Wandio

Begin your first morning with a gentle cable‑car ride to Narikala Fortress, where the panoramic sweep of Tbilisi unfolds like a storybook; as the car rises above the red roofs you’ll see the winding Mtkvari River, the bridge of glass and steel below, and the patchwork of Old Town lanes where Georgian balconies spill over with winter greenery. Let the kids' imaginations run as you walk the fortress ramparts—short, safe paths are easy for families—and point out St. Nicholas Church and the modern silhouette of the Bridge of Peace in the distance; keep the visit to about an hour so little legs stay fresh, and go early to avoid the late‑morning crowds and catch clearer winter air for photos. A practical tip: wear sturdy boots and warm layers—December in Tbilisi is crisp, often just above freezing—and bring a thermos of tea or hot chocolate that you can enjoy while taking in views; there’s a small kiosk near the cable car base if you need a quick snack for the children before descending back into town.

Descend into Abanotubani, the sulfur‑bath quarter, to feel the steam and see the domed bathhouses that made Tbilisi famous for centuries; even if your family skips an adult bath, the mosaic‑lined streets and the atmospheric domes are endlessly fascinating for kids who like exploring spaces that look like they belong in a fairy tale. Walk through the narrow lanes to Metekhi Church, perched on its cliff above the river, where the family can learn a little about Georgian Orthodox customs and admire the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali; the short walk between the baths and Metekhi is easy and gives a perfect blend of sensory experiences—sounds of flowing water, warm stone, and winter light on ancient façades. Practical tip: the Old Town area is compact so plan to stop every 30–45 minutes for a warm drink; many cafés will welcome children with pastries and allow a quick warm‑up out of the December air.

In the afternoon, treat the family to a whimsical performance at Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre in the Old Town; the theatre’s tiny clock tower and hand‑operated puppet shows are a joy for children and adults alike, offering brief, beautifully staged stories that capture Georgian humor and gentle life lessons in under an hour—check showtimes in advance as performances are popular and the small venue fills up. After the show, stroll across to Rike Park and the Bridge of Peace to let kids run on the open promenade while you admire the river reflections and modern architecture contrasted with the Old Town’s historic silhouette; this is a good low‑energy way to end the day so children can rest before dinner. Insider tip: pick a puppet show that fits your kids’ ages and purchase tickets a day ahead; if you miss a show, the square around the theatre still buzzes with street performers and sweet shops that make for an easy, family‑friendly evening.

Warm up at the Georgian National Museum (Simon Janashia Museum) where compact, well‑curated exhibits present Georgia's archeology, medieval treasures and the world of Niko Pirosmani in ways children can grasp; the museum includes short, fascinating displays such as a real Scythian gold hoard and reconstructions that make history tactile for little ones. Spend a couple of hours moving at a relaxed pace—plan for a focused 90 minutes to two hours so youngsters don’t get overwhelmed—and use the museum maps to zero in on the most interactive sections; weekday mornings in December are perfect for smaller crowds and more hands‑on time. Practical tip: buy tickets at the desk and ask about family rates and children’s guides—museum staff are used to families and will suggest highlights to make the visit lively and short enough for young attention spans.

After the museum, browse the Dry Bridge Market where curious collectors sell everything from Soviet toys to handmade icons; the open‑air stalls are a great place for children to hunt for small souvenirs (wooden toys or a bright Soviet postcard make memorable finds) while you soak up local bargaining culture in a friendly, informal setting. Keep the visit short and pair it with a warming stop at a nearby café for tea and khachapuri—the market is outdoors and December can be crisp, so plan a cozy stop to refuel. Money‑saving tip: bring small cash in local currency for the market—many vendors prefer cash and are happy to negotiate on set items.

In the afternoon, take the Tbilisi Funicular up to Mtatsminda Park where the city stretches below like a glittering map; the funicular ride itself delights children, and the park on the hill offers kid‑friendly rides, a Ferris wheel with sweeping views of Tbilisi, a wooden carousel and an indoor arcade area that keeps the fun going even if December brings a chilly wind. Let the kids pick two or three rides and spend the rest of the time at the playground and viewpoint; Mtatsminda is particularly magical as the daylight wanes and the city lights begin to twinkle, so time your visit to enjoy both afternoon light and early evening ambience. Practical family advice: pack a change of socks and warm layers—the hill is windier than the riverfront and children will appreciate a hot drink from the park kiosks after running around.

