Kids & Family in Latvia

A museum in a former locomotive repair shop in Pārdaugava, holding the largest collection of broad-gauge rolling stock in the Baltics. On set days children can climb into historic trains such as the ER2 electric train and the TE3 diesel locomotive, ride a hand-pumped draisine in summer and join school-holiday workshops.

Nature Conservation Agency trails in Gauja National Park, where Latvian forest animals — bears, wolves, lynx, wild boar, deer and foxes — live in large enclosures. Over 5 km of paths (2–2.5 hours), a 22 m observation tower and a covered, glass-fronted platform at the lynx enclosure; open all year.

The University of Latvia’s botanical garden in Zasulauks, with a palm house and a Tropical Butterfly House where, from spring to autumn, blue morphos, owl butterflies and other exotic species fly among banana and coffee trees and orchids. The butterfly house opens daily 10:00–16:00 with a garden ticket.

Latvia’s State Forests nature park in the Tērvete pinewood, about 1,200 hectares: the Fairy Tale Forest, the Gnome Farmstead, wooden sculptures, trails and boardwalks over the Tērvete river valley, and three ancient hill forts. A new visitor centre and a 25 m observation tower opened in 2026; the park drew a record 166,700 visitors in 2025.

A museum at Dunte Manor, where Baron Munchausen lived with his wife Jacobine: wax figures, weapons and hunting trophies, distorting mirrors and a shooting gallery. In the forest there is a trail with 55 wooden sculptures (1–4.3 km), a 1 km path to “Munchausen’s Beer Mug” and an amusement ship.

The historic circus building in central Riga, now a stage for contemporary circus — productions by Latvian and visiting international companies — and family shows such as the Christmas programme in December.

Riga Zoo’s branch in Kurzeme, founded in 1996 and covering more than 130 hectares: large enclosures with 38 wild species and 12 farm breeds — bears, lynx, wolves, elk, eagles and vultures, a herd of kiangs and Latvian blue cows. Allow more than an hour for the trails; cash only.

A deer park in More parish with a 1.5 km trail past 19 enclosures holding about 400 animals — red, fallow and white deer. You can hand-feed them; cash only, and there is a guest house with a sauna.

Sandstone caves on the bank of the Brasla in Straupe parish, carved out by underground springs: the Lake Cave holds two clear underground lakes, with the River Cave and suffosion sinkholes nearby. The caves can only be visited with a guide.

The planetarium and observatory at the Ventspils Creativity House: 360° films about nature, space and the planets in an 8 m, 40-seat dome, in Latvian, English, Russian and Lithuanian. On clear days you can view the Sun through a telescope, and evening observations run from September to April.

A science centre running since 1995: about 200 interactive exhibits on the laws of physics and optical illusions, a planetarium, a small underground labyrinth and the “Garage Theatre” with sound-and-light experiments. Visits must be booked by phone in advance.

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).

Daugavpils Innovation Centre in a former cinema hall, opened in December 2022: interactive displays on physics, biology, dinosaurs, technology and entrepreneurship, robots and touchscreens, and a lab for experiments. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00–18:00.

The “Avārijas brigāde” amusement park, spread over 28 hectares with more than 40 activities — a dinosaur trail, carousels, minigolf, laser tag, virtual-reality adventures, a water world and a surf wave. One ticket covers every attraction for the day; the season starts in May, with the next one in 2027.

An equestrian club in Kuldīga: guided rides with an instructor along the Venta to the Veckuldīga castle mound, riding lessons for every level at your own pace, cart rides in summer and sleigh rides in winter. Horses are also available for photo shoots.

A space education centre in Cēsis, opened in 2023: a two-level replica of the International Space Station called “Auseklis”, linked to a mission control room, models of rockets, robots and rovers, an energy-generating floor and STEM challenges on surviving on Mars. Science shows, plus astronaut workshops in the school holidays.

A mini zoo about 2 km from Ventspils towards Kuldīga: goats, geese and chickens, camels, alpacas, emus, ponies, exotic birds, lizards and tarantulas. Open daily (to 20:00 in summer, 18:00 in winter); the owners ask you to book ahead.

A mini zoo in Dzimtmisa, about 34 km from Riga: dwarf pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep, ponies and exotic animals, plenty of birds — pedigree chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, quail, pigeons, pheasants and peacocks — and a pond with exotic waterfowl. Open May to November, 10:00–17:00.

