Winter holidays in Sochi with children: where to go, what to see

During the winter holidays, people come to Sochi not for beach activities - you can’t swim in the sea, but even at this time it is usually sunny and warm here. The average temperature stays at +9 °C, rarely falling below -1 °C. From time to time snow falls and melts quickly. And fluffy fir trees, adjacent to slender green palm trees, create an extraordinary atmosphere of a winter fairy tale by the sea.

The most popular type of winter recreation in Sochi is skiing at the resorts of Krasnaya Polyana. What else, besides rapid descents along snow-covered slopes, can you do on vacation in the evergreen city? Where to go, what to see and how to have fun with children?

First of all, this is an excellent opportunity to explore the Olympic venues, natural attractions, and go on various excursions without fuss and haste. In addition, you can have fun on the rides in Sochi Park, go to the dolphinarium or oceanarium, visit the arboretum, or simply breathe in the sea air while walking along the shore.

Theme park "Sochi Park"

If you find yourself in Sochi in winter, it would be unforgivable not to visit an amusement park with a dolphinarium, themed attractions and playgrounds with your children.

Sochi Park is located in Adler in the Imereti Lowland near the Olympic Park. From November 13 to December 27, the park operates in walking mode. And although not all attractions are open to the public, this is a great opportunity to stroll through themed fairy tale areas and ride on discounted rides. In addition, at this time the Dolphinarium, Sovarium, entertainment, playgrounds, the “Merry Planets” pavilion, family attractions, and interactive games are open.

From December 28 to January 8, Sochi Park is open in full mode. From now on, new rules for purchasing tickets come into effect. The main criterion is the height of the visitor while wearing shoes, and not age, as it was before. Children up to 100 cm tall can enter without a ticket. A child ticket is purchased with a height of 100 to 140 cm. All others (from 140 cm) can use an adult ticket. On January 8, even adults can visit the park for the price of a child's ticket.

During the New Year holidays, the park is transformed:

there is the estate of Father Frost and the Snow Maiden, where you can write a letter with plans and dreams for the next year and make a wish;
the skating rink opens;
decorated Christmas trees and festive decorations everywhere;
Guests will enjoy entertainment programs, breathtaking rides, treats and snowy photo zones.

There are noisy fun events, holidays and festivals that are held regularly: a festive parade to the catchy rhythms of drums, in which everyone can participate, a drum show, and an orchestra of Santa Clauses.

On January days, Father Frost and Snow Maiden greet everyone in the park at their estate. They are joined by heroes of Russian fairy tales, charming bear cubs Potap and Mila, magicians and giant dolls on stilts.

With the kids you can attend an interactive mini-show in the cheerful company of the kittens Korzhik, Kompot and Caramel, celebrate the New Year with the symbols of the Park - the bear cubs Mila and Potap, dance around the fairy-tale tree, the lights on which are lit by the main New Year's characters. And in the festively decorated hut of Baba Yaga you can see how the fairy-tale heroes – Koschey the Immortal, Leshy, Black Cat, Kikimora and Brownie Kuzya – celebrate the New Year in an original way.

From January 9 to February 29, 2022, Sochi Park is partially open (for walks). The exact schedule, information about the park’s operation and ticket prices can be found on the official website: https://www.sochipark.ru/.

You can have a snack and recuperate after an active holiday in the family cafe “Fed Mishka”, “Magic Garden”, in the “Roller” restaurant, in one of the mobile vans scattered throughout the park with burgers, hot dogs, pancakes, donuts, in the cafe- ice cream in the eco-village.

You can stay with your children here, on the territory of the park, at the fabulous Bogatyr Hotel in cozy family rooms. This place is excellent for living and recreation due to its convenient location (close to the Olympic venues and other city entertainment) and a good level of service.

