Things to do in Zemgale

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

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.

Official bathing site on the Lielupe in Jelgava. The Health Inspectorate tests the water regularly during the bathing season.

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.

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

Official bathing site on Lake Gaurata. The Health Inspectorate tests the water regularly during the bathing season.

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.

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.

Official bathing site on the Lielupe in Jelgava. The Health Inspectorate tests the water regularly during the bathing season.

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.

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.

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.

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

Official bathing site on the Radži reservoir in Jēkabpils. Awarded a Blue Flag for 2026. The Health Inspectorate tests the water regularly during the bathing season.

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.

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.