It's coming to an end, and as the weekend approaches, the question of how to spend the long-awaited days of rest increasingly arises. For those who do not want, as they say, to lie in front of the TV all their free time, but are determined to visit various interesting places, Moscow is ready to offer a lot of options.
Let's try to get to know some of them better.
Section 1. Where to go for free
Don't despair if your family's budget is limited. Despite the fact that the Russian capital is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world, there are plenty of places where you can relax cheaply or even for free. Surprisingly, such leisure activities can include visiting museums, theaters, concerts, discos and yoga classes.
Many Muscovites and city guests believe that the most interesting places to walk are parks. First of all, these include Babushkinsky, Perovsky, Kuzminsky, Tagansky, Izmailovsky, Tushinsky, Filevsky, Krasnopresnensky, as well as the Baumansky Garden, Muzeon and the Hermitage Garden.
By the way, in Gorky Park and in the Pioneer cinema you can do yoga on weekdays. Not everyone knows that all playgrounds are equipped with changing rooms, and those who wish are given mats.
Free dance lessons are held in Gorky Park. There are also many night youth discos with free entry. Weekends can be spent at Squat Café, Bilinqua or Cuba Libre.
Section 2. Cultural events for free? It's real!
When talking about the most interesting places in Moscow, one cannot fail to mention numerous exhibitions and museums. It should be noted that every third Sunday of the month the best museums in the city open their doors to visitors completely free of charge. In addition, the Water Museum, the Metro Museum, the Museum and the Museum of Light are happy to see their guests every day. They are also open to the public.
The Moscow Event Theater on Varshavskoye Shosse offers free performances. If you like the production, you can pay from 100 to 500 rubles for a ticket. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that you need to reserve seats in advance by phone or on the theater website.
Do you love classics and are looking for interesting places? Moscow is exactly the city where lovers of beauty should go. For example, you can enjoy the music of famous composers of the world in the Rachmaninov and Small Halls of the Moscow Conservatory. Free performances of chamber ensembles and choirs, international festivals, and concerts of organ music, violin and piano are constantly held here.
You can see the panorama of Moscow at Sparrow Hills, where observation binoculars are provided for this purpose. The capital is rich in other attractions: temples and monasteries, nature reserves and ancient estates.
Excursions to these places do not require special expenses.
Section 3. Moscow Zoos
All kids love watching animals. That’s why, when talking about interesting places, one cannot fail to mention zoos.
Many will agree that this is an ideal place for a family holiday. Contact menageries will allow children to get to know the animals better. Here you can pet and feed them, and while children communicate with charming representatives of the fauna world, adults can relax or have a snack. Zoos "My Little World" on the street. Tushinskaya and “Animals as Toys” on Novoyasenevsky Ave. welcome their guests of any age.
A special pride of Moscow is the Moscow State Zoo, which houses various species of animals and birds. This is the oldest and largest zoo in Russia.
Section 4. Water parks of the capital
There is an opinion that there are the most and therefore, getting to them is not entirely convenient, to put it mildly. This is nothing more than a misconception. For example, those who live in more remote areas are probably closer to huge entertainment complexes, which, as practice shows, are rarely built inside the Garden Ring.
For example, the largest water park is “Moreon” in Yasenevo. The complex is equipped with extreme slides, a swimming pool and a children's playground, massage baths and steam rooms, cafes and bars. The pools are surrounded by tropical plants and palm trees. Another water park, Kva-Kva, is no less attractive. There are also water slides of various heights, children's attractions and pools, water cannons and a jacuzzi. On Saturdays, night parties of the Shine project are held in “Kva-Kva” (Mytishchi).
The Aqua-Yuna water park has opened 8 km from Moscow with a new surfing attraction. The park is divided into children's and adult areas. There are a total of 9 slides ranging from 2 to 10 meters in height, some of them have a high-speed descent.
Section 5. Interesting and its theaters
In the center of the Russian capital there is the only anti-cinema “Kino House” with closed halls, karaoke and video games. This is an unusual establishment - the halls have cozy sofas, board games, karaoke, 3D. The romantic atmosphere in small rooms is conducive to dating, and in large rooms you can spend time with friends.
The performances resemble a black and white cartoon. The silhouettes on the canvas seem to come to life and simply fascinate the audience with their performance. Special transformable chairs allow you to watch the performance from any corner of the hall. Children will simply be delighted to visit this establishment.
The famous Yuri Kuklachev Cat Theater delights the public with performances of its pets. A unique world of kindness and warmth reigns here, cats perform with dogs, and an adult feels like a child.
