Odesa is not only about beaches and relaxing by the sea. Here you can conduct scientific experiments, peek behind the scenes of a film studio, look at the stars, try your hand at different professions, or spend a day in the world of animals.
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We have put together seven places to visit in Odesa with children where the whole family can have a great time.
Museum of Science — a place where you can touch everything
At the Museum of Science, you won’t have to keep telling your child, “don’t touch.” Here, exhibits are meant to be activated, turned, and tested in action: you can find yourself inside a giant soap bubble, solve optical illusions, test different mechanisms, and tackle puzzles.
Children from the age of three will find it especially interesting, although adults quickly get drawn in too. You should allow at least two hours for your visit, and you can additionally book a guided tour, chemistry experiments, or a Tesla show. The building has a café, an elevator, and a certified shelter.
Shevchenko Park, the planetarium, and the amusement park are located nearby, so you can continue your family outing after the museum.
📍 Address: 1/20 Marazliivska St., Chornomorets Stadium, 2nd floor.
🕐 Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00–19:00; Monday — closed.
🎟️ Tickets: UAH 350 for children aged 3 to 14, UAH 250 for adults; free for children under 3. Additional programs are paid for separately.
🚗 Parking: a large parking area near the stadium.
🌐 Website: Museum of Science in Odesa
⭐ Google Maps rating — 4.4
Odesa Film Studio — see where movies are made
The Odesa Film Studio can captivate even a child who has never seen old movies. Here, visitors learn how films were made without computer graphics, how sets were created, costumes selected, and stunts devised.
The museum houses film cameras, editing equipment, posters, and props from film sets. Children usually enjoy looking at the costumes and unusual equipment, while adults recognize items from familiar movies. The experience is enhanced by the atmosphere of the studio itself, where films are still being made today.
The tour is suitable for schoolchildren aged seven or eight and up, teenagers, and adults who love movies. Allow about an hour and a half for the visit, and it is best to book in advance. From Monday to Thursday, the Costume and Set Design Museum is available for self-guided visits. After your visit, head out for a walk along French Boulevard.
📍 Address: 33 French Boulevard.
🕐 Hours: guided tours — daily at 14:00, with additional tours at 16:00 on Saturday and Sunday; self-guided visits — Monday to Thursday, 12:00–16:00.
🎟️ Tickets: guided tour — UAH 300 for adults, UAH 200 for children; self-guided visit — UAH 200 and 100 respectively.
🚗 Parking: on French Boulevard and the surrounding streets.
🌐 Website: Odesa Film Studio
⭐ Google Maps rating — 4.5
Odesa Planetarium — take a look into the Universe
The Odesa Planetarium is located on the grounds of the Astronomical Observatory in Shevchenko Park. Here, visitors can see the starry sky, planets, and distant celestial objects, learn about astronomical phenomena, and, in clear weather, observe the sky through a real telescope.
Children aged five or six and up will find it especially interesting. The program lasts about an hour to an hour and a half, and part of the session may take place outdoors, so dress according to the weather.
There is no fixed schedule: check the latest announcements in advance and make a reservation. You can combine your visit with the Museum of Science, Shevchenko Park, or the amusement park — they are all nearby.
📍 Address: 1-V Marazliivska St., grounds of the Astronomical Observatory.
🕐 Hours: according to the schedule and by advance reservation.
🎟️ Tickets: UAH 200 for adults, UAH 150 for teenagers aged 10 to 18, UAH 100 for children under 10.
🚗 Parking: on the surrounding streets; available spaces are not always easy to find.
📸 Instagram: Odesa Planetarium
⭐ Google Maps rating — 4.6
Gagarinn Kids — entertainment for the whole day
This is one of the largest entertainment venues for children in Odesa, combining the Kids City role-play town and the Kids Planet amusement park. Children can try their hand at being a doctor, firefighter, or pilot, complete tasks and earn play money, then head to the trampolines, mazes, ninja park, or VR zone, or play air hockey and Xbox. There is also a separate Baby area for the youngest visitors.
The role-play town will be most interesting for preschoolers and younger schoolchildren, while the active attractions are better suited to older children and teenagers. Adults can join in Xbox, air hockey, and some attractions or take a break at the restaurant.
You can easily spend at least three to four hours here, or even the whole day, especially on rainy, hot, or cold days. On weekends, it is better to arrive at opening time, and for the trampolines, bring socks with non-slip soles. Gagarinn Kids also hosts birthday parties with entertainers, shows, and festive menus.
📍 Address: Arkadiiske Plateau St. (formerly Haharinske Plateau), 5, Gagarinn Plaza Shopping and Entertainment Center, 4th floor.
🕐 Hours: Monday — 12:00–21:00, Tuesday–Sunday — 10:00–21:00.
🎟️ Tickets: children — UAH 450 on weekdays and UAH 500 on weekends; discounted categories — UAH 350; adults — UAH 20. Free for children under 2 and birthday children on their birthday with proof of age.
🚗 Parking: Gagarinn Plaza parking lot; it is best to check the conditions before your visit.
🌐 Website: Gagarinn Kids
⭐ Google Maps rating — 4.4
Shevchenko Park and Odesa Luna Park — outdoor walks and entertainment
In Shevchenko Park, you can start with a walk along the shady paths, then head to the amusement rides and finish by going down to the sea. Luna Park is one of the favorite places for children in Odesa, offering carousels for little ones, bumper cars, arcade games, and extreme rides — adults can feel like kids again here too.
Admission to Luna Park is free, with each attraction paid for separately. You can stop by for an hour or stay until evening, when the bright lights come on. Allow anywhere from two hours to half a day for your visit. In summer, it is better to come in the morning or after 17:00, when the heat subsides.