Park "Riviera

“Riviera” is loved by both tourists and local residents. This is one of those points of attraction in Sochi that will suit everyone, regardless of age and marital status. But it’s worth noting: coming here with children is much more interesting than without. Because otherwise you have no chance to look at this place through the prism of childish spontaneity, and therefore to be surprised by simple and, at the same time, exotic things.

Park "Riviera". Photo: author’s archive

Things to do?

Well, first of all, walk a lot. Before lunch and in the evening, in summer and in the dead of winter. More than 200 species of plants grow in the park, including rare and exotic ones - stop at everything that surprises you, read information and accumulate new knowledge while on vacation.
Read The Little Prince the day before and look into the rose garden. Thousands of bushes are planted here: different varieties, colors and shapes. This means that there is every chance of meeting THAT SAME rose here.
Take a look at the “Glade of Friendship” and admire the magnolias if you suddenly find yourself in Sochi in the spring. The time for magnolias to bloom is April-May. Thousands of tourists flock to the city’s parks for this spectacle. Therefore, do not miss the opportunity to catch blooming magnolias in the Riviera.
The must-have of the visit is the attractions. Ride a train, race on a race track, spin in cute cups, or take turns at American Races. Ticket prices range from 50 to 300 rubles.
And you should definitely visit Khludov’s dacha. Vasily Alekseevich Khludov was a merchant, industrialist and honorary citizen. Thanks to him, Riviera appeared. He laid out a park on the flat part of his estate, on the right bank of the Sochi River, and laid out several alleys where the first exotic plants were planted.

How to get there

For motorists, there is parking at the entrance to the Riviera with a fairly affordable price tag. The first hour of stay is 100 rubles, each subsequent hour is 50 rubles. You can buy a parking pass for the day. Its cost will be 300 rubles.

It is easy to walk to the park from Sochi train station. We tell you how to do this:

Go to Moskovskaya Street, which goes down to the Sochinka River.
Cross the bridge.
Next - to the opposite side of the roadway.
Go up Gagarin Street to the “Sportivnaya Stop” metro station.
Go down the underground passage - it will lead directly to the Northern Gate of the park.

Address

: Sochi, Egorova Street, 1.
You may be interested: Sochi in November: where to go and what to do to make your vacation a success

Walking with dinosaurs at DinoClub

On the territory of Sochi Park there is a park of robotic dinosaurs “Dinoclub”. Finding yourself at the exhibition of “revived” dinosaurs - herbivorous and predatory inhabitants of the wild jungle, it is as if you are transported to the distant times of the origin of life on Earth - to the Mesozoic era.

Curious young researchers of earthly civilization will learn a lot of interesting things from the history of its development, and will see an exhibition of huge dinosaurs that can move and even growl. But despite their gigantic growth (the largest exhibit is 16 meters long), they are not at all scary and are quite friendly.

The impression of a story about the characteristics and habits of mysterious ancient lizards, accompanied by the sounds of wild nature, a projection of a large starry sky and flora, is enhanced by a visit after the excursion to a 3D cinema watching a film about the prehistoric underwater world.

At the end, you can walk through the exhibition yourself again, take a better look at the unique exhibits and take a photo as a souvenir.

Ticket prices

Adult – 350 rubles.
Children (from 3 to 14 years old) – 500 rubles (for large families – 350 rubles).
Free entry for children under 3 years old, disabled children, WWII veterans, disabled people of group 1.

The price includes a tour, visiting the exhibition, watching a 3D film, and taking photographs with the exhibits (using your own camera).

Children under 7 years old can visit the exhibition accompanied by an adult, and over 7 years old - also as part of an unaccompanied excursion group.

In winter, the park is open from 10:00 to 19:00, in summer – from 10:00 to 22:00. Tours run every 30 minutes. Park address: Sochi, st. International, 12. Official website of the park: https://sochi.dino.club/.

Tesla Museum

What do you know about Nikola Tesla? He is called one of the most mysterious scientists in history. The Tesla Museum in Sochi introduces the inventions of the brilliant engineer.

