Latvia Adventures

Family-Friendly Attractions in Latvia: Top Places to Visit

One of the top family-friendly attractions in Latvia, Mežaparks in Riga

Latvia is an ideal destination for families looking for fun, safe, and educational travel experiences. From forest trails to amusement parks, the country offers something exciting for all age groups. Many attractions are designed to be both interactive and engaging for kids and parents alike. Families can enjoy outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and hands-on learning. Whether you’re visiting Riga or exploring the countryside, family-friendly activities and attractions across Latvia are easy to find. The country’s size makes it easy to travel from one spot to another within hours. Many places are stroller-accessible and offer play areas or rest stops. Traveling in Latvia with kids is stress-free and rewarding.

Top reasons to explore Latvia with family:

  • Short distances between cities and attractions

  • Clean, safe, and family-oriented environments

  • Many bilingual guides and child-friendly facilities

  • Nature access everywhere — beaches, forests, lakes

  • Affordable entrance fees for most attractions

Discover Family Fun in Riga

Riga is packed with attractions for children and adults to enjoy together. Start with the Riga Zoo, home to over 3,000 animals and perfect for a half-day adventure. Just nearby, Mežaparks offers playgrounds, bike rentals, and a forested escape within city limits. For indoor fun, the Zinoo Science Center invites kids to learn through hands-on exhibits and experiments. The Latvian Railway Museum fascinates both train-lovers and curious minds with full-size locomotives and interactive displays. Families can also explore Old Town Riga with treasure hunt-style tours and easy walking paths.

Family-friendly attractions in Riga:

  • Riga Zoo – animals, picnic zones, mini-train rides

  • Mežaparks – forest trails, bikes, and open spaces

  • Zinoo Science Center – interactive learning for kids

  • Latvian Railway Museum – history and trains to climb on

  • Old Town Riga – guided walks and fun history games

Enjoy Outdoor Nature Parks and Forest Adventures

Latvia’s rich natural landscape is perfect for families who love to be outside. The Gauja National Park is the largest and offers a mix of trails, castles, and canoe rides. In Sigulda, kids will love the Tarzan Adventure Park, with ziplines, climbing nets, and a toboggan track. The Ligatne Nature Trails introduce local wildlife in a peaceful, forested setting. Families can explore old caves, wooden footbridges, and scenic river views. Many nature areas are free to enter and allow picnics or even campfires.

Best nature attractions for families:

  • Gauja National Park – hiking, castles, and river fun

  • Tarzan Adventure Park – obstacle courses and ziplining

  • Ligatne Nature Trails – wildlife spotting and caves

  • Pokaiņi Forest – mysterious stones and easy forest paths

  • Cīrulīši Nature Trails – short walks with views and playgrounds

Unwind at the Beach and Along the Coastline

Latvia’s Baltic Sea coastline stretches for over 500 kilometers and offers many child-friendly beaches. The most famous is Jūrmala, where soft sand, shallow water, and playgrounds welcome young beachgoers. The Dzintari Forest Park in Jūrmala adds tree-top trails, swings, and roller-skating paths for extra fun. Further north, the beaches of Ventspils also cater well to families. You’ll find giant climbing structures, fountains, and a nearby Seaside Open Air Museum with real ships and narrow-gauge trains. Pack a picnic or grab fresh food at local seaside cafés.

Top coastal destinations for families:

  • Jūrmala Beach – safe water, sandy shores, and nearby cafés

  • Dzintari Forest Park – adventure playgrounds and trails

  • Ventspils Blue Flag Beach – clean, monitored, and active

  • Seaside Open Air Museum – ships, trains, and sea history

  • Liepāja’s South Beach – family picnic zones and wide sands

Visit Latvia’s Educational and Cultural Spots

Family-friendly activities and attractions across Latvia also include great educational experiences. In Tērvete Nature Park, kids can meet fairytale characters in a large forest park. The Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum lets families explore traditional homes and rural life from centuries past. In Cēsis, visit the Cēsis Castle Complex, where children can dress up as knights and explore towers by candlelight. The Laima Chocolate Museum in Riga is sweet fun for every age, especially with tasting sessions. These places combine fun with learning, perfect for curious young travelers.

Educational attractions to explore:

  • Tērvete Nature Park – fantasy trails and wooden play towns

  • Ethnographic Open-Air Museum – real-life village history

  • Cēsis Castle – dress-up tours and medieval games

  • Laima Chocolate Museum – chocolate history and tasting

  • Ventspils Science Center – hands-on exhibits and experiments

Kid-Friendly Events and Festivals You’ll Love

Latvia hosts many events that families enjoy together. In summer, the Jūrmala Festival offers music and kids’ games near the sea. Every five years, the Song and Dance Festival features costumes, choirs, and parades. Riga’s City Festival includes fireworks, food stalls, and children’s shows. In small towns, seasonal fairs feature crafts, pony rides, and face painting. The winter Christmas markets are full of lights, toys, and puppet theatres for young visitors.