The Museum of Science and planetarium are located nearby, so in one day you can fit in an educational program, amusement rides, and a trip to the sea. Before your visit, check the schedule, as the operation of individual attractions depends on the weather and the security situation.
📍 Address: 2 Uspenska St.
🕐 Hours: daily, 10:00–22:30.
🎟️ Tickets: admission is free; attractions are paid for separately.
🚗 Parking: on the streets surrounding the park.
📸 Instagram: Odesa Luna Park
⭐ Google Maps rating — 4.4
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Odesa Botanical Garden — a walk among plants from around the world
The Odesa Botanical Garden of Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University is one of the interesting places for the whole family. In spring, magnolias and lilacs bloom here; in late spring and early summer, peonies take center stage, followed by roses, while in autumn the trees transform from green to vibrant colors.
For children, you can turn the visit into a small expedition — searching for unusual leaves, fruits, flowers, and insects. Adults will enjoy exploring the botanical collections or having a family photo session.
One to two hours is enough for a walk. You can also come here with a baby, although after heavy rain some paths can be difficult to navigate with a stroller. Before your visit, it is worth checking the schedule, prices, and announcements for guided tours and special events.
📍 Address: 48/50 French Boulevard.
🕐 Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00–17:00; Monday — closed.
🎟️ Tickets: adults — UAH 100; children and discounted — UAH 50; free for children under 6.
🚗 Parking: on French Boulevard and the surrounding streets.
📸 Instagram: Odesa Botanical Garden
⭐ Google Maps rating — 3.9
Biopark Odesa — a day in the world of animals
Biopark is located on the outskirts of Odesa and covers about 9.5 hectares, so you should set aside at least half a day for your visit. Giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, bears, kangaroos, primates, and other animals live here. The spacious enclosures feature pools, shelters, and plenty of room to move around, and it is especially interesting to watch the animals during feeding times and active play.
One of the main attractions is a safari in a specially equipped vehicle. It operates according to a separate schedule, so it is best to check the time of the next departure as soon as you arrive. There is also a restaurant, a children’s playground, and places to relax on the grounds.
The paths are stroller-friendly, so you can visit even with a baby. Allow three to four hours or almost a full day for your visit. In summer, it is best to arrive at opening time: the animals are more active in the morning, there are fewer visitors, and the heat has not yet intensified. Don’t forget water, hats, and sunscreen.
📍 Address: 22Zh Tiraspolske Highway.
🕐 Hours: daily, 10:00–20:00; safari — every hour from 11:00 to 19:00.
🎟️ Tickets: UAH 500 for adults, UAH 300 for children under 14; free for children under 5. Safari — UAH 300.
🚗 Parking: free parking near Biopark.
🌐 Website: Biopark Odesa
⭐ Google Maps rating — 4.3
Which Place to Choose
- For the whole day: Biopark or Gagarinn Kids.
- On rainy, hot, or cold days: Museum of Science, Gagarinn Kids, Odesa Film Studio, or planetarium.
- For active children: Luna Park and Gagarinn Kids.
- For young explorers: Museum of Science or planetarium.
- For a child who loves animals: Biopark.
- For teenagers: film studio, planetarium, Museum of Science, and extreme rides at Luna Park.
- For a relaxing walk with a baby: botanical garden, Shevchenko Park, or Biopark.
- For one to two hours: planetarium, Odesa Film Studio, or botanical garden.
- To visit several places in one day: combine the Museum of Science, planetarium, Shevchenko Park, and Luna Park.
When planning what to see in Odesa with children, don’t try to fit all the locations into one day. It is better to combine two or three places in the same area, leaving time for lunch and a walk by the sea. That way, a family holiday in Odesa won’t turn into a race to check items off a list, but will be remembered for the journey itself.
And if you want to spend the day by the sea, check out the selection “5 Beach Clubs in Odesa for Relaxing by the Sea and Pool”.
FAQ
Where to go in Odesa with a child under 5?
For young children, Biopark, the botanical garden, Shevchenko Park, and the children’s rides at Luna Park are good options. Gagarinn Kids has a Baby area, while the Museum of Science is interesting for children from around three years old.
Which places are open year-round?
The Museum of Science, Odesa Film Studio, Gagarinn Kids, planetarium, and Biopark operate year-round. However, in winter, the experience at Biopark depends on the weather and how active the animals are.
What to do in Odesa on a rainy day?
On a rainy day, you can visit the Museum of Science, Gagarinn Kids, the Cinema Museum, or the planetarium. For the film studio and planetarium, check the schedule and make a reservation in advance.
Where can you spend the whole day?
You can plan a full day at Biopark or Gagarinn Kids. Another option is to combine Shevchenko Park with the Museum of Science or planetarium and Luna Park.
Which locations are suitable for teenagers?
Teenagers may enjoy the Museum of Science, planetarium, a tour of the Odesa Film Studio, extreme rides at Luna Park, and the active zones at Gagarinn Kids.
Where can you celebrate a birthday?
Gagarinn Kids offers parties with entertainers, shows, and a menu, while the Museum of Science offers quest parties and science programs. The format, date, and price should be arranged in advance.
Which locations are stroller-friendly?
Biopark and Shevchenko Park are convenient for walking with a stroller. The Museum of Science has an elevator and an accessible environment. The botanical garden is also suitable, although some paths may be difficult to navigate after rain.
Which places are best to visit in the morning?
It is best to visit Biopark, the Museum of Science, Gagarinn Kids, the botanical garden, and Luna Park in the morning. There are fewer people at this time, and in summer it is also not as hot.
