Georgia has been at the very top of my bucket list for such a long time. Located on the peripheries of Europe and officially in Asia, this country offers a diverse mix of landscapes, from mountains and waterfalls to canyons and cities.
There is even a beach in the south! We started off our trip in the capital, and it was the very beginning of our third rodeo of full-time travel. This post is all about our time in Tbilisi with kids.
Whether you live in Europe or the Middle East, there are many direct flights to Tbilisi, and it’s ideally situated, making it just a few hours away for many.
Tbilisi was one of our first stops while travelling around Georgia. We spent around 10 days, as we are travelling slowly; however, 4-5 days in Tbilisi with kids would be a good period of time.
Tbilisi is a walkable, wallet-friendly city full of green spaces, quirky cafes, and fun experiences.
Whether you’re just exploring the city or using it as a base for wider adventures in Georgia, this guide shares everything we learned while travelling around Tbilisi with kids.
Getting There and Getting Around Tbilisi with Kids
Flying in
Tbilisi International Airport is small and super manageable. We arrived and found the touts at the exit trying to charge 10 times what a ride should cost. Download Bolt and order your ride through the app – it’s safe, affordable, and reliable.
Getting Around
Bolt works well across the city and is especially handy when little legs get tired. But don’t underestimate how walkable Tbilisi is!
You can cover a lot of ground on foot, even with kids in tow.
Local SIMs
Buying a local SIM was incredibly cheap and easy. We picked one up in town at Magti, which is one of the regional networks.
It’s also super handy to get data before arriving with a e-sim on Airolo. it’s a hassle free way to get data from the minute you land.
Where We Stayed in Tbilisi With Kids
We opted for an Airbnb in the Marjanishvili neighbourhood, on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, just a few blocks north of Marjanishvili Metro Station, an ideal location in Tbilisi with kids.
Nestled in a previously industrial district that has been revitalised into a creative, family- and traveller-friendly hotspot, which gave us space to spread out and cook meals.
The neighbourhood felt safe, had easy access to shops and parks, and gave us a more local experience in Tbilisi with kids. You’ll find everything from modern apartments to charming older homes.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Tbilisi
1. Ride The Narikala Cable Car To The Botanical Gardens
Tbilisi offers several cable car routes, which kids will love for the novelty and stunning views. The most popular one goes from Rike Narikala Park to Narikala Fortress.
We visited on a Sunday, so there was a bit of a queue to get on. Make sure to bring cash, it’s one of the few things in Tbilisi that don’t accept cards.
The views of the Holy Cathedral and the old town below are amazing while riding up. Once we reached the top, we saw the massive Mother of Georgia statue before making our way back down to the ground through the beautiful botanical gardens. There is a small admission charge.
We wove through bamboo-lined pathways, waded in a stream, and got some fantastic views of Tbilisi, especially the old fortress.
The end of the botanical gardens leads directly into the old town in Tbilisi, so it’s ideal to head there for lunch.
2. Take a Thermal Bath
Tbilisi’s famous sulphur baths in the Abanotubani district are a must-do cultural experience, and yes, you can enjoy them even with kids! While the public baths typically require full nudity and are gender-separated, many bathhouses offer private rooms that are perfect for families.
These rooms feature traditional hot and cold plunge pools, tiled interiors, and sometimes a steam room or sauna.
You can book them by the hour, making it a relaxing and authentic way to spend an afternoon in Tbilisi with kids. It’s a unique sensory experience the whole family will remember, especially on a chilly or rainy day.
3. Visit Mtatsminda Park
Mtatsminda Park sits high above Tbilisi and is one of those places that can be spotted from almost anywhere in the city.
It’s home to a classic amusement park with everything from a giant Ferris wheel to bumper cars and small rollercoasters.
We took the funicular railway up, which felt like an experience in itself as it climbed steeply past rooftops with sweeping views of the city.
At the top, there’s no entry fee to get into the park itself, but you’ll need to get tickets from the box office for the rides.
There are plenty of food options too, from casual cafes to snack stalls, so it’s easy to spend a few hours in this part of Tbilisi with kids. There’s a lot to keep them entertained, and if you’re visiting on a clear day, the views are some of the best in Tbilisi.
We rode the cable car back down, which was a great way to see the city from a different angle. If you’re up for it, there are also walking tracks that wind down through the wooded hillside if you fancy an adventure.
4. Swim At Tbilisi Sea Club
Tbilisi Sea Club is a brilliant option for a summer day out with kids. It’s located a short distance from town, but getting there is straightforward with a Bolt.
The only catch is that it can be harder to get a Bolt back, so it’s worth planning or expecting a bit of a wait when you’re ready to leave.
The facilities are great for families. There are big swimming pools, fun water slides, and access to the cool water reservoir where you can swim.
The diving board into the open water was a massive hit with the kids and adults alike. Just a heads-up: the water can be quite chilly, even in the height of summer, so bring a towel.
Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, and this policy is strictly enforced. That said, the café on site offers a variety of good food options so that you won’t go hungry.
It’s easy to spend most of the day here relaxing, swimming and letting the kids burn off some energy.
Since it’s so close, you can also tag on a visit to the Chronicles of Georgia, a vast and dramatic monument that towers over the area and feels like something straight out of a fantasy film.
5. Run Free At Playgrounds and Parks
Dedaena Park was the one we kept coming back to the most during our time in Tbilisi with the kids. It has a relaxed feel, with a mix of open space, a skate park, and a decent playground.
When we visited, food trucks were set up for a beer festival, which added a bit of atmosphere without feeling too busy.