A mini zoo in Naujene parish near Daugavpils where you can meet and feed — with special feed sold on site — alpacas, llamas, kangaroos, dwarf sheep and goats, ponies, donkeys, horses and rabbits; there are camels too.

The “Brieži” farm in Apgulde, home to one of Latvia’s largest orchid collections — more than 200 species, at their best in autumn — plus exotic animals such as royal pythons, iguanas and geckos, and friendly Shetland ponies. Visits by prior arrangement.

Riga Technical University’s curiosity centre in Āgenskalns, opened in 2023: three halls of interactive exhibits on smart cities, energy, water supply and future technologies, including a drone simulator. Science shows and hands-on workshops — 3D printing, chemistry and wood design. Closed on Mondays.

A children’s entertainment centre in Liepāja with trampolines, open and tube slides, and a separate zone for the youngest with igloo blocks and a ball pool. Open weekday afternoons and from the morning at weekends.

An indoor play park of about 730 m² for children aged 2 to 12: a two-storey obstacle course, slides and a ball pool, trampolines, a spider wall, a carousel and air hockey, plus two party rooms and a mother-and-baby room.

Pony rides for children near Cēsis: a handler leads the pony on a walk through the countryside, and there are birthday parties with two ponies (about an hour). Booking required.

Ventspils science centre by the lifting bridge on the harbour side, opened in 2022: more than 80 interactive exhibits in seven galleries — an earthquake simulator, a time machine, virtual roller coasters — and a separate gallery for the youngest. Workshops and science shows cost extra.

A horse farm at Kaplava in the Latgale border area with 12 horses from Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus, plus dogs, rabbits, chickens, cows and cats. Rides and lessons for children and three cottages to stay in; booking required.

Waterskiing, wakeboarding and SUP on Lake Ozolnieki, plus an inflatable water park with obstacle courses, slides and a trampoline.

A bread museum in Aglona where the hostess greets you in Latgalian folk dress with songs and a welcome in the Latgalian dialect. You hear about the history of bread and how rye bread is made, try milling grain, taste freshly baked bread and Latgalian dishes, and bake your own rye loaf to take home. Programmes €10–20; arrange your visit by phone.

A fortified Latgalian settlement on an island in Lake Āraiši, lived in during the 9th and 10th centuries and partly reconstructed under archaeologist Jānis Apals. Its wooden houses on a log platform show how people lived here a thousand years ago; one of Latvia’s most popular archaeological sites.

An aviation education and entertainment centre inside the Mols shopping centre. Three flight simulators: a Cessna 172, a Piper Matrix with a 180° screen, and an aerobatic plane on a motion platform with VR goggles.

A hotel right on the beach in Majori with the status of a medical institution. More than 300 treatments, including Ķemeri mud rituals; the “The Garden” water centre has a 25 m pool with warm seawater, a Roman steam bath, a Himalayan salt sauna, a cedar sauna, a whirlpool, a children’s pool and waterfalls, and there is a separate Russian bath complex, “The Banya”.

A three-day Christmas fair at the Ķīpsala exhibition hall that bills itself as the largest in the Baltics: free entry, free creative workshops in the “Rotaļnīca Quarter”, an inflatable park and the Baltic Food Zone. In 2026 it runs 11–13 December.

A jewellery workshop in Sigulda’s Castle Quarter making copies of ancient Baltic jewellery and modern pieces with ancient symbols. In a masterclass (about 45 minutes) you make your own pendant or piece of jewellery, such as a Namejs ring.

A 33 km, 750 mm-gauge railway between Gulbene and Alūksne — the only narrow-gauge line in the Baltics with regular passenger services. A ride on the “Bānītis” through the Vidzeme countryside is a trip for the whole family.

A castle where the Mēmele and Mūsa rivers meet: its oldest part, from the mid-15th century, is the only Livonian Order fortress built specifically for artillery, and the newest is a late-17th-century fortified residence with bastions. It is the only partly preserved residence of the Kettler dukes of Courland and Semigallia. Adults €9; November–April 10–16, closed Mondays.

A national cultural monument on the Zemgale plain, with hotel rooms in the renovated stable building and breakfast included. The restored manor park has a children’s playground.

