Family Activities in Astana, Kazakhstan
Family activities in Astana
Astana is a planned capital of wide plazas, big malls and heated indoor attractions, which suits families with children, particularly in the long cold season. There is no large municipal zoo, so animal time means small private venues and the oceanarium. Prices are in tenge (KZT), and many are secondary reports, so check before you go.
Sky Beach Club at Khan Shatyr
The indoor beach inside the Khan Shatyr tent reopened on 1 May 2026. Air temperature is about +30C, which makes it a favourite on a minus-30 January day. An adult ticket is 20,000 KZT, a child ticket is 12,000 KZT and under-3s are free. Prices are the same on weekdays and weekends, and towels and robes cost extra. A club post suggests hours around 10:00 to 21:00, but confirm them before you travel. Read the 2026 price report on digitalbusiness.kz .
Ailand oceanarium
Ailand, on the Korgalzhyn Highway, has an oceanarium with a 70 m tunnel. Venue reviews suggest it was operating in summer 2026, though prices, hours and feeding times are not confirmed. The aquapark closed on 1 September 2025 and is being rebuilt as an indoor entertainment centre, so there are no waterslides to plan around. Ailand has also announced a 65 m Ferris wheel and a dinosaur-themed Jungle park, but their current status is unconfirmed, so call ahead.
Animals on a small scale
The Noah’s Ark mini-zoo sits in the Park Astana mall on Turan Avenue, and there are small contact zoos in malls such as Saryarka. These are small private animal venues for toddlers and young children, not a city zoo, so keep expectations modest.
Mega Silk Way
Mega Silk Way on Kabanbay Batyr Avenue is a large mall that is reported to have an ice rink, a cinema and the Happylon children’s play park. Hours, prices and which cinema operates are not confirmed, so check the mall’s website.
Central Park
Central Park on the Right Bank has playgrounds in summer. In winter, ice slides and skating areas are set up seasonally. Locations and prices change each year. Never let children onto the frozen Ishim outside the marked municipal rinks.
RedBus double-decker
The RedBus city circuit lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, with departures at 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00. Adults pay 6,000 KZT and children 3,000 KZT. A spring 2026 free-child offer has ended. Roof access depends on the weather. See the RedBus listing .
Cold-weather rules for kids
From about November to March, temperatures fall far below freezing and wind chill can cause frostbite on exposed skin in minutes. Dress children in layers with hats, mittens, face cover and insulated boots. Plan outdoor spells of about 20 minutes between indoor stops, and take spare mittens. In summer, temperatures often reach 25 to 35C, so pack sun hats and water.
Getting around with children
The Tarlan Astana light rail opened in May 2026 and costs 200 KZT a ride. City buses cost 110 KZT with a card or QR and 220 KZT cash until 30 November 2026. Yandex Go is the main taxi app, so check that a child seat is possible for your ride. Compare tickets and family tours on GetYourGuide .
Read more: Activities in Astana and animal activities .