Underhill Earth History Park, Pidhiria

Underhill Earth History Park is a large open-air theme park in the village of Pidhiria near Bohorodchany, about 25 km from Ivano-Frankivsk, right at the foot of the Carpathians. The idea is simple and very child-friendly: in one walk you travel from the first volcanoes and oceans to the appearance of humans. Around 8 hectares are dotted with monumental, life-size figures of prehistoric animals, with play and learning areas in between. If you are looking for a day out with kids near Ivano-Frankivsk, Underhill is one of the most popular choices.

What to see

The heart of the park is the work of the brothers Taras, Dmytro and Bohdan Pylyponiuk, who have been creating monumental sculptures for more than twenty years. Mammoths, a bison, a cave bear, a giant deer, a crocodile, a pterosaur and an armoured glyptodont line the paths, and every one of them makes you stop for a photo. The park’s symbol is the “Mammoth Family” group, while at the entrance a big UNDERHILL sign held up by stone hands rises above a lavender field.

• life-size sculptures of prehistoric animals;
• the Museum of Civilisation with artefacts from ancient cultures;
• “Country Passport” – a zone about Ukraine’s regions and their traditions;
• a fair square, a souvenir shop and places to rest.

Things for children to do

Underhill was designed above all for families. On a purpose-built dig site children pick up tools and search for the “remains” of ancient creatures – and for the Kofryk coin, the park’s own currency, which can be swapped for small treats. At the children’s driving school little ones take the wheel of mini cars and learn road rules on a safe track. There is a playground with swings and slides, and the animal zone is home to a tiger, lions, ostriches, Cameroon sheep and monk parakeets that are fun to watch up close.

For school groups and families the park offers 40–60-minute guided tours and quests such as “Following the Mammoth”, “Dino Expedition”, “Treasures of the Nation” and “The Park’s Crystal Secrets”, plus a mystical tour after 6 pm for older children. In summer the park often hosts festivals and themed events; the calendar is posted on the website and on Instagram @parkzemli.

Practical information

Address: 1 Sahaidachnoho St, Pidhiria village, Ivano-Frankivsk region. Phone: +38 098 848 98 11, website underhill-park.com.ua.

Opening hours: Monday–Friday 10:00–20:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00–21:00; open all year round.

Prices: entry UAH 350 for adults and children from 4; reduced tickets at 50% off; free for children under 4, orphans and children of soldiers killed in the war. Buying online gives a 10% discount. A guide, animator or workshop costs an extra UAH 50 per person and must be booked in advance; groups of 15 or more get 10% off. Prices may change, so check before you go.

On site there is a food court, toilets and a large car and coach park. Allow at least 2–3 hours for your visit; in summer bring hats and water, as most of the park is in the open.

How to get there

From Ivano-Frankivsk drive towards Bohorodchany – about 30 minutes by car; Pidhiria lies right next to Bohorodchany. By public transport, take a minibus to Bohorodchany and a taxi from there. If you are holidaying in the Carpathians (Yaremche, Bukovel), the park makes an easy stop on the way to or from the mountains.

At a glance

• Address: Pidhiria
• Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–21:00 (weekend hours are sometimes longer, check in advance)
• Season: All year round
• Prices: Entry UAH 350 (children aged 4–12 and adults); reduced ticket −50%; free for children under 4, orphans and children of fallen soldiers; 10% off when buying online. Guided tours, animator or workshop +UAH 50 per person; groups of 15+ get 10% off.
• Phone: +380988489811

Website and social media: underhill-park.com.ua · instagram.com

Photos: underhill-park.com.ua; lh3.googleusercontent.com.