Things to do in Kurzeme

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.