The real highlight for our kids was the water fountains. They ended up running through them almost daily, and it became a bit of a routine. If you’re visiting Tbilisi with kids during warmer weather, it’s worth knowing about and bringing a spare set of clothes.
We also visited Vake Park, one of the largest green spaces in the city. It features large tree-lined paths, grassy areas, and several playgrounds, making it a great option for a quieter afternoon.
Mziuri Park is another good option, smaller and a little more secluded, with shaded paths and areas to play.
Altogether, Tbilisi has a good mix of parks and open spaces that are easy to slot into your day, especially with younger kids who need a break from walking around.
6. Day Trip From Tbilisi With Kids
We took a day trip to Signaghi, located in the eastern part of Georgia, a small town in the Kakheti region known for its wine and stunning views across the Alazani Valley.
On the way, we stopped to see traditional Georgian bread being made in a clay oven, which was a simple but engaging experience for the kids.
Once in town, we had lunch at Shio’s Restaurant, which served excellent Georgian food with an incredible view over the valley below.
The food was among the best we had during our time in Georgia. After eating, we spent some time walking along a section of the old town wall, often referred to as the Great Wall of Georgia.
There was also a small playground in the town that the kids enjoyed, giving them a chance to burn off some energy.
We concluded the trip with a visit to Bodbe Monastery, also known as Nina Monastery, situated in peaceful gardens just outside the town.
The mix of food, fresh air, open space and a bit of history made it a good balance for a family day out.
Book a Day trip to Signaghi here.
7. Take A Zipline Adventure in Tbilisi With Kids
One of the more adventurous things to do in Tbilisi with kids is the zipline from Turtle Lake down to Vake Park. It stretches over a kilometre and offers a fast and scenic ride above the trees with great views.
The starting point is near Turtle Lake, and the zipline ends in the lower part of Vake Park, making it a great addition to a visit to the park or the nearby playgrounds.
It is best suited for older kids and teens, as it has a minimum weight requirement of around 30 kilograms.
Two people can ride side by side on parallel lines, making it fun if your kids want to ride together or if a parent wants to ride alongside.
The zipline is open seasonally, usually from spring through to early autumn.
8. Boat Ride on the Mtkvari River
Taking a boat ride on the Mtkvari River is a simple and relaxing way to see a different side of Tbilisi. Most trips last around 30 minutes and run from the Rike Park area, passing under the Bridge of Peace and along the edges of the old town.
It’s a good option for a short break from walking, especially with younger children. You pass a number of key sights along the way, including Metekhi Church, the cliffside houses, and the sulphur bath district.
Many of the boat operators allow small children to ride for free. Some include free seats for children under three, while others do not charge for children under ten, although this can vary slightly depending on the company.
It is worth checking in advance or asking when you arrive. The boats usually leave regularly throughout the day and do not require advance booking unless you are looking for a private or evening tour.
It is an easy and low-effort outing that works well in the middle of a busy sightseeing day, especially when the weather is warm in Tbilisi with kids.
9. Explore Tbilisi’s Foodie Scene
One of the most enjoyable parts of spending time in Tbilisi as a family is the food. The city offers a mix of traditional Georgian dishes and international options, making it easy to find something for everyone, even if you are travelling with picky eaters.
Bazaari is a good example of a modern food court done well. It offers a diverse selection of cuisines under one roof, featuring Georgian classics, Asian dishes, burgers, and vegetarian-friendly meals.
Tbilisi’s bakeries are something you will notice quickly. On nearly every corner, you will find small local shops with traditional bread being baked in a clay oven called a tandoor.
The bread, known as puri, is served straight from the oven, often too hot to hold without extra paper. It is common to see people walking through the streets carrying a fresh loaf of bread.
It is simple, warm, and very easy to enjoy, even if it is not the most balanced food. Still, it is a key part of daily life in the city and definitely something to try.
We also spent time at Fabrika, which has a mix of cafes and small food spots in a large open courtyard. It’s a relaxed place in the evenings, with ample space to sit and eat without feeling crowded.
Our favourite spot to eat in Tbilisi with kids was Fabrika’s Farm restaurant, a venue with a diverse menu that catered well to both adults and children. There was an open kitchen where you could see meals being prepared. The kids enjoyed the food, and there was room for them to move around, which is always a plus.
Traditional Georgian food tends to be quite filling, featuring a lot of bread and cheese; however, there are a few lighter dishes worth trying.
The dumplings, known as khinkali, are popular and typically filled with meat, cheese or mushrooms. They are eaten by hand and serve as a good introduction to Georgian cuisine for children.
For a cooking class on how to prepare the two iconic Geogian dishes of Khinkali and Khachapuri click here.
The spinach and walnut paste called pkali is often served as a starter, along with similar versions made from beetroot or other vegetables. These are a bit more unusual but feel lighter than many of the bread-based dishes.
Georgian food also features a significant use of walnuts, so it is essential to be cautious if anyone in the family has a nut allergy.
Alongside all the local options, Tbilisi also has no shortage of international food. We had good Thai food, vegan food, and plenty of other choices without having to go out of our way.
In Conclusion….
Tbilisi with kids was surprisingly straightforward. The city is walkable, featuring numerous green spaces like Dedaena Park and Vake Park, and offers enough variety to keep things interesting without feeling overwhelming.
From cable cars and boat rides to fresh bread pulled straight from the oven, there was always something to enjoy.
Highlights of Tbilisi with kids included Mtatsminda Park, the fountains at Dedaena, and a day trip to Signaghi in the wine region.
While there are a few things to be aware of, such as smoking in public and stray dogs, overall, a family trip to Tbilisi with kids is a solid choice. I’ll be sharing more ideas and tips in my full Georgia with kids guide soon.
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