Traveling within Russia during this time is an ideal way to blend relaxation with learning. The air is filled with the scent of blooming gardens and forests, and every region reveals a new facet of Russian culture—from ancient fortresses and modern museums to mountain trails and riverbanks. Both children and adults can do more than simply unwind; they can learn, explore, and enjoy active leisure: cycling, strolling through parks, participating in local festivals, or simply soaking in landscapes that unfold more vividly with each passing day.
This season is more than just a “vacation”—it’s a chance to renew your energy, broaden your horizons, and create unforgettable memories that will become an integral part of your springtime spirit and summer anticipation.
Why March Is the Perfect Time for a Family Trip
Family Travel with Kids
March is a special month for family getaways. Winter is no longer harsh, and spring is just beginning to peek through the window. For many Russian families, March marks the highlight of the season: spring break for schoolchildren and preschoolers. This is when millions of parents ask themselves: Where should we go with kids in March?—seeking a destination that balances comfort, safety, entertainment, and a reasonable budget.
The advantages of traveling in March are hard to overstate:
- Moderate prices: After the New Year rush and before the peak summer season, tour and flight prices drop by 20–40%. It’s a great chance to enjoy high-quality travel without overspending.
- Ideal climate in many regions: Southern countries are already warm—but not yet hot; mountain resorts still offer stable snow cover and soft sunshine; and Russian resorts are wrapping up ski season while preparing for beach activities.
- Fewer tourists: Compared to July or August, March offers a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere—especially important for families with young children who may find crowds overwhelming.
- Diverse vacation formats: Want beaches and palm trees? Done. Dreaming of skiing and mountain air? Easy. Or perhaps a cultural program in a historic city? All of this is available in March.
In this article, we’ll explore the best destinations for family travel in March—both abroad and within Russia. You’ll discover where you can already swim, where to go skiing, and where to enjoy engaging weekend excursions with museums and theater visits. We’ll also share practical tips on choosing family-friendly hotels, packing essentials, and preparing documents—so your family trip is stress-free and truly beneficial for everyone, especially the youngest travelers.
Family Travel in Russia in March: From Seaside to Museums
March is an excellent time to explore the diverse opportunities within Russia itself. Southern regions are entering pre-season, while major cities are in full cultural swing. Domestic destinations are especially convenient for families with young children: no visas required, short flights, and services tailored to local needs.
Sochi & Krasnodar Krai: Sea, Parks, and Warm Air
While Sochi’s full beach season starts closer to May, March already offers mild weather, seaside promenades, and plenty of outdoor entertainment. Weather in March: Daytime temperatures range from +10°C to +15°C, reaching +18°C by month’s end. The sea is still cool (+8–10°C) but suitable for hardy kids or brief “seaside” walks.
Activities with kids:
- Sochi Park: A themed amusement park with rides, rest areas, and live shows.
- Oceanarium: One of Europe’s largest, featuring underwater tunnels, shark feedings, and interactive zones.
- Dendrarium: Scenic trails, a cable car, and panoramic sea views.
- Aquaparks (“Galaktika,” “Moremaniya”): Open year-round with heated pools.
- Accommodation: Choose hotels in central Sochi or Adler—close to attractions and well-connected by transport. Many offer kids’ rooms, play areas, and babysitting services.
Tip: If traveling with a stroller, confirm elevator access and step-free entrances—older buildings may have level changes.
Crimea: Early Spring, Mountains, and Sea
In March, Crimea is just awakening from winter—an ideal time for peaceful, off-season travel. Nature blooms, the air carries the scent of juniper, and prices are among the lowest of the year. Weather: On the southern coast (Yalta, Alushta), daytime temps reach +10–14°C; slightly cooler in steppe areas like Yevpatoria and Saki. The sea is cold but perfect for strolls along breakwaters. Family activities:
- Livadia and Vorontsov Palaces—with child-friendly audio guides.
- Nizza Park in Yalta: mini-zoo and playgrounds.
- Gurzuf: Ayu-Dag cliffs, seaside walks, Pushkin Museum.
- Yevpatoria: healing mud treatments and “Banana Republic” aquapark (opens in March).
- Bonus: Crimea excels in wellness tourism—many sanatoriums welcome families with children as young as 3–4, offering therapeutic procedures, physical therapy, and dietary meals.
- Note: Driving from Krasnodar to Kerch takes ~12 hours, so many opt for flights to Simferopol or Sevastopol.
Moscow & St. Petersburg: A Cultural Marathon for the Whole Family
If sun and sea aren’t priorities—and you’d rather enrich your child’s mind—Russia’s capitals are perfect. March offers rich cultural programming without New Year crowds.
