Green Planet
This route runs through central Moscow and focuses on ecology, history, and culture. Starting at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral, the path leads through highlights like the GES-2 House of Culture, Alexander Garden, Red Square, and ends at Zaryadye Park. Children learn about urban ecology and the balance between nature and city life, while adults enjoy Moscow’s iconic architecture.
To the Lunar Seas
This second route is based at VDNKh, one of Moscow’s most famous cultural and exhibition spaces. Here, children can learn about space exploration, build rocket models, and visit attractions such as the Atom Museum and the Cosmonautics and Aviation Centre. Parents, meanwhile, can appreciate the unique Soviet-era architecture and the history of the venue.
Both routes are designed to be educational, fun, and accessible to families of all ages.
Learning Through Play
At the heart of the program are interactive tasks. Children collect stickers, solve challenges, and scan QR codes for additional stories and fun facts about Moscow’s culture, history, and environment. These tasks are not only entertaining but also help kids build problem-solving and analytical skills.
Parents are encouraged to join in, creating a shared family experience. Together, families move from one landmark to another, making sightseeing both playful and educational.
Rewards and Accessibility
At the end of each mission, children can collect small souvenirs at Moscow’s tourist information centers. This reward system helps keep kids motivated and excited throughout the journey.
Many of the activities are free, with the Secrets of the Green Planet route being completely free of charge. While some museums along the way may require an entry ticket, the overall experience is budget-friendly, encouraging families of all backgrounds to take part.
A Family-Friendly Capital
Moscow has been working to build its reputation as a family-friendly city. In addition to “Let’s Play Moscow!”, families can enjoy attractions like the Moscow Zoo, the Central Children’s Store on Lubyanka, and Dream Island, a large indoor amusement park.
The new interactive routes add another dimension to family tourism, allowing children to engage with history, science, and art in a hands-on way. Parents can enjoy cultural landmarks while kids stay entertained and curious — a win-win for family travel.
Promoting Culture Through Play
Unlike standard tours, “Let’s Play Moscow!” shifts the focus to the children, making them the main explorers of the city. The routes emphasize cultural heritage, environmental awareness, and scientific discovery, all while encouraging independence and critical thinking.
For adults, the routes provide fresh context on Moscow’s architecture, museums, and traditions, making the experience valuable for the whole family. By mixing play and culture, the program creates lasting memories and helps families connect more deeply with the city.
Why It Stands Out
“Let’s Play Moscow!” is more than just sightseeing. It’s an invitation for families to:
- Explore together while bonding over fun challenges.
- Learn while playing, with kids discovering history and science in a simple, exciting way.
- Experience inclusivity, with routes designed to be affordable and accessible to both locals and tourists.
This combination of fun, learning, and cultural immersion sets Moscow apart as a leading destination for family travel.
Looking Ahead
By launching “Let’s Play Moscow!”, the city is positioning itself as a pioneer in family-focused tourism. The initiative makes sightseeing interactive, affordable, and memorable for all ages. With more projects like this, Moscow is proving that it can be both a modern megacity and a playground of discovery for children and parents alike.
For families planning a visit, this program offers more than just a tour. It promises an adventure that blends history, culture, and play, ensuring that every trip to Moscow is filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
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