Turkmenistan is a fascinating Central Asian nation known for its surreal marble-clad capital Ashgabat, the mesmerizing Darvaza Gas Crater (Gates of Hell), and ancient Silk Road cities. This mysterious country offers a unique blend of Soviet-era grandeur, traditional nomadic culture, and vast Karakum Desert landscapes.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Ashgabat Hippodrome Sunday Horse Racing
An unforgettable family experience watching the legendary Akhal-Teke horses race on Sunday mornings. Children are typically fascinated by the golden-coated horses and festive market atmosphere. Races run 10AM-2PM most Sundays.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Kow-Ata Underground Lake Swimming
A spectacular family adventure descending 267 steps to swim in a warm 33-37°C underground lake inside a dramatic limestone cavern. The therapeutic mineral waters are safe for children and the cave environment is genuinely impressive.
Duration: 3-4 hours including travel
National Museum of Turkmenistan
The country's premier museum with fascinating exhibits including the Golden Man of Margiana, dinosaur fossils, ancient Parthian artifacts, and the world's largest carpet collection. Older children find the Bronze Age and medieval Silk Road sections particularly engaging.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Awaza Caspian Beach Resort
Turkmenistan's family beach resort on the Caspian Sea with calm shallow water ideal for young children, three outdoor pools, a kids club, water sports, and beach activities. The summer resort holiday option for families.
Duration: Full day or multi-day
Ancient Merv UNESCO Site
Exploring 2,000-year-old Silk Road ruins at one of history's greatest cities sparks children's historical imagination. Teenagers particularly appreciate climbing the earthen walls and exploring the vast archaeological landscape.
Duration: 3-4 hours at site
Independence Park Fountain Evening
An evening walk through Ashgabat's grand Independence Park when the choreographed fountain shows and illuminated white marble architecture create a magical atmosphere. Children love the fountains and wide open spaces for running.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Yyldyz Hotel
Ashgabat's premier hotel offers family suites, an outdoor pool, multiple restaurants with children's menu options, and impeccable service. The central location makes family sightseeing logistics easy.
Family features: Family suites, outdoor pool, children's menu, 24-hour room service, safe central location
Awaza Yyldyz Hotel
Turkmenistan's best family beach resort on the Caspian Sea with a dedicated kids club, three outdoor pools, shallow beach entry, water sports, and all-inclusive dining option for simplified family budgeting.
Family features: Kids club, 3 outdoor pools, private beach with shallow entry, water sports, all-inclusive option
Sport Hotel
Adjacent to Ashgabat's Olympic Complex, this hotel is perfect for active families with an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, sports bar, and extensive fitness facilities. Children love the sports facilities.
Family features: Olympic pool, tennis courts, sports activities, spacious rooms, good restaurant
Oguzkent Hotel
Centrally located luxury hotel with indoor pool, spa, and comfortable family rooms. The indoor pool is particularly valuable during summer heat. Good on-site restaurant with varied menu for picky eaters.
Family features: Indoor pool, spacious rooms, central location, good dining
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Turkmen restaurants welcome children warmly — family dining is central to Turkmen culture and children receive attentive service
Plov (rice with lamb) is generally child-friendly; somsa pastries are excellent for children who prefer simple flavors; shashlik chicken skewers are widely available
Turkmenistan's melons and fresh fruit are outstanding and make excellent healthy snacks for children at bazaars
High chairs are rare outside the top hotels — bring a portable booster if traveling with toddlers
Children's set menus are not common — order smaller portions of adult dishes or ask if half portions are available
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Best months for families are April-May and September-October — avoid summer extreme heat (40°C+) which is genuinely dangerous for young children
All long-distance travel requires advance planning — hire cars with child seats must be requested specifically at the time of booking with a licensed local agency
Bring entertainment for long drives — Darvaza Crater is 260km each way on rough roads; tablets with downloaded content are essential
Pack comprehensive medical supplies including rehydration salts, sun protection (SPF 50+), and any prescription medications — medical facilities are basic outside Ashgabat