In July 2024 we went to the Lower Park of Peterhof with our two sons (5 years and 1 year 5 months) and my mother‑in‑law. In this note I describe what to consider when planning a family visit.
The State Museum‑Reserve “Peterhof” is a vast museum and park complex that includes 33 museums and 4 parks.
Yes, that’s not a typo. Thirty‑three museums are located across the museum‑reserve territory in Strelna, New Peterhof, and Oranienbaum. The museums are very different: there are classic historical and everyday life exhibitions as well as modern interactive spaces. Also, by the way, New Peterhof has a children’s center called “New Farm.” I’ll definitely tell you about it in one of my next posts.
So, what should parents keep in mind when preparing a visit to Peterhof? Let’s figure it out.
Where to look for information about opening hours?
Only on the museum’s official website and its social media accounts! Some museums close during rain or high humidity, and access to the parks can be restricted in bad weather. You can follow current updates on the museum’s Telegram channel.
What to bring with you?
I can’t make a universal packing list, so I’ll draw attention to the non‑obvious points.
The Lower Park has prank fountains: an entertainment from Peter I’s time where park guests are suddenly doused with water. On a hot day this is a great way to cool off, so it’s worth taking at least one towel and sets of spare clothes.
A weekday morning, so it’s not crowded. This is the “Umbrella” fountain, also known as the “Mushroom”
There are food stalls in the parks where you can buy sweets, hot dogs, and drinks. There are also a cafe and a restaurant. A main dish in the cafe costs on average 350 rubles.
We brought snacks with us and also visited the cafe because we walked longer than we had originally planned.
There are plenty of benches in the park, and despite the ban on walking on the lawns, there are places where visitors sit on the grass, including with picnic blankets. For example, on the beach near the pier or in the eastern part of the park closer to the border with Alexandria Park. So, if you really want, you can arrange an impromptu picnic. Remember, however, that guards may make a remark and interrupt the meal.
The eastern part of the Lower Park near the border with Alexandria Park
On a hot day you’re unlikely to need warm clothing, but in overcast weather the bay can be windy, so a windbreaker or sweater won’t be superfluous.
Also, there are many spoiled and bold squirrels in the park that like nuts. Cups of nuts can be bought at food stalls (about 200 rubles) or brought from home.
Instruction from the State Museum‑Reserve “Peterhof”, source: the museum’s VK group
How much do tickets cost?
A separate ticket is required for the Lower Park and for each museum object. Check prices on the official website; you can also buy tickets online there, which is relevant in high season.
An important nuance: be sure to bring a Russian passport, because without it you will have to pay the full ticket price. If children are older than 7, bring their birth certificates. Various discounts and free‑admission days are provided; information about these is also available on the website.
How to get to Peterhof?
We drove from our dacha almost at the opening of the Lower Park because I wanted to show the family the turning‑on of the fountains. This uplifting spectacle can be seen every day at 10:00, when the head fountain operator uses a special key to open the water supply to the Grand Cascade.
There are several parking options near the Lower Park; in high season it can be hard to find a spot, so consider side streets and courtyards nearby.
In a previous post I wrote that for small children the travel time to the museum is crucial: the closer, the better. Peterhof is quite far from the city center, and there is only one way to get there quickly (and also beautifully and expensively) — by hydrofoil from the pier at Palace Square. The trip takes about 40 minutes. It’s a great option; the water trip sets the mood and will surely give impressions to all family members. But of course it’s an expensive pleasure. If you choose this option, please note that a ticket for the Lower Park is not included in the hydrofoil fare.
You can also reach Peterhof by:
• suburban train (elektrichka) from Baltiysky Railway Station or other stations on that line heading toward Oranienbaum
• buses from metro stations on the red line.
Both options work; travel time is about an hour. From the Peterhof station to the entrance of the Lower Park you can either walk (about 30 minutes) or take a bus.
Keep a close eye on the little one. After being at the dacha it’s hard to restrain the urge to explore the world
Accessibility
The museum website has detailed information about entrances with ramps, as well as info on inclusive tours and accompaniment.
There is no mother‑and‑child room in the restroom in the eastern part of the park near the Roman Fountains, so I changed the baby where we needed to.
Paths are covered with gravel, so it can be a bit hard to push a stroller at first. Overall, staff at the entrance are friendly; families with strollers go through a special turnstile.
Near the border of the Lower Park
What to tell children about Peterhof
Peterhof, almost the same age as Saint Petersburg, is a unique place where you can talk about human genius, engineering structures, architecture, recall myths and legends, and enjoy the beauty of man‑made nature. Conversation topics will depend on children’s ages. With my older son we discussed how the fountains work, while the younger one happily watched the water jets. Both enjoyed the squirrels and pigeons. You can return to Peterhof every year and each time find something new for yourself.
Features of visiting Peterhof’s small museums
Both inside the Lower Park and beyond it there are various museums. They are located in historic buildings, which affects the layout of exhibitions and the organization of visits. In some museums, visits are possible only as part of an organized group; in others you can view the exhibition on your own. Small museums usually have limited space, so it can be hard for active children to follow all the rules and restrictions.
Up‑to‑date information about visiting conditions is published on the museum‑reserve website. If it’s your first time in Peterhof, it’s comfortable to stroll through the park and visit just one museum.
Museums and fountains that may interest preschoolers
The list is not exhaustive. I haven’t yet taken the children to the small museums because the toddler moves very fast and wants to touch everything, and my older son is more interested in places with interactive exhibits.
Fountains:
1) prank fountains, including the Water Road (activated daily at 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00)
2) “Favoritka,” where a pug unsuccessfully tries to catch ducks
3) the Grand Cascade and the “Samson” fountain
Museums:
1) the Museum of Fountain Affairs
2) the Museum “The Tsar’s Amusements”
3) Grottos of the Grand Cascade
