Things to Do in Uzbekistan with Kids

Uzbekistan is certainly not one of the most widely known travel destinations in the world, but its unique history at the heart of the Silk Road makes it a beautiful and fascinating country to visit.

From the desert ruins of ancient settlements to the dazzling patterns of Samarkand’s medieval architecture, Uzbekistan is a dream destination for historical and cultural tourism.

If you’re planning on traveling to Uzbekistan as a family, you might be wondering if Uzbekistan is a child-friendly destination. The good news is that Uzbekistan is a very safe country and a great destination to visit with children. In this guide, you’ll learn all about the best things to do in Uzbekistan with kids.

Is Uzbekistan Safe for Family Travel?

As Uzbekistan is a country bordering Afghanistan, a naturally occurring question is that of safety. You can rest assured that yes, Uzbekistan is a safe country to visit with children. There is little petty crime here, and the threat of terrorism is very low.

The travel advice of many governments, including the US and UK, is that Uzbekistan is safe to visit. In fact, the US department of state classifies Uzbekistan as a ‘Level 1’ country, in the same category as Finland and New Zealand.

Anecdotally, walking around the parks in the evening, you’ll see children playing carefree into the night, way past their bedtime!

Best Things to Do in Uzbekistan with Kids

Discover Uzbekistan’s Rich Islamic Architecture

From the majestic madrasas of Registan in Samarkand to the magnificent minarets of Bukhara and Khiva, Uzbekistan has hundreds of places of historical interest. Mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, minarets, palaces, and fortresses seem to be on every street of its main tourist cities.

Uzbekistan has 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and 4 of these are cultural sites, packed with beautifully decorated Islamic structures. Even young children who are too young to understand their cultural relevance will be amazed by the sheer sight of the Bibi Khanym mosque or the beauty of Lyabi Hauz pond.

Explore Ancient Archeological Sites

A combination of earthquakes and the destruction caused by invading armies, such as the infamous Genghis Khan’s Mongol Empire, means much of Uzbekistan’s remaining historical architecture dates from the Middle Ages onwards.

There are however many archeological sites in Uzbekistan, especially in the west of the country in the region of Karakalpakstan. Visitors are allowed to wander freely, giving children the opportunity to let their imagination run wild as they explore the ancient ruins of sites like Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala, which date back to the 1st century AD.

If interested in exploring these historical sites, a guided tour of Uzbekistan can be tailored to suit the needs of a family.

Parks and Amusement Parks

While historical sites may captivate adults, a week of visiting them could pose a challenge for kids, especially younger ones. Fortunately, every city in Uzbekistan boasts at least one green park, and most feature amusement rides like dodgems, Ferris wheels, and mini roller coasters.

The capital city Tashkent is particularly well-suited for this. It boasts over a dozen parks, offering a range of experiences from the relaxing Botanical Garden or Japanese Garden to the excitement of go-karting or roller coasters at Anhor Lokomotiv.

Tashkent’s Magic City is Uzbekistan’s mini version of Disneyland, while Ice City is an indoor complex featuring ice and snow-themed rides—a perfect spot to escape the summer heat for a couple of hours. All parks offer either free entry or very affordable admission fees.

Ski Slopes

If you’re visiting Uzbekistan in winter, consider heading to Amirsoy, the country’s most developed ski resort, for some family winter fun. Ski passes are incredibly affordable, with child passes starting from just $12 for a full day!

Less than a 2-hour drive from Tashkent, the resort boasts 11 slopes of various difficulty levels and offers classes for beginners. Additionally, visitors can enjoy roller skating, rock climbing, quad biking, and hiking during other times of the year. Plus, there’s a spa available for tired parents!

Savitsky Art Museum

The Savitsky Art Museum in Nukus houses a collection of art that was banned by the Soviets and hidden away in the remote region of Karakalpakstan by Ukrainian artist Igor Savitsky. Now open to the public, the museum displays hundreds of avant-garde paintings and sculptures.

Without any background knowledge, it’s hard to understand why these works of art were banned and a trip to this art museum is as much a historical lesson as a creative one. It’s more suited to teenagers than younger children, especially aspiring artists.

Stay Overnight in a Traditional Yurt

Yurts were more commonly used by the nomadic cultures in neighboring countries like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, but they also existed in Uzbekistan.

There are multiple places to stay in a yurt, but one of the most popular options is the yurt camp in Nurata, close to Aidarkul Lake and the Nurata Mountains. In addition to hiking and swimming in the lake, visitors can enjoy camel rides, traditional entertainment from local folk singers, and a desert campfire under the stars.

Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan with Kids

As Uzbekistan experiences a continental climate, it can get extremely hot in the summer and bitterly cold in the winter. Unless you’re planning a winter activities trip, the best time to visit is in spring or autumn. April, May, September, and October are popular months for tourism.

Even during the peak tourist season, it never gets so overcrowded as to detract from your trip, but pushing your visit just outside of the main months can significantly reduce the number of tourists. This allows you to enjoy tourist attractions with more space and potentially find cheaper hotel rates.

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