Tbilisi With Kids: A Family Travel Guide

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Discover everything to know about planning a trip to Tbilisi with kids, including family friendly activities and the top sights!

The country of Georgia is becoming increasingly popular among new travelers, including solo backpackers, couples, and families. Personally, we rapidly fell in love with Georgia for many reasons while touring the country with our daughter.

From its mountain ranges that rival the Alps and fairytale remote villages to finally, the capital city of Tbilisi that closed the deal for us.

The city of Tbilisi initially surprised us with a particularly distinct atmosphere, one that we couldn’t relate to any other major city we’ve been to. But what was even more shocking was how family-friendly it turned out to be.

While visiting the vibrant city with our daughter, we discovered the best things to do and see in Tbilisi with kids. It turns out, finding wonderful things to do in Tbilisi for families isn’t a difficult task.

In this family travel guide, we’re sharing our top recommendations and tips on how to best explore Tbilisi with kids.

Is Tbilisi a Family Friendly Destination?

From a statistics standpoint, Georgia’s youth represents just under 25% of the country’s entire population. Based on how it feels in actuality while visiting, we noticed every third or fourth person was moving around with a child or as a family.

Tbilisi is the capital and largest city in the country of Georgia and naturally, accommodates the most number of growing families in a condensed area. It only makes sense that Tbilisi is a family friendly destination for its residents, but also for tourists and visitors.

During our visit to Tbilisi, we noticed a large number of public parks within the urban area. If you’re traveling with young children, you’ll be pleased to know that playgrounds are very easy to find. In addition to the many kid-friendly museums, Tbilisi is also home to an excellent amusement park – Mtatsminda Park.

Like any major city, Tbilisi has many sides to it but is consistent with feeling youthful. Tbilisi is very vibrant and boasts a trendy energy which translates to its various attractions intended for a diverse audience.

This means that while Tbilisi is, in fact, kid-friendly, the same destination is equally as suitable and beloved by the whole family (can’t forget about parents!)

Map of Attractions in Tbilisi

The Best Parks in Tbilisi for Kids

1. Mtatsminda Park

Mtatsminda Park sits on top of Mount Mtatsminda which towers over Tbilisi below. Its main highlights include an amusement park, water slides, petting zoo, Ferris wheel, carnival-style games, and panoramic views. It is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Tbilisi for kids but also fun-loving adults.

Entrance to the park is actually free, but you must pay for rides and activities. These are charged either on a per-use basis, or you can purchase an unlimited pass for the day at the box office.

To get to the top of Mount Mtatsminda without hiking, you can take a taxi or the exciting funicular ride for around €4 each way. From Tbilisi center, the cable car to Mtatsminda departs here.

2. Mushthaid Garden

A toned down version of an amusement park can be found at Mushthaid Garden, located on the riverfront. It is vastly more low-key but just as entertaining for the kids. There are classic theme park features such as bumper cars but also train rides for even the smallest of children. The garden is beautifully shaded, which makes it an excellent choice to spend a hot summer day.

3. Tbilisi Zoo Park

Visiting the zoo always guarantees a happy time when traveling with kids. The Tbilisi Zoo is quite small, but this makes it more manageable to walk through if you’re visiting with young children.

It’s equipped with all the notable large animals and reptiles that a child could ask for plus an area with rides. Admission to the Tbilisi Zoo is also insanely inexpensive at less than €2 per adult.

4. Rike Park

This is by far the most manicured park in Tbilisi and includes a handful of features for both kids and adults. It is an urban park where you’ll find a children’s playground, wine bar, riverfront restaurants, bike paths and landmarks like the grounded Tbilisi air balloon.

Rike Park is an excellent location in Tbilisi for parents to let their kids rent bicycles or scooters as they can cruise around safely without cars.

5. Dedaena Park

Dedaena Park is a small park which packs a punch with its many significant features including a playground, dog park, and restaurant. One of its biggest attractions is the skate park, which at the time of our visit, was packed by people of all ages and walks of life (not just teenagers).

We also happened to come through this park during a weekend where a festival was held. There were food vendors, games for the kids, and stage performances. If you’re visiting Tbilisi in the summer, it’s very likely you’ll encounter local events.

