Active holidays with children in Tallinn. Weekend in Tallinn with a child Entertainment for children in Tallinn in winter
You can start your acquaintance with Tallinn in a classic way - with tours of the Old Town. From May to September it can be taken on the Toomas train, which departs from Town Hall Square (the excursion lasts 20 minutes).
Address: Kullaseppa, Tallinn
Opening hours: June-August – daily 12.00-17.00; May, September – on weekends
Ticket price: adults/children = 5/3 euros
Museum of Puppetry NUKU
In the very center of the city there is an interesting museum of puppetry, where dolls and puppets from different countries are presented. Interactive exhibits at the museum will help you learn the history of puppet theater art, look behind the scenes, and the most daring visitors can go to the room of horrors.
On Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m., short performances featuring dolls from the collection are held in the museum courtyard.
Room-museum of marzipans from the Kalev factory
After visiting the NUKU Museum, you can check out the exhibition of marzipan figurines, which is located very close by. Here you can watch how an artist paints marzipan, and little visitors will be given the opportunity to sculpt some figure themselves. The store offers a large selection of marzipans and chocolates for every taste. Close to cafe Maiasmokk You can try freshly baked buns, pies, delicious cakes and sweets.
Children's Museum (Lastemuuseum)
This museum contains children's toys from different eras, starting from the 15th century: trains, cars, boats, dolls and their houses, as well as old children's books and postcards. The museum has a children's corner where children can play.
Educational center "Energy" (Energia Avastuskeskus)
All lovers of experiences and experiments should go to the Energy educational center. Here you can get acquainted with exhibits dedicated to electricity, solar, fuel, hydro and wind energy, sound, optics, light and much more. You can also take part in science theater or see a virtual space show.
Science and entertainment center AHHAA (Teaduskeskus AHHAA)
Unlike the Energy center, AHHAA is more entertaining in nature. Children and adults can have a fun and exciting time here, take part in workshops on making a jet car, a DNA model from marmalade, go to a nanotechnology exhibition or watch a film in a 4D cinema.
Estonian Maritime Museum (Eesti Maremuuseum)
In the old town, in the Fat Margaret weapons tower, there is a maritime museum where you can get acquainted with maritime history, shipbuilding, see an interesting collection of navigational aids, finds from the bottom of the sea, as well as diving equipment.
Seaplane Harbor (Lennusadam)
On May 12, 2012, a unique exhibition of the maritime museum will open its doors to visitors in the air harbor, on the shore of the bay. Adults and children will be delighted by the museum's exhibits, including a submarine, a steam icebreaker, seaplanes, historical boats and yachts. The new maritime museum offers an exciting sailing trip for the whole family in a yellow submarine.
Kadriorg park
One of the most beautiful places in Tallinn can be called Kadriorg park, where the Catherine Palace, a Japanese flower garden, a pond with swans and ducks are located, and where it is so pleasant to spend a day with children.
Museum Miia Malla Manda
On the territory of Kadriorg Park there is an unusual museum for children, where you can learn a lot of interesting things about the world around you and friendship. You can make friends with nature in a room where children will see a clearing with mushrooms, an apple tree, find insects in the grass, and learn how to protect and care for nature. In the profession rooms, children can learn about a sewing workshop, a photo studio, a post office, and a butcher shop.
Tallinn Zoo (Tallinna Loomaaed)
The zoo is an excellent place for a walk; it is located on a large area in a beautiful forest. Bears, tigers, roe deer, a large collection of mountain goats, rams, eagles, owls, as well as other animals and birds live here.
Estonian Open Air Museum (Eesti Vabaohumuuseum)
Almost next to the zoo is the Estonian Open Air Museum, which displays national village buildings from the 17th to 20th centuries. It is very interesting to walk in this large park; you can look into farmsteads, see mills, meet poultry along the way, and ride horses. In the summer, especially on weekends, the museum has a very exciting program. The farms host workshops on weaving baskets, nets, dyeing wool and much, much more (see the full program on the website).
Botanical Garden (Tallinna Botaanikaed)
In good clear weather you can drive to the Pirita area, about 10 km northeast of the city center. This place is stunning with its beauty, pine forest, beach and picturesque river valley. The vast territory of the garden features more than 4,500 species of plants; you can admire orchids, roses, cacti, medicinal, exotic and other plants. It’s nice to spend the whole day in the Botanical Garden, because there are picnic areas and playgrounds.
