As autumn’s golden leaves begin to fall, cities and towns across Russia are buzzing with energy, preparing a vibrant lineup of events to keep children and teenagers engaged during the school holidays. In Sochi, a city famed for its Black Sea coastline and mountain resorts, the upcoming autumn break from October 25 to November 2, 2025, promises to be anything but ordinary for local youth and visiting families.
According to Sochi24, the city’s administration has unveiled a comprehensive program designed to blend relaxation, cultural enrichment, and hands-on experiences for school-aged children. The initiative aims to ensure that the holidays are not only a time to unwind but also an opportunity for personal growth, skill-building, and community involvement. "Holidays are not just for rest, but also for doing good deeds," city officials emphasize, setting the tone for a week packed with possibilities.
Central to Sochi’s autumn holiday agenda are specialized day camps operating at six educational institutions. These camps are set to welcome 548 children, providing them with structured activities under the guidance of experienced teachers. The camps will offer a variety of workshops, educational games, and creative projects, ensuring that every participant finds something to spark their curiosity and enthusiasm.
But the opportunities don’t stop there. More than 200 teenagers will have the chance to participate in temporary employment programs, gaining practical work experience and, for many, earning their first official salary. This initiative, highlighted in Sochi24’s coverage, reflects a growing recognition of the importance of early career exposure and financial literacy for young people. It’s a chance for teens to dip their toes into the world of work while contributing meaningfully to their community.
One of the standout projects this season is "City Adventures," an educational program that invites students to explore Sochi’s mountain resorts and delve into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Through guided excursions and interactive activities, participants will discover the stories behind local landmarks and traditions, fostering a sense of pride and connection to their hometown. The program is designed to be both fun and informative, blending sightseeing with hands-on learning.
The city’s cultural calendar is equally impressive. Sochi’s youth will have access to a diverse array of events, many of which are available through the Pushkin Card, a state initiative that offers young people free or discounted admission to cultural institutions. Highlights include a lecture-concert titled "Excursion in the world of the Big Band Sochi orchestra," the "Children. Presentation" festival, and theatrical performances at the New Theatre of Sochi and the Winter Theatre. The latter is also offering a special tour, "Secrets of the Winter Theatre," promising to reveal the hidden corners and backstage magic of one of Sochi’s most iconic venues.
For movie lovers, municipal cinemas will be screening a selection of children’s and family films throughout the holiday week. These screenings provide a cozy, communal space for families to come together and enjoy stories on the big screen—always a hit when the autumn weather turns chilly.
Sports enthusiasts are not left out, either. The city’s GTO standards stadium on Parkovaya Street will host a series of athletic events, where participants can test their skills and strive to meet the physical fitness benchmarks set by the national program. City parks, meanwhile, are rolling out active recreation options, from animated film showings to health and wellness programs and creative master classes. It’s an all-hands-on-deck approach to keeping kids moving, learning, and having fun.
Sochi’s renowned mountain resorts are joining the festivities with special offers. The Krasnaya Polyana Resort is giving guests who book accommodations complimentary walking tickets, encouraging families to explore the scenic trails and crisp mountain air. Over at Rosa Khutor, a "3 in 1" special tariff for residents of the Krasnodar region bundles together cable car rides, a visit to the Museum of Archaeology, and lunch—a deal that’s sure to tempt locals looking for an affordable day out.
And the celebrations don’t end with the school break. Sochi Park is extending the autumn festival season until November 16, with a whimsical event dedicated to the birthday of Baba-Yaga, the legendary Slavic folklore character. The festival promises themed entertainment, interactive games, and plenty of surprises for children and adults alike.
Meanwhile, in the Tver region’s village of Olenino, young leaders are also stepping into the spotlight. On October 21, 2025, the House of Children's Creativity hosted a gathering of active youth from the first teams of Olenino and Molodovsky middle schools, as well as representatives from Mostovskaya, Glazkovskaya, and Rogalevskaya schools. The event, reported by Tver News, was opened by Anastasia Lebedeva, the deputy head of the Olenino municipal district administration and head of the education department. She expressed gratitude to the students for their dedication to advancing the key initiatives of the First Movement in the district.
The meeting focused on organizing activities for the first teams, with participants brainstorming new ways to engage their peers and strengthen their schools’ extracurricular programs. It’s a clear sign that, even in smaller communities, youth engagement and empowerment are top priorities. Lebedeva’s words captured the spirit of the occasion: "Thank you for your active work in developing the key areas of the First Movement in the Olenino municipal district."
Back in Sochi, civic participation is also on the agenda. On October 27, 2025, the city will hold elections for the youth council, giving young people a direct voice in shaping local policies and programs. It’s a chance for students to step into leadership roles, advocate for their interests, and learn firsthand about the workings of municipal government. For many, it may be their first taste of democracy in action—a formative experience that could shape their engagement for years to come.
Across these diverse regions, a common thread emerges: a commitment to making the autumn holidays a season of discovery, creativity, and community. Whether through cultural excursions, sports competitions, career opportunities, or civic engagement, cities like Sochi and Olenino are investing in their youth—not just as future leaders, but as active participants in the life of their communities today.
As the leaves continue to fall and the days grow shorter, the message is clear: there’s no shortage of ways for young people to make the most of their autumn break, whether they’re scaling mountain trails, taking center stage in a local theater, or casting their first ballot in a youth council election. The season may be fleeting, but the memories—and the lessons—promise to last much longer.