However, this place cannot be called a museum in the classical sense of the word. They won’t prohibit you from touching the exhibits here—on the contrary, they will show them in action and invite you to join in some experiments. The interactive is interspersed with the useful: children will be told what electricity is, where it comes from and why it is dangerous.

But the main reason people come here is the exciting Tesla show.

Seeing lightning cutting through the air and space to the accompaniment of electronic music is a spectacle that captivates even the most experienced visitors.

This is what the famous Tesla coils look like. Photo: pixabay.com

Address and visiting rules

Before visiting the museum, you should know that Tesla coils in action are very loud. The sound intensity during the show reaches 118 decibels. For comparison, a jet plane takes off with a sound intensity of 140 decibels. Visitors with pacemakers and children under six years of age are not allowed to attend the show.

The museum is open daily, and Tesla Show sessions are held every hour. The cost of an adult ticket is 400 rubles. Visitors aged 7–12 years old are admitted to the museum with a child ticket. Its price is 300 rubles.

The Tesla Museum is located in the Sochi Olympic Park. The landmark is a white tent near the Tesla Tower.

Address

: Sochi, Mezhdunarodnaya street, 12, Olympic Park.

Olympic Village and Olympic Park

Without visiting these symbols of the renewed Sochi, it is simply impossible to imagine a tour of the winter city. The Olympic Park with the famous Fisht stadium, where the spectacular opening and closing of the Olympics took place, the Iceberg winter sports palace, where the best figure skaters of the world performed, the Shaiba ice arena and the Bolshoi ice palace, with the Olympic cauldron, the center speed skating "Adler Arena" and other sports facilities are located in the Adler region.

You can see the main sports facilities and the light and music show of singing and dancing fountains absolutely free.

In addition to the Olympic venues in the Imereti Lowland, in the park between the Fisht stadium and the Ferris wheel, there is the Sochi Museum Center, which consists of three museums: the interactive exhibition “Nikola Tesla Electrical Museum”, the Leonardo da Vinci Mechanical Museum and the USSR Museum.

Accommodation and entertainment in winter

In winter there is clearly a massive outflow of tourists. The streets are becoming much freer; there are practically no passers-by on the embankments and beaches. The bustle in markets and shops disappears. Public transport runs half empty, taxis offer their services in excess quantities. Such an environment creates an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the main Sochi cities and see numerous attractions without the summer hustle and bustle. By the way, prices in numerous cafes and restaurants that continue to operate actively are also lower compared to summer prices.

On the Sochi embankments, although not as active as in summer, life goes on in winter

In winter, there is no need to look for a place to live closer to the beach, because during this period it does not matter at all what line you are staying on. In addition, rental prices in winter drop significantly both in hotels and guest houses, and in the private sector. Prices for holidays in Sochi sanatoriums and boarding houses are also significantly reduced, and this is an excellent chance to improve your health in the atmosphere of Sochi scenery. So, if your vacation falls in the winter month, then, without hesitation, you can take a ticket to any health resort in the city of Sochi or Adler, and come here for rest and treatment, which can be accompanied by walks through the magical surroundings and attractions. Very high-quality and not very expensive treatment can be obtained in winter in the famous Matsesta.

Many sanatoriums and hotels have swimming pools that replace sea swimming in winter

Don’t want to go to a sanatorium or just don’t have that many free days to relax? Then you can afford to stay in very presentable hotels, where prices are very high in summer. Here it is advisable to pay attention to the availability of swimming pools and the quality of services, because since prices are reduced, you can afford a short but fairly comfortable stay.

In winter you can afford to relax, for example, at the Sochi Park Hotel

Of course, the majority of vacationers in winter come to the Sochi region solely for Krasnaya Polyana, where during this period, unlike coastal settlements, prices for accommodation and other services rise significantly. Here you need to keep in mind that, as a rule, more than 3-4 days

no one skis. Usually the skiing passion disappears in the first two days, then you can, of course, just walk in the scenery of Rosa Khutor or Gorki Gorod, but...