Tallinna Teletorn TV tower
Next to the Botanical Garden there is a TV tower, from the observation deck of which at an altitude of 170 m you can see the city and the bay. Using interactive screens, you can learn about the history of the TV tower itself, watch a 3D film, and for young visitors there is a children's play corner. The TV tower also has a view restaurant.
Address: Kloostrimetsa tee 58a, Tallinn
Opening hours: May-September 10.00 – 19.00, October-April Wed-Sun 11.00 – 18.00
Ticket price: from 4 euros, children under 5 years old - free
In summer you can relax on one of Tallinn beaches(Stromi, Pirita, Harku, Kakumäe, Pikakari), where there are recreation areas, changing cabins, children's playgrounds, rental of water sports equipment, as well as food stalls.
Also in hot weather you can go to summer amusement park Vembu-Tembumaa, which is located 27 km south of Tallinn, in the city of Kurtna. Here you can sunbathe and swim in pools with many water attractions, go karting, quad bikes, electric cars, play mini golf or in the arcade, jump on a trampoline, or just crawl on the playgrounds.
You can bring your own food, there are barbecue areas.
Address: Kurtna, Estonia
Opening hours: June 1 – August 31 10.00 – 19.00
Ticket prices: adults and children – 15 euros for the whole day, children under 1 meter tall – free.
www.vembu-tembumaa.ee
***
Larisa Melnik
What to see in Tallinn for adults and children: from the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads to the Japanese Garden
The current capital of Estonia, known to us as Tallinn, has changed its name several times, and its cultural appearance has been formed under the influence of various nationalities.
Today's Tallinn is a preserved piece of antiquity, a medieval oasis that will be a pleasure to visit for single tourists and family travelers.
If you are going to Tallinn for 1-3 days, you cannot do without a planned program of visits.
There are so many attractions here that you won’t be able to see them all in a week. Therefore, we offer a kind of “Tallinn guide” that will turn the ordeal into a competent sightseeing tour.
What to see in Tallinn: main attractions
Tallinn is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. This is a cosmopolitan maritime city with over four hundred thousand inhabitants.
To better navigate here, let's first understand the areas and traffic.
Tallinn is divided into the following districts:
- Kesklinn. The city center is administrative and historical.
In addition to the Government Residence, the following are located here:
- Town Hall Square,
- Opera House "Estonia"
- Kadriorg park,
- many churches.
The Leverue Park and protected gardens are located here.
We don't need it here - it's all neighborhoods and industry.
There are few attractions.
From memorable places:
- Monastery of St. Brigid,
- Tallinn TV Tower.
- Kakumäe sea beach,
- ethnographic museum,
- the main Estonian zoo.
Now about transport.
The city has 68 bus routes, trolleybuses and trams. To enjoy all this for free, it is better to purchase a Tallinn Card.
If you don't have a Tallinn Card, you will have to get tickets from newsstands.
A trip around the town will cost you 1 euro - a bit expensive by our standards. When purchasing the coveted ticket from the driver, get ready to shell out 1.6 euros.
Russians are periodically caught by local “hare hunters” - controllers. Don't tempt fate - the fine is 40 euros.
There are two ways to save:
- Buy a 120-hour pass for 7 euros. If you come for 3-4 days, this will be enough.
- Buy a Tallinn Card. This piece of plastic is valid for 72 hours and provides the following bonuses:
- free travel;
- one “free” excursion (walking, audio guide, bicycle, bus);
- visiting 40 museums and memorial sites;
- discounts on karting, scooters and a water-sauna complex, pleasant bonuses in shops and restaurants.
The cost of the Tallinn Card ranges from 24 to 40 euros (24-72 hours).
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What is the first thing to see in the capital and its environs?
If you're heading to Tallinn for the weekend, here's our “gentleman's package”:
- Vyshgorod.
- Ancient streets;
- Toompea Hill with the castle of the same name (the oldest in Estonia);
- a lot of ancient buildings.
- House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads.
Foreign merchants who arrived in Tallinn in the 14th century united to conduct business together. And they built this building located on Pikk street. - City wall.
It is impossible to imagine Tallinn without a powerful stone wall, the height of which reaches 20 meters. - Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
A majestic temple, a key Orthodox landmark. - Toompea Castle.
The historical heart of the city. It has been beating since the middle of the 13th century. - Dome Cathedral.
White stone shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Founded in 1240. - Lower city.