Drive 25–30 minutes north from Tbilisi to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and a compact, walkable town whose jewel is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral; approach the cathedral as a family with a short, engaging story about kings and relics—the cathedral’s soaring interior and colorful frescoes are accessible to children and offer a chance to explain Georgia’s deep Christian traditions in simple terms. Allow about an hour to move at kids’ pace, point out architectural details and age‑old inscriptions, and then head to a nearby café for a warming stew or khachapuri; mornings in December are usually crisp but clear, making the stone courtyards especially atmospheric. Practical family tip: the cathedral courtyard gets icy in the early morning hours during December—wear non‑slip footwear and set a relaxed schedule so everyone can enjoy the experience safely.

A short drive uphill brings you to Jvari Monastery, a 6th‑century mountaintop church that offers sweeping views over the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers and the red roofs of Mtskheta below; the walk around the monastery is short and the lookout points provide a perfect photo‑stop where kids can spot the tiny shapes of cars and river bends far beneath. Spend 45 minutes to an hour here exploring the compact site and telling simple stories about why ancient people chose such dramatic places for worship; the elevated location helps children understand geography as you point to the wider valley. Money‑saving advice: entrance to the monastery complex is modest—bring small change for entrance and for the small stand selling warm snacks on colder days.

Return to Tbilisi in the afternoon for a hands‑on cultural activity that appeals to children: join a short family‑friendly workshop that introduces Georgian crafts or churchkhela making (many small studios in Tbilisi’s Old Town run 60–90 minute sessions where kids can roll their own sweet, nut‑filled sticks). These workshops are a tactile way for children to leave with a homemade treat and a better feel for Georgian culinary traditions; book a session in advance in December because small group slots are often limited at this time of year. Practical note: confirm the workshop’s age policy when booking and ask if they provide aprons—kids love the messy, creative part and the result is a delicious souvenir.

Set off early for Stepantsminda (commonly called Kazbegi) along the Georgian Military Highway, stopping en route at the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument near Gudauri to stretch legs and take sweeping photos of the snow‑lined valley; the monument’s mosaic and the parking area make for a quick, child‑friendly stop that breaks the drive and lets kids marvel at the wide Caucasus panorama. Continue for another 45 minutes to Ananuri Fortress above Jinvali Reservoir, where ramparts and towers invite little explorers to wander safely while you point out the reservoir’s icy blue surface in December; the two stops together make the drive feel like a discovery trail rather than a long transfer.

Arrive in Stepantsminda and arrange a short 4x4 ride up toward Gergeti Trinity Church for a gentle family excursion—winter often blankets the higher paths with snow, so taking a driver is both practical and fun for kids who enjoy the bumpiness and the sense of adventure. From the drop‑off it’s a short walk to the iconic church with Mount Kazbek looming behind it, and the site’s scale always delights children; plan for hot tea and a snack in the village after the visit to warm up, and keep the outing to 2–3 hours total so it remains a joyful experience rather than an endurance test. Safety tip: hire a licensed local 4x4 driver who knows winter conditions—many operators include short guided walks and have child‑safe seating or warm blankets.

If the family still has energy, take an easy, scenic walk to the nearby Gveleti Waterfall (when accessible) or explore Stepantsminda’s small local museum and shops selling honey and local breads—these low‑effort stops let children sample local treats and meet artisans without long treks. Return to Tbilisi in the late afternoon, timing the drive to avoid heavy cloud cover and to get children back to a warm hotel; December afternoons shorten quickly, so an early start and mid‑afternoon return make for a calmer evening for everyone. Practical family advice: pack extra warm layers, hand warmers and insulated snack containers—mountain air in December is cold and the family will appreciate cozy breaks between sights.

