Astana with children

Current as of the time of writing: March 2026.

The city’s tourist center is compact, its modern infrastructure is family-friendly, and indoor attractions are open year-round—including a tropical water park and a dinosaur park even when it’s −30°C outside. A special reason to visit here with children: the local aquarium is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the one furthest from the ocean in the world—nowhere else in the world do sharks live so far from the sea. The recommended age for this trip is 3 years and up.

1. Is Astana a Good Place to Visit with Children?
2. All activities for children — summary table
3. Activities by type
4. Climate and the best time to visit with a child
5. Safety, healthcare, and food
6. Transportation with a child
7. Where to stay with children
8. Common mistakes parents make
9. Tips for parents
10. Frequently Asked Questions

Is Astana a good place to visit with children?

In short: yes—if you choose the right season. Here’s what you need to know before booking.

Why you should go

• Indoor attractions are open year-round. A water park with a tropical beach, Dino Park, Factoria (lasertag and escape rooms), and ice rinks—all under one roof. Astana isn’t as dependent on the weather as most tourist cities.
• New infrastructure that’s family-friendly. Nurzhol Boulevard and the Esil Embankment—wide car-free pedestrian zones with benches, cafes, and restrooms. Most shopping centers are equipped with baby changing rooms and children’s play areas.
• A unique attraction found nowhere else in the world. Astana’s Oceanarium is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the one located farthest from the ocean: sharks, stingrays, mermaid shows—right in the heart of Kazakhstan.
• Astana Opera welcomes children ages 5 and up. Morning children’s performances at 12:00 PM are a great cultural experience even for preschoolers.
• Children under 7 ride public transportation for free. A great savings for families with young children.

What to keep in mind

• Climate is the main factor. Winter in Astana: −25…−40°C. Traveling with children under 2 years old during the winter is highly discouraged. In summer, temperatures can reach +35°C—for babies under 1 year old, it is recommended to go outside early in the morning. The best time to visit is May, June, and September.
• Long distances between attractions. The EXPO site is located more than 10 km from Nurzhol Boulevard. Without a taxi or a rental car, it is more difficult to plan a day out with children.
• Tap water is not recommended for children to drink. Buy bottled water—it is available in every supermarket.
• Strollers can only be used on new low-floor buses. Older trolleybuses have steps at the entrance. Plan to take a taxi for trips with a stroller.

All activities for children — summary table

Children's activities by type

Water Park in Khan Shatyr — a tropical beach all year round

Age: 3 and up. Best for ages 4–14.

The water park on the 5th floor of the Khan Shatyr shopping center (1 Nurzhol Boulevard) is one of the main reasons to bring children to Astana in winter. Real sand, palm trees, a wave pool, 7 slides, a “lazy river,” a children’s area with warm shallow water, and a jacuzzi area. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Prices (as of the time of writing):

• Child ticket (ages 4–14): 9,000 tenge on weekends / from 4,500 tenge on weekdays for 4 hours
• Adult: 14,000 tenge (full day) / from 6,000 tenge on weekdays for 4 hours
• Sauna and hammam — additional fee starting at 20,000 tenge

Practical tip: On weekends, the water park reaches its visitor capacity by noon. Arrive at opening time at 10:00 AM or book in advance. You are only allowed to bring in a cake with candles—bringing in food is prohibited; there is a café inside.

Aquarium — a Guinness World Record in the heart of Kazakhstan

Age: 2 and up. Best for: ages 4–12.

The Astana Aquarium is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s most landlocked aquarium. Sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, a mermaid show, and an exotarium with reptiles—there’s a small pond nearby with koi carp that you can feed (warning for little ones: the fish are large and can snatch the bottle out of your hands). Important: the corridors are narrow; you won’t be able to turn around with a stroller—it’s better to leave it at the entrance or carry your child. Cost: adults—3,500 tenge, children—2,500 tenge, children under 5—free (as of the time of writing). Address: 1b Kabanbay Batyr Ave.

Dino Park — for dinosaur lovers

Age: 3 and up. Best for: ages 4–10.