A fabulous atmosphere reigns on the streets of the Krasnaya Polyana resorts in winter

If your winter visit to Sochi is planned for a week or 10 days, then it is enough to live in Krasnaya Polyana for 3-4 days, and then move to the Adler Resort Town or to the guest house of the Imereti Valley (Sirius) and spend the rest of your vacation there, swimming in the pools, walking along the embankment and visiting museums, Dolphinariums

and Oceanariums. This exclusive combination of winter and almost summer entertainment contains the main highlight of a holiday in Sochi in winter.

The range of winter entertainment in the Sochi region is somewhat more modest compared to summer, but, nevertheless, they are quite diverse and rich. Of course, in winter all the museums in Central Sochi are open, and they are also open in the Olympic Park of the Imereti Lowland (Sirius). There are interesting museums in the Krasnaya Polyana area. But if not everyone likes to visit museums, but only curious tourists, then no one refuses entertainment! And there is enough entertainment even in winter in this part of Greater Sochi.

During the winter holidays you can attend a street concert

In the Imereti Valley and Central Sochi, the most famous Sochi parks “Riviera” and “Sochi Park” operate in winter. And, although many attractions are closed for obvious reasons, even what remains is quite enough. Both parks have Dolphinariums, the performances in which leave no one indifferent. And, in addition, there are other entertainments here in Sochi - for example, the Sochi Circus

and Winter Theater.

In winter, the Sochi Circus can host interesting performances

Since different microdistricts and cities of Greater Sochi are located at a certain distance from each other, it is better to talk about them and their entertainment in winter separately.

Dolphinariums

There are several of them in Greater Sochi: the Adler Dolphinarium (Aquatoria) in the Adler “Resort Town” microdistrict, the Big Sochi Dolphinarium in the Riviera Park, the Dolphinarium in Sochi Park, the “Starfish” and the Lazarevsky Dolphinarium in the area of the same name. Water performances of sea lions, dolphins, white whales, seals and walruses are always interesting and cause a storm of emotions. And if you make a reservation in advance, you can even swim with the dolphins in the pool.

The cost of tickets to the Adler Dolphinarium is 700 rubles. Children under 5 years old – free. Official website of the Dolphinarium in Adler: https://adlerdelfin.ru.

At the Riviera Dolphinarium, children under 5 years old can watch the show for free. Adult and child tickets (from 5 years old) – 800-1000 rubles. For an additional fee you can visit the Penguinarium and the Rio Zoo. Official website of the Riviera Dolphinarium: https://delfin-riviera.ru.

The Dolphinarium in the Sochi Park amusement park is part of it. You do not need to buy a separate ticket to visit it. The performance lasts 40 minutes, the frequency and schedule of performances depends on the season.

Wellness and spa treatments

What else to visit in Sochi in winter? A good idea is to go to a spa, relax in a sauna, or swim in a heated pool. Many Sochi hotels provide this service, and in good hotels and entertainment centers in Krasnaya Polyana you can take pictures in winter on the side of the pool, overlooking the snow-covered distances. You will certainly like the swimming pool of the Galaxy shopping center and the popular Green Flow hotel.

Pay attention to the Belarus sanatorium, Marriott Sochi Krasnaya Polyana - here you can have a full day of spa relaxation, and Rixos Krasnaya Polyana 5 stars, with a magnificent bath complex.

Take a look at the Mountain Beach at the Krasnaya Polyana resort; the list of its wellness services looks impressive. Or go take a steam bath; Land Bath , Mudgee Bath, British Bath & SPA are all highly recommended by guests. And also #NotJustBanya, located at a breathtaking altitude of 2256 meters above sea level. A visit to this bathhouse is a real luxury, but the money spent is compensated by the pleasure and views from the window.

