Kids & Family in Latvia

A free children’s town in Ostgals by Lielais prospekts, full of play equipment; on Sundays at 11:00 there are songs, dances and games with storybook characters. Open daily from 7:00 to 22:00 (to 20:00 in winter).

A 33.5 m viewing tower in Dzintari Forest Park with 12 platforms at different heights; from the top you look out over the pine tops to the sea horizon. Free to visit; open daily 9–22, during the park’s hours.

A fishing village from the late 19th and early 20th centuries at the foot of Raga Dune: a net shed, a dwelling house, a granary and a fish-smoking hut, plus a large collection of anchors and fishing boats. On Thursdays in July and August there are rope- and net-making masterclasses and fish smoking. Tue–Sun, free entry.

A quarter of restored 19th-century wooden houses across the river. On Saturdays 10:00–16:00 there is a market of local producers and craftspeople with free workshops for kids, and seasonal festivals bring concerts, exhibitions and open-air plays.

A wooden boardwalk across the raised bog in Ķemeri National Park: the short loop is 1.5 km (about an hour) and the long one 3.5 km (about an hour and a half), leading to an observation tower. The boardwalk is free; the car park, about 800 m away, costs €3 for the first hour (Mobilly). Not wheelchair accessible, slippery in rain, and snow isn’t cleared in winter.

Riga’s public outdoor ice rink in Esplanāde park by the Rainis monument. Free with your own skates; skate hire €2.49 an hour for adults and €2 for children. Weekdays 11–22, weekends 9–22 (ice-care breaks 13–14, 16–17 and 19–20). Open from December to 1 March, weather permitting.

A free cross-country ski trail in Pārdaugava with artificial snow, instructors and equipment rental (€4 an hour for children, €5 for adults). On sunny days about 200 people use the rental point.

The Christmas market on Dome Square: crafts by Latvian makers, hot drinks and treats from more than 80 vendors. At weekends there are concerts and things for kids: Santa, a carousel and creative workshops.