Where to go for a walk with children in Irkutsk?
One of the problematic features of the city that Irkutsk residents pay attention to is the lack of a large Culture and Recreation Park, where one could combine a walk and ride on attractions. The former “Komsomolsky Park” in the Irkutsk-2 microdistrict is no longer functioning. However, this does not mean that there is nowhere to go for a walk with your child. The city has many places for walking, parks and squares where you can have a good time in the fresh air. Amusement areas are located near city shopping centers. Some popular walking areas and street activities for children are presented in this section.
Yunost Island Park
- Address: Pavilion, 4.
In the waters of the Angara River in the central part of Irkutsk there are several islands on which popular city parks are located for walks and leisure for citizens and tourists, one of them is Yunost Island. In the forest area in the center of the island, a recreation area was organized back in the 60s.
Today this park attracts lovers of an active lifestyle and sports - there are sports grounds: a workout with horizontal bars and outdoor exercise equipment, a volleyball field, a tennis court, and a skatepark.
The rope park, where you can go through an obstacle course of varying difficulty levels, is suitable for children from 4 years old. The location near the water suggests the availability of water transport rental - boating and catamarans are one of the favorite pastime options for children.
Park "Horse Island"
- Address: Academic Bridge.
“Youth” is adjacent to a larger island called Konny, which has also become a popular place for walking and relaxing. Children are attracted here by two interesting attractions.
Firstly, the Ferris wheel, which appeared recently, in 2022. The 50-meter-high attraction is called “Krugozor”; it makes a revolution on average in 13 minutes; you can ride it with children from 2 years old. Secondly, there is a children's railway here - an educational entertainment facility created back in the 1930s. It encircles the island and has a total length of 3.2 km.
There are 3 stations waiting for young railway workers along the way: “Solnechnaya”, “Rodnik” and “Angara”. Open in summer, from May to the end of August. On Horse Island you can simply take a walk, enjoying nature and beautiful river views.
Play town "Alyoshka"
- Address: st. Proletarskaya, 13.
An alternative to the traditional park of culture and recreation in the city has become areas and areas with open-air attractions on the streets of Irkutsk, near cultural, entertainment and shopping institutions. One of the most famous such sites is the play town “Alyoshka” near the Circus building on Proletarskaya Street.
“An unforgettable amusement park for little guests of the big city,” says the advertising slogan of this facility. There are as many as 10 attractions here. Children are offered a “water adventure” in a Zorb ball, boat and car rides, trampolines, and carousels.
Sports Park "Polyana"
- Address: Staro-Kuzmikhinskaya st., 37/3.
The Polyana sports park was opened in 2015, 4 km from the center of Irkutsk on the banks of the Angara River. It will appeal to families who love active recreation.
The infrastructure of the park is suitable for leisure here all year round: a climbing wall, wakeboard, bicycle trails, a rope park are available for recreation in the summer and autumn, a skating rink, ski slopes, an ice track and other facilities are available for sports activities in the winter.
The Angara River makes it attractive for those who like to relax by the water. The park hosts children's and youth sports events and concerts.
Space playground on Ryabikov Boulevard
- Address: Ryabikov Boulevard.
The city boulevard, named after the revolutionary Valentin Ryabikov, is a place for walking in the Sinyushina Gora microdistrict, or “On Sinyushka,” as the Irkutsk residents themselves put it. As part of the “Formation of a Comfortable Urban Environment” program, landscaping was carried out here. A recreation area with a sports ground was created in the park.
And most importantly, while walking along the boulevard, young residents and guests of the city can now go into space - the “space-themed” children’s playground, which opened at the end of summer 2021, is called the largest in the city and in the entire Urals. There are already a lot of rave reviews from parents online.
130th quarter
- Address: st. July 3rd.
The microdistrict with historical buildings in the central part of Irkutsk was once an unremarkable place with wooden houses. However, already in the 21st century, as a result of the implementation of a project dedicated to the 350th anniversary of the city, the 130th quarter was turned into a unique complex attraction and one of the “calling cards” of modern Irkutsk.