Oceanarium Sochi Discovery World

Sochi Discovery World is a huge oceanarium with a capacity of 5 million liters of water with 30 aquariums with marine and freshwater fish living in them. Among the inhabitants of the underwater world there are many rare and unusual species: cow fish, ball fish, hedgehog fish, unicorn fish, surgeon fish, seahorses, catfish, stingrays and sharks. Walking through a pedestrian tunnel made of thick glass, you can observe the habits of sharks, see reefs and rocks, and sunken ships.

An adult ticket costs 800 rubles, a child ticket (from 4 to 11 years old) – 500 rubles. Official website of Sochi Discovery World: https://www.sochiaquarium.ru.

Arboretum

In sunny weather, you can spend time outdoors in the green park of the Russian subtropics in the Khostinsky district of Sochi. It’s worth visiting even just to take a ride on the 897-meter cable car between two stations and admire the picturesque views of the southern city from above. In four minutes, the cabins rise to a height of 172 meters above sea level. From the observation deck where the trailer arrives, there are magnificent views of Mount Bolshoy Akhun, the Caucasus Range, the Black Sea and the port of Sochi.

Having admired the panorama of the city and its surroundings at the top station, you can slowly descend the mountainous slopes, carefully examining the sculptural and landscape compositions.

The upper and lower areas of the park are a green corner with rare plants from all over the world, inhabited by equally rare birds and animals.

The Park of Southern Cultures is a separate area of the Arboretum (included in the Sochi National Park in 2012) with ponds of the “French” park and artificial reservoirs, eucalyptus groves, alleys of fir, Himalayan cedar, tulip tree, with a 300-year-old oak and centuries-old plane trees, next to the Olympic Park. It covers an area of 11 hectares.

In the Arboretum, you can not only admire the green exotics and strange plants blooming all year round, but also purchase some of these rare species for yourself in the greenhouse’s exhibition hall.

In winter, the park is open from 8:00 to 17:00 daily. An adult ticket costs 250 rubles. Child ticket (7-14 years old) – 120 rubles. A ticket for the cable car can be purchased separately: adults – 350 rubles, children (from 7 to 14 years old) – 250 rubles. Travel for children under 7 years old is free. Official website of the Arboretum: https://dendrarium.ru.

Husky center in Krasnaya Polyana

Siberian Huskies live here.
Photo: pixabay.com Since we’re talking about Krasnaya Polyana, be sure to check out the local Husky Center. Squeezing these huge furry animals is a special kind of delight.

Also, here you can immerse yourself in the traditions and customs of the peoples of the North, feel like a gold digger from Jack London’s novels, or, an option for the little ones, visit the “Archaeological Excavations” site.

How to get there

The Husky Center is located on Polyana 960, in the landing area for the K-10 cable car. You can get here by purchasing a walking ticket to an altitude of +960m. From there you need to walk a short distance to the cable car.

Another option is to take a personal car or taxi to the Upper City. Cars are left in paid parking.

A ticket to the Husky Center costs 500 rubles for adults. For children from five to 14 years old - 300 rubles. Anyone younger can visit the Husky Center for free.

Skypark AJ Hackett Sochi

This is a year-round extreme park with attractions and entertainment for everyone who lacks thrills in everyday life. It is located in the Sochi National Park in the direction of the Krasnaya Polyana mountain resort.

The attraction that most often attracts extreme sports enthusiasts here is the SkyBridge suspension bridge. It is the longest in the world (439 meters), located above the Akhshtyr Gorge at an altitude of 207 meters. Many people who like to tickle their nerves dream of crossing this pedestrian bridge in order to admire the views of the Caucasus Mountains, white cliffs in green boxwood forests, and the Black Sea coast from above.

The price includes passage across the SkyBridge an unlimited number of times, visiting all observation platforms, watching the breathtaking attractions of which there are many in the park, including the highest swings, rope jumping, rope park, Via Ferrata rock route, helicopter rides , high-rise attraction MegaTroll. These entertainments are paid separately.