Getting here is easy - go down the Toompea hill. - Town Hall.
The Gothic Town Hall is the center of the Old Town. - Tallinn TV Tower.
The tallest urban structure is 314 meters. - Kadriorg Park.
This palace and park ensemble is an echo of the Baroque era.
Tallinn is surrounded by ancient towns and villages, which also have plenty of interesting places.
This is what our “neighborhood” top 3 looks like:
- Tower Long Herman(located in Paide, Falgi tee 1).
- Jägala Waterfall. It falls just 27 km from the capital. Recognized as one of the largest waterfalls in Estonia.
- Church of the Holy Cross(also located in Paide, near Long Hermann).
So, you are passing through Tallinn and you have only 1 day to see as many interesting things as possible.
It is best to head to the Old Town - a quick tour of it will take you 2-3 hours. A more thoughtful journey can take an entire day. It's all up to you.
There is good news: Toompea is only 15-20 minutes walk away from the Lower Town.
A one-day set could be like this:
- Town Hall. We have already written about this 600-year-old building. There are a lot of souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants nearby. Be sure to check out the old pharmacy.
- Maritime Museum. Exhibits related to the Baltic are collected here:
- compasses,
- lots,
- sailboat models,
- astrolabe,
- old maps and other “interesting things”.
- Oleviste Church. Paying 2 euros will give you access to the observation deck.
- Toompea Castle. Interesting fact: the Estonian parliament now sits here.
- Kick-in-de-Kek. This tower houses a museum dedicated to the military history of the city. Entrance fee - 4.5 euros.
- Dome Cathedral. Be sure to take a look at the grave of Krusenstern - the man and the ship.
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
- Museum of Occupation. After leaving the walls of the previous attraction, you will spend a few minutes walking and plunge into the era of World War II. Entrance - 2 euros.
Having two days of free time, we will also begin exploring Tallinn from its old part - this is where the lion's share of attractions is concentrated.
The Virus Gate and the ascent to the famous fortress wall will help you immerse yourself in medieval romance.
What else is worthy of your attention this weekend?
Here is the extension for our “gentleman's set”:
- Katarina Kuik Lane. Try to find Catherine's passage here, and you will discover a nice medieval workshop - real artisans (glassblowers and hatters) work in it.
- doll house. This gallery (looking ahead) is best visited with inquisitive children.
- Museum of the Dominican Monastery. What is interesting is not so much the exposition as the guide himself - a monk in a cassock and with a torch.
- Olde Hansa store. Designed for true fans of antiquity. To get here, you need to move towards Town Hall Square. Address: Vanatutu kael, 12.
Here you can buy:
- amazing ceramics,
- dishes,
- decorations,
- 14th century clothing.
- sweetened claret (this kind of wine),
- gunpowder
- ink,
- with candles.
In the pharmacy museum you will be shown centuries-old apothecary instruments.
To make your holiday in Tallinn as eventful as possible, we will divide the attractions into groups, guided by their importance and distance from each other.
- Day 1. We begin our tourist route with a visit to the Town Hall, climb to the 64-meter observation deck and admire the beauty. Pay attention to the spire: it is decorated with St. Thomas, the guardian of Tallinn.
Then we go down to the square, go around the souvenir shops and observation platforms:
- Patkul staircase,
- bell tower of the Dome Cathedral,
- dead end of Kokhtu street.
The fourth site is located near the Maiden Tower.
It is also worth wandering around the Danish King's Garden.
Then we move to the Domsky and Alexander Nevsky cathedrals, as well as to the St. Nicholas Church.
It's time to refresh yourself at the medieval restaurant Olde Hansa, where you can taste the best Estonian dishes.
Also worthy of attention is the cafe-dining room, located on the 2nd floor of the Solaris shopping center.
- Toompea Castle,
- St. Olaf's Church,
- Guild buildings,
- Niguliste Churches,
- Dominican monastery.
From time to time you will meet mysterious establishments along the way - with pleasant aromas and girls in ancient clothes. You can have a great meal there.
- Bar Depeche Mode. This establishment is a gift to fans of the British band. All drinks are named after Depeche Mode songs.
- Pääsküla swamp. A real swamp, along which wooden paths stretch. It stretches for 4 kilometers.
- Rotermann Quarter. Located between the passenger port and the Old Town.
The former factory complex has now become a field for architectural experiments. - Hiyu-Rahu Cemetery. The smallest in the city.
