Mongolia, the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky, offers vast steppes, the Gobi Desert, and nomadic culture unchanged for centuries. Experience horseback riding across endless grasslands, stay in traditional gers, and witness the ancient traditions of eagle hunting and throat singing.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park Day Trip
Mongolia's most family-friendly national park 80km from Ulaanbaatar. Children love climbing on Turtle Rock, spinning prayer wheels at Aryabal Temple, and horseback riding on small Mongolian ponies. Ger camp lunch is an authentic experience for all ages.
Duration: Full day
Horseback Riding at Terelj or Hustai
Mongolian horses are small, sturdy, and well-suited for child riders. Most ger camps and national park operators offer horses of appropriate size for children. Nomadic guides ensure safety while teaching basic horsemanship. An unforgettable experience for children of any riding experience level.
Duration: 1-3 hours
Chinggis Khan Statue Complex
Children are awed by climbing inside the world's largest equestrian statue to the horse's head for panoramic views. The underground museum with Mongol Empire artifacts and interactive exhibits engages kids aged 7+. A dramatic introduction to Mongolian history.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Gandantegchinlen Monastery Visit
Children enjoy feeding pigeons in the monastery courtyard, spinning prayer wheels, and being awed by the 26-meter golden Buddha statue. Morning prayer sessions show monks conducting ceremonies in colorful robes. An accessible introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Camel Riding in Terelj or Gobi
Riding a two-humped Bactrian camel is a unique Mongolian experience that children remember for life. Two-humped camels are very stable and comfortable for children. Available at Terelj National Park ger camps for a day trip option, or as part of Gobi Desert tours.
Duration: 30-60 minutes
National Museum of Mongolia Dinosaur Exhibits
Mongolia is one of the world's richest dinosaur fossil locations, and the Natural History Museum's collection of Gobi Desert dinosaur skeletons captivates children. Complete Tarbosaurus and Protoceratops skeletons are highlights. Combine with the main history museum next door.
Duration: 2 hours
Ger Stay Experience at Nomadic Camp
Staying in a traditional ger (yurt) surrounded by steppe or national park scenery is the definitive Mongolian family experience. Children participate in milking, learn traditional games, interact with nomadic family members, and sleep under spectacular star skies. Terelj ger camps are the most accessible option.
Duration: Overnight to 3 nights
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar's most family-friendly luxury hotel with an indoor pool, dedicated kids' menu at restaurants, and spacious connecting rooms. Concierge team expertly arranges child-friendly activities and tours throughout the country.
Family features: Indoor pool, family rooms and connecting rooms, kids menu, babysitting service on request, city-center location near main attractions
Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Central mid-range hotel on Peace Avenue with spacious family rooms and helpful tour desk. Good value for families needing reliable amenities without luxury prices. Rooftop restaurant with city views appeals to older children.
Family features: Family rooms available, central location, tour desk, reliable WiFi for entertainment
Terelj Star Resort, Terelj National Park
Family-oriented resort inside Gorkhi-Terelj National Park with both hotel rooms and traditional gers. Activities including horseback riding, cultural shows, and hiking make it ideal for families. Playground for younger children.
Family features: Playground, horseback riding, cultural performances, family gers, restaurant with kids menu
Three Camel Lodge, Gobi Desert
Award-winning eco-lodge in the South Gobi providing an extraordinary educational adventure for older children (10+). Camel trekking, dinosaur fossil sites, and meeting nomadic families create unique family memories. Age minimum 8 recommended for the remote location.
Family features: Camel trekking, expert naturalist guides, educational activities, all meals included, stargazing program
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Ulaanbaatar restaurants welcome children, and Mongolians are very family-oriented — children rarely cause problems in local restaurants
BD's Mongolian BBQ on Peace Avenue is interactive for children — they build their own stir-fry bowl from a buffet selection
Pizza Hut and KFC near Peace Avenue provide familiar comfort food for picky children after adventurous local eating
Sakura Bakery on Peace Avenue offers pastries, simple Japanese dishes, and gentle flavors that children typically enjoy
Carry snacks on countryside trips — outside Ulaanbaatar, food options are limited and meals may be delayed by travel
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Book private car and driver for countryside trips with children — flexibility to stop, rest, and adjust pace is invaluable
Bring motion sickness medication — dirt roads in the countryside create significant vehicle movement
Pack layers for all seasons — temperature swings of 20°C+ between morning and afternoon are common even in summer
Children aged 5-12 tend to enjoy Mongolia most — old enough to appreciate the experiences but young enough to be delighted by novelty