Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, on the Daugava river near the Gulf of Riga. Known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Europe's greatest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture, the vast Central Market and a growing craft-beer and restaurant scene, it blends Hanseatic, Swedish, Russian and Soviet layers into one of the Baltics' most walkable capitals.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Riga Zoo (Rigas Nacionalais zoologiskais darzs), Mezaparks
Large zoo in pine woods on the shore of Lake Kisezers in Mezaparks, with a broad collection of animals, a large African savannah-style area, a children's zoo section and shaded paths. Reached by tram 11 from the centre.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum
Huge lakeside museum at Brivibas gatve 440 with more than 100 historic wooden farmsteads, windmills, churches and barns from all regions of Latvia, set in forest beside Lake Jugla. Space to run, craft demonstrations and seasonal fairs make it a good outing for children.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Riga Motor Museum
Large collection of Soviet-era and vintage vehicles on Eizensteina iela, including cars of senior Soviet leaders, motorbikes and racing cars, with a toy-car-friendly display and a children's activity area.
Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours
Latvian Museum of Natural History
Natural history museum in a central building at K. Barona iela 4 with displays of Latvian wildlife, geology and a large collection of mounted animals suitable for younger children.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Jurmala beach day (Majori and Dzintari)
A 30-minute suburban train from Riga Central to a 33-kilometre sandy beach, with pine dunes, playgrounds and promenades. The Baltic is cool for swimming, so July and August are the best months for paddling.
Duration: Half day to full day
Mezaparks and Lake Kisezers
Leafy park district with pine woods, playgrounds, lakeside paths and a rowing boat hire area, close to the zoo and the Great Bandstand where the Song Festival is held.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Riga Old Town and Bastejkalns park
Cobbled lanes, the Cat House and the Three Brothers, the City Canal for ducks and swans, and the green slopes of Bastejkalns where children can run.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Radisson Blu Latvija Hotel
High-rise hotel at Elizabetes iela 55 on the edge of the centre, with views over the city and easy access to the Old Town and the Freedom Monument on foot
Family features: Family rooms and breakfast buffet; confirm cots, extra beds and pool or sauna access when booking
Pullman Riga Old Town
Large modern hotel at Kalku iela 24 in the Old Town, within a few minutes' walk of Livu Square and Doma Square
Family features: Connecting and family rooms on request; confirm facilities, extra beds and breakfast terms at booking
Mercure Riga Centre
Mid-range hotel at Elizabetes iela 101 in the Art Nouveau district, close to the station and a short walk from the Old Town
Family features: Family rooms and buffet breakfast; confirm cots and extra beds when booking
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most restaurants welcome children and offer simple dishes such as chicken, pasta, potato pancakes, soup and pancakes; ask for a smaller portion or children's menu (berniem)
Lido-style self-service restaurants are the easiest family meal: children pick their own dishes and prices are modest
Bakeries sell cheap pastries and sweet curd snacks, and ice cream shops and cafes line the Old Town and Bastejkalns
Many Riga cafes have play corners or small children's areas; ask the server
Tap water is safe to drink, so bring a refillable bottle for children and refill it where convenient
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Children under a certