Family Activities in Shymkent

November 5, 2026

Parks and Rides

Shymkent has plenty for children, and most of it is outdoors, so plan around the heat. Summer highs reach the mid 30s C and can pass 40 C. Go in the morning or after about 18:00.

Jailaukol Park is next to the zoo. It has a lake with boats and catamarans and the Altyn Eye Ferris wheel. Fantasy World is an amusement park with a Ferris wheel, a pirate ship, go-karts and trampolines. Ken Baba park dates from 1908 and has swan ponds, rides and pavilions of national cultural centres. ShymCity Park opened in 2024 beside the Kazyna complex, with a lake, fountains, playgrounds and a skate park.

The Zoo

The zoo is at Baidibek Bi Avenue 113/1. A 2022 report listed 600 KZT for adults, 300 KZT for children from 6 to 17 and free entry under six. Visitors mention lions, Siberian tigers, an Amur leopard, hippos, giraffes, zebras, camels, ostriches, a crocodile and many birds. Feeding is not allowed. Hours are reported from 09:00, with closing at 18:00 or 19:00, so check at the gate.

Water on Hot Days

Fontan Aquapark on Respublika Avenue 6A opened in 2018 and has seven slides. A 2023 listing gave adult tickets at 5,000 to 7,000 KZT and child tickets at 3,000 to 4,000 KZT. Kausar and Sun City aquaparks cost less in 2023 listings. Check opening dates, because aquaparks run in summer. Children must be supervised at all times around pools.

Circus and Indoor Options

Shymkent Circus opened in 2012 near Abay Park. It has about 1,200 seats and a faceted gem-shaped dome. Look up the current programme and pick a show without animal acts if that matters to your family. When it is too hot or cold, Mega Planet and Shymkent Plaza malls have a cinema, an arcade and indoor skating.

Culture for Older Children

The Kazyna ethno-historical complex has a miniature alley of regional landmarks and the Baidibek Bi monument, about 23 m tall including its pedestal, on a high point in the north of the city. The Retro Garage classic car museum is a good wet-weather stop. Shymqala, the old town museum, suits children who like towers and tunnels, though parts of it are worn.

Practical Tips

City buses cost about 100 KZT and taxis run through Yandex Go. Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Pickpockets work markets and crowded buses, so keep bags zipped. Most cafes have child portions of plov and samsa. For entry rules for children, read the FCDO entry page , and for park details see the Welcome.kz sights list . Family tours are listed on Viator .