An indoor park with life-size animated dinosaurs—children aged 4–10 are absolutely thrilled here; the T. rex moves and roars. Themed zones and photo spots with giant figures. Check the address and hours on current city maps—the park periodically changes locations. Admission: tickets purchased on-site.

Factoria — laser tag, escape rooms, and NERF for schoolchildren

Age: 7 and up. Best for ages 8–16.

Factoria Entertainment Center (Saryarqa Shopping Center, 24 Turan Ave., 3rd floor)—over 400 square meters of steampunk-themed space featuring laser tag, a NERF arena, and the “Hide and Seek” horror escape room. A great option for a child’s birthday party: there is a banquet area. Most activities are not available for children under 7—check specific age restrictions at factoria.kz.

Ice rinks — a winter activity for the whole family

Age: 4 and up. Season: November–March.

The “Alaou” Ice Palace (47 Kabanbai Batyr Ave.) is an Olympic-sized rink for public skating. Children’s ticket (under 12): 1,000 tenge; adult: 2,000 tenge. Skate rental is extra. There are changing rooms and a café. Skating rink on the Esil River — an atmospheric option right on the river’s ice, featuring 8 slopes of varying difficulty. Open when temperatures are cold enough, from December to February. Skating rink at Mega Silk Way (62 Kabanbay Batyr Ave.): indoor, 800 sq. m, 1,500 tenge/hour + skate rental.

Museums and educational sites

National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan (54 Independence Square) — the country’s largest museum, featuring an interactive media floor and a model of Astana. Age: 5 and up, best for ages 8–14. Admission: 100–200 tenge (children), 300–700 tenge (adults). Closed on Mondays.

Nur Alem at the EXPO site — 8 floors of interactive exhibits on different types of energy. Age: 6 and up, ideal for ages 8–14. Admission: from 1,500 tenge. Schedule: qazexpocongress.kz. The panoramic view from the top floor is a bonus for adults.

Astana Opera — a theater for children ages 5 and up

Age: 5 and up (matinee performances), 10 and up (evening performances).

The largest opera house in Central Asia (1 Kunaev St.) hosts children’s matinee performances at 12:00 PM—ballet fairy tales and children’s musical programs. Duration: 50–60 minutes. Tickets: starting at 3,000 tenge. Buy in advance at astanaopera.kz or ticketon.kz. Dress code: formal attire is encouraged.

Parks and Free Activities

Age: all ages. Season: May–October.

Nurzhol Boulevard is the main walking area for families: wide, car-free, with cafes and benches. The Esil River Embankment offers a 2-km walking route along the river. The Botanical Garden features workshops for children ages 4 and up, with bike rentals at the entrance. “Starry Sky” Park with its illuminated tunnel—a spectacular option for children. The long slide (20 m) near the “Highville” residential complex by the Rotunda is open both in summer and winter. The light and music fountain at Baiterek—May–September, ~9:00 PM, free.

Climate and the Best Time to Visit with a Child

Best months to travel with a child: May, June, September. During this period, both outdoor and indoor attractions are open, and the temperature is comfortable for all ages.

Winter with children 4+ years old: if your itinerary focuses on indoor activities (water parks, ice rinks, museums, aquariums), the trip is entirely feasible. But dress warmly—even a short walk with a child at −30°C without warm clothing is dangerous.

Child Safety, Healthcare, and Nutrition

Healthcare

There are several children’s hospitals in Astana:

• Multidisciplinary City Children’s Hospital No. 1 — 11/1 Täuelsizdik Ave. Phone: +7 (7172) 35-13-05. 24-hour emergency care.
• Multidisciplinary City Children’s Hospital No. 3 — 12 T. Ryskulov St. Call center phone: +7 778 265 67 88 (24/7).
• Mediker Pediatrics — a private clinic with pediatricians; appointments required. Check the address and hours of operation at mediker.kz.

Emergency services: 103 (available 24/7). Important: Before traveling, consult with a pediatrician and ensure that your child’s insurance covers pediatric care, emergency services, and hospitalization in Kazakhstan.