Section 6. Conquering the depths of the sea
Many will agree that you can endlessly talk about interesting places in Moscow. “Where should we go?” - such a question is probably asked extremely rarely in this city. More often than not, local residents and guests of the capital try to solve the problem associated with the lack of time to cover everything they want.
For example, why not admire the beauty of the underwater world at the aquarium on Chistoprudny Boulevard, 14? The exhibition consists of more than 200 aquarium complexes, home to various species of fish and sharks. The store provides a wide range of aquariums and equipment for them. Visits to the aquarium are available daily by appointment. The Shark Feeding Show is held twice a week.
The largest Oceanarium is located on Dmitrovskoye Highway, where you can observe the underwater life of the inhabitants inside a tunnel. Representatives of flora and fauna from all over the planet are collected here. Visitors can watch a colorful seal show or shark feeding.
If you want to swim with dolphins, then feel free to go to the dolphinarium at the All-Russian Exhibition Center. The pleasure is not cheap (5,000-10,000 rubles), but emotions for a lifetime. The cost of the dolphin show is 400-1200 rubles, depending on the location. After the performance, you can take a photo with or take your child on a boat pulled by dolphins.
Section 7. For lovers of stars
The Great Planetarium is one of the best planetariums in the world, being not only an educational center, but also a star theater where you can take a tour through time and space.
The complex includes the Urania Museum, the Lunarium Museum, the Sky Park, and the Big and Small Star Halls. Interactive and space exhibits, educational games and 4D films allow you to learn about space and space discoveries.
Section 8. Winter fun
In winter, the oldest ice skating rink with two skating areas operates in the Hermitage Garden. For the convenience of visitors the following are provided:
- figure skating school;
- children's Corner;
- locker rooms;
- skate rental;
- cafe.
Another skating rink in winter is open near GUM from 10 to 24 hours. Its ice cover does not melt even in weather of +10˚С, and the evening lighting creates a special fabulous atmosphere.
So, having familiarized yourself with the list of proposed options, it is quite possible to conclude that Moscow is ready to offer interesting places for every taste and income. And all visitors need to do is have a positive attitude and be prepared to be surprised.
There are many places in the capital where you can relax with the whole family. The choice, of course, is very large, so we decided to focus on iconic establishments and places that anyone who goes to Moscow must visit.
- Moscow Planetarium (Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya street, 5, building 1). Combining business with pleasure in terms of education and entertainment is the dream of not only parents, but also their children. Great place: modern panoramic effects, ultra-realistic starry sky, the famous interactive “Lunarium” and a lot of other interesting things!
- Moscow Zoo (Bolshaya Gruzinskaya street, 1, building 1). One of the oldest in Europe, it receives almost 4 million people a year. - your family definitely needs to be among them. More than a thousand species of animals live here: it will take a lot of time to explore such a number of enclosures, but it is worth it. Both adults and children are delighted!
- Krasnopresnensky Park (Mantulinskaya Street, 5). One of the most comfortable parks in Moscow for walking with children. In winter there is a skating rink, in summer there is a sea of greenery and impressive views of the Moscow City towers.
- KidZania (Khodynsky Boulevard, 4). The network of family clubs, famous in Europe, has come to Moscow - here children can master the skills of professions that interest them and play with their peers, while adults can relax and watch the successes of the younger generation.
- Entertainment centers Happylon, Igromax and Fantasy Park. Huge areas and a sea of attractions that will be interesting not only for children, but also for adults, are at the complete disposal of your family: have fun and relax at the highest level!
There are simply a gigantic number of opportunities for a family holiday in Moscow - and we haven’t yet mentioned the Great Moscow Circus, children’s theaters and museums!
Conventionally, places for active recreation in Moscow (of which there are a huge number) can be divided into 2 categories: indoors and outdoors. Let's start with the first ones and choose the most interesting ones.
- Water parks. Among the most popular are “Moreon”, “Kva-kva Park” and “Karibia”. Here you will find a sea of water activities, as well as saunas, hammams, restaurants and cafes.
- Trampoline center "Sky". It unites three indoor complexes, providing freedom for children and adults: overcoming gravity is the best entertainment!
- Shooting club "Hunter". An excellent choice is to shoot with any type of weapon, including bows and assault rifles. There will be enough impressions for a long time, and it will be interesting for all family members.
- Climbing wall X8. By yourself or with an instructor, conquering mountains is very exciting, and at the same time useful for strengthening your muscles!
We smoothly move on to active recreation in the open air.
- Karting track "Pilot" at the school of the same name. Racing on a kart is one of the most fun and exciting activities: even though the cars are small, their speeds and braking dynamics repeat (to a lesser extent, of course) the mechanics of racing cars.
