Kids in Moscow
Expats moving to Moscow with kids should prepare for a sizeable challenge. Conquering the cold weather and the intimidating transportation situation with little ones in tow requires some real courage, or at least some feigned bravado.
That said, there are plenty of child-friendly activities available in the city, and lots of expat support systems in place to help you steel your nerves against unanticipated stress.
The long months of minus temperatures in Moscow inevitably affect family life, and limit the outdoor activities you can enjoy. You tend to see very few Russian families and children out on the streets in winter, unless they’re heavily bundled up or out
ice skating on the frozen ponds. Furthermore, the babushkas (old Russian ladies) are known for shouting at Westerners whose children are not deemed properly clothed - something you should shrug off, but had better get used to.
Otherwise, traffic in Moscow is a real problem - people drive fast (when not stuck in huge traffic jams that is) and there are very few above-ground places to cross larger roads. So if you’re using a pram (stroller), this means going up and down at least two flights of stairs to enter and exit the pedestrian-friendly underpass.
The Metro is extensive, cheap and easy to use, but again, bear in the mind the presence of stairs if you’re planning a trip with a buggy and multiple little ones. Once you get familiar with your most common Metro stops, you’ll be able to choose those with no stairs and make your life a little easier.
Many expats have a driver (either privately hired or one provided by their employer) to avoid these issues, and to make it easier to get about in freezing temperatures. Try and negotiate this as part of your employment package, if possible.
Many expats with kids, especially those with young children, choose to live in one of the expat gated communities just outside the city (e.g. near Polezhaevskaya). In these areas, it’s possible to get a house and plenty of green space, though, your exposure to real Russian life will be minimal.
Alternatively, you can live in an apartment in the city centre, and accept the challenges that come with the traffic and the limited green space. This option is typically better for expats with teenagers, or with children who’d be interested in enjoying any of the rich cultural activities on offer in Moscow’s centre. There’s plenty for adults to do, as well.
As noted, frost-free months of the year are scarce in Moscow, and as a result, most of the entertainment options in the city are indoor activities. Still though, when the sun comes out, there are certainly some great outdoor spaces to take advantage of.
There are plenty of parks in and around Moscow, but their beauty is strictly dependent on the time of year. To find the really gorgeous venues it’s necessary to head out of the centre - just look for the green spots on any map!
In the city centre you won’t find the kind of green space you get in Western Europe, but you can find small playgrounds, boulevards and smaller gardens dotted about if you keep your eyes peeled.
Gorky Park is the big, centrally located park for cycling, roller blading or running, and is currently getting a full makeover to bring it in line with the likes of Hyde Park in London. Hermitage Gardens is a perfect place for kids to play, with climbing frames and an Uzbek restaurant for family lunch, and many expats meet up here in summer and spring.
Shopping malls are a great way to get out of the house in winter, and many of them have play areas, bowling, cinemas and other activities to keep kids entertained; though, you might need to risk driving to reach some of the larger ones.
If you want a real taste of Russia, then try ice-skating on one of the frozen ponds (Patriarshy Prudy is popular with expats), or head out of the city and go dog-sledding - the ultimate family adventure.
Moscow is the perfect place to introduce children to culture, with its world class ballet performances and assorted theatres. Child-orientated venues include the fairy tale theatre, science museum, children’s musical theatre and the theatre of clown art, but there are heaps more.
Brunch in Moscow might be a far cry from the well-practised, well-priced extravaganzas you get in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi, but there are plenty of weekend venues which combine food with child-friendly entertainment, especially in winter. The most up to date resource for family-friendly restaurants and entertainment can be found at Childreninmoscow.ru
It’s worth remembering that smoking is a national pastime in Russia, and is permitted in almost all Moscow restaurants, though, some have separate non-smoking areas. A list of the few strictly non-smoking places can be found online at ElementMoscow.ru.
Moscow’s many challenges means that the expat mum’s network in the city are especially valuable support systems. There are baby and toddler groups hosted almost every day of the week, and the best place to find them is to join the International Women’s Club, or to contact the British Women’s Club baby and toddler coordinator. If you’re considering having your baby in Moscow, other mothers are more than happy to help you navigate the system and provide advice.