Insurance

Health insurance for your child is mandatory. Choose a policy that covers: visits to a pediatrician, emergency hospitalization, and repatriation. Additionally, make sure the insurance is valid in Kazakhstan—some inexpensive travel insurance policies exclude CIS countries.

Food and Water

Tap water is not recommended for children—buy bottled water instead. Major supermarket chains (Magnum, Small) sell baby food: formula, purees, and cookies. In tourist areas, you’ll easily find children’s menus—they’re available almost everywhere on Nurzhol Boulevard. The cuisine is predominantly Kazakh and European—generally mild for children, without extreme spiciness. Street food (shashlik, samsa) should be consumed with caution by children under 5 years old.

Pharmacies

There are pharmacies in every shopping center and in many residential neighborhoods—they are open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and some are open 24 hours a day. For children under 6, prescription medications are provided free of charge under a government program (for citizens only). Tourists must pay the full price.

Traveling with a child

Taxis

The main taxi service in Astana is inDrive (Bolt does not operate in Kazakhstan in 2025). Child car seats are not provided for standard rides—bring your own or request one in advance when booking. A trip through the city center: 1,500–3,000 tenge. We recommend using a taxi when traveling with a stroller and children under 3 years old—it’s more reliable than figuring out the trolleybuses.

Trolleybuses and buses

Children under 7 ride free. The new low-floor trolleybuses (AKSM-321) are stroller-friendly—they have a low entrance with no steps. Older Soviet models have steps at the doors, making it difficult with a stroller. During rush hour (7:30–9:00 a.m., 5:00–7:00 p.m.), public transportation is crowded. Payment — 110 tenge, by card, QR code, or transit card (cash not accepted). Navigation app: 2gis.kz or Google Maps.

On foot and with a stroller

Nurzhol Boulevard and the Esil Embankment are ideal for strollers: smooth asphalt, wide sidewalks, no cobblestones. Shopping centers (Khan Shatyr, Mega Silk Way, Saryarqa) have elevators, ramps, and baby changing rooms. Problem areas include industrial and older neighborhoods on the outskirts: uneven sidewalks and a lack of ramps. In the tourist center, everything is convenient with a stroller.

Car Rental

Useful if you plan to visit the EXPO and other sites outside the Left Bank. International brands (Hertz, Sixt) and local rental companies operate at the airport and in the city center. Child seats—order in advance; not all companies have them available. Driver age—usually 21 and older.

Where to Stay with Children

The most convenient area for families is the left bank, along Nurzhol Boulevard and the Esil Embankment. All the key attractions for children are concentrated here: the water park, the aquarium, Baiterek, and the parks. Walking distances between these locations are 10–20 minutes.

When choosing a hotel with children, check for: a swimming pool (not all hotels have one), a children’s menu at the restaurant, an elevator, and a stroller-friendly entrance. Family rooms (with two beds or a pull-out sofa) should be requested in advance—they aren’t available everywhere in Astana. The EXPO district is only suitable if your itinerary is centered around it—it takes 20 minutes by taxi to get to the city center.

Common mistakes parents make in Astana

1. Traveling in winter with a child under 2 years old without knowing about −40°C.
   Astana is one of the coldest capitals in the world. Many people don’t realize the severity of the cold. At −30°C, even the walk from the taxi to the mall entrance is stressful for an infant. If you want to travel in winter, wait until your child is at least 3–4 years old.
2. Arriving at the water park on Saturday at 1:00 PM and leaving an hour later after waiting in line.
   On weekends, the water park reaches capacity by 12:00 PM. Children get tired of waiting faster than adults. Come at opening time at 10:00 AM or choose weekdays—it’s cheaper and less crowded.
3. Plan your visit to the aquarium with a stroller.
   The hallways are narrow—you won’t be able to maneuver a stroller. Leave it at the entrance or at the hotel; carry toddlers in your arms or in a baby carrier.
4. Plan 4–5 attractions per day with children under 7.
   Kids get tired quickly. 2–3 stops a day is ideal. After lunch, a rest or nap is a must. Otherwise, the evening will turn into tantrums instead of a fountain show.
5. Don’t skip a warm jacket in May, counting on “spring-like” weather.
   In Astana, May doesn’t yet bring consistent warmth. In the evening, it can be 5°C with wind. A light windbreaker isn’t enough for a child—bring a warm jacket even during the summer months.