- Kvadrmoto. Riding on Yamaha ATVs is something you will remember for a long time, especially in winter. Several tracks, cross-country racing - in short, a sea of adrenaline is guaranteed.
- Feel like a bird: the I can fly wind tunnel at Aviapark gives you such an opportunity. Classes are held with an experienced instructor, so safety is guaranteed.
Of course, this list is far from complete - you have a great opportunity to find a lot of other places of active entertainment and try them out yourself!
Popular vacation spots among Muscovites
If you have had experience of vacationing abroad, you know that locals will only go on vacation to places that are truly good and interesting. So where do Muscovites themselves prefer to relax?
The list of favorite vacation spots for Muscovites does not include many “promoted” attractions (such as, for example, the Kremlin) - they are left to tourists. Residents of the capital have slightly different preferences.
- Gorky Park. Almost 10% of the capital’s population admitted that they regularly come here to take a walk and relax their soul and body. Follow their example!
- Arbat. The pedestrian street, sung by bards and poets, is one of the most comfortable places in Moscow. We are especially revered by the indigenous residents of the capital, which, however, does not stop you from coming here too.
- Pushkinskaya and Teatralnaya squares with their beautiful architectural ensembles.
- Red Square is the leader in preferences: according to surveys, almost a third of the capital’s residents come here for a walk in their free time.
We deliberately did not include specific establishments in this list: firstly, there are no friends according to taste and color. Secondly, relaxation also means walking around the city, getting to know its atmosphere and architecture. Enjoy!
What to do in Moscow at different times of the year
Moscow, as the largest “tourist” city in Russia, is transformed in each season. Active recreation, festivals, international sporting events - find out what the capital can please you with at any time of the year.
Spring
Spring (especially late) is a very special time for Moscow. The city is preparing for summer, which means that there is a place for active entertainment, public events, and simply atmospheric walks through the capital, surrounded by greenery.
- Botanical Garden, Japanese Garden and Stroginskaya Floodplain. These places are among the first to welcome spring in Moscow, and you have a wonderful chance to enjoy the first warm days surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
- Festival "Moscow Spring". It takes place on the 20th of April - a large-scale event that includes a theatrical marathon, quests, installations and all kinds of performances on the theme of the awakening of nature.
- Events dedicated to Victory Day - traditional air shows, concerts and parades still remain one of the main events of spring and attract great interest.
- Active recreation - we have already mentioned it, but with the arrival of spring there are even more opportunities: open-air water activities are added - for example, renting kayaks and catamarans.
Summer
Summer in Moscow is an opportunity to take at least a little break from the crowds on the streets, and for tourists to see with their own eyes the most relaxed period in the bustling life of the capital for the entire year.
- Go to Winzavod and FLAKON: in the summer, these creative complexes present many surprises by organizing unusual exhibitions.
- Attend concerts of world celebrities - they especially often visit the Russian capital in the summer.
- Get to Gorky Park, where many events are held in the summer - from open-air samba lessons to open lectures from the Higher School of Economics.
- Experience new sensations in Moscow flying clubs: summer is the season here - hot air balloons, para- and hang gliders, and much more interesting things.
Autumn
In early autumn, life in Moscow on the streets is still in full swing, by October gradually moving to indoor entertainment complexes, theaters, cinemas and museums - there is something to do in any weather.
- The annual fitness festival held by Reebok in October: what you need for lovers of a healthy lifestyle and sports leisure.
- In autumn it is especially beautiful to walk in Moscow parks - Filevsky, Gorky, Suvorovsky, Panda Park. This time of year is especially beautiful at VDNKh and near the Trubetskoy estate: get your cameras ready.
- Take a bike ride through Neskuchny Garden - there are very comfortable paths and beautiful scenery.
- It's time to visit the Great Moscow Circus - new programs are presented here in the fall.
Winter
Winter entertainment and the approaching New Year are the main thematic concepts for holidays in Moscow during the coldest time of the year.
- Rollers and more rollers. In Gorky Park - one of the most creative, at VDNKh - the largest in Europe, in Sokolniki - the most musical.
- New Year's fair in Muzeon. A huge number of gifts and souvenirs: there is something to see and something to buy for the holiday.
- Losinoostrovskaya Biological Station. A unique opportunity to see live moose in their natural environment - among the snow and winter forest.
- Vorobyovy Gory with its famous ski complex - go skiing and enjoy the views. Other great places are in Novo-Peredelkino and Kurkino.
We note again that even a dozen articles are not enough to talk about all the opportunities for recreation in Moscow. But we are sure that visiting at least half of the places mentioned in this review will make your impressions of visiting the capital unforgettable.