One of the mightiest castles of the Livonian Order, begun around 1213 by the Brothers of the Sword and from 1481 the permanent residence of the Livonian masters. A castle servant leads visitors with lanterns through the Western Tower and the master’s room with its 16th-century star vault; in summer there is a castle garden, craft workshops and multimedia exhibitions in the towers. May–September daily 10–18.

An adventure park by Lake Lielais Stropu: rope courses with 102 obstacles up to 12 m high, a separate net park and a 100 m zipline. Little ones (3–6) have a kids’ park; the red and black courses require age 10+ and a height of 140 cm. Gift cards available.

A museum in the former St George’s Church in Old Riga. While its “Design Process” exhibition is open, children can use the Design Studio, trying ceramics, kinetics, poster design and weaving with worksheets linked to the works on display.

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 45-minute trip round the port of Ventspils: the mouth of the Venta, the old town, the industrial port and the Freeport sea gates. The boat has 150 seats; May–September Wed–Fri at 11, 13, 15 and 17, with an extra 18:00 sailing at weekends. Adults €5, pupils and seniors €2; it sails with at least 5 passengers and may be cancelled in strong wind or fog.

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 museum in the Laima factory building on Miera iela: the story of how chocolate is made and of the brand, whose roots go back to 1870, a comparison of chocolate types and a hot-chocolate tasting. In the creative workshop you make your own sweets and take them home in a gift box. Tickets €3–16.

A small municipal zoo in central Daugavpils, laid out as an artificial jungle: pythons, caimans, koi carp in the pond, macaques and sugar gliders among the lianas, plus rabbits and guinea pigs that children can stroke. Wed–Sun 10–18, closed Mondays and Tuesdays; cash only.

One of Europe’s oldest open-air museums, founded in 1924, in pine woods on the shore of Lake Jugla. More than a hundred historic rural buildings — farmsteads, churches, windmills and bathhouses — have been brought here from every region of Latvia; in summer craftspeople work on site and there are festivals and fairs.

A military history museum in the Powder Tower and the building attached to it in Old Riga. Founded in 1916 as the Latvian Riflemen Battalion Museum, its exhibitions trace Latvia’s military history from the Middle Ages to the present.

A puppet theatre in central Riga, founded in 1944; it moved back into its renovated building on Barona iela at the end of 2023. Shows for children and teens in Latvian and Russian, plus productions for adults.

A natural history museum in central Riga with roots in the Riga Naturalists’ Society, founded in 1845. Exhibitions cover Latvia’s nature, geology, animals and plants — a good stop for families with children.

A LIDO restaurant complex: a timber building with a windmill on Krasta iela serving Latvian food. It opened in 1999, with its first guests arriving for the millennium New Year, and added an amusement park and a skating rink in 2003.

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.

The only surviving manor complex in the Daugavas loki nature park. For families there are swings, a playground, a climbing wall and outdoor fitness equipment, with morning coffee and Latgalian dishes. The manor also rents touring kayaks (for 2–3 people) for trips down the Daugava, such as Krāslava–Lielborne (15 km) or Lielborne–Elerne (25 km); transport for the boat and paddlers to and from the manor is included in the price.

A spa hotel among the dunes at Lielupe: a 25 m pool with cascades, a heated children’s pool, a whirlpool, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish bath and a contrast shower. Treatments for children and teens use cosmetics that are safe for young skin, and there are Latvian rituals with cranberry, honey and amber oil.

The Latvian National Sports Centre’s tennis base in a pine forest: nine courts in two indoor halls and nine outdoor courts. There is also squash, beach tennis, a mini-tennis court and a gym.

One of the largest water parks in the Baltics: more than 20 slides, ten pools, saunas and a spa. In summer there is also a beach area with a terrace.

A leisure centre between Jūrmala and Tukums: 11 runs of varying difficulty (the longest up to 320 m), 9 lifts and a snowboard park. Equipment rental, instructors, a ski service, accommodation, a sauna, a café and a crèche. The sledging hill and cross-country trail are free. Mon 14–23, Tue–Thu 12–23, Fri–Sat 12–24, Sun 10–22.

One of the largest open-air adventure parks in the Baltics: 11 rope courses with more than 140 obstacles in the trees, up to 20 m high. There is also a catapult, giant swings, trampolines and a toboggan run on one of Latvia’s steepest slopes, plus rides for kids from age 3.