Festivals that welcome families:

  • Jūrmala Festival – concerts and beach fun

  • Song and Dance Fest – music and culture

  • Riga City Festival – games, food, fireworks

  • Village fairs – traditional crafts and pony rides

  • Christmas markets – lights, treats, puppet shows

Discover Family-Friendly Attractions in Daugavpils

Daugavpils is Latvia’s second-largest city and a rising star for family tourism. The Daugavpils Fortress is a huge historic site where kids can run, explore, and join guided tours. The Mark Rothko Art Centre offers creative workshops for young artists and modern exhibitions. Visit the Science and Curiosity Centre Zinoo, which includes science experiments and fun gadgets. The Dubrovina Park has fountains, a play area, and picnic space. The Daugavpils Zoo focuses on native species and is easy to explore with small children. This city is also calm, affordable, and easy to navigate with strollers or scooters.

Top places to visit in Daugavpils with kids:

  • Daugavpils Fortress – historic grounds and open spaces

  • Zinoo Centre – hands-on science experiments

  • Rothko Centre – art for kids and parents

  • Daugavpils Zoo – local wildlife and play areas

  • Dubrovina Park – playground and water features

Family-Friendly Attractions in Kuldīga’s Charming Streets

Kuldīga is a storybook town, perfect for relaxed family travel. The Venta Waterfall, the widest in Europe, is a fun natural spot where kids can wade or watch fish jump. Walk the old red brick bridge, then explore the historic center with narrow streets and artisan shops. Families love the Kuldīga Adventure Park, which includes a treetop walk and a small zipline for kids. In summer, the town hosts local fairs, folk music events, and puppet theatre shows. The Town Garden is a peaceful stop with ducks, bridges, and places to rest.

Family highlights in Kuldīga:

  • Venta Waterfall – nature’s playground for kids

  • Kuldīga Bridge – scenic walks and photo ops

  • Adventure Park – treetop fun and safe zones

  • Puppet shows – local theatre for children

  • Town Garden – quiet nature in the city center

Family Activities and Attractions in Jelgava

Jelgava is a vibrant city with lots of open space and fun educational stops. Visit Jelgava Palace, where kids can explore royal history and take guided tours. The Lielupe Promenade has walking paths, playgrounds, and scenic views over the river. Stop at the Jelgava Ice Hall, which offers public skating and equipment rentals. The Forest Trail Park nearby includes wooden walkways, birdsong stations, and wildlife viewing towers. Don’t miss the Sand Sculpture Festival in summer—children can even take part in sand art workshops. Jelgava is family-friendly and close to Riga for an easy day trip.

Top picks for Jelgava family travel:

  • Jelgava Palace – kid-friendly history tours

  • Lielupe Promenade – riverside fun and open space

  • Ice Hall – skating for all ages

  • Forest Park Trails – nature and fresh air

  • Summer festivals – sand art and cultural shows

Explore Lesser-Known Family Destinations in Latvia

Beyond the major cities, Latvia has many hidden gems perfect for family adventures. In Talsi, visit the Talsi Nature Museum and walk the Nine Hills Park for fresh air and great views. Valmiera offers river canoeing, adventure trails, and a modern Valmiera Olympic Centre with family pools. In Ludza, explore Latvia’s oldest castle ruins with stories for kids and beautiful lake scenery. Each of these towns offers nature, history, and peace—without the tourist crowds. These smaller destinations are part of what makes family-friendly attractions in Latvia so unique and varied.

Hidden gems for families:

  • Talsi – nature trails and lake views

  • Valmiera – adventure park and Olympic center

  • Ludza – castle ruins and lakeside walks

  • Bauska – family picnics and fortress visits

  • Aizpute – workshops, gardens, and slow-paced fun

Plan Your Family-Friendly Latvian Itinerary

When planning your trip, balance city days with outdoor excursions to keep kids active and engaged. Use Latvia’s compact size to your advantage by visiting multiple regions during your stay. Many attractions offer family tickets or discounts for children under 12. Most locations include toilets, stroller access, and rest areas for parents. Consider renting a car if you’re exploring national parks or rural sites. Use Google Maps or local tourist offices to discover hidden gems. Wherever you go, family-friendly activities and attractions across Latvia are easy to enjoy together.

Family travel tips for Latvia:

  • Choose 1–2 regions to avoid rushed travel

  • Mix city and nature for variety

  • Look for family passes or free entry for kids

  • Pack outdoor gear, even in summer

  • Bring snacks and water for longer nature trips

Latvia offers balance, affordability, and variety that make it perfect for family travel. Kids can run freely in nature, learn through play, and experience different environments every day. Cities are small and manageable, and locals are usually helpful toward families with children. From medieval castles to treetop obstacle courses, there’s no shortage of fun. Even better, many attractions are budget-friendly or completely free. With so much to explore, family-friendly activities and attractions across Latvia create lifelong memories for kids and parents alike.