In Moscow:
- Museums: Darwin Museum, Polytechnic Museum, Museum of Optical Illusions, Experimentanium.
- Theaters: Bolshoi (children’s performances), “Skazkin Dom,” “Nash Teatr.”
- Parks: Zaryadye (greenhouse + observation deck), VDNKh (fountains + interactive pavilions).
- Other: Moscow Zoo, RIO Mall Oceanarium, ice skating (until early March).
In St. Petersburg:
- Hermitage: special children’s tours.
- Kunstkamera: always a hit with schoolkids.
- Peterhof: beautiful even without fountains; horse rides in the Lower Park.
- Marine Aquarium, “LabyrinthUm,” Planetarium.
- Advantages of city breaks:
- Weather-independent (most activities indoors).
- Combine leisure with academic events (e.g., Olympiads).
- Excellent logistics: metro, taxis, food delivery.
Tip: Book museum and theater tickets in advance—spring break fills venues quickly.
Unexpected Yet Cozy Destinations: Kaliningrad, Veliky Novgorod & Other Hidden Gems
For calm, meaningful travel without sacrificing depth, consider smaller Russian cities.
Kaliningrad: Blends European architecture, sea air, and history. In March, it’s mild and uncrowded—perfect for strolling old streets, visiting the Amber Museum’s “Golden Man,” or exploring knightly castles. Everything is walkable: hotels, embankments, cafes. Many properties offer weekly stays at discounted rates—especially with early booking.
Veliky Novgorod: One of Russia’s oldest cities, just a few hours from Moscow or St. Petersburg. Walk the Detinets fortress, visit St. Sophia Cathedral, and explore the Wooden Architecture Museum. Local guides offer child-friendly historical tours. Stay centrally for convenience.
Other notable Russian destinations:
- Lake Baikal (Irkutsk, Listvyanka): Best for kids 8+. March offers solid ice, dog sledding, and omul fish—but nights can drop to –15°C; prepare accordingly.
- Kazan: Mix of Tatar culture, modern parks, and history—ideal for teens.
- Yekaterinburg: “Memory” Museum (interactive zone), zoo, historic center walks.
International Resorts for Family Travel
UAE: Luxury, Safety, and Endless Fun
The UAE is consistently ranked among the world’s top family destinations—thanks to its modern infrastructure, exceptional safety, and child-focused entertainment. March weather: Dubai/Abu Dhabi: +24–30°C days, +18–22°C nights. Persian Gulf water: +22–23°C—great for swimming, especially in the morning. Minimal rain; ~9 hours of daily sunshine.
Why it’s perfect for kids:
- World-class aquaparks: Aquaventure, Wild Wadi, LEGOLAND Water Park.
- Interactive zones: Dubai Aquarium, KidZania, IMG Worlds of Adventure (indoor theme park).
- Gentle-slope beaches (Jumeirah, Al Mamzar) with pristine sand.
- Hotels offer kids’ clubs, mini-disco, animation, and special menus.
Tip: For infants under 2, look for hotels with “kids stay free” policies and complimentary cribs.
Turkey: All-Inclusive Comfort, Sea, and Hospitality
Turkey remains a favorite among Russian families for its affordability, quality service, and developed tourism infrastructure—especially in the Antalya region. March weather: Antalya averages +18–22°C. Sea is cool (+16–18°C), but many hotels open heated pools—ideal for toddlers.
Top family resorts:
- Alanya: Long sandy beaches, all-inclusive hotels, Water Planet aquapark.
- Kemer: Pine forests, mountain air, serene vibe—great for wellness.
- Belek: Premium resorts with world-class kids’ clubs, mini-zoos, and play zones.
Advantages:
- Russian-speaking staff in most hotels.
- Rich children’s menus and Russian-language animation.
- Short transfers (1–2 hours from Antalya Airport).
Important: Confirm pool availability and animation schedules—some hotels start season later in March.
Egypt: Coral Reefs, Sun, and Affordable All-Inclusive
Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh guarantee sun and sea. March offers summer-like warmth at pre-peak prices. March weather: +25–28°C days, +18–20°C nights. Red Sea: +22–24°C—perfect for swimming.
Why choose Egypt with kids:
- Shallow lagoons in resort hotels (ideal for toddlers).
- Aquaparks (Albatros, Jungle Aqua Park).
- Oceanariums and dolphin shows.
- Low-cost extras compared to other destinations.
Tip: Prioritize hotels with enclosed grounds and private beaches for safety and comfort.
Stress-Free Exotic Escapes: From Georgia to Tropical Islands
Ready for something farther? March is ideal for warm destinations—even beyond the usual suspects.
