Vinnitsa Central City Park

In the heart of Vinnytsia, a carousel has been spinning children around since 1948. Those who rode it as toddlers have long been bringing their grandchildren here — and it’s still going.

Welcome to Central City Park — the green heart of Vinnytsia, where Soviet-era rides sit alongside trampolines and a planetarium, and the Ferris wheel lifts you above the city skyline. The park is almost 90 years old, and in that time it has survived occupation, multiple restorations and three different names.

Location card

What it is and why visit

Central Park is Vinnytsia’s main public recreation space. Everything is here at once: tree-lined promenades, the Raduha cinema-concert hall, a stadium, an ice rink, a city planetarium and dozens of rides. In warm months the «Sonyechko» and «Syurpryz» carousels, a chain swing ride and the Ferris wheel all spin away, while right alongside you’ll find modern trampolines, air hockey, a shooting gallery and battery-powered kids’ cars.

It’s a genuine all-ages spot: rockers and slides for toddlers, thrill rides for teens, and pure nostalgia for adults who were brought here as children themselves. People come for an hour or stay the whole evening.

History: from a garden to Leonovych Park

The park was established in 1936, when a former city garden was transformed into a Soviet-style «Park of Culture and Rest». Following the tradition of the era it was named after Russian writer Maxim Gorky — a name it held for decades.

During the Nazi occupation in World War II the park was essentially destroyed. After the war it was rebuilt, and it was then, in 1948, that the carousel which still runs today was installed. From 1969 the park went simply by «Central», and in 2020 it was renamed after Ukrainian composer Mykola Leonovych — the creator of «Shchedryk», the folk melody known worldwide as «Carol of the Bells».

The park’s oldest attraction — the 1948 carousel — is older than most of the buildings around it and older than the name «Central» itself.

What to see and do

Ferris wheel. A classic vantage point with views over central Vinnytsia. Best enjoyed at dusk, when the city lights up below you.

Retro carousel, 1948. The very one that has outlasted generations. Small, simple — and special for exactly that reason.

Planetarium. Shows about the night sky — a great option if the weather turns or you want something educational for kids.

Modern entertainment zone. Trampolines, inflatable slides, air hockey, a shooting gallery, battery-powered cars — everything for children of all ages.

Getting there

On foot. The park sits in the city centre, so it’s an easy walk or a few stops by public transport from the train station or the main streets.

Public transport. Trams, trolleybuses and minibuses all serve central Vinnytsia — look for stops near the park.

By car. Paid parking zones operate in the centre; it’s more convenient to park nearby and walk the rest of the way.

Traveller’s checklist

• Cash or card: rides are paid separately; ticket prices are affordable.
• Timing: head to the Ferris wheel and carousels in the evening for the best atmosphere.
• Travelling with kids: budget extra time — leaving with a child in under half an hour is wishful thinking.
• What NOT to count on: all rides operating in winter — many are seasonal only.

Frequently asked questions

How much does entry cost?

Entry to the park grounds is free. Only the rides are paid — tickets are bought separately for each attraction.

Is the park suitable for young children?

Yes. There are rockers, inflatable slides, cars and carousels for toddlers, as well as quiet promenades suitable for prams and strollers.

Why is the park named after Leonovych?

Since 2020 the park bears the name of Ukrainian composer Mykola Leonovych — the author of «Shchedryk» (known globally as «Carol of the Bells»). Before that it was called Gorky Park, and later simply Central Park.

When are the rides open?

Most rides operate during the warm season; hours depend on the weather and day of the week. The Ferris wheel and some other attractions are available for longer periods.

Central Park in Vinnytsia isn’t competing with themed mega-parks — and it doesn’t need to. Its strength lies elsewhere: one carousel here remembers three generations of visitors, and every summer new attractions add stories that will one day become someone else’s nostalgia.