- Japanese garden. Broken in Kadriorg Park.
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If you take your child with you, his delight will know no bounds.
So, we present to your attention the most interesting corners of Tallinn that are worth seeing with children:
- Museum of Photography. Located directly behind the Town Hall - in the building of the former city prison. Entrance is 2 euros per adult and 1 euro per child.
Here you will get acquainted with famous Tallinn photographers, their works and the history of the city photo studio. - Marzipan gallery. In this museum-shop located on Pikk 40, literally everything is sculpted from marzipan - including ladybugs and the Town Hall.
If desired, the child can make something himself. - Zoo. The largest zoo in Estonia has existed since 1939.
The institution's emblem depicts a lynx - this is the first animal donated to the zoo. - Engine. The bright red chugging mechanism begins its long journey on Kulaseppa Street and goes around the Town Hall Square in a wide arc.
The travel time is 20 minutes, but the children are indescribably delighted. - Vintage cinema. They say that such amazing films are shown here that children are impressed for a long time.
- Maritime Museum. It is equally interesting for children and adults.
Among the most striking exhibits are the steam icebreaker (the largest on the planet) “Suur Töll” and the submarine “Lembit” built in the 30s.
Your child will love the flight simulator, which allows you to take off into the Tallinn sky.
Estonians themselves consider Tallinn to be the cultural center of Europe. They manage to amazingly accurately preserve the atmosphere of bygone times.
In the old quarters there are even five-hundred-year-old houses that are still inhabited. It’s really worth looking at - having previously developed the route of your wanderings.
Review
To Tallinn with children
When organizing a family trip, the most important thing is to take into account the preferences of all participants in the trip. How to make sure that a holiday in Estonia with children is not too tiring for children and does not cause boredom for adults? How best to plan walking routes, what to see, where to stay, and which cafe will please you with healthy food and low prices?
What to see with a child in Tallinn
There are plenty of places in the capital of Estonia where you can go for a walk with your child. Interesting events are organized for children in many historical places in Tallinn, and at citywide historical and cultural festivals there are always rides and other entertainment.
It is worth paying attention to the cafe at the Marzipan Museum, located on Town Hall Square. Here you can not only buy cute edible souvenirs, but also take part in master classes on making them.
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Tell us about Tallinn!
For the first time I sat down to write an article immediately after returning from a trip. We returned late yesterday evening, and today I’m already typing the first lines. It doesn’t look like me, but, as they say, even an old woman can get a piece of inspiration.
In general, we have been to Tallinn many times. Not a dozen, of course. But five times for sure. We love this city special love. Here we once celebrated the most fun New Year of our lives with friends) Here we walked a lot (to taverns) and drank beer all night long) Here we wandered through the streets of the Old City and dreamed of going on our first trip with our son. And my son was already 6 months old inside and he was already absorbing the spirit of this city) As a result: it was not Tallinn at all, where we went with Gingerbread, but the importance of this place remained inviolable for us.
And so, having traveled around, while still staying, we knew that upon our return we would definitely visit Estonia. The first thing we did was buy train tickets, book a hotel and apply for visas. We kept our fingers crossed until the last moment, not knowing what the Estonian comrades would give us, because... Our kickbacks weren’t very good before. But the guys did not let us down, for which special thanks to them. Now we have annual visas for 90 days in half a year)
So, today a short story about our Tallinn with a child. It turned out that Tallinn with a child is completely different) We looked at many things from a different angle and it turned out that Tallinn is good for traveling with a child, but far from ideal. There are downsides, and they were unexpected for us. But first things first:
Road. There are several ways to get to Tallinn. By car, bus, ferry, train and plane. We usually went to this city by bus, although we tried both the ferry and the train. But because The trip was with a child; in our opinion, the optimal transport was chosen - the train. There are currently 2 trains to Tallinn, morning and afternoon. There are also 2 options for the return trip: morning and lunch. The schedule varies depending on the season and day of the week. It’s better to watch all this on the official website: http://www.gorail.ee/ru/
On the website you can see the schedule and prices. The train is small and consists of several first and second class carriages. The difference between them is small. First class has slightly more comfortable seats, a table in the middle and 2 hot drinks included in the price. We took the first class from the table so that Ian could draw on it and so on. By the way, when purchasing tickets in advance (more than 45 days, apparently) there are discounts, so carefully read the information on the website or check with official representatives.