6. Vere Park

Sprawling with shady trees and wide areas of green lawn, this is a relaxed city park which tends to only be frequented by Tbilisi residents. This park particularly surprised us because it was home to multiple play stations and a secret viewpoint in the back. 

You’ll want to check with the organisation beforehand, but there is also an indoor rock climbing gym which is perfect for teens.

Kid Friendly Indoor Activities in Tbilisi

1. Museum of Illusions

The quirky and crowd-pleasing Museum of Illusions is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face who visits. A gathering of visual tricks, sensory fun, and endless opportunities for hilarious photos, it’s also suitable for kids of all ages. Children under 5 years old are free, and tickets for adults cost 31.5 GEL (€11).

2. Gino Paradise

Located slightly outside of central Tbilisi and on the shore of the reservoir, Gino Paradise is a half-outdoor and half-indoor water park. This means, you can still enjoy the water park in the winter or when the weather is poor. There are water features for young kids in addition to teenagers, plus a wellness and spa center for the parents.

Tickets are purchased as a flat fee based on family size with the exception of children under five, who are free. You can view admission prices here.

3. Galleria Tbilisi

When all other plans do not work out, you can always count on taking your children to a shopping center. The Galleria Tbilisi is an enormous shopping mall in the heart of the Tbilisi and can be a convenient place to keep the whole family entertained indoors. There is a free children’s play area, cinema, and no shortage of name brand stores.

4. Experimentorium Science Museum

This science museum is especially perfect for older kids and even teenagers as the exhibits are interactive. Families can plan to visit for the museum’s scheduled laboratory experiments which can lead to a fun afternoon for both kids and parents. The guides are conveniently available in English and Russian on top of Georgian.

To make the most of your experience here, we recommend taking the guided tour which costs 39 GEL (€13).

5. Tbilisi Digital Space

The Tbilisi Digital Space is a modern art museum which showcases exhibitions of digital masterpieces. Creative and eccentric visual displays drench various spaces of the museum which allow the audience to feel like they’re part of the art pieces. This is definitely the type of museum where you don’t have to worry about your kids getting bored.

The museum also offers a discounted family ticket for two adults and two children for 100 GEL (€34).

📸 Find more things to do in Tbilisi

More Fun Things to Do in Tbilisi With Family

1. Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography

Typically, it’s not expected for kids to be thrilled about visiting a history museum, but in this case, we think they won’t mind it. Since a majority of the museum is outdoors, it doesn’t really feel like a museum, but instead, kind of like a movie set where you’re stepping back into time.

The Tbilisi Open Air Museum features traditional Georgian wood crafted homes and artifacts, including clothing, artwork, and even stone Svan towers. It is one of the best places in Tbilisi to dive head first into Georgia’s rich history and culture.

The cost of admission varies depending on if you want a guided tour and if you need it in a foreign language or in Georgian. You can expect to pay anywhere from 30 GEL to 100 GEL (€10 – €34) per person but children under 6 enter for free.

2. Meidan Bazaar

Make a brief detour below ground to one of the oldest trading posts in the Caucasus region, the Median Bazaar in Tbilisi. Its underground location is what truly sets it apart from other bazaars that we’ve visited. In present day, the bazaar resembles a tunnel and continues to sell local products, art, toys, antiques and most importantly, Georgian wine.

Finding the entrance to the bazaar in Vakhtang Gorgasali Square is half the fun but it is clearly marked with a sign. The Meidan Bazaar is completely free to visit.

3. Leghvtakhevi Waterfall

It isn’t particularly common for a capital city to have a waterfall right in the center of town. Within the collection of sulphur bath houses, there is a wooden walkway which runs along the creek.

Take a short walk to the very end and you’ll stumble upon the Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, roaring behind old town Tbilisi. Finding this slice of wild nature in an urban setting makes this one of Tbilisi’s most unique attractions.

4. Narikala Fortress

One of Tbilisi’s most recognized features of its cityscape is the Narikala Fortress. It is constructed into the hillside above the old town and is believed to be from the 4th century. Within its walls, you can also visit Saint Nicholas’s Orthodox Church, which offers some of the best panoramic views of the city.

If your family is up for a short trek, this is the perfect place to hike to from the city centre.  Or, you can take the Tbilisi Cable Car for under €1 per person. The grounds of the Narikala Fortress are free to visit.