Here, in addition to architectural objects of past eras, there are a number of significant cultural and leisure facilities of the city, and there are food outlets.
This is a popular place for walks, where you can not only get acquainted with monuments, but also have fun, including with children, for example, go to the cinema or bowling alley, shoot at a shooting range, or play darts. There is a shopping and entertainment center here, near which there is a playground with children's trampolines.
Constitution Square
- Address: pl. Constitution.
The area in the Right Bank District of Irkutsk is interesting for its unusual landscape and height difference, which is explained by its location on a mountain slope. It is decorated with a full cascade of fountains.
The official name – Constitution Square – was assigned to it in 1977, but it is not very popular among citizens; people call it “The Square in front of the Civil Registry Office”.
In 2022, as part of the Year of the Family, this area was improved. The area is considered attractive for walking with children thanks to the playground and attraction area created near the building where new families are born.
Lisikhinsky Park
- Address: st. Stanislavsky/st. Baikalskaya.
A green walking area in the Oktyabrsky District - Lisikhinsky Park - is popular among residents and guests of the city. It has historical significance; there is a memorial cemetery and a temple here.
After the reconstruction, the park organically combines historical and recreational components. Visitors pay attention to the large and interesting children's playground. Judging by the reviews of Irkutsk residents, the park is always crowded,
Active recreation and attractions in Irkutsk for children
The attractions that children love so much can be very different. They are often located in indoor parks and play centers. Some objects are aimed at children and will be of interest to families leading a healthy active lifestyle. Places where you can take your child to have fun and burn off energy or actively relax with them are presented in this section.
Jungle Park
- Address: Verkhnyaya embankment, 10, 3rd floor.
The largest indoor amusement park in the city is considered to be “Jungle Park” - an excellent place for a family holiday with kids and schoolchildren. This is a network family entertainment park, also represented in Moscow.
For 2500 thousand sq. m. of the Irkutsk park there are more than a hundred slot machines, a trampoline and rope town, and an autodrome. Little visitors will enjoy the “magic forest” - an area with slides, a sandbox, and a dry pool. The park hosts events and holidays, animators work, and there is a children's cafe.
Lunapark
- Address: st. Lermontova, 281/3.
The Irkutsk Lunapark is positioned as a children's entertainment space for games and celebrations.
In the center - 300 sq. m of play area, where there are houses, battery-powered cars, toys, trampolines, simulation games and game consoles, as well as a room with optical illusions called the Ames room.
Children's parties, birthdays, show programs are organized here, and animators work.
Ninja Park
- Address: st. Sergeeva, 3B/1.
Ninja Park, located on the territory of the Mega Home shopping center, is considered a popular place for active recreation with children in Irkutsk.
The sports and entertainment complex declares itself the “Territory of Happy Children,” inviting children to frolic in a “dry water park” of slides and ball pools, climb on a climbing wall and in a rope park, and jump on trampolines.
There is a trampoline and play area for the little ones. Adventure seekers can take on the exciting Ninja Quest.
Karting club "Gregory Mall"
- Address: st. Bauman, 233d.
There are many places in Irkutsk where children can feel like drivers and ride in cars, and for speed lovers and young racers there is karting.
It is usually considered a more “adult” form of such entertainment, but in our era, the work of many karting clubs is also aimed at children.
For example, in Irkutsk, at the Gregory Mall open-air site on Bauman Street, children's races are held.
Trampoline park "Atmosphere"
- Address: st. Rosa Luxemburg, 180/1.
There are several sports centers in the city that specialize in trampoline jumping - this type of activity is traditionally loved by children. One of the most popular in the city opened in 2015.
Three- and five-meter trampolines are suitable for both children and adults; the foam pit will be fun to play in, and the Big Air inflatable cushions will provide a soft landing for young jumpers. You can come to the center and jump on your own
Trampoline park "Let's fly"
- Address: st. Sergeeva, 3B/1.