An open-air museum in the Vasarnīcas district of Ventspils on the life of Kurzeme’s coastal farmers and fishermen, with a windmill among its buildings. The more-than-a-century-old narrow-gauge steam train “Mazbānītis” runs through it on a 1.4 km loop and a 3 km line to “Kalns” station. Closed on Mondays.

Open-air water park by the sea: three heated pools, slides from 8 m and 10 m towers, attractions for little ones, saunas and hot tubs.

The largest collection of historic vehicles in the Baltics: more than 100 cars and motorcycles over three floors and 4,000 m², from a replica of the Benz Patent Motorwagen to Soviet-era and Kremlin cars and racing cars. Interactive displays, a children’s play zone and a café. Open Tue–Sun 10–18; adult ticket €12.

The zoo in Mežaparks by Lake Ķīšezers covers around 20 hectares and keeps thousands of animals of several hundred species, from giraffes and lions to red pandas. The tropical house is home to birds, reptiles, frogs and insects, and there is also a country branch, Cīruļi, in Kurzeme. Tram 11 takes you there.

An Old Riga museum holding about 8,000 porcelain pieces from the mid-19th to the late 20th century, with porcelain making and painting workshops — for example pressing textures into a small porcelain dish (from age 6). Pieces are ready a few weeks later; booking required.

The oldest museum in the Baltics, which began in 1773 as the private collection of Riga doctor Nikolaus von Himsel. It sits in the Riga Cathedral ensemble in Old Riga and holds the largest collection on the history of Riga and its shipping.

The Gauja Steep Banks park in Valmiera: a 1.5 km tree-top rope trail 5–11 m above the ground with four zipline crossings over the Gauja, plus a 2 km barefoot trail.

Craft workshops next to Sigulda’s New Castle: make and paint your own Sigulda walking stick (a craft on Latvia’s intangible cultural heritage list), cast a bookmark from recycled paper, make a leather key ring or bracelet, or shape a mug with your name on it in the ceramics studio.

A ski base in the Augšzeme highland about 20 minutes from Daugavpils: a family run and a blue slalom run with a lift, a tubing run and floodlights in the evening; equipment rental available.

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 44-hectare museum reserve on the Gauja opposite Sigulda: the reconstructed brick castle with its main tower, a wooden church, the memorial to the Rose of Turaida, manor outbuildings and more than 38 displays on the Livs and local history. Open daily all year (9–20 in summer); adults €9.

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.

One of the oldest and best-preserved Livonian Order castles, which has kept its original 13th-century layout. Over 700 years it has been a fortress, residence, garrison, school, military base and prison; it was restored in 1995 and turned into a museum.

A winter centre in Cēsis with several runs of varying difficulty on neighbouring slopes, from long gentle descents to steeper sections with sharp turns. It runs what latvia.travel calls the largest professional ski school in Latvia, and has equipment rental, two cafés, a children’s room and a ski-service point. Snow is stored over the summer for an early season start.

A zipline that follows the cable car line across the Gauja valley, about 55 m up. Classic Zērglis reaches 50–60 km/h, and Turbo Zērglis with turbines up to 100 km/h. Kids aged 7+ and over 30 kg can ride alone; younger ones ride with an adult. Book a time in advance.

A vertical wind tunnel near Sigulda where you can feel freefall without jumping. You fly under an instructor’s watch; 4–6 minutes is recommended for a first visit. With the briefing and suiting up, it takes about an hour. Flyers from age 4; all gear is provided.

Tennis academy in Lielupe, Jūrmala.

A multiplex in the Akropole Rīga shopping centre, opened in 2019 as the first Apollo cinema in Latvia.

A cinema in the Domina Shopping centre in Teika, opened in 2021.

A cinema in the Rīga Plaza shopping centre, opened in 2021, with eight screens and 963 seats.

A leisure centre about 10 minutes’ drive from Valmiera: downhill skiing and snowboarding lessons, ski rental, a snow-tubing run and a cross-country trail through the forest. There are five camping cabins (40 beds), a sauna, a yurt for events and a climbing wall.

A 9-hole course among birch groves and water hazards, 3 km from Valmiera. Lessons for kids and adults, club rental, a driving range and a golf simulator.

A motor museum in Bauska with four collections of historic vehicles. Upstairs there is a carpenter’s workshop and a 1930s landlord’s rooms interior, plus temporary exhibitions and events. Open Tue–Sun 10–18.

