Prostokvashino

If you're looking for a place where city bustle gives way to rustic comfort, be sure to visit **Prostokvashino**. This interactive petting zoo, located in the heart of Yekaterinburg, offers a unique way to interact with animals. Spanning about 350 m² in the Sverdlovsk Mall, it’s a bright and clean space where every guest can feel a connection with nature.

Prostokvashino Zoo. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Unlike traditional zoos, barriers here are kept to a minimum. This is a place in Russia where you can do more than just observe the inhabitants; you can truly become friends with them: pet fluffy rabbits, scratch kids behind the ears, or hand-feed curious piglets. All the residents — from miniature guinea pigs to the majestic spurred tortoise — have a friendly disposition and are used to human attention.

A high rating of **4.6** and numerous positive reviews confirm: **Prostokvashino** is not just a zoo, but an island of genuine emotions. It provides ideal conditions for family vacations, where children learn to care for animals and adults get a rare chance to relax and return to a carefree childhood for a while.

To find out more about visiting or booking holiday events, you can contact the **Prostokvashino** administration directly. The zoo is active on social media, where it shares news about the lives of its residents.

The main reason to visit **Prostokvashino** is, of course, *tactile interaction* with animals. You can hold tiny chicks, feed funny goslings with vegetables, and hug friendly ferrets. Zoo staff are happy to talk about the habits of each resident and teach you how to pet them correctly and handle the babies gently, making the visit both pleasant and educational.

For active young visitors, there is a full-scale **children's playground**. Kids have access to a multi-level maze, a huge trampoline, slides, and swings. For those who prefer quieter activities, there are zones for kinetic sand modeling, sand drawing, and even mini-fishing. Older boys and girls will surely enjoy *air hockey*.

If you want to capture these joyful moments, you can book a professional **photoshoot** with the animals at the zoo. Additionally, **Prostokvashino** is a great place for hosting children's birthdays: you can rent a hall, organize a celebration surrounded by fluffy friends, and give the birthday child plenty of unforgettable memories.

Finding **Prostokvashino** is easy, as it is located in the **Zheleznodorozhny District**, on the 3rd floor of the **Sverdlovsk Mall**. The main landmark is the **Northern Bus Station**, which is directly opposite the mall. Thanks to this location, the zoo is very convenient for tourists arriving in the city by train or intercity bus.

The fastest way to get there by public transport is by metro. You need to go to the *Uralskaya* station, which is just a few minutes' walk from the shopping center. Numerous buses, trams, and minibuses also run in this direction, stopping near the station and the Sverdlovsk Mall.

If you prefer comfort, you can take a **taxi** — the trip from the city center will take about 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. For those arriving in their own car, there is *convenient parking* right at the shopping center.

While the **Prostokvashino** petting zoo itself is a modern entertainment project, the history of zoological facilities in Yekaterinburg dates back to the early 20th century. As early as 1912, the city public actively discussed organizing permanent zoo exhibitions, which eventually grew into a rich tradition of appreciation for wildlife in this industrial region.

The modern format of *interactive communication* presented by Prostokvashino marks a new stage in this tradition. Unlike old-fashioned zoos with cages, this one implements an open-space concept where animals are not just objects of observation but active participants in human interaction.

The zoo's location inside a large shopping center reflects a modern global trend of creating "nature oases" within urban environments. This allows city residents and tourists to experience rustic comfort without leaving the metropolis, making the project a significant social and educational site for the city.

You should set aside approximately **2–3 hours** to visit this cozy corner of nature. Experienced visitors note that time flies here, especially when children get engrossed in interacting with the animals or playing on the playground.

If your goal is only to meet and feed the pets, one hour might be enough. However, given the *play area* with trampolines and mazes, young guests usually don't want to leave before spending a couple of hours of action-packed relaxation.

The zoo doors are open to guests daily, without breaks or days off, making it easy to plan a visit even with the busiest schedule. On weekdays (Monday to Friday), **Prostokvashino** awaits visitors from **11:00 AM to 9:00 PM**.

On weekends — Saturday and Sunday — the zoo opens slightly earlier, operating from **10:00 AM to 9:00 PM**. This is an ideal time for a leisurely family outing, where you can spend as much time interacting with the animals as you wish.

A stroll through the area surrounding the zoo can be an excellent continuation of your day in **Yekaterinburg**. Proximity to transport hubs and large shopping areas opens up many opportunities for further leisure, especially if you are traveling with family.

Exploring nearby entertainment centers will allow you to compare different leisure formats and find activities for every taste — from active games to educational attractions. Here are some interesting places located nearby: