Summer is a wonderful time to get out of the city, at least for a day, to spend time with the whole family in nature and take a break from the hectic pace of everyday life. In our challenging times, it is especially important to find opportunities to restore inner strength, and for children – to gain new experiences, connect with their parents, and discover the world around them not through a phone screen, but in real life.
Jewish tradition has always taught a person to treat the world around them with care and respect. Caring for animals is seen as one of the important components of moral education, and the ability to see the beauty and harmony of the world created by the Almighty helps a person cultivate gratitude and responsibility. This is precisely why encounters with animals often become part of the educational work of Jewish institutions. For example, similar programs are regularly held at the “Beit Zindlicht” preschool center of the Dnipro Jewish Community. However, a brief introduction during educational activities cannot replace full-fledged interaction with living nature. Summer provides a wonderful opportunity to use every free day to show a child the richness and grandeur of the world created by the Creator.
One interesting place for such a family trip is the Yelyzavetivka Horse Farm and Ecopark, located near the famous Blue Lakes, about a forty-minute drive from Dnipro. Here, the tranquility of rural nature, a spacious territory, and the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals in conditions as close to natural as possible all come together.
The main residents of the farm are, of course, horses – remarkably intelligent, calm, and noble animals that have accompanied humans for millennia. In addition to them, you can see deer, kangaroos, ostriches, pelicans, peacocks, swans, raccoons, friendly donkeys, ornamental goats and sheep, as well as many other animals and birds. For modern city children, such an encounter becomes a true discovery. The opportunity to observe animals up close, see their behavior, and interact with them directly helps them feel a living connection to nature and sparks genuine interest regardless of age.
Modern psychologists note that interacting with animals and spending time in nature helps reduce emotional tension and anxiety in both children and adults. It is no coincidence that hippotherapy and other forms of interaction with animals have long been used in psychological support and rehabilitation programs. Of course, a simple walk on a horse farm does not replace specialized sessions, but a few hours spent among nature, calm animals, and fresh air can be a good way to emotionally recover and feel inner balance, which is especially important in current conditions.
Another advantage of such a trip is the ability to organize your own meals – this option is available not only for Jewish tourists, as all visitors are asked to bring thermoses with drinks and snacks, since a full kitchen is not yet operating on the premises. For Jewish families who observe traditions, this is especially convenient, as you can bring kosher food and have a family picnic, fully complying with the requirements of kashrus and established family traditions.
The trip can easily be arranged for a few hours or for a full day. In addition to walking around the grounds independently, you can book an introductory tour, during which the farm staff talk about their animals, the specifics of horse care, their personalities, and the history of the ecopark’s creation. The spacious green area and close interaction with the animals also create excellent conditions for a family photo shoot, allowing you to preserve warm memories of your shared time together.
The complex is located in the village of Yelyzavetivka, 137 Soborna Street (formerly Kominternu), near the Blue Lakes. Before your trip, it is advisable to call and confirm the current hours, ticket prices, and the availability of guided tours.
For inquiries, please call: 098 887 42 00.
