Travelling in Armenia with Kids

Armenia warmly embraces children, seamlessly weaving them into the fabric of everyday life. The culture places a high value on cherishing its youngest members, be they locals or visitors. And there’s plenty to do to keep them busy. Whether it's the enchanting fountains in Yerevan, the puppet theatre in Gyumri or the adventures waiting outside the capital, an Armenian journey promises delights for the entire family. Here are some insights for families travelling with kids.

Fun and Free (in Yerevan) 

Every night between the spring and fall, Yerevan's Republic Square transforms into a colourful, sensory display. The rainbow-coloured spouts of water come to life, dancing and singing, and captivating young and old alike. While children are not allowed to jump in this fountain, the dancing fountains at Seasons Park and the park dedicated to Yerevan’s 2800th Anniversary are open for splashing around!

Living a Fairytale

For the little ones, exploring Armenia's ancient monasteries and fortresses feels like stepping into a real-life fairy tale. Enhance the magic by immersing your family in the past, donning traditional "taraz" (Armenian national dress) for a nostalgic photoshoot. Spend a night in the enchanting tree-houses of Lastiver to complete this fantastical experience.

Adventures Abound

Thrill-seeking kids will find excitement in southern Armenia, where the Wings of Tatev, the world's longest reversible cable car, awaits. Cross the swinging bridge of Khndzoresk together for an extra dose of adrenaline. From ziplining and horseback riding at Yell Extreme Park, to testing coordination at the Verev rope park, or biking at Boo Mountain Bike Park, there's no shortage of adventure. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy sledding, skiing, and snowmobiling in Yeghipatrush, Tsaghkadzor, Lernanist and Aparan’s MyLer Resort. Ice-skating rinks pop up in Yerevan and Gyumri during the winter months! Outdoor rock-climbing opportunities in Hell’s Canyon and the children’s indoor wall in Gyumri await the fearless!

Amusement

If your family loves a good time at amusement parks and fun zones, Armenia's got you covered. Yerevan Park is packed with exciting modern rides, both indoor and outdoor. Victory Park takes visitors on a blast from the past with its mix of vintage and modern rides. Visit the famous spots in Yerevan with a tour bus ride or check out the endangered and exotic animals at the Yerevan Zoo! When summer hits, head outside for Water World’s cool vibes or have your kids’ jump their extra energy out at the indoor trampoline parks.

Ecotourism

For nature-loving families, Armenia is the spot. There's a mix of hiking options, from colourful forests to dramatic mountains, cold alpine lakes, and meadows of wildflowers. Explore the best routes on the handy Hike Armenia app, available in multiple languages. Lots of tour companies and hiking groups arrange trips on the weekends from Yerevan. They post information on their websites and social media about the dates and routes. You can join for a reasonable fee, usually between $10 and $20. They take care of transportation and provide a guide, so all you need to do is show up and have fun. Some groups even have special hikes just for kids.

There’s plenty more outdoor fun to be had – camp by Lake Sevan's Wishup shore, take a canoe out at sunset and jump into the water! Go rafting down the Debed River, explore the flowers of the unique Dendropark in Stepanavan, check out the climbing wall and zipline at LorE Adventure Park, or just relax with a picnic in the Yerevan Botanical Gardens. Armenia's all yours to explore.

Get creative

Armenia's robust tradition of handicrafts, including jewellery making, pottery, rug weaving, and doll making, invites kids to explore their creative side. Check out this list of arts and crafts opportunities curated by the Smithsonian museum for little hands.

Other Considerations

• From a safety standpoint, Armenia boasts a remarkably low crime rate, ranking as the ninth lowest globally according to 2023 statistics. 
• Locals often stay out late with their children, enjoying the warm summer nights until midnight. 
• Some resorts, including those in Aghveran, Tsaghkadzor and Jermuk, offer childcare services at affordable rates. You can take a break while your kids have a blast engaging in the hotel’s organised activities. 
• Taxis, available through convenient apps, are inexpensive, providing a practical solution for tired little legs.

So bring your kids along for the ride when you visit – this is sure to be a family adventure you won’t forget!