Ethnical park "Kochevnik"

The first place I want to talk about is the ethnical park “Kochevnik” in Khotkovo. Since the park is outdoor place, it is better to go there in good weather, in autumn or winter. Mongolian, Turkic and Northern camps are located on its territory. There is a large animal yard “Camel Farm” with a constantly increasing “collection” of nomadic animals. You can meet here Kalmyk two-humped camels, Mongolian yaks, deer, northern sled dogs, donkeys, lambs, and goats.

The biggest yurt in Russia with a diameter of 15 meters is also installed on the territory of this park. It was delivered here from Mongolia. Chukchi yaranga and Nenets raw-hide tents. All animals are allowed to feed; special food is sold in the park. On weekends camel and donkey rides are available. The ticket price includes excursions, master classes, and an audio guide. There is a lot of entertainments in addition to the general program: throwing knives and axes, archery - of course, only with the full compliance with safety regulations. There are several cafeteria with national dishes and parking on site. I recommend to bring as more drinking water as possible.

Museum of Steam Locomotives "Cuckoo"

The exposition is located in 20 kilometers from Pereslavl-Zalessky at the Talitsa station. The museum collection is presented by more than 100 pieces of the railway engineering. These are steam locomotives, handcars and carriages from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries, motor locomotives, locomobiles, passenger and freight cars. In the workshops of the museum, such historical machines and equipment are preserved and even operated.

You can ride a handcar (with a certain age limit). There is parking and cafe, but for children it is better to bring your water and a snack. I recommend visiting with children aged two years and older.

After riding a handcar and inspecting the steam locomotives, you can go to Pereslavl-Zalessky. There are a huge number of museums and just pleasant places for relax - the Berendeyev Museum, the Iron Museum, the Russian Park. We went to the place where the Trubezh River flows into Lake Pleshcheyevo. There, on the very shore, an observation deck and the Temple of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste are created. This is a beautiful place with a landscaped embankment and gorgeous view, where you can enjoy your walk and relax. I recommend to watch the sunset. For children of any age.

Mountain Park "Ruskeala"


This place in Karelia is incredibly beautiful at any time of the year. We visited it in winter. We got to the park by the retro train through the city of Sortavala. The train is pulled by a real steam-powered locomotive from the early 20th century. The stylized compartments are equipped with Wi-Fi, and you can buy tickets to the park and excursions from the conductors. Travelers are offered national dishes - trout pies and Karelian wickets.

An entrance ticket gives the possibility to pass several interesting routes of the park named “Road of the Mountain Masters”, “Marble Canyon”, “Italian Quarry”, “Old Vertical Mine”, “Catherine II Cliff”. All viewing platforms are fenced. For a walk, I recommend to bring thermos and a couple of sandwiches: the area is large, so returning to have a snack in a cafe is inconvenient..

The “Underground Ruskeala” tour through the illuminated tunnels inside the mountain is amazing. But it can be attended only by groups with a guide. It is cold in the tunnels, about +7 degrees, so it is recommended to have warm clothes even in summertime. As for restrictions: children under five years old are not allowed to excursion.

Of course, it is advisable to plan such a trip for several days. You can stay for one or two nights in Sortavala. This exciting journey is good for children of any age.

I recommend getting to the park by retro train and watching a show with a steam locomotive turning around on a rotating platform.