The train takes 6.5 hours. Because There are only seating places, you need to be mentally prepared for this. Not every child can sit through such a road calmly. Fortunately, everything went quietly and smoothly for us. We watched cartoons, read, played, drew, entertained neighbors, ate and slept. In general, a standard children's set on the road) A new music book and toy were purchased in advance. So, despite my fears, the cub did not disappoint) The border is crossed right on the train, which is very convenient and does not take up extra time. Nobody checks things especially; sometimes they ask standard questions about prohibited items and the purpose of the visit. Otherwise everything is quiet, calm and very friendly.
I could have finished the story about the road, if not one thing... On the way there, we almost missed this very train) More precisely, we were late for it, but luck, coincidence and the kindness of people still helped us leave. It’s still a mystery to me how we calculated the time so correctly that we left the house 45 minutes before the train left, despite the fact that we had to go to the metro for 10-15 minutes, then by metro for 15 minutes and still walk to the station. In general, already approaching the desired metro station, we realized that we really didn’t have time.
To get to the station building, we needed to go to another line, which we hurried to do. They ran along the passage with their things, the stroller and Ian. And then a surprise awaited us! The exit to the station was closed) This could have been the end of our trip to Tallinn, because... There were about 7 minutes left before the train departed) But we decided to take a chance and ran back. Having run up the escalator, I realized that we were at a decent distance from the station (I wasn’t too lazy, looked in the maps, about 700 meters) and I decided to run alone) Remembering my youth, how I ran for school in competitions, and my experience working in tourism ( I was hoping to delay the train), I rushed
Well, more precisely, she rushed - that's a strong word, but she ran as fast as she could. I ran and scolded myself for not doing sports, cursed the heavy backpack with equipment that was pulling me to the ground, remembered how to breathe correctly when running and hoped for help from the Universe. I flew onto the platform at exactly 06.55, i.e. at the moment the train departed and took her last breath to crawl to the carriage) She crawled, but then the “simplest thing” remained, to delay the train) Well, why not? I didn’t know how far Stas ran with Ian, the stroller and the backpack, and this complicated the task somewhat) The conductor was Estonian and said: “no, I can’t do anything.”
I stood there like a fool and didn’t know what to do. I asked her, begged her, but she just shook her head. At that moment I said goodbye to our weekend in Tallinn, but at that very second I saw Stas flying onto the platform. Shouting: “Please, here they are,” I rushed almost on the neck of the conductor) I think she was a little freaked out by the picture she saw, a crazy wet man with bulging eyes, with a huge backpack, running at breakneck speed and pushing a stroller with a wildly happy child in front (of course, with such a breeze we rode), which every now and then took off above the ground from the speed) And the same crazy, wet mother, bouncing in front of her, imitating some kind of African dances. In general, she took pity on us and shouted into the walkie-talkie that -That. We burst into the vestibule at that second, the door closed behind us and the train immediately started moving. All this happened in just a few minutes. Now I’m writing and it’s like slow motion before my eyes) Well, how could we do this?
We stood in the vestibule and couldn’t catch our breath, then we looked at each other, wiped off the sweat and started laughing) It became our tradition to catch up with transport) We already ran once too) As Stas later said, we now have our own slogan: “We made it!”
When we walked through the carriage, we saw a family with a child of Ian’s age. They looked at us with their mouths open in silent amazement) And then the husband quietly said the phrase to his wife: “Look how you need to travel with children.”
Hotel. There are a lot of hotels in Tallinn. For every taste, color and budget. I don’t know about the very cheap options, but something more or less comfortable starts from 50 euros per room. Well, as usual, there is no upper limit) We lived in different hotels in the capital of Estonia, from cheap to good expensive ones, so we have some idea. We usually look for hotels Here .
On this visit we chose a very nice hotel "L"Ermitage". I’ve known this hotel for a long time, I’ve heard a lot of good things about it, but this is the first time we’ve been there. From myself I can give it a bold five. The room they gave us was very good. Large, bright, cozy. There were all the necessary attributes, such as robes, slippers, coffee, tea and a safe. And as a nice bonus, we had a personal sauna in our bathroom) The breakfasts were also quite tasty and varied. There was a baby cot in the room, and a high chair in the restaurant. So there is also everything you need for children. It takes 5-7 minutes to walk at a leisurely pace from the old town. In general, there is nothing to complain about. We felt very comfortable with the child. We can confidently recommend the hotel. A night in this hotel cost us 75 euros.
