Every year, the number of families choosing Georgia for their vacation is growing rapidly. In this hospitable Caucasian country, experienced travelers with teenage children as well as young parents with infants are now heading.
Georgia is attractive to couples with children of all ages for the following reasons:
Crossing the Georgian border with a child is very straightforward. A children's passport or a child's birth certificate in one of the parents' passports is required.
The locals in Georgia love children very much. Every child is guaranteed attention in the form of treats, hugs, and kind words.
Since the Soviet Union era, Georgia has been a sanatorium paradise. Health centers operate in Likani, Borjomi, and Nunisi. Thermal springs are open in the cities of Surami, Nabeglavi, Zvare, and the capital.
The country has wonderful beaches with shallow bottoms and warm sea, where there are no jellyfish.
Georgia is a popular destination for family vacations, especially during the summer months when you can enjoy swimming in the Black Sea. Family-oriented cultural activities are also popular, allowing children to explore ancient fortresses and visit museums to immerse themselves in the country's culture and history.
There are numerous ways to spend time with children in Georgia:
Of course, swimming and sunbathing! The coastal area dedicated to beaches in the resort town of Batumi alone stretches for ten kilometers. Georgian beaches are mostly covered with small pebbles, so it's advisable to bring special swim shoes for children.
Enjoy the scenic nature of Georgia by taking walks in the national parks of Mtirala, Colchis, Kintrishi, Borjomi, Tbilisi, or Algeti.
Search for real dinosaur traces in the caves of Imereti.
Immerse yourselves in the role of brave Georgian warriors by visiting fortresses in Kvemo-Kartli, Narikala, and Samtskhe-Javakheti.
Visit the world-famous city of Batumi and explore the dolphinarium, aquarium, and zoo there.
Indulge in the lively atmosphere of Tbilisi: the skateboarding park in Rike Park (a paradise for teenagers), the fairy-tale city of Mtatsminda (little ones will be delighted), and the popular water park Paradiso, perfect for family fun.
Witness the huge lunapark Tsitsinatela in the resort town of Kobuleti.
Take a boat ride on the sea to photograph dolphins in their natural habitat at arm's length.
Ride modern cable cars in Tbilisi, Batumi, or the renovated cable car in Chiatura, or take a narrow-gauge train from Borjomi to Bakuriani.
Experience the cultural side of Georgia by visiting museums such as "Georgia in Miniature," "Experimenterium," "Puppet Theater," the museum of lead soldiers, and the open-air ethnographic museum. All children's museums are located in Tbilisi.
Lastly, enjoy skiing in the villages of Bakuriani and Gudauri if you visit Georgia in winter.
Weather in Georgia: when to go with children
The ideal time for a classic seaside vacation in Georgia is from May to September. The best time for your vacation depends on the purpose of your visit:
In May, the sea is still cool, but sunbathing is possible. The beaches are less crowded in late spring, and the coastline is cleanest. This is the best month to visit Georgia with a child under two years old. May is also a pleasant time for exploring the country through excursions.
In June and September, the sea is warm enough, and there are fewer tourists. This is the best period for a family vacation with children between two and ten years old.
July and August in Georgia are high season, and resorts become crowded. There are many entertainment programs during this period, making it enjoyable for teenagers.
Traveling to Georgia during any of the warm months has its advantages:
May offers an abundance of fresh strawberries available everywhere.
In June, you can find apricots and cherries on market stalls.
In July, there are watermelons, melons, and a variety of peaches (more than ten varieties) available.
In August and September, you'll find figs, local apples, pears, and the famous Kakhetian grapes.
For those who prefer hiking in the mountains, the optimal time for a vacation is not limited. The Caucasus slopes offer cool temperatures even in July when the air in cities can reach +40°C. In winter, Georgia transforms into a modern ski resort.
Features of the Georgian climate
Due to climate characteristics, the western regions of Georgia receive more rainfall compared to the eastern regions, where the air is less humid. The heat is easier to tolerate in these areas.
There is a significant difference in temperatures between day and night in Georgia. In July, the air can reach up to +40°C during the day, while temperatures drop to +13°C at night.
The most "risky" months for a seaside vacation are September and October. You can only swim in the Black Sea if the autumn is warm enough, but it's challenging to predict in advance what the golden season will be like.
Best Places to Stay: Where to Relax in Georgia
Tbilisi and Batumi are perfect for those who want to experience a little bit of everything in Georgia. You'll find a wide range of hotels, from budget bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels, cafes and restaurants to suit every taste, well-developed infrastructure, dozens of game rooms and playgrounds, natural and cultural attractions, and much more.
Gonio, Kvariati, Grigoleti, Kobuleti, and Ureki are coastal villages near Batumi, ideal for those seeking a tranquil beach getaway.
Borjomi is a great destination for travelers looking to improve their health with the whole family.
Bakuriani and Gudauri are perfect for thrilling ski vacations.
Accommodation: Where to Stay
In Georgia, like in any resort country, there are many homestays and guesthouses run by locals. However, for a comfortable family vacation with children, it is more advantageous to stay in a hotel specifically designed for family holidays. Such accommodations offer the following advantages:
Availability of a children's playroom.
The option to request a nanny.
A courtyard equipped with a playground.
Baby cots that can be provided in the room upon request.
The hotel's restaurant offers a selection of dishes for children.
The disadvantage of family hotels is their limited availability. They are mostly found in major resort cities.
Food in Georgia for Children
Georgian cuisine is traditionally known for being spicy and not suitable for young children. However, when planning a family vacation, food is not a problem. Hotels offer a variety of standard dishes (purees, porridge, boiled meat, etc.) to choose from. In restaurants, upon request from parents, less spices can be added to the children's dishes in the signature menu.
To ensure a comfortable vacation with your child, consider the following tips related to food:
Children over five years old can try traditional Georgian dishes such as meat khachapuri (Adjaran and Imeretian styles), kubdari, cheese achma, and lobiani (bean-filled bread). Older children will enjoy sweet pastries like pakhlava, kozinaki, and churchkhela.
The selection of baby food for children under three years old is very limited in stores. You will mostly find cereals, formula, and purees from the "Zestavoni" brand. If your child is accustomed to a specific brand of food in your home country, it's better to bring it along.
Fresh milk is not available in Georgia. It is only sold in very limited quantities at markets, while stores mainly offer pasteurized milk with a shelf life of up to a year. If your child requires dairy products, you can imitate them by using diluted formula as a base.
For the whole family, it's better to buy fruits and vegetables at local markets, where they are fresher. Products that require quality certifications are safer to purchase at supermarkets.
Public Transportation in Georgia: Getting Around the Country
Public transportation in Georgia is well-developed. When choosing transportation, consider the distance you need to cover:
Within a city, it is faster and easier to reach your destination by taxi. A taxi ride will cost up to 6 GEL.
For travel between cities and towns, there is a network of buses in operation. The ticket price varies from 5 to 25 GEL.
For travel between major resorts, it is more advantageous to use trains. The ticket from Batumi to Tbilisi costs 25 GEL. Children under five years old can travel for free on trains. Partially discounted fares are available for children aged five to ten.
A family vacation with children in Georgia has been a popular choice since Soviet times. Hospitable Georgians are very welcoming to young travelers. The abundance of sweets and fruits in Georgia adds a festive atmosphere to your family vacation.