The trampoline park “Poleleti” is positioned as one of the largest in Irkutsk. There are 33 trampolines and huge foam pits available to visitors without age restrictions. Here, young lovers of active recreation will enjoy the Ninja Course obstacle course, basketball on trampolines, storming climbing walls, and show programs.
Trampoline center Sky Park
- Address: st. Rzhanova, 164.
In the Sky Park on the territory of the Baikal Trading House, visitors will find not only 35 trampolines and foam pits, but also dry pools and a game labyrinth with slides, which are designed specifically for children.
Rope park "Vysotsky"
- Address: Staro-Kuzmikhinskaya st., 37/3.
The famous Soviet actor and songwriter has absolutely nothing to do with it. The name of one of the largest rope parks in the Baikal region, which is part of the Polyana sports park, plays on the word height. It reaches 18 meters here.
“Vysotsky” consists of three tracks of different difficulty levels, consisting of 47 stages. The restriction is set not by age, but by height; those who have already grown to 1 meter 10 cm will be allowed to crawl on the lower levels, the upper levels are intended for visitors from 140 cm.
Valentin Rasputin Museum
Where: Irkutsk, st. Sverdlova, 20. How it works: January 8, 9 and 10.
The Valentin Rasputin Museum invites you on excursions. On January 8 and 10 at 14:00 you will find a story about the life and work of the writer. You will also find out what New Year's tradition existed in the Rasputin family, and see a unique exhibit associated with it. On January 9 at 14:00 there will be a walking tour “Walking around Irkutsk by Valentin Rasputin.”
The cost of a ticket on January 8 and 10 is 200 rubles (adults), 150 rubles (pensioners, schoolchildren, students); January 9 - 250 rubles (adults), 200 rubles (pensioners, schoolchildren, students). Pre-registration required: (3952) 25-98-25.
New Year's programs are carried out in compliance with safety measures related to preventing the spread of coronavirus infection.
More events are in the IRK.ru Poster. How are you spending this New Year's weekend?
Game centers of Irkutsk and educational leisure
While playing, children master certain skills, develop not only physical abilities, but also erudition, creativity, and imagination, which is what many children's entertainment of various formats is directly or indirectly focused on.
Children's Park "Lyubogorod"
- Address: Sovetskaya st., 58/1, 2nd floor.
“Lyubogorod” is a park of professions in which children can try on the roles of adults and choose a profession that suits them. Children often play as salesmen, doctors, teachers, police officers, etc.
In “Lyubogorod” they have the opportunity to feel like adults and make their own decisions and build lines of behavior depending on the chosen game model.
The city of professions is designed for children from 4 to 14 years old, but even for very little ones there is a soft play area with toys and slides. Visitors under 7 years of age participate in gaming locations only when accompanied and supervised by adults.
Entertainment and leisure children's
- Address: st. Sergeeva, 3.
Located in the Jam Mall shopping center. More than 20 professions are offered for children to study in. A child can visit one or more rooms:
- a hospital where he will play the role of a doctor;
- Ministry of Emergency Situations, here he can work as a rescuer;
- post office, hairdresser, beauty salon, radio and recording studio,
- become a school teacher and even serve in the army.
While playing on the territory of this landmark of Irkutsk, children learn the value of work and the characteristics of different professions from the adult world.
Quest-
- Address: st. Yadrintseva, 1/10, 1st floor.
Quests are an adventure game format that has long gained popularity. Many companies in this profile have programs for children in their arsenal, including the Irkutsk quest.
The choice of children's stories here is quite extensive: children can become spies in space, find themselves in a dragon's cave, plunge into the mystical atmosphere of the Secret Mirror quest program, or undergo training at the Superheroes training base.
Young history buffs will love the quest show “Secrets of Ancient Egypt.” As a rule, the center’s children’s programs are designed for participants aged 6 or 8 years.
"Jungle Territory"
- Address: st. Sergeeva, 3B, 2nd floor.
You can move in time and space without leaving Irkutsk. The city is home to the “Jungle Territory”, where quests are held specifically for children. The children are invited to take part in a game with an exciting plot.
