As Kyiv basks in sweltering hot weather, with the temperature rising to 30 degrees, the city offers plenty of outdoor activities to escape, or enjoy, the summer heat.
Go for a workout
To get some fresh air, a suntan, and stay fit all at the same time, go for a work out in the oddest gym in the city: Kachalka. This vast outdoor gym center, located near the metro station Hydropark, was built in the 1970s by local fitness enthusiasts.
Most of the gym equipment is made from machinery chains, scrap metal or even vehicle parts. It is free. And for those who want to exercise with friends, an open beach-volley court is located on the beach nearby.
Kachalka Hydropark. At the exit of the metro station, turn right. Then cross the pedestrian bridge and the gym is to the right. Open 24/7.
Play paintball
Playing paintball is a great way to have fun with friends. In Kyiv, there are several places to play, with a range of weapons and playing locations. Players have to buy from 200 to 500 paintballs. 200 paintballs (Hr 190–230) is enough for a bit more than an hour’s play, and 500 (Hr 385–425) will make the game last three to four hours.
Planeta. Hydropark. 1 Peredmistna Slobidka Island. 10 am — 7 pm +38044 599 5050
Ganz. 1 Akademika Hlushkova Ave. Pavillon No. 21. 8 am — 9 pm +38067 204 0707
Have a swim
For those who prefer less energy-consuming activities, Kyiv boasts a range of outdoor pool clubs where residents and tourists can have a swim in clear water and escape the urban crowds. From Hr 50 to Hr 350, visitors can rent a chaise-longue
for a day and sunbathe on a beach or beside a pool.
Sandali. 3 Parkova Rd. Mon- Thu, Sun 9 am — 9 pm Fri-Sat 9 am — 2 am +38097 631 0000
Uzhnyi Bereg Kyieva
(UBK). 11 – 6 am Trukhaniv Island. +38098 928 4913
City Beach Club.
17B Antonovycha St. 9 am — 12 am, +38066 629 5555. On the 7th floor of Ocean Plaza Mall.
Cruise on the river
Those who would rather be on the water than in it can go to Kyiv’s Riverside Station and take a cruise along the River Dnipro. “Kyiv Panorama,” one-hour trips to Paton Bridge depart from 10 am to 8 pm when the ship is full. A three-hour long party is also offered every evening for Hr 200. Departure is at 8 pm.
Riverside Station.
Near Poshtova Square, along Naberezhno- Khreshchatytska St., 10th pier, +38044 227 6076, +38098 995 1399
Get on your bike
To see Kyiv’s beautiful buildings, biking is an excellent alternative to a cruise. Bicycles can be rented in many parks or the city center for Hr 75–150 per hour. It is cheaper to rent a bike for a day or a weekend. For a more unusual ride, rent a Segway
for Hr 50 per 5 minutes or book a Segway tour in Mariinsky or VDNH Park. Renters may ask for an ID document as a deposit.
People ride their bikes as they participate in The Spring Festival Retro Cruise 2018 in Kyiv on May 12. (Volodymyr Petrov)
Bike rentals. More information on www.veliki.ua/en or www.velokrat.com/en/
Segway Tour Kyiv. Mariinskiy park, in front of the Summer theater, (+38067 795 1427) or 1 Akademika Hlushkova Ave. (+38063 157 7714). More information on segway.com.ua
Take to the sky
For special occasions or to simply get some nice view, there are a lot of different options for flying in Kyiv and the surrounding area. Hot air balloons are the best options for couples or friends who wish to have a great view of the city and landscape around. Prices depend on whether a customer is alone and joins strangers (Hr 2,000 per person), or if someone books a balloon for themselves (Hr 6,000 for a couple, plus Hr 1,000 per person). For even more thrills, check out the parachute or paragliding clubs less than two hours away from Kyiv. For paragliding, beginners can find paragliding clubs in the village of Khodosivka, 10 kilometers from the Pivdenny bridge. With a pilot, a flight will cost Hr 900–1,100. Visitors can arrange
travel to the field with the club or take bus No. 309 or No. 735 from Vydubychi metro station.
Kyiv aeronautical society (hot air balloons). 1 Kosmonavta Komarova Ave. The main building of National Aviation University.
+38044 406 7700 [email protected]
Kyiv Club of Aeronautical Sports Pilot (hot air balloons). 27 Vyacheslava Chornovola St. Office No. 227. +38044 227 7376. [email protected]
Kyiv Paragliding Club AERO (paragliding). Khodosivka village. +38050 330 0236
Skyclub (paragliding). Khodosivka village. +38067 954 1790