The adventure park at altitude is open without breaks or weekends. Opening hours may vary depending on the season, as well as ticket prices. From the Adler railway station, everyone who wants to test themselves is transported to the park by a free bus, which departs once an hour.

Skypark official website: .

Sights of Sochi in winter: urban architecture

As a rule, any acquaintance with the city begins with its architectural beauty. In Sochi they invite you to take walks both in summer and winter.

Tower on Mount Akhun

A great start to your vacation is to climb the tower on Mount Akhun. In 2020, it opened after restoration, and again invites tourists to admire the magnificent panoramas.

The tourist history of Mount Akhun begins in 1936, during the era of construction of the resort city. By order of Stalin, the tower, reminiscent of medieval citadels in its lines, was built in just 4 months. Nowadays, this is not only an excellent observation deck, the highest in central Sochi - the viewing height is about 700 meters, but also a popular tourist attraction.

Around the tower there are many stalls with souvenirs, a rope and husky park, a Ferris wheel, cafes and restaurants, takeaway food, tasting rooms with various treats. You may spend a little more time walking around the tower's surroundings than you originally planned. And the tower itself looks very photogenic.

The view from its observation deck looks even cooler. Here you can see the entire coast of Sochi, mountain slopes, Olympic venues, and even the resorts of Abkhazia on the horizon. Please note: you should only climb the tower in clear weather. Try to choose a sunny, fine day, or go to Akhun closer to sunset - Sochi looks very romantic in its delicate colors.

Sochi embankment

Another cool idea for immersing yourself in resort life is to take a walk along the Sochi embankment. The embankment is often called Primorsky Boulevard; its length is 2 kilometers. This is an excellent excursion route - the promenade passes through such city attractions as the Marine Station Festivalny Concert Hall , the Winter Theater and the Historical Boulevard.

Due to the geographical features of the coastal part of Sochi, the embankment is usually divided into Upper and Lower. The lower level is a landscaped promenade along the sea, with beaches, cafes, souvenir shops, and tourist attractions. In 2020, the Sochi embankment acquired a beautiful recreation area near the Riviera beach , where you can not only sunbathe and swim, but also have a great time at any time of the year.

The upper part of the embankment is no less interesting. Parks surrounded by greenery all year round, historical and architectural monuments, temples, theaters, recreation areas for Sochi residents - the center of city life is located here and holidays and festivals are often held. This is a great place for walking and relaxing in the fresh air.

Sochi embankment Photo: © Larisa Kiseleva

Historical Boulevard

Anyone who loves long walks should pay attention to the “secret” walking route in the very center of Sochi - Historical Boulevard. Why secret? Few tourists know about its existence, but in vain - it is a pleasant walking track, full of beauty and attractions.

The historical boulevard is definitely worth a visit in winter - the subtropical nature of Sochi makes for pleasant long walks, and there will not be many tourists in winter. You will be able to calmly view all the memorable places of the boulevard.

The route is rich in sights - it is not for nothing that it is called Historical. Officially, the boulevard offers 35 interesting locations. The walk starts from the building of the Sochi Marine Station - the calling card of the resort. Not a single vacationer can do without a photo from here, especially since the Marine Station offers several photogenic views and attractions.

Don't miss the house of Sochi's first doctor A. Gordon, the Indo-European Telegraph, a monument to urban planning, the library named after. Pushkin, one of the oldest in the Caucasus, the Church of the Iveron Mother of God, Primorsky Park with its sculptures and monuments. The elegant Winter Theater and the popular Festivalny concert hall deserve special attention. Experienced travelers recommend leaving at least 2-3 hours for a walk along the Historical Boulevard.

Historical Boulevard Photo: © Julia Alisova

Cathedral of the Archangel Michael

But perhaps the most important attraction of the Istoricheskiy Boulevard, which should definitely be included in your winter itinerary in Sochi, is the Church of the Archangel Michael.