The quest show "Dinopolis" is a fascinating adventure in a mysterious forest and a team competition, based on the idea of the famous presenter S. Suponev and his popular children's program of the 90s "Call of the Jungle". The name of the quest show hints that it will not be possible without dinosaurs, and this topic traditionally captivates children.
Another game program in “Jungle Territories” is called “The Last Hero” and uses the principles and motives of the popular reality show about survival, which, through a string of interpretations, goes back to the famous books of D. Defoe and W. Golding.
Children's leisure
- Address: 1st Moskovskaya st., 1A; Bratskaya st., 2/1, 2nd floor.
“Kapitoshka” has large playrooms with entertainment for small and older children and a banquet hall for children’s parties with a candy bar and photo zone. The leisure center is located at two addresses: on the street. Moskovskaya and st. Bratskaya.
In the playrooms, little ones can enjoy soft slides, a ball pit, a water trampoline, and a huge selection of toys; older children can enjoy attractions, including, for example, a seething waterfall, and educational games.
In the center on the street. Moscow - 460 sq. m of play space, on the street. Bratskaya - 260 sq. m. There will definitely be enough space for everyone, and it won’t be boring.
Children's playroom "Lego Quarter"
- Address: Deputatskaya st., 84/1, 2nd floor.
The Lego Quarter on Deputatskaya Street, by its very name, hints that the concept of the playroom is built around the most popular children's construction set in the world.
In addition to a variety of Lego sets, of which there are more than 100, the playroom also offers other entertainment, such as a children's labyrinth with slides and a dry pool.
In the "Lego Quarter" animators work with children, children's programs and parties are held. This is a place where you can give free rein to your imagination and fantasy, as well as have plenty of frolic and play.
Game rooms "Stepashka"
- Address: Verkhnyaya embankment, 167/12.
A network of playrooms is named after the bunny from Good Night, Kids. It includes 2 objects - on Marshal Zhukov Avenue and on Upper Embankment.
One of the main profiles of Stepashka is organizing children's parties and events; animators work here who work and play with children.
In the game room you can have a good time, crawl in the maze, play toys or video games on the console.
Please see: Sights of the Irkutsk region
Nature and fauna of Irkutsk
Animals are children’s friends, places where you can see them and learn more about our little brothers are one of the most obvious options where you can go with your child.
Irkutsk Zoo
- Address: st. Koltsova, 93.
For a long time, Irkutsk did not have a full-fledged zoo where children could get acquainted with animals. The head of the zoo area of the Botanical Garden, Andrei Sedykh, drew attention to this in 2011.
He got excited about the idea of creating such an institution. By April 2013, on the basis of the university's living corner, the Irkutsk children's zoo was opened, located on the territory of the Botanical Garden, in Kayskaya Grove, which is called the “lungs of the city.”
Since 2022, with the growth of the exhibition and the expansion of its format, the children's zoo has been renamed the Irkutsk Zoo. Now more than 50 species of living creatures live there - mammals, birds and reptiles.
Siberian Zoo
- Address: ave. Marshala Zhukova, 36/4.
The private zoo is located in two locations - in Irkutsk itself and in the village of Listvyanka at the source of the Angara River. Initially, the concept of the zoo was to present the diversity of the fauna of Siberia and domestic animals, but gradually the collection has grown, and now the zoo also houses animals not typical for Siberia - macaques, gibbons, meerkats, loris, etc.
Animals typical of the Siberian region can also be seen here. Listvyanka is home to bears, wolves, foxes, lynxes and other inhabitants of taiga forests. Children under 3 years old are entitled to free admission.
Irkutsk nerpinarium
- Address: 2nd Zheleznodorozhnaya st., 66.
Performances involving aquatic animals are popular among children. The first thing that comes to mind is dolphins. Dolphinariums are especially popular in southern, mainly resort coastal cities.
In Irkutsk, which is located near Lake Baikal, there is a similar institution with local specifics - a nerpinarium, where the Baikal seal gives a performance. It has been working since 2004. Meeting the cute animal and the 45-minute show with its participation will definitely be remembered by children for a long time.