Spend a leisurely morning revisiting any favorite Tbilisi lane, or choose a gentle activity like the National Botanical Garden where stone paths, small waterfalls and winter evergreens create a peaceful place for kids to explore without the bustle of city crowds; short trails and warm shelters make a botanical wander an easy, restorative family outing in December. The garden’s compact layout allows you to spend just an hour or two moving slowly, spotting birdlife and discovering small grottoes, and it’s a restful contrast to the mountain day. Practical tip: bring a thermos and snacks—there are limited winter kiosks inside the gardens—so kids can take breaks and stay comfortable in the colder air.

In the afternoon, choose a family‑friendly hands‑on workshop in the Old Town—options include miniature ceramic classes, icon painting demonstrations, or a Georgian pastry session where children learn to shape small khinkali or simple bread with guidance from local cooks; these experiences offer a tactile cultural connection and a tasty result that the whole family can share. Workshops typically last 60–90 minutes and are offered by several studios in Old Town; book in advance in December as small group slots fill during the holiday season. Family advice: pick a workshop that explicitly welcomes children, ask about aprons and allergy information, and combine the class with a short Old Town stroll afterward so kids can compare their creations with local examples.

Drive about 1.5–2 hours east from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi, arriving to a small, fortified town with cobbled streets and low walls where children can roam safely while you admire sweeping views of the Alazani Valley. Walk a portion of the town wall together—Sighnaghi’s compact scale makes this a fun, manageable activity for kids who often pretend to be castle sentries—and pop into the town square to sample local sweets and warm pastries from family bakeries; December light and holiday decorations make the town feel especially cozy. Practical tip: Sighnaghi’s lanes are compact and often uneven; a lightweight stroller with all‑terrain wheels or a child carrier works best if you have very young children.

Visit Bodbe Monastery nearby, a short 10–15 minute drive, where the serene garden and chapel offer a calm, sensory setting for children to learn about monastic life and to spot peacocks that sometimes roam the grounds; the monastery’s courtyard is intimate and easy to explore with youngsters, and the sheltered colonnades provide wind‑protected spots to enjoy hot tea. Spend 45–60 minutes wandering the cloister and garden, and if the weather is wet use the monastery’s sheltered areas for storytelling about Georgian saints and local legends—local guides are often happy to share short, child‑friendly tales. Family advice: keep visits short and engaging—kids will appreciate a quick scavenger‑hunt approach (find a bell, a fountain, a peacock feather) to stay motivated.

In the afternoon, drive to the nearby Tsinandali Estate (approximately 25–30 minutes), where the historic Alexander Chavchavadze house and its park are perfect for a late afternoon stroll; the small museum and the winter gardens are compact and accessible, and the estate often offers guided tours that explain Georgian aristocratic life in an engaging way for children. Allow an hour to 90 minutes to tour the house and gardens and finish with a warm local snack in the estate’s café—this calm cultural stop rounds out the day with a taste of Kakheti’s history and hospitality. Practical note: dressing in layers is essential in December as the valley can be chilly in the morning and milder by afternoon.

Begin with a family visit to Pheasant's Tears (a well‑known traditional winery in the region), where short, engaging tours introduce qvevri winemaking and show how grapes become wine in buried earthenware—children enjoy the sensory elements: tasting grape juice, seeing large vessels and wandering safe, fenced garden spaces often found on these family‑oriented estates. The visit is educational and brief (typically 60–90 minutes for families), and many estates offer a non‑alcoholic grape juice tasting for children so they feel included; call ahead to confirm family‑friendly options and to arrange a short guided tour that keeps youngsters engaged. Practical tip: pick a late‑morning slot so the kids are rested and the estate can provide a warm indoor tasting space if December winds blow.

After the estate, spend a relaxed afternoon in Telavi on your way back to Tbilisi (or use Telavi as your launch point to the airport depending on plans), where the cobbled streets and small playgrounds offer a gentle last chance for children to collect small souvenirs and for the family to savor a final Georgian meal together. If time allows, visit the local market for spices and sweets to bring home; vendors are friendly and December markets are less crowded, which makes bargaining a leisurely, educational experience for older children. End your trip with a simple ‘supra’‑style family share—ask your hosts or a local restaurant to prepare a small family‑friendly platter so children can try several dishes and you can leave Georgia with full hearts and curious young palates.