The monument is not only sacred, but also historical - the first Orthodox church on the territory of the future brilliant resort. The Church of the Archangel Michael was founded in 1874. Construction was delayed, and the solemn consecration of the cathedral took place only in September 1891. The temple became not only a house of prayer for parishioners, but also the spiritual center of the entire region. A Sunday school, a parish house with outbuildings, a bell tower and its own garden were opened at the cathedral. All these lands began to be called the Church Quarter.

The temple survived the troubled times of the USSR, although it suffered architectural damage. Its restoration began in the 90s of the last century, returning the cathedral to its original appearance. Be sure to go inside, you will see magnificent frescoes and painted ceilings. It is also very pleasant to stroll through the church park area.

Read more: Cathedral of the Archangel Michael

Sanatorium named after Ordzhonikidze

Are you choosing a route for your winter walk around Sochi? Let him walk through the abandoned sanatorium named after. Ordzhonikidze. The most beautiful representative of Stalinist architecture even today, in a dilapidated state, looks very impressive.

The once main sanatorium of Sochi is located on Kurortny Prospekt, the main transport artery of Sochi. Getting here is easy - most of the resort's famous tourist sites are located nearby.

It is interesting to walk through a huge subtropical park, looking at buildings, facades, stairs and arches covered with vines and cracked by time. The premises of the sanatorium are closed to the public, but external inspection is available year-round. Park of the sanatorium named after. Ordzhonikidze is a great place for a winter walk.

Read more: Sanatorium named after. Ordzhonikidze

Gorky Gorod Mall

Sochi, even in winter, can give you a real piece of summer with a sandy beach in the mountains and different types of pools, 7 slides, saunas. You will find all this in the Mountain Beach water park on the top floor of the Gorky Gorod Mall, under a transparent dome through which you can see the snow-capped mountain peaks. There are other entertainments here, including the StarCinema cinema, bowling alley, shops, cafes, and the Funcity family entertainment center.

Check opening hours and other information on the official website: https://krasnayapolyanaresort.ru/aquapark.

Weather in Sochi in November

First of all, I would like to clarify the issue of weather for everyone who wants to relax in Sochi in the fall. Everyone is interested in whether it is possible to swim in the sea, because the climate of the region is maritime and not everyone knows what the water temperature is during the fall.

So, if you decide to go to Sochi in the first half of October, then you can safely count on a piece of summer - at the beginning of the month the water temperature usually stays around 23 degrees and by the middle of the month drops to 20 degrees. Of course, this is not the best time for a beach holiday, but you will be able to swim. In the second half of October you can still swim, but the water is already noticeably cooler - the sea cannot be called comfortable.

At the beginning of November, the water usually still maintains a temperature of 17-18 degrees and it is already frankly cold to swim; later the water drops to a temperature of 14-15 degrees and the beach season closes completely. In December, the water cools to 12 degrees and calendar winter begins. As for the air temperature in November, it averages 14 degrees.

Socio-cultural

Another great place where you can have a good winter holiday with children in Sochi is “Galaktika”. This social and cultural center is located at the Gazprom resort at an altitude of 540 meters. The Galaktika OCC has an indoor water park with slides, air geysers, many pools, waterfalls, and an area for children.

In addition, the “Galaktika” has a “Parade of Planets” bowling alley, an ice skating rink, a “Zvezdny” cinema, an ice arena, a “Cosmodrome” (a scientific and educational center), a children’s club, a domed planetarium and the “Umnikum” exhibition.

Official website of the OKC "Galaktika": https://polyanaski.ru/galaxy/about.

Cooking master classes for children at Lecho

And speaking of delicious things: how about introducing the whole family to the world of haute cuisine? For those who come to Sochi with children, there is another great option - culinary master classes for young chefs. They are held in the Lecho cafe chain every Sunday.

