Latvia Family Travel Guide 2025
Everything families need to know for a successful trip to Latvia with kids.
Latvia blends medieval charm with Art Nouveau splendor in the heart of the Baltics. From the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Riga to pristine beaches along the Baltic Sea, this compact country offers rich history, vibrant culture, and unspoiled nature.
Top Family Activities
The best experiences for families in Latvia.
Jurmala Beach
Latvia's most popular beach resort with 23km of white sand on the Gulf of Riga. Shallow warm water safe for young children, playgrounds, beach cafes, and the charming wooden villa town of Jurmala to explore.
Gauja National Park and Turaida Castle
Explore Latvia's oldest national park featuring a fairytale red-brick medieval castle, Latvia's largest cave (Gutman's Cave), and forested hiking trails. The cable car across the Gauja valley is thrilling for all ages.
Riga Zoo (Rīgas Zoodārzs)
The oldest zoo in the Baltics with 3,000+ animals in naturalistic enclosures. Popular with young children. Located in Mežaparks (Forest Park) area of Riga with a mini railway through the zoo grounds.
Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum
Over 100 historic rural buildings in a lakeside forest setting. Children love exploring farmsteads, watching craft demonstrations, and feeding animals in summer. One of the most family-friendly experiences in Latvia.
Riga Motor Museum (Rīgas Motormuzejs)
World-class automotive museum with a remarkable collection from Soviet limousines to racing cars. Interactive displays and the impressive collection of Soviet-era vehicles including Stalin's armored ZIL fascinate older children and adults alike.
Sigulda Bobsled Track Wheeled Bob Ride
The only bobsled track in the Baltics offers wheeled bob rides for non-athletes reaching up to 80 km/h. Minimum age 14 for solo ride, younger children can ride with an adult. Combined with Sigulda forest adventure park.
Activities by Age Group
Find activities suited to your children's ages.
👶 Toddlers (0-3)
- Parks with shaded play areas
- Short, stroller-friendly walks
- Swimming pools at family hotels
- Animal encounters
🧒 Young Kids (4-7)
- Interactive museums
- Easy outdoor adventures
- Cultural shows and performances
- Market explorations
🧑 Older Kids (8-12)
- Historical site tours
- Adventure activities
- Cooking classes for kids
- Nature excursions
👦 Teens (13+)
- Adventure sports
- Photography walks
- Cultural immersion experiences
- Food tours
Complete Family Travel Guide
Family itineraries, packing checklists, and activity planning tips.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Where to stay with kids.
Dodo Hotel
Modern hotel in Centrs with spacious family rooms, contemporary design, and excellent central location. Often cited as Latvia's best value hotel offering consistent quality similar to a Premier Inn.
Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
Popular riverside hotel with comprehensive spa and pool facilities that older children enjoy. Walking distance to Old Town and Central Market. Good for a mix of sightseeing and relaxation.
Radisson Blu Latvija
Modern high-rise hotel in central Riga with panoramic views, comprehensive facilities, and reliable international standards. Family rooms available and the skyline bar is memorable for older children.
What to Look For
- Family rooms or connecting rooms
- Swimming pool (supervised)
- Restaurant with kids' menu
- Babysitting/kids' club services
- Safe, enclosed outdoor spaces
- Proximity to attractions
Kid-Friendly Dining
Where to eat with children.
Lido Atpūtas Centrs (Krasta iela 76) is the ideal family restaurant — self-service Latvian buffet with separate children's section, playground, and something for every taste at very reasonable prices
Most Riga restaurants welcome families with children — high chairs are standard and children's menus available at casual restaurants
Pelmeni (dumplings) at Pelmeni XL are universally popular with children at €4-5/portion
The Riga Central Market's food stalls let children choose from an exciting array of foods — excellent for picky eaters
Breakfast buffets at mid-range hotels are excellent value in Latvia — typically €8-12/adult, children often free or half price
Family Travel Tips
Make traveling with kids easier.
Riga's public trams and buses have low-floor access with space for pushchairs — the network is stroller-friendly throughout the city
Most Latvian museums offer free admission for children under 18 or heavily discounted child tickets
The Jurmala beach train (€2 adults, €1 children) is an easy family day trip with shallow, warm Gulf water in summer
Pack warm layers even in summer — Baltic evenings cool down quickly and children get cold faster than adults
Health & Safety
- Check recommended vaccinations for children
- Pack enough prescription medications
- Bring sun protection and stay hydrated
- Research nearest hospitals/clinics
- Get travel insurance covering the whole family
Plan Your Family Adventure
Get our complete family travel guide with kid-friendly itineraries, packing lists, and activity recommendations.
Download Family Guide