Where Else Can I Go with My Children in Nizhny Novgorod?

We have already presented a selection of key places in the city where children can have fun and play, and accompanying adults can relax. Today, we present the second part including museums, scientific and entertainment venues where your child will definitely not be bored!

Young researchers can learn about the search for exoplanets, the origin of the Solar System, and legendary spaceships at children's cinema shows at Planetarium 1. A full-dome show, spectacular visuals and stories accessible to any age — maybe it is in your family that a future stellar astrophysicist like Hawking will grow!

The Arsenal + Family program is offered at the key center for contemporary culture in Nizhny Novgorod, where children (sometimes together with their parents) get acquainted with the work of artists in an accessible and playful way, explore current exhibitions, notice the details of works and create their own work at a master class. There will be no problem distinguishing paintings by Claude Monet from Edouard Manet for any kid!

A large interactive museum with more than 130 different scientific exhibits; you can touch with your hands every one of them. In addition to individual visits, there are also group programs where you can see real plasma, arrange a safe nitrogen explosion and get acquainted with rare musical instruments — theremin and laser harp.

The local children's playground is made in the form of a complex of pipes and ropes — this idea refers to the Vyksa Metallurgical Plant, which goods could be bought at the Trade Fair in the XIX century. Here you can look at vintage stereo photographs and climb pipe structures, run barefoot along the Betancourt Canal, ride a carousel or a retro car, or swing under awnings in summer, and go ice skating and to the festive workshops in winter.

A small puppet theater is oriented to families. Plays based on children's fairy tales, magic trick performances, interactive shows for the youngest audience are staged here. The actors use the original «wrist doll» technology, which makes a doll seem alive. There is also classes for children at the theater, where kids can learn acting and public speaking.

On weekends, the Center for Contemporary Art hosts an event for children in the format of creative workshops, where, for example, a child can perform pop art work in the spirit of Andy Warhol or do upcycling — create art from an old thing.

There is a large collection of vintage passenger and freight locomotives from Russia, the USSR and other countries in the open air. There is a small sign with information near each exhibit, but if you want to go on a tour, you need to make an appointment in advance — it's not a long way from the center to Sortirovka district, but here you can touch the exhibits and take pictures with them.

Children will learn how to make mugs, plates and other ceramic products using a pottery wheel or with the help of modeling techniques. This helps develop motor skills, creativity and aesthetic sense. There are thematic classes, for example, based on the Harry Potter world: in a few lessons, a kid will write a letter from Hogwarts, make a magic wand and other artifacts from this world. This master class can be attended by the whole school team as well.