Currently, performances are held in two places, at the legal address on 2nd Zheleznodorozhnaya Street, as well as in the village of Listvyanka. The programs are almost identical, with minor differences.
House of nature
- Address: Baikalskaya st., 54.
The private museum “House of Nature” has been operating since 2022 as a public organization. It was created by enthusiasts from the Irkutsk Zoo Gallery Animal Assistance Center. Essentially, this is a zoo where animals, birds live, and aquariums with fish.
There are raccoons, squirrels, parrots, lizards and other animals, including domestic cats and dogs beloved by many children, which, unfortunately, not everyone can keep at home; here you can interact with them. Getting to know animals in the “House of Nature” is complemented by an exhibition on zoological topics.
Nerpinary
Where: Irkutsk, 2nd Zheleznodorozhnaya, 66. How it works: all weekends from 11:00 to 18:30.
From January 2 to January 10, the Irkutsk Nerpinarium presents the show “To Hawaii - even on a tram.” New adventures of the Baikal seals Winnie the Pooh and Lilo await you. The program includes dancing, sports games, and solving mathematical problems.
Seals. Photo from the site vk.com/baikalnerpa
Performances take place from 11:00 to 18:30 every 45 minutes. The cost of a ticket for a child is 300 rubles, for an adult – 400 rubles. The number of spectators is limited. Phone: (3952) 55-44-32.
Irkutsk performances for children
Puppet shows, theatrical fairy tales, spectacular circus performances - all this is available in the range of entertainment in Irkutsk.
Irkutsk Circus
- Address: Proletarskaya st., 13.
Irkutsk is a city with long-standing circus traditions; the history of this art form here goes back as far as 1795, when performers of Italian origin began to give performances. In the 19th century, several eminent foreign circus performers performed in the Irkutsk lands, and in 1908 the tent circus troupe appeared.
It is noteworthy that at the moment the city does not have its own troupe, but there is a permanent building for circus performances, built in 1964 in the style of socialist minimalism. This is the largest circus in Siberia and the Far East. A year later, the arena opened its doors and since then has been giving unforgettable emotions from meeting clowns, acrobats, trained animals, magic and illusion.
Domestic and foreign circus groups perform at the Irkutsk arena. The programs are always different and every time you can see something new, it’s not for nothing that the circus has become one of the favorite entertainments of the townspeople.
Puppet theater "Stork"
- Address: Baikalskaya st., 32.
The State Puppet Theater in the city of Irkutsk has been operating under the name “Aistenok” since 1986 and gives performances in the building of the “Mir” cinema. Its historical predecessor is the East Siberian Puppet and Marionette Theater, founded in 1935.
In the 21st century, the theater successfully tours in Russia and abroad, the troupe gave performances in Moscow and, for example, in Germany. The theater's repertoire includes performances for children and adults.
The basis of the children's block is fairy tales - folk and original, Russian and foreign. There are performances for children and younger schoolchildren (from 6 years old), educational educational performances and modern children's plays.
Youth Theater named after. Vampilova
- Address: st. Lenina, 23.
One of the oldest children's theaters in Russia dates back to 1928. Since 1987, it has been named after the remarkable playwright, a native of Irkutsk, A.V. Vampilov; there is a memorial plaque to the writer on the facade of the theater. The directors and actors of the theater emphasize that the Youth Theater has always strived to be interesting to children, teenagers and adults.
The theater's repertoire policy is based on this principle. The theater’s playbill includes many children’s performances for different ages: “The Hedgehog and the Little Bear” for children from 3 years old, “The Tale of the Goldfish” for categories 6+, “Deniska’s Stories” for children from 8 years old and other productions.
Theater named after N.M. Zagursky
- Address: st. Sedova, 29.
The Irkutsk Regional Musical Theater was named in honor of the People's Artist of the RSFSR, a native of Irkutsk, Nikolai Zagursky. It is known as the venue for the “Stars on Baikal” and “Jazz on Baikal” festivals.