A family fish restaurant in Ragaciems, a fishing village on the Gulf of Riga. Fish and seafood plus meat and vegetarian dishes, generous portions and a seafaring interior. Open daily 12–21; book ahead on warm weekends.

Bowling across the Lielupe for groups and families, suitable for beginners and regular players alike.

A bowling club in Imanta on Lielirbes iela: bowling lanes, a children’s play area, a bar and restaurant, and party packages.

A gaming venue with VR games, professional racing simulators and a lounge with PS5 and Xbox Series X, for solo visits, groups of friends, birthdays and company events. Open Tue–Thu 14–22, Fri 14–24, Sat 12–24, Sun 12–20, closed Mon.

Swimming pool in Riga. Sports complex with a pool and a swimming school. Weekday hours: 07:15–21:30.

An indoor drift hall across the river from the Old Town with a 3,000 m² track: drift-trike rides (up to 10 riders at once, riders over 125 cm) and passenger rides in a BMW drift car. Open daily, from 11:00 on weekdays.

One of the largest escape-room operators in Riga, with about ten themed rooms, from the family-friendly “Time Machine” (6+) to the scary “House of Mysteries” (16+). Teams of 2–7 players get 60 minutes. A second site is at Miera iela 61.

An interactive game arena with a 5×8 m LED floor, music and video projections: run across lit-up squares and complete tasks that test speed, reactions and focus. From age 4, up to 8 players at once; booking only.

Table tennis club with table hire, group training for kids and adults, and private lessons. A second hall is in Iļģuciems.

An entertainment centre in Old Riga on the 4th floor of the Galerija Centrs mall: electric go-karts, an interactive Pixel room, virtual reality, a private karaoke room, pool and minigolf, all under one roof whatever the weather.

An illusion theatre and museum in Torņakalns: magic and illusion shows for families and an exhibition on the art of illusion. Visits by arrangement.

An escape room near Cukurfabrika station: you have 60 minutes to find clues and solve puzzles to get out of the secret bunker. Up to 5 players; recommended from age 10. Call ahead for opening times.

A public wood-fired sauna in Ziepniekkalns with a large cool-water pool, €15 with no time limit. Wednesday is women’s day and Tuesday is family day; there’s a courtyard picnic area, a masseur and a buffet with beer and kvass.

Latvia’s first trampoline park: trampolines, foam pits, soft obstacles, climbing walls and a stunt platform.

A large bouldering hall in the SKY & MORE centre. Four-metre walls over thick crash mats, coached sessions, kids’ birthday parties and team-building events.

An indoor karting hall with a twisty track of roughly 250–300 m and room for up to eight karts at once. Sodi RT8 karts for adults plus karts for children. On site: an arcade, table tennis and a 200 m² event space.

A karting track at the Rullītis sports and leisure complex in southern Jelgava. It is shorter and less technical than the professional circuits, so it suits children and beginners. Children’s karts and coaching available. Open daily 12–20.

A karting track in Daugavpils: rides from 15 minutes to an hour, solo or in a group, after a 15-minute briefing. From age 7 and at least 125 cm tall; book rides by phone.

Ceramicist Ingrīda Žagata’s workshop near Dunte, where children and adults make their own mug, breakfast plate or souvenir; a session lasts several hours, and the piece is ready after firing (1–2 months). You can also watch a kiln opening; book by phone.

A workshop near Kuldīga where pots are made without a wheel, using the coil technique typical of the Bronze Age, and smoke-fired in an open kiln. Masterclasses for children too, and you can join a kiln opening; booking required.

A family pottery in Paplaka where adults and children alike work at a classic potter’s wheel and can paint tableware. Sessions last 1–2 hours; book your visit ahead.

Combat sports club in Riga: kickboxing, boxing, MMA. Classes for children too.

Four indoor hard courts and four outdoor courts, plus four beach tennis courts. Court rental includes the gym, sauna and running track; there is table tennis and coaching for kids and beginners.

A boat trip along the Daugava bends, the most scenic stretch of the “river of destiny”, from the campsite near Slutišķi. Up to 20 passengers; the season runs from early spring to late autumn, with scheduled weekend trips and weekday trips on request. Adults €8, ages 8–13 €5, under-7s free; the whole boat can be hired.

Outdoor laser tag near Cēsis, plus two RC car tracks, 4×4 RC trucks and kids’ quad bikes on a closed track. There is a playground, a picnic and campfire spot and a tent for parties. Book at least a day ahead.