That said, there are plenty of child-friendly activities available in the city, and lots of expat support systems in place to help you steel your nerves against unanticipated stress.
Family life in Moscow
The long months of minus temperatures in Moscow inevitably affect family life, and limit the outdoor activities you can enjoy. You tend to see very few Russian families and children out on the streets in winter, unless they’re heavily bundled up or out
ice skating on the frozen ponds. Furthermore, the babushkas (old Russian ladies) are known for shouting at Westerners whose children are not deemed properly clothed - something you should shrug off, but had better get used to.Otherwise, traffic in Moscow is a real problem - people drive fast (when not stuck in huge traffic jams that is) and there are very few above-ground places to cross larger roads. So if you’re using a pram (stroller), this means going up and down at least two flights of stairs to enter and exit the pedestrian-friendly underpass.
The Metro is extensive, cheap and easy to use, but again, bear in the mind the presence of stairs if you’re planning a trip with a buggy and multiple little ones. Once you get familiar with your most common Metro stops, you’ll be able to choose those with no stairs and make your life a little easier.
Many expats have a driver (either privately hired or one provided by their employer) to avoid these issues, and to make it easier to get about in freezing temperatures. Try and negotiate this as part of your employment package, if possible.
Best places to live in Moscow with kids
Many expats with kids, especially those with young children, choose to live in one of the expat gated communities just outside the city (e.g. near Polezhaevskaya). In these areas, it’s possible to get a house and plenty of green space, though, your exposure to real Russian life will be minimal.
Alternatively, you can live in an apartment in the city centre, and accept the challenges that come with the traffic and the limited green space. This option is typically better for expats with teenagers, or with children who’d be interested in enjoying any of the rich cultural activities on offer in Moscow’s centre. There’s plenty for adults to do, as well.
Entertainment for kids in Moscow
As noted, frost-free months of the year are scarce in Moscow, and as a result, most of the entertainment options in the city are indoor activities. Still though, when the sun comes out, there are certainly some great outdoor spaces to take advantage of.
There are plenty of parks in and around Moscow, but their beauty is strictly dependent on the time of year. To find the really gorgeous venues it’s necessary to head out of the centre - just look for the green spots on any map!
In the city centre you won’t find the kind of green space you get in Western Europe, but you can find small playgrounds, boulevards and smaller gardens dotted about if you keep your eyes peeled.
Gorky Park is the big, centrally located park for cycling, roller blading or running, and is currently getting a full makeover to bring it in line with the likes of Hyde Park in London. Hermitage Gardens is a perfect place for kids to play, with climbing frames and an Uzbek restaurant for family lunch, and many expats meet up here in summer and spring.
Shopping malls are a great way to get out of the house in winter, and many of them have play areas, bowling, cinemas and other activities to keep kids entertained; though, you might need to risk driving to reach some of the larger ones.
If you want a real taste of Russia, then try ice-skating on one of the frozen ponds (Patriarshy Prudy is popular with expats), or head out of the city and go dog-sledding - the ultimate family adventure.
Cultural activities for kids in Russia
Moscow is the perfect place to introduce children to culture, with its world class ballet performances and assorted theatres. Child-orientated venues include the fairy tale theatre, science museum, children’s musical theatre and the theatre of clown art, but there are heaps more.
Brunch in Moscow might be a far cry from the well-practised, well-priced extravaganzas you get in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi, but there are plenty of weekend venues which combine food with child-friendly entertainment, especially in winter. The most up to date resource for family-friendly restaurants and entertainment can be found at Childreninmoscow.ru
It’s worth remembering that smoking is a national pastime in Russia, and is permitted in almost all Moscow restaurants, though, some have separate non-smoking areas. A list of the few strictly non-smoking places can be found online at ElementMoscow.ru.
Parent networks in Moscow
Moscow’s many challenges means that the expat mum’s network in the city are especially valuable support systems. There are baby and toddler groups hosted almost every day of the week, and the best place to find them is to join the International Women’s Club, or to contact the British Women’s Club baby and toddler coordinator. If you’re considering having your baby in Moscow, other mothers are more than happy to help you navigate the system and provide advice.