Cute bright details add coziness.
Old town. A few words about the Old Town itself. More precisely, about such a moment as moving around it with a child. We did an experiment on this trip and went not with a sling, as usual, but with a stroller. I started to get a little tired from wearing the sling for a long time. And to our joy, Ian began to love riding in a stroller, so the option suggested itself. And here we realized that a stroller is good, but not everywhere) Almost the entire old city is solid paving stones. Therefore, riding a stroller turns into an attraction for a child. I don’t know how comfortable this can be for children. Our Gingerbread somehow calmly endured this, although it always seemed to me that he was shaking him ungodly)
I’ll add a few words about the Old Town itself. He's great. Here you can walk all day and night and find something new and interesting all the time. On this visit I discovered a bunch of untrodden streets. I saw new houses, shops and atmospheric cafes. And this takes into account that we have already been to Tallinn several times. It seems to me that next 10 times I will find something new for myself.
Amazing streets of the old city.
One of my favorite places with a fabulous view of Tallinn.
In summer, the old town is especially charming. Before this, we were always in the colder season, and now I realized how much we were losing. In summer there are even more colors, even more antiquity, even more smiles and nuts) Well, where would we be without Tallinn nuts)
Tourists, artists, waiters, passers-by, children, dogs... all of this gets mixed up in some kind of continuous heap and turns into a bright positive lump moving chaotically through the streets of the old city. And it’s so cool to be in the center of all this life. Feel the heartbeat of this city and understand that here and now you are part of it.
Parks/Infrastructure. A few more words about green oases in the center of Tallinn and infrastructure for children. We didn't specifically look for any entertainment for Ian, because... We visited a couple of children’s places anyway (about them in the next article), but still often paid attention to the opportunities for walking and relaxation. Personally, we managed to visit two parks and squares. Both of them are located near the walls of the old city. One is near the train station, and the second is right next to the hotel where we lived. The impressions were very pleasant. Everything is clean and well maintained. Benches, ducks. Everything is as it should be) The only thing is that I didn’t see any children’s playgrounds anywhere in the center. I didn’t see any swings or sandboxes. But again, I repeat, we were not purposefully looking for any of this. Therefore, I do not rule out their presence somewhere outside the walls of the old city.
Food. And here is the moment of truth) What many people think about when they go to Tallinn and what has brought us to a standstill. Food. I remember all our previous trips to this city, when we rushed headlong to our favorite establishments to eat these divine soups in bread pots, marbled beef, ribs, various sausages and so on. The food in Tallinn is very tasty. Tasty, but very fatty(((Having arrived this time with a child, we were horrified to discover that we had nothing to feed him in the cafe. Absurd, isn’t it? We’ve never had such a problem in Asia, but here it turned out that in Tallinn, which is just around the corner, I still need to look for a suitable establishment.
I don’t presume to say that this is a problem in all establishments. Of course not. But we were simply not mentally prepared for the fact that we would have to go around and look for where and what to feed Gingerbread. The establishments in the center of the old city seemed to us not at all childish. They drink beer everywhere, smoke (outside at tables), crowds of people . It’s personally uncomfortable for us to sit in such a place with a child. Well, the menu is appropriate everywhere. All dishes are clearly paired with beer. Yes, it’s all delicious, but definitely not for a baby.
“Waiter, repeat please”)))
We, of course, found ways to feed our child, but sometimes this moment was stressful, because... instead of enjoying the beauty of the city to the fullest, we were in a hurry to run to some decent establishment and eat) In the end: Italian restaurants personally saved us. My favorite place was Vapiano. As I later found out, this is a chain of Italian restaurants. The portions are very large and tasty. The prices are very reasonable.
By the way, about prices. Taking into account the rise in the euro exchange rate and rising prices in general, Tallinn seemed to us not at all as cheap as before. For example, salads start at 10 euros, which is already 500 rubles. Soups from 6 euros. And hot from 12-15 euros. The exception was Vapiano. There, our whole family ate for 17 euros) So if you’re in Tallinn, be sure to stop by and see them) www.vapiano.ee
Bottom line. Well, as always, a short summary. Tallinn once again showed us how beautiful it is. We especially miss this city. Just like a person. His soul is very close and understandable to us. This city is very comfortable and calm. I want to walk and walk here to soak in this smell. Tallinn is like that. It even smells its own. Local beer, smoked meats, cinnamon and antiquity. Every stone here is as if it were alive. It seems as if you touch it and find out its history. And each of them has its own unique, inimitable story.