Swimming pool in Riga. Swimming school and pool for children and babies. Weekday hours: 09:00–21:00.

A laser tag park near Valmiera: team games in an obstacle arena with different missions, unlimited ammo and hits at up to 200 m; afterwards everyone can see their stats. Suitable from age 4; games can also be staged elsewhere with inflatable cover. Booking recommended.

Laser tag across 1,000 m² of outdoor ground near Kocēni, with running, climbing, crawling and even wading. There is a party room of about 100 m², a gazebo and a playground, plus VR goggles and a car simulator.

Combat sports club in Rēzekne: taekwondo. Classes for children too.

Tennis academy with courts, coaches and courses.

Laser tag in Demene near Daugavpils: a painless shooting game with infrared “weapons” where teams run, hide and compete. From age 6, and good for birthdays.

Indoor laser tag in a 1,200 m² former farm-machinery building. After a briefing, teams play missions such as capture the flag or escort the hostage, and everyone gets a printed results sheet. Groups of 6–30, ages 9 and up; there is a party room. By reservation only.

Two laser tag arenas, one indoor and one outdoor, in former railway warehouses in Balvi’s industrial area. Open games for everyone at weekends; booking is recommended.

Outdoor tennis courts in Liepāja’s seaside park, where the Liepāja tennis sports school trains.

A public bathhouse by the river in a former paper-mill building, running since 1895. Fridays are for women 13–18 and men 18–22, and two Saturdays a month are family days. It can also be booked for private events for up to 20.

A tree-top net park in Līgatne: net mazes up to 8 m above the ground for climbing, running and lounging, for kids and adults alike. Open daily 10:00–21:00; visits can be booked by phone or email.

Five indoor and four outdoor hard courts, plus six beach tennis and volleyball courts. Coaches are available and a tennis sports school works with the hall.

Latvia’s State Forests glamping in a pine forest by the Tērvete reservoir: 7 treehouses and 6 underground lodges (two adapted for guests with reduced mobility), each for up to 4 with a kitchen and bathroom. From €150 a night, including entry to the LVM Tērvete Nature Park and 2 hours of boat, pedalo or SUP; floating anglers’ cabins, tent pitches and camper spots too.

A family farm on the Zemgale plain making around 30 kinds of handmade cheese, many of them also smoked. Visits include a look around the farm, the story of how the cheese is made and a tasting with home-baked bread and salads from their own vegetables; you can also learn to make Latvian caraway cheese. Their marinated cheese won the visitors’ vote at Riga Food 2014. By phone booking only.

Tennis school with indoor and outdoor courts plus a beach tennis court. Coaching, tournaments and classes for kids.

A rope park in Mežaparks by Lake Ķīšezers: courses from a kids’ route up to the black course 10–15 m high, which ends with a 200 m zip descent. The higher courses need a height of 140 cm; minors come with an adult. Open 11:00–20:00 at weekends; on weekdays groups by booking.

A rope park on Kaķīškalns hill: six courses of varying difficulty with 82 obstacles — nets, bridges, swings and zip descents. Every course starts and ends on the ground. Open 11:00–20:00 at weekends; on weekdays groups by booking. In winter the hill is a ski slope.

A rental point in Mežaparks on Kokneses prospekts with bikes, inline skates and one-, two- and four-seat pedal carts for kids and adults to ride along the park’s paths. In winter, when there is enough snow, it hands out ski equipment for the Mežaparks trail.

8 indoor padel courts in Mārupe. The first MH Padel venue, in an office park on the Riga–Mārupe border. On site: gear rental, coaches, a café, a sports shop.

13 indoor padel courts in Mārupe. The largest MH Padel venue, in Mārupes Parks near the airport road. On site: gear rental, coaches, a café, a sports shop.

8 indoor padel courts in Riga. The same building has a gym and a burger restaurant. On site: gear rental, coaches, tournaments, a café.

Archery in the heart of Old Riga with an instructor, suited to all ages and skill levels. A short introductory session, or longer workshops for stag parties and teams.

An entertainment complex with 10 Brunswick bowling lanes, four pool tables certified by the European Billiard Federation, car simulators and air hockey. There is a kids’ playroom and live sport on screen. Open Mon–Thu 12–23, Fri 12–01, Sat–Sun 11–01.

