Gorky Park (Moscow)

Gorky Park stretches for three kilometres along the Moskva River and since opening in 1928 has become the playground for generations of Muscovite children. It is the city’s main leisure park with a host of carousels and rollercoaster rides, vast ornamental gardens, statues and historic follies. It is a great way to spend a lazy day away from the furious pace of city life and kids on cheap city breaks in Moscow are sure to want to return again and again. There are some less taxing pursuits here for all the family, such as boating, horse riding, jogging and cycling tracks and a couple of large children’s playgrounds.

 

The main draw during busy summer weekend breaks are the numerous rollercoaster rides which go by oddball names such as the Black Hole, Cave Horror and Rabid Mill. Kids can also enjoy bumper cars, go karting, ten pin bowling, tennis, bungee jumps and train rides. Summer city breaks in Moscow can even chill out on imported sand along the Moskva River which turns into a vibrant open air beach rave after nightfall. Summer weekends are also likely to see occasional rock and classical concerts in the huge Gorky Park open air amphitheatre. 

 

Gorky Park is perhaps at its most magical during cold winter months. Many of its attractions are closed but that shouldn’t deter those on short breaks in Moscow from coming here. It transforms into a vast ice skating rink on its lake and even the pathways are flooded especially for this purpose. You can rent skates and explore a wide area of the park gliding across the ice. You will encounter several fine 18th manor houses and elegant sculptures dotted among the ornamental gardens. An intriguing attraction is the Graveyard of Fallen Monuments, a collection of old and decaying Communist era statues which contrast sharply with the regal landscaped flower gardens.