We tried very hard to breathe and enjoy this place for future use. We really wanted to be in this state of comfort and harmony longer. We really wanted to bring this feeling with us to St. Petersburg. After all, we miss him so much here. Tallinn gave us a charge of energy, which I hope will last for a long time) We will definitely come back here again, because... It is impossible not to return to such a city. Tallinn, we love you!
Tallinn may not have world-class children's attractions, but its entertainment program is quite enough for a weekend trip. Moreover, unlike its competitors, the capital of Estonia has quite a lot of places that you can visit with your child even in winter.
When planning a family trip, it is always important to advance all the points you plan to visit. Children, as a rule, cannot walk around the city for a long time or travel on public transport. It is important for them to see the next goal and go towards it, and not senselessly stomp around “some old city.” Our selection will help you select the most interesting places to go with your child in Tallinn. Your task is to plan your visit in such a way that on one day you visit the old city and the children's museums located in it, and on the second day 2-3 objects in the city.
In winter, it is worth paying more attention to the numerous museums, since walking in the Baltic winter weather is not much fun. In summer, on the contrary, you should give preference to walks around the old town, the zoo and other open-air sites.
You can start your walk around Tallinn with children from the zoo. Its story began with a single exhibit - a small lynx. Now the territory includes hyenas, elephants, leopards, lions, macaques, kangaroos, and rhinoceroses. The collection of mountain sheep and goats is considered one of the best in the world; the exhibition of eagles, vultures, cranes and owls also deserves attention.
In addition, the zoo has 2 adventure parks, where rope courses are located at a distance of 50 cm from the ground to make it accessible to the youngest visitors from 2 to 7 years.
Old town for children
The old town of Tallinn is the most “atmospheric” of its Baltic counterparts. The smell of roasted almonds, the abundance of cafes and disguised sellers cannot leave children indifferent. Along the way, you can show them the house where the film about “Kai and Gerda” was filmed. It’s better, of course, to first show your child a film from our childhood :)
There are many museums that children will enjoy. To give your child more patience, we strongly recommend booking a tour of the old city with professional guides. This way you will kill two birds with one stone. The child will listen to legends and stories about the old city for two hours, and you will immerse yourself in the history of the city. Any guide will help you plan your further route around the city.
Lennusadam Seaplane Museum
You simply must visit this museum with your child. It doesn't matter in winter or summer. The boys will definitely love it here!
On the open part of the Lennusadam exhibition, you can see ships and vessels of the 19th-20th centuries, visit their compartments, get acquainted with the life of sailors, and also get inside the oldest surviving underwater minelayer and learn about its combat path as part of two fleets. In addition, indoors in the museum you can:
- see the planes
- touch anti-aircraft guns
- walk through the compartments of a real submarine
- fly a plane on a simulator
- feel the power of the storm wind
- try to escape from the ship while rocking (there is a special simulator)
- learn a lot about the sea and military equipment
– perhaps the most interesting place for boys of all ages in the entire Baltics. The girls may not like it very much, but for the sake of dad and brother, you can go in exchange for shopping :)
Children's Museum Miia-Milla-Manda
In winter, the Miia-Milla-Manda Children's Museum, also located in the capital, is especially popular. There are no boring excursions or tedious lectures here; all museum events are interactive and offer the opportunity to touch and play with exhibits. The museum consists of several rooms: nature, friends, professions and a game room. Family and theme days are often held, the program of which is always captivating. The theme of such days can be holidays, countries and ordinary phenomena of our life.
Another museum that will definitely be remembered by children and adults is the Marzipan Gallery. Located in a café building, it can be a wonderful break for children tired of walking around the old town. The history of marzipan from medicine to delicacy, production, a rich collection and the opportunity to order this gourmet's dream - this is what you can expect from a visit to the free museum.
Children will be able to make their own sweet toy, while adults can drink delicious coffee and take a breather. You can order a training course, but any child can cope just fine without an instructor.
Educational center "Energy"
The educational center “Energy” will be of interest to school-age children. Its principle is learning through play. Here they will tell and show how and why lightning is formed, the principle of operation of electricity, and will allow you to conduct experiments yourself. Everything in the center is unusual, even the theater gives only scientific performances telling about the basic laws of physics and chemistry. For those interested there is a planetarium.