Six indoor and two outdoor padel courts in Čiekurkalns. Coaches, a kids’ corner, a café, a sports shop and free parking.

A private open-air museum founded in 2008, about 45 minutes’ drive from Riga. Seven bathhouses — six relocated historic ones and one newly built — including black (smoke) and white saunas, with a guided story and sauna sessions led by a pirtnieks, plus workshops and activities for children. Admission €2; visits may be limited in hard frost or deep snow.

An interactive game room with more than 400 touch-sensitive floor and wall panels: movement, reaction and team games for children and adults.

Latvia’s largest karting park, about 20 minutes’ drive from Riga: Sodi RT10 karts up to 85 km/h, a two-seater and children’s karts, and an ice track in winter. There is also a closed 4×4 off-road park, motocross and hard-enduro tracks with motorbike and quad rental, a safe-driving range with four tracks, and in summer a water park and campsite.

A leisure park in Inčukalns parish on the A3 highway with two 200 m runs, a fast one and a slow one, each with its own anchor lift. Ski and snowboard rental and sales, a restaurant-bistro, a bakery and a shop. Mon–Fri 14–21, Sat–Sun 9–21.

A ski area near Sigulda: a main slope (150 m, 35 m drop), a beginners’ run (200 m) and the “Kids Fun” park with a carpet lift. The runs are lit after dark; equipment rental, instructors, a café and a guest house, plus a 2 km cross-country loop.

Outdoor 25-metre pool with six lanes, a children’s pool and jacuzzis on the Olympic Centre grounds.

Swimming pool and spa in Riga. A large pool, a small pool and a children’s pool. Weekday hours: 07:00–22:00.

A salt room in Jelgava where the walls, ceiling and floor are covered in salt and a generator releases fine salt particles. In a 40-minute session you can rest, listen to music, read or build salt castles with the kids; there are also guided breathing sessions, yoga nidra and sound therapy. €10 for adults, €5 for children aged 3–6; gift cards available; book by phone.

An indoor motocross track: track hire for training, rental of various motorbikes and kit, a VIP room and private events. November to March, open Tue–Fri 15–20 and weekends 10–18; other months on request. Entry €25–35, card payment only.

A candle workshop in Liepāja’s old town where you make your own candles or aroma diffusers using various techniques. Sessions for groups, families and schools, plus open themed sessions; by prior booking only.

Indoor minigolf on Tērbatas iela with a competitive vibe and drinks on hand. Good for birthdays, family mornings and team building.

Three clay courts in Daugavpils. Courts are rented by the hour, with coaching for kids and adults.

12 indoor padel courts in Riga. A purpose-built padel arena in Pleskodāle with high ceilings. On site: gear rental, coaches, tournaments, a café.

Bouldering and gymnastics hall near the centre: a 28-metre wall with more than 50 routes. Shoe rental, coached sessions for beginners, and free entry for kids under 4 with an adult.

A lakeside retreat on the south shore of Lake Valgums, surrounded by forest: a sauna with a hot tub, a hotel, a restaurant with a glass-walled hall and a seminar room. It is also the start of a 2.6 km barefoot trail that ends with a herbal foot bath.

A leisure park on the edge of Ventspils with something to do all year. In summer: the "Kaķa taka" rope course and the kids’ "Lācēns" course, a catapult, trampolines, paintball, a wake park and disc golf; in winter the "Lemberga hūte" ski hill with a snow park. The 580 m toboggan run (up to ~40 km/h) operates year-round when the wind is under 18 m/s.

Sports centre in Ventspils with a gym and a swimming pool. Wellness services are available too.

A virtual reality arena in Piņķi, between Riga and Jūrmala: VR games for groups of friends, families and parties.

A virtual reality venue in the Pilsētas pasāža mall: VR games and escape rooms, roller-coaster and racing simulators, and a free-roam VR arena. Open daily 10–22; private events for up to 21 people.

A virtual reality venue (formerly GoStation): roller-coaster simulations, virtual basketball, team games against monsters and VR escape-room puzzles. Open Mon–Fri 11–19, Sat 12–17.

Swimming pool in Riga. Municipal indoor pool in Ziepniekkalns with swimming lessons and water-polo groups. Open daily 09:00–17:00.

Cable wakeboarding, a water obstacle park, catamarans and a large fleet of SUP boards in one place.