Tips for Parents

• What medicines to bring: consult with a pediatrician beforeyour trip about a basic children’s first-aid kit. Fever reducer, antihistamine, remedy for an upset stomach, band-aids, antiseptic. Children’s medicines from well-known brands are available in Astana pharmacies, but you may not find a specific brand.
• Plan no more than 2–3 activities per day with children under 7. Leave time for a leisurely walk and lunch.
• Book in advance: the water park on weekends, Astana Opera (especially children’s matinees), and popular restaurants with children’s menus on Friday and Saturday.
• Estimated daily budget for a family of 2 adults + 1 child: water park (~23,000–28,000 tenge) + lunch (~5,000–8,000 tenge) + taxi (~3,000–5,000 tenge) = from 31,000 tenge. Free day (walking + fountain + park): just taxi and food — 8,000–12,000 tenge.
• Download in advance: the inDrive app for taxis, 2gis.kz for navigation (or Google Maps in Astana), and ticketon.kz for tickets.
• Documents for the child: birth certificate or passport, health insurance, consent from the other parent (notarized)—if traveling without a partner. Kazakhstan checks children’s documents when crossing the border.
• Water and food: always bring bottled water and a snack for your child. There are cafes in popular spots (EXPO, parks), but expect lines during peak hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling with Children in Astana

At what age can you take a child to Astana?
From age 3—it’s already comfortable: the water park, Dino Park, and walks are accessible. With an infant (under 1 year old)—only during the warm season (May–September) and provided that you spend most of your time in indoor, air-conditioned spaces. In winter, traveling with children under 2 years old is strongly discouraged due to extreme cold.

What can you see in Astana with children for free?
Nurzhol Boulevard and the Esil Embankment (stroll, street musicians), the light-and-music fountain near Baiterek (May–September, ~9:00 PM), the illuminated “Atyrau” Bridge, the Botanical Garden (free admission, workshops available for an additional fee), and the 20-meter slide near the “Highville” residential complex. The exterior of Baiterek is free; the observation deck inside costs 2,000 tenge.

Is Astana safe with a small child?
Yes, the central areas are safe. The main risk is the climate: dangerous cold in winter and intense sun in summer. Tap water is not recommended for drinking. The crime rate is low—Astana is among the safest capitals in the region. Medical care is available 24/7.

What should you bring on a trip to Astana with a child?
Winter: a warm snowsuit, hat, mittens, and thermal underwear for the child—these are essential. Summer: sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, and a light jacket for the evening. All year round: bottled water, a basic first-aid kit (as advised by a pediatrician), an insurance policy, and the child’s birth certificate.

When is the best time to visit Astana with children?
Best months: May, June, September. Comfortable temperatures (+15–25°C), parks and the waterfront are open, and there is less extreme heat. A winter trip is possible with children aged 4 and older if the itinerary includes indoor attractions—water parks, ice rinks, and museums.

Where to go with a child in Astana in bad weather?
The water park at Khan Shatyr (10:00–21:00), Factoria—lasertag and escape rooms (Saryarqa Shopping Center), the National Museum (Tue–Sun), Nur Alem at EXPO, the aquarium, and the “Alaou” ice rink. All of these attractions are open year-round, regardless of the weather.

Is there a zoo in Astana?
There is no traditional zoo in Astana. The closest equivalents are the aquarium (sharks, rays, reptiles) and Dino Park with animated dinosaurs. There is a traditional zoo in Almaty—if you’re planning to visit both capitals, be sure to include it in your itinerary.

Do I need a visa to enter Kazakhstan with a child?
Kazakhstan has a visa-free regime with most European countries, Ukraine, Russia, and several other states. Check the current entry requirements for your citizenship on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan—conditions are subject to change. If entering without one of the parents, a notarized permission is required.