Planetarium, water park, trampoline park, cooking school, marine aquarium and 7 other great places for family fun in the city center.
Water park on Likhobory
“Likhobory” is a huge games room where you can play table tennis, basketball, visit a choreography room, a spacious gym, sauna, solarium and massage room. There is also a water park with a rubber trampoline and various water slides - competitions are held here for children and adults. It is possible to rent halls for playing mini-football, volleyball and basketball. There is a cafe on the ground floor. In the lobby there are vending machines with a variety of soft drinks and oxygen cocktails.
Photo: akva-gid.ru 
Photo: akva-gid.ru 2 Trampoline park "SKY"
As children, we all loved to jump up to the ceiling on our beds, for which we received scoldings from our parents. To prevent history from repeating itself, take your children to burn off excess energy in the SKY park. For in-flight entertainment, there are 65 trampolines, a foam pit and trampoline tracks.
Next to the hall there is a cafe with a play area for children, where they can relax and have a snack.
Photo: 
Photo: official website
Giant's House
If you are wondering where to go with your child in Moscow, today many unusual museums have been created here. Remember how Lewis Carroll's Alice drank liquid from a bottle and immediately shrank in size? Visitors to the Giant's House on Arbat feel the same way as guests of a wonderland.
Here the toothbrush, fork, and shoes at the entrance are impressive in their scale. Huge interior and household items create a wonderful setting for family photos. Sit on a dinner plate or hide in a shoe, the main thing is not to forget to listen if the owner has returned home.
Photo: official website
Photo: official website
4
Israeli Cultural Center named after. Goldman
ECC on Nikitskaya named after. Ralph Goldman is an outpost of Jewish culture in a unique historical district of Moscow, which combines educational programs with evenings of elite leisure. There are creative studios, exclusive concerts, Sunday family events, and various holidays, thanks to which one gets acquainted with Jewish history and traditions.
The cultural center houses Alexander Kolbovsky’s film lounge, where meetings with famous actors and directors, screenings of acclaimed films and discussions with film creators and film crew members take place.
Photo: official website
Photo: official website
5
Family entertainment club "Ostrov"
A club for family entertainment and various children's parties.
The main activity is attractions for children of all ages and their parents. There is also a cozy family cafe on site.
Matinees, birthdays, junior school graduations and New Year's celebrations are regularly held. Babysitting services are provided for the youngest children.
You don’t have to leave the Labyrinth attraction all day long: the ticket is valid throughout the day at any time. For all other attractions, tickets are purchased separately and have a certain time limit.
Photo: gorod.tc 
Photo: gorod.tc 6 Culinary school Culinaryon
Culinaryon is an entertaining culinary studio located in the center of Moscow, and today it is the largest studio of this format in Europe.
Organizes culinary courses for beginners, amateurs, housewives, teenagers and children with the participation of leading chefs from Russia and European countries. Under their guidance, learning culinary skills becomes an exciting game.
Culinaryon organizes parties, birthdays, team building events, children's parties and master classes.
Photo: Culinaryon
Photo: Culinaryon
7
Marine Aquarium at Chistye Prudy
An ideal place to introduce children to the underwater world and its inhabitants.
Here you can see small colorful fish that are treated for many diseases, shrimp, real sharks and rays, octopuses and sea anemones and more than 1000 different representatives of marine and river ichthyofauna.
Professional ichthyologists, biologists, students and graduate students of specialized universities, experienced marine aquarists will give lectures on the life of fish and marine animals.
Photo: aquatis.ru 
Photo: fb.ru 8 Planetarium
The planetarium is the first answer to the question of where you can go with your child in Moscow. This is a place where the secrets of the Universe are learned, so it never loses its relevance and interest of children. In the Great Hall there is the largest dome screen in Europe (25 m). Here, little astronauts “walk” through the remote corners of the Moon and are immersed in astronomical reality.
In the 4D cinema, kids will find themselves in the center of a hurricane, the mouth of an active volcano, or descend to the depths of the sea.
Photo: Mikhail Kolobaev
Photo: Mikhail Kolobaev
9
Family center "Ogo-gorod"
It was originally just a store that sold unbreakable plates, waterproof bibs, cold weather cream and soft rattles. Then they opened the House of Orange Cow café, a dentist’s office, and began providing consultations for parents. Now this is a large family center where you can easily spend the whole day and not get bored.
While parents buy diapers, powders, toys and drink tea in a cafe, children watch cartoons, draw, tinker with Lego, study in creative studios and line up to see the make-up artist: he paints the children like heroes of famous comics and cartoons.
Photo:
