Sun, Surf & Sand at Kyiv’s Sickest Summer Spot
Looking for a gnarly way to amp up your summer? Then head on over to Kyiv’s X-Park for a day of adventure and relaxation.
If you’re set on soaking up some sun but don’t feel like making the trek outside the city, why not head over to Kyiv’s X-Park on Muromets Island? Like a little slice of California in the centre of town, X-Park offers a wide variety of activities for the young and the young at heart. Nestled between the Dnipro and Desenka rivers, the 150-hectare park is sure to have something for everyone in your family. You’ll find sandy beaches, rentable cabins, jet ski & boat rentals, wakeboarding cableways, tennis and beach volleyball courts, football pitches, bike trails, paintballing, a rope park, a drive-in movie theatre, a skydiving ‘dropzone’, a sauna, a nightclub, and dozens of unique, surf-themed shops and restaurants. You won’t get bored at X-Park!
Kyiv’s ‘California’
Muromets Park has long been where Kyivans go to get out of the city all while staying in the city. Developed in 1972 as the ‘Friendship of People Park’ (Druzhby Narodiv), the 780-hectare park is home to many unique trees and animals. See if you can spot the ‘Beware of Vipers’ sign near the entrance! The distinctiveness of the recreational area has influenced appeals for the area to be incorporated into the Holosiivskyi National Nature Park – a process that is still ongoing. X-Park was developed much more recently – with tennis courts, another wakeboarding cable, and a public bath all added in the last two years. With so many recreational choices available, you might be surprised to hear that only 25% of the park has been developed!
Surf in the City
During summer, the beaches and water activities are the main attractions. Whether you want to try your hand at canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, or even yachting, you’ll be able to rent the equipment right on-site and even get a lesson. The wakeboarding cables are popular and come with instructed lessons. Don’t worry if it’s your first time, they have a beginner’s cable for those just starting! Prices range from 200 – 350 UAH/ hour, and with coaching another 150 – 250 UAH/ hour. Want to look the part? Check out one of the on-site shops to pick up the latest water gear from the world’s top brands – wetsuits, swimsuits, even board shorts are available! There are plenty of chalet-style accommodations for rent where you can gather your crew, BBQ some shish kebab, and go for a swim or play beach volleyball. If cooking isn’t for you, there are several fine restaurants to choose from; you can even end your day at the on-site night club. It’s like a little Venice Beach right here in Kyiv.
Sports Central
Of course, X-Park offers far more than just water sports. In fact, it’s become quite a hub for the city’s top-end sporting competitions. X-Park hosts the National Wakeboarding Championships, Ukraine’s National Strongman Competition, Ukraine’s Beach Volleyball Cup, international surfing competitions, paintball championships, and fitness contests. The Kyiv Children’s Tennis Academy is on-site, and X-Park regularly hosts amateur tennis, football, boxing, and beach volleyball competitions. There are also bike trails, a rope park, a boxing club, a shooting range, and even a swimming pool for those too afraid of the Dnipro water! X-Park’s not just for summer sports either; winter sports lovers can enjoy tubing, cable boarding, cross-country skiing, “ice swimming”, and skating. A new hockey rink is in the works too. Rad!
Entertainment Hub
If you’re looking to cap your wonderful day in nature with some entertainment, there are plenty of on-site options as well. From stand up comedy and music concerts to drive-in movies, you’re sure to find something to fit your tastes. Early risers may want to join the occasional kayak regatta, while athletic types will find plenty of sports tournaments open to the public. There are also shopping, dining, dancing, and bathing options to keep everyone happy – or you could just enjoy the sunset from your spot on the beach or chalet on the river. Check out the website for the latest events and head over there to see for yourself just how gnarly the site really is.
If you want to see before you go, check out the 3D tour here.
Metro: Pochaina Station (blue line)
Price: Varies
Facebook: facebook.com/xpark.kiev.ua/
Instagram:@x.park.kiev