There are three locations to choose from: on Makarenko and Navaginskaya in Sochi, and on Democracy in Adler. This simplifies the route issue: choose what is closest. Master classes do not duplicate each other and are not repeated in the same month.

But the cost is the same everywhere - 397 rubles. You must make an appointment by phone in advance.

What if your child is the future Jamie Oliver? Photo: pixabay.com

Addresses

"Lecho" in Sochi:

Navaginskaya street, 12;
Makarenko street, 13/2a.

"Lecho" in Adler:

Democratic Street, 29.

Cultural-ethnographic complex “My Russia”

Thematic pavilions (11 in total), which present exhibitions from different regions of the country, are located about half a kilometer from the Rosa Khutor mountain resort. This is a kind of museum and an exciting excursion into Russian history, where you can, moving from pavilion to pavilion, taste the national dishes of the peoples of Russia, purchase traditional souvenirs, admire the Buddhist temple, the towers of the Kazan Kremlin, and the architecture of other Russian cities and regions.

The center is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Adult ticket – 350 rubles. Child – 250 rubles. Official website of the Ethnographic Center: https://myruss.su.

What to see in December?

If you find yourself in Sochi in October, November, or go on vacation in December, then this is just a reason to choose even more special places in the city to visit. So, what to see in Sochi in December? Of course, I want to go to some museum and enrich myself culturally. And the best such place in Sochi is the cultural and ethnographic one .

This is a unique complex, which was built on an area of 11 hectares and houses 11 thematic pavilions. Each pavilion represents a region of Russia, known for its own cultural and historical characteristics - “Krasnodar Territory”, “Caucasus”, “Siberia”, “Urals”, etc. In this open-air museum you will learn more about the history of our Motherland and be able to buy souvenirs that will leave the best impressions of your holiday in Sochi.

Biosphere Nature Reserve of the Caucasus

The reserve is located near Krasnaya Polyana and is open to guests all year round. This is a place for those who like to study the habits of wild animals (more than two dozen of the reserve’s inhabitants are listed in the Red Book) in their usual habitat and enjoy quiet walks in nature in the fresh air. You can get closer to the animals in the Aviary complex.

The reserve has another unique natural monument that deserves attention - the yew-boxwood grove - a pre-glacial forest that includes relict plant species: trees and shrubs, colorful orchids, flowers, tropical mushrooms.

For entertainment, the reserve has a rope park, the Devil's Gate canyon, a cafe, and snowmobile routes.

Family cafes and restaurants in Sochi

A small selection of catering places aimed at families with children. It will be useful for those who will not have 3 meals a day at the hotel or All Inclusive. We do not consider cafes with open terraces overlooking the sea - this is irrelevant in the winter of 2021-2022.

Cafe "Khomyak"

Delicious food, its own confectionery shop, so there is always a large selection of fresh original cakes and sweets. There are bright show programs and animation for children.

Address : st. Chekhova, 5

"Treasure Island"

It is not difficult to guess that this is a real pirate schooner, filled with adventures. Large selection of Italian and European dishes, delicious desserts. There are animators, a nanny, a children's room, a shooting gallery, a labyrinth, and slot machines.

Address: st. Cherry street, 10/5

"Kakadu" family restaurant

Everything here is done for children and their parents. Cheerful interior, large selection of food and drinks. The playroom has a trampoline, a ball pool, slides, climbing frames, cars, children's tables and chairs. In addition to cartoons, children's parties, shows and animation.

Address: st. Plastunskaya, 194 b

"Olivie"

A real paradise for gourmets with family recipes from different cuisines of the world. While the adults enjoy gourmet meals, well-fed children play board games in the children's room. A nanny works on weekends.

Address: st. Rose, 52

"Skullcap"

Of course: pilaf, lagman, samsa, shurpa, manti and other oriental dishes. And besides this: Russian, French, Jewish, Ossetian, Georgian cuisine and a large selection of sweets. Cozy atmosphere and good children's room.

Address: st. Navaginskaya, 14