In the modern repertoire of the theater, which dates back to 1945, attention is also paid to the audience of the younger generation. For them, musical fairy tales are staged on stage, for example, “The Princess and the Pea”, Puss in Boots and others.
Courtyard of the Volkonsky estate
Where: Irkutsk, Volkonsky Lane, 11. How it works: from January 6 to January 8.
The Irkutsk Museum of the Decembrists has prepared a street play program for children. The children will enjoy a festively decorated Christmas tree, competitions and fun, games and songs, and a meeting with Father Frost and the Snow Maiden. And if someone gets cold, they can warm themselves up in the Volkonskys’ house.
Photo from pixabay.com
The duration of the program is 20-30 minutes. Starts at 13:00 and 14:00. Ticket price is 100 rubles. Phone number for registration: (3952) 20-75-32.
Museums of Irkutsk, interesting for children
You can go to a museum with your child, but looking at paintings or historical exhibits and listening to the scientific story of the guide may become boring for the child, so exhibition objects of a certain format and theme that captivates the younger generation are suitable for them.
Museum of entertaining science "Experimentarium"
- Address: st. July 3, 17B.
Since 2005, the Grand Experimentarium has been operating on the territory of Akademgorodok. As written on the official website of the museum, it is designed for visitors from 3 to 103 years old. The museum displays more than 300 exhibits that you can not just touch with your hands, but explore and study their principles of operation.
A planetarium is available to visitors. The museum staff organizes fascinating scientific shows and quests. Science is not boring, but very exciting - visitors to the “Experimentarium” of any age are sure to draw such conclusions.
Children's Museum (Children's Museum Center of the Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local Lore)
- Address: st. July 3, 17A.
There is a museum in Irkutsk called “Children’s”. It is located in the 130th quarter and administratively belongs to the Irkutsk Museum of Local Lore. Everything here is focused on the interests and characteristics of the younger generation.
In the museum you can not only watch exhibitions, but also frolic and play; exhibitions and excursions are interactive. The exhibitions in the museum center change, but their format remains unchanged; the main task is to make visiting the exhibition facility not boring for the child.
Museum of Optics and Optical Illusion “Fantast”
- Address: ave. Marshala Zhukova, 36A/1.
"What is this? An optical illusion or a real miracle?” – such emotions and internal questions can be caused by an optical illusion – a spectacular and unusual physical phenomenon. The kids will definitely love it.
Museums in many cities are dedicated to optical illusion; in Irkutsk, “Fantast” operates in this niche on Marshal Zhukov Street. Here you can see unusual “fairy-tale” paintings, take unreal photos in every sense of the word, and the museum hosts individual and group excursions for children.
Irkutsk Planetarium and Museum "Noosphere"
- Address: Sedova street, 30.
Space is one of the most common themes for children's leisure and entertainment. If a child is interested in stars and planets, it is worth paying attention to the Irkutsk Planetarium.
On the ground floor there is an interactive museum “Noosphere”, where, with the help of computer technology, it is spectacularly and popularly told about space and the distant past of our planet, about why it became habitable.
The planetarium itself is a star hall “under a dome”, where popular science films are shown with a 360-degree view, which actually creates the effect of “immersion in outer space”.
In some areas in terms of children's leisure, Irkutsk, of course, is inferior to other large Russian cities, which is confirmed by the comments of some Irkutsk mothers. However, the range of entertainment in the city is still quite large. Family tourists with children will have something to see.
Victor Bronstein Gallery
Where: Irkutsk, st. October Revolution, 3. How it works: all weekends from 11:00 to 20:00.
At the end of December, an updated exhibition of sculptures by Dasha Namdakov and the exhibition “Ulger. Author's dolls of Dasha Namdakov's family." You can see new works daily.
Now gallery visitors can take advantage of a free audio guide. All exhibits in the hall have a QR code - just point your smartphone camera at it and follow the link.
Ticket prices range from 50 to 150 rubles. Pre-registration: (3952) 75-60-30.