5. Tbilisi Cable Car

The Tbilisi Cable Car is an activity on its own and sure to delight the whole family. There are a couple of different cable car rides in Tbilisi but the one that departs here, soars over the river and old town before arriving near the Narikala Fortress, Mother of Georgia Monument and the Botanical Garden.

As functional as it is, it’s completely normal to take it just for the sweeping views. If you plan accordingly, try to take the Tbilisi Cable Car back down at nightfall. The way Tbilisi is lit up at night provides a beautiful perspective on the city.

Tickets can be purchased on-site and for less than €1 per person. If you’re visiting during peak travel season or when it’s raining, expect a short wait. The cable car does not operate in extreme weather or when it’s too windy. The ride is very quick and only takes around 4 minutes one-way.

6. Kura River Tour

The Kura River begins in northeast Turkey and runs throughout Georgia and Azerbaijan before plunging into the Caspian Sea. Luckily, part of its 1,515 km (941 miles) length makes an appearance in central Tbilisi. On a sunny day, consider taking the family on a boat cruise along the Kura River to experience Tbilisi from a different angle.

Some cruises will include drinks, a knowledgeable guide and sightseeing hot spots.

7. Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi is one of the most important religious symbols for the nation of Georgia. Yet, it was only finished in 2004. As far as churches go in Europe, this is brand spankin’ new! Not only is its age a novelty, it’s also the 3rd tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral of its kind in the entire world.

8. Fabrika Tbilisi

Upon entering Fabrika in Tbilisi, it instantly reminded us of something we’d see in NYC, particularly Brooklyn. However, this complex in Tbilisi is unique in that it’s reconstructed within a former Soviet-era sewing factory.

This is perhaps why it’s so admired because a very large and unused space was transformed into possibly the hippest place in all of Tbilisi. The Fabrika space is comprised of a co-working space, various atelier, small businesses and many places to eat and drink.

While Fabrika is super trendy, it is still a great place to visit as a family. There are many restaurants with outdoor seating and enclosed spaces. If you’re a parent of a toddler, this translates to: you can have a meal while your child runs around aimlessly but safely.

9. Bridge of Peace

Functionally, this pedestrian only bridge links the new with the old town. The Bridge of Peace is the perfect physical symbol of this unity. More than anything, the bridge is known for its modern design and futuristic appearance. It is constructed out of glass and steel and shaped like a curve.

10. Mother of Georgia Statue

Also known as Kartlis Deda, the Mother of Georgia monument is hard to miss when visiting Tbilisi. It stands 20 metres (66 feet) in the sky and is one of the most imposing looking statues in the country.

The Mother of Georgia icon is of a woman in a traditional dress, holding a glass of wine in one hand and a sword in the other. It’s a simple message relating to “we can either be friends or enemies”.

The impressive monument was introduced to Tbilisi in 1958, is free to admire and offers gorgeous views of the city below.

11. Tbilisi Auto Museum

Located a tad out of the way from central Tbilisi, the Auto Museum is a fantastic option for families who have the time. It certainly isn’t included on the typical Tbilisi itinerary but very much worth visiting, especially if you’re into Soviet history and artefacts. The fascinating car collection is well preserved and includes vehicles from various decades.

For only 10 GEL (€3.50), the admission price is certainly one of the least expensive ones in Tbilisi.

🚋 Getting Around Tbilisi With Kids

To minimize the added challenges that will naturally occur while traveling with children, try to book a stay within central Tbilisi. Yes, accommodation prices will be more expensive within the city center. But, it will save you a lot of time instead of commuting from suburban areas in order to see the top sites in Tbilisi with kids.

If you are staying outside of the city centre, make sure you book accommodation that’s located near a metro station.

Metro

The metro system is comprised of two lines and is very easy to understand, especially if you’re used to taking a subway. The red line (1) is likely the most practical for tourists to know about and utilise. It stops in the most popular areas within the city centre and allows for swiftly getting from the top of Tbilisi to the bottom.

Operating since 1966, it’s also somewhat of a novelty itself if you’re curious about what a Soviet-era metro system looks like.

Tbilisi’s metro is really inexpensive and a one-way ride costs less than €0.20. You can also purchase a multiple-ride “Metromoney” pass if you plan on taking it frequently. Metro tickets are most easily purchased in-person at stations directly.