The capital is full of interesting museums and attractions. The NUKU Doll Museum invites you to get acquainted with its exhibition, which presents more than 100 dolls. A tour of the museum will tell you about the structure of the theater, the art of controlling dolls (there are screens installed near the exhibits, by touching which you can make the doll move). A real test of courage will be crossing the glass bridge and visiting the “Panic Room”, where the most frightening dolls are located.
Adventure park Nomme Seikluspark
Next after exploring the old town and its museums, we recommend taking your children to the Nomme Seikluspark adventure park, which has trails for both adults and teenagers, as well as younger children. They involve passing obstacles of varying degrees of difficulty. The tracks are located low, and for children they are very low, so that parents can insure their children. A couple of unforgettable hours are guaranteed!
The park is open only during the warm season.
TV tower
Offers an interesting program. Visitors can not only see the city from above, but also walk along the edge of the tower on the 22nd floor, at an altitude of 175 m.
Another observation deck is the Aero-attraction. The giant balloon lifts 30 passengers to a height of 120 m, offering breathtaking views of the Estonian capital.
What to visit with a child in other cities of Estonia?
Parnu
A unique place, which has no analogues in Europe, is the Skypark in Pärnu. For older children, the main attraction will be a complex consisting of 23 trampolines. Some of them are floor, others are wall, there is even a pool and foam. Younger children will be fascinated by the labyrinth town, where in order to plunge into the sea of balls they need to climb over various obstacles, go down a pipe and ride down a slide.
Tartu
The AHHAA Science and Entertainment Center is considered one of the most interesting attractions in Estonia for children. Science theater and workshops, planetarium and interactive exhibitions - for 3 hours you simply fall out of reality. It doesn’t matter what will be most memorable: a walk along a zip line on a bicycle, a photo of your own shadow, an anthill or water cannons - the main thing is that it is educational and a lot of fun.
Among the city's popular attractions is the Toy Museum, the collection of which includes toys from different times and nations, art and traditional dolls. In addition to the exhibition, visitors will find a games room and workshops.
And 15 minutes from the city center there is an attraction that will appeal to lovers of active recreation. This is a Rope Park, which, in addition to the usual tracks, can offer a regular rope and downhill, a sports ground and a Segway adventure - a ride on a small self-propelled vehicle.
If you don't know anything about the Ice Age, you should definitely visit the educational and entertainment center, which is located 18 km from Tartu on the shore of the lake. An excursion into the history of our planet will be interesting for adults and teenagers, while children themselves will be able to become primitive people - draw rock paintings, explore an ancient cave and play with mammoths.
And 27 km from Tartu there is the “Vudila Game Land”, which combines a water park, an amusement park, a trampoline center, motorcycle tracks, an observation deck and much more.
To get into the fairy tale, tourists should drive 62 km from Tartu to the village where the Poki live - swamp hummocks brought to life thanks to the imagination of Edgar Voltaire. The Pokumaa theme park, so beloved by little Estonians, will also definitely appeal to guests from other countries.
We advise little racers to go to Võru County, which is 77 km from Tartu. A real “Car Town” with buildings, streets, and traffic lights was built here. To move around the city, the area of which is 1200 m2, battery-powered cars are used. This is the best way to learn traffic rules and have fun.
Parnu
The resort town mainly offers active entertainment. Creative children who like to make things with their own hands will benefit from visiting the Maaria-Magdaleena Gild craft workshops. Here you can watch the process, participate yourself (after all, local studios offer classes for children and adults), and buy products.
Those who like jumping have a direct route to the UP Trampoline Center. Simple jumps and virtuoso somersaults on 200 m2 will bring pleasure to anyone. Those who prefer water activities should visit the largest water park in Estonia, Tervise Paradiis, located on the territory of the hotel of the same name.
The Laser Park invites you to become a participant in Star Wars, to experience the taste and excitement of battle, the glowing interior of which will be remembered for a long time.
12 km from the city in Reiu there is a theme park called Lotti's Country, where you can relax with the whole family.
Haapsalu
In the city in 2006, thanks to the illustrator Elon Wikland, “Ilon’s Wonderland” appeared, in which Astrid Lingred’s characters live. The unusual interior, master classes and the opportunity to be transported into fantasy made it a favorite place for children.
Otepää
Those who have chosen the sports capital for recreation can be advised to take their children to the Otepaa Seikluspark amusement park. With kids you can go to the land of ponies – “Ponimaa”, which is 7 km from the city.