Georgia: Often associated with summer, but stunning in spring—nature awakens, mountains hold a dusting of snow, and valleys bloom. Just 2–3 hours from Moscow by air. Explore Tbilisi’s old town, Kazbegi waterfalls, and farm visits (kids love the animals!). Affordable guesthouses offer home-style breakfasts and warm hospitality. Check for kid-friendly menus in advance.
Tropics (Vietnam, Thailand, Maldives): March offers near-perfect weather—sunny but not scorching, warm seas, and lower prices than April–May. Daytime flights ease travel with children. Book full-service packages (airport meet-and-greet, transfers, meals). Don’t forget travel insurance and flexible cancellation policies.
Ski Resorts for Families in March: Snow, Sun, and Joyful Slopes
March is arguably the best month for family skiing: reliable snow, longer days, and milder sun make slopes comfortable even for beginners.
Russia: Krasnaya Polyana & Abkhazia — Close, Convenient, No Language Barrier
Krasnaya Polyana (Sochi): Modern lifts, ski schools with Russian instructors, indoor pools, and kids’ clubs (from age 2). Combine skiing with Sochi Park or the Oceanarium. Ideal for families with young children.
Abkhazia (Gudauta, New Athos): Budget-friendly, scenic, and culturally rich. Ski infrastructure is modest but sufficient for beginners and teens. Pair skiing with visits to New Athos Cave or Lake Ritsa.
Europe: Gentle March Snow & High-End Service
Austria (Zell am See, Sölden, Kitzbühel): Family-oriented resorts with playful ski schools, “family-friendly” hotels, and excellent slope grooming. March temps: +2–6°C—snow holds well.
Italy (Livigno, Cortina, Bormio): Great slopes plus Italian warmth. Livigno is duty-free and ski-in/ski-out friendly. Italians adore children—expect high chairs, kids’ menus, and smiles everywhere.
Czech Republic (Špindlerův Mlýn, Harrachov): Affordable “Swiss-like” charm. Combine skiing with a Prague day trip (2.5 hours away). Look for family pensions with home cooking.
What to Pack for Ski Trips with Kids:
Clothing: thermal base layers, waterproof jacket/pants, extra gloves, goggles. Footwear: snow boots (not just ski boots!). Safety: helmet (mandatory!), knee/elbow pads for little ones. Hotel: favorite toys, books, moisturizer (mountain air is dry).
Tip: Rent gear locally—most resorts offer quality, affordable children’s equipment.
Travel Tips for Stress-Free Family Trips in March
Choose truly child-friendly hotels: Look for kids’ clubs (age-segregated), free cribs, varied children’s menus, secure premises, and proximity to attractions.
Pack smart for your destination:
- Beach: swimsuits (2–3 sets), sun hat, SPF 50+, inflatable toys.
- Ski: thermal wear, goggles, helmet, lip balm.
- City: waterproof jacket, walking shoes, light raincoat.
- All trips: first-aid kit, comfort toy, wet wipes, copies of documents.
Get comprehensive travel insurance: Ensure coverage includes outpatient care, dental, hospitalization—and sports activities if skiing or diving.
Prepare documents early:
- Abroad: biometric passport, visa (if needed), notarized consent from non-traveling parent.
- Russia: birth certificate (under 14) or internal passport. Save digital copies in cloud storage.
Plan logistics wisely:
- Fly during daytime to preserve sleep routines.
- Pre-book transfers—especially with luggage or late arrivals.
- Bring a compact umbrella stroller—it fits in taxis and helps in airports.
- Don’t over-schedule: Kids need downtime. Aim for 1–2 activities per day, plus time for naps, free play, and quiet moments.
Conclusion: March—A Month of Possibilities for Every Family
March opens a unique window of opportunity. Whether you dream of:
- Basking in the warm sun of the UAE or Egypt,
- Teaching your child their first ski turns in Krasnaya Polyana or the Alps,
- Strolling through blooming parks in Sochi or Crimea,
- Or immersing in the museums and theaters of Moscow and St. Petersburg—
- …March offers the perfect balance: comfortable weather, moderate prices, fewer crowds, and incredible variety.
When choosing your destination, consider your child’s age, interests, and your tolerance for logistics. Toddlers thrive on routine and safety; schoolkids crave discovery; teens want freedom and activity. Honor these needs—and your trip will be joyful, not exhausting.
Remember the essentials: pick family-tested accommodations, get proper insurance, keep the itinerary light, and bring patience and good humor.
Because the true treasure of traveling with children isn’t perfect photos or checked-off landmarks—it’s the shared moments: laughter on the slopes, building sandcastles together, wide-eyed wonder in an oceanarium, or a quiet evening after a day full of adventure.