Bus

The Metromoney public transportation pass can also be used on city buses. However, one unexpected thing about Tbilisi is the heavy amount of road traffic. The bus routes and stops in Tbilisi are abundant, but the issue is that buses are going to be stuck in the same congestion as cars.

We’ve even been told by hosts in Tbilisi that it’s not the most efficient way of getting around for tourists, so we wouldn’t exactly recommend it ourselves. If you are adamant about taking the bus, you can plan your trip using this resource.

Taxi

If there’s no subway station in sight and the distance is too far for walking, consider traveling by taxi in Tbilisi. Before you dismiss this method for being too expensive, it should be known that taxis in Tbilisi are actually affordable.

Although you can hail a taxi the traditional way, using an app like Bolt (there is no Uber in Georgia) is much more convenient and transparent in pricing.

Walking

While it’s easier said than done when traveling with kids, try to walk as much as you can during your time in Tbilisi. With its many historic neighborhoods and a complete lack of a traditional grid system, there are tons of streets and whimsical alleyways that are best discovered on foot.

You’ll find hidden courtyards, boutique shops, and delicious meals being sold out of literal holes in the walls when you set off on a walking adventure in Tbilisi.

💰How Much Does Visiting Tbilisi With Kids Cost?

One of the most common assumptions about visiting Georgia is that it will be remarkably inexpensive. Depending on where you are travelling from, Georgia can either be a fantastic value or somewhat comparable to your home country.

We would personally still recommend Georgia as an affordable destination, but it’s still important to set expectations. In short, do not underestimate the cost of certain factors while planning your trip to Tbilisi with kids.

Admission & Attractions

The entrance fees to various attractions in Tbilisi range from pocket change to notable. For example, the Tbilisi Zoo will only cost you €2 per adult but the Digital Space Museum will cost around €13.

Then, unlimited rides for one day at the Mtatsminda Amusement Park will cost around €22 per person. If you’re travelling with a baby or toddler, most attractions in Tbilisi are free for kids under 3 years old.

Transportation

Transportation around Tbilisi is one of the cheapest factors. By using the metro or bus, you can budget for €0.20 per person and per ride. Better yet, plan on walking throughout Tbilisi with kids as this is absolutely free and you’ll see more of the city.

Taxi rides across town are relatively inexpensive and an average ride within the city centre shouldn’t cost more than 30 GEL (€10) for a full car. Additionally, you can opt for a taxi to get into the city from the airport. The price of a taxi ride will cost around €30 – €40 for a family.

Accommodation

Usually, the further away you are from the center, the cheaper the accommodation you’ll find. However, we’ve found that hotels and vacation rentals in Tbilisi remain a consistent level of affordability, regardless of location.

It is not impossible to find a family size room or apartment in the heart of Tbilisi for less than €100/night. There are a few factors that go into scoring a good deal such as time of year, how far in advance you book, and length of stay. Still, we consider Tbilisi one of the best places to find luxury accommodation on a budget.

Food

If you plan on going out for lunch or dinner at a sit-down restaurant, plan on spending between €10 – €20 per person. The casual eateries in Tbilisi can be much more affordable and it’s common to find a meal for €5 or less. An ice cream cone for the kids is the same price of an espresso for the parents and costs around €2 . Craft cocktails and beers are also easy to come by for around €5.

Beware of trendy traps in Tbilisi because if you aren’t careful, you may end up paying €6 for a mediocre bagel or cookie (true story).

Is Georgia Cheaper Than Turkey?

For anyone who has already traveled to Turkey and is now visiting Georgia, you’ll be the most startled by the prices. Although they are neighboring countries, the prices for virtually everything are very different.

No, Georgia is not cheaper than Turkey by any means. If you are budget conscious and traveling within the region, it’s cost-effective to spend more time in Turkey than Georgia.

🇹🇷 Read More: Best Places to Visit in Turkey for Families!

🗓 How Many Days Should You Spend in Tbilisi?

On the surface, Tbilisi isn’t a huge city. However, it is comprised of many quarters, both within central Tbilisi and in the outskirts. If you are solely interested in staying in the city, you can spend anywhere from 3 – 7 days just exploring the top attractions.

Although it can be done by solo travellers, it’s not recommended to rush a trip into anything less than 3 days while visiting Tbilisi with kids.

Alternatively, you can combine a trip to Tbilisi city with nearby destinations in the same area. Whether you choose to sleep in Tbilisi the whole time or not, you can plan day trips.

Worthy attractions near Tbilisi include the Uplistsikhe Archaeological Site, Martkopi Monastery, Jvari Monastery and the Zoological Center and Sanctuary for Bears (perfect for kids!).

Tbilisi is crawling with tour operators which depart Tbilisi on a normal basis. You can practically find transportation from Tbilisi to any notable site in Georgia. This allows you to diversify your trip to Georgia and see the country beyond just the capital city, without needing to rent a car.

👶🏻 Is Tbilisi Stroller Friendly?

If you have a baby carrier or hiking backpack, use it while visiting Tbilisi with kids. While it’s not impossible to use a stroller, you won’t be able to utilize it everywhere in the city. Old town Tbilisi is covered in cobblestone, unexpected stairways, and occasional steep hills, which are all less than ideal conditions for stroller use.

When you venture off to newer parts of Tbilisi, using a stroller becomes much more manageable on smoother and flat surfaces. However, you must still look out for very narrow walkways or sidewalks.

It’s highly recommended that you only bring a compact travel stroller that quickly collapses and is portable, if you are adamant about using a stroller.

☀️ The Best Time to Visit Tbilisi With Kids

To visit Tbilisi with kids and not take advantage of the incredible Mtatsminda Amusement Park would be a shame. While there are many reasons to visit Tbilisi when the weather is nice, Mtatsminda is one of the biggest.

Other than being able to fully enjoy all that the park has to offer, being comfortably outdoors is always easiest when it comes to travelling with kids. We can’t speak on behalf of every parent, but in our case, we’d lose our minds if we were limited to staying indoors with our toddler because of undesirable weather.

For this reason, visiting Tbilisi with kids during the cold winter season or wet spring wouldn’t be our first choice.

Tbilisi reaches its prime in the summer months with regularly scheduled pop-up events and festivals which usually take place in the city parks. However, it is possible for the city to experience high temperatures from June – August, which are also unfavourable.

We happened to visit Tbilisi in late October and the city was still thriving with things to do. Not to mention, the weather was still warm enough where we only needed a denim jacket while walking around the city. Visiting any major city during the fall months is always a safe bet.

✍🏼 More Travel Tips for First Timers in Georgia

You’ll See Stray Dogs and Cats

Georgia, overall, has many stray animals running around. Even in a busy city like Tbilisi, you’ll see the occasional feral cat or dog. For the most part, they mind their own business and are not in the habit of approaching people.

This is something to be aware of in case you have young children who gravitate towards petting every animal they see (like ours).

Learn Basic Georgian Phrases

Tbilisi continues to grow as a tourist destination, which means that English is regularly spoken within the city centre. In Tbilisi in particular, you won’t have to worry about learning the Georgian alphabet. A majority of signs are posted in English as well – phew.

Still, there will be times when you won’t be able to communicate in anything other than Georgian. The Georgian language is difficult as hell, and nobody is expecting you to become fluent overnight. However, it’s as helpful as it is respectful to learn a few basic phrases in the local language when visiting Tbilisi.

Try Georgian Food

The Georgian cuisine is severely underrated and somewhat unheard of altogether. If you haven’t done any research before your trip to Tbilisi with kids, make it a priority to try some of the most beloved Georgian foods. Khinkali, the Georgian version of a soup dumpling, is an easy crowd favorite that the whole family is bound to enjoy. Remember, khinkali must be eaten with your hands and not with utensils!

Another sure dish to win over your kids is khachapuri, a warm cheese stuffed bread that embodies the meaning of comfort food.

🏨 Where to Stay in Tbilisi With Kids

Last Thoughts on Visiting Tbilisi With Kids

Tbilisi is one of the few capital cities we’ve traveled to where most of its top attractions are, in fact, kid-friendly. Whether you’re traveling with a toddler or a teenager, visiting Tbilisi with kids is thankfully effortless for fellow parents like us.

With a good combination of both outdoor attractions and indoor activities, you can plan a solid trip that will keep the whole family happy. Tbilisi’s affordability on food, accommodation and transportation also makes it an attractive place to holiday if you are working with a budget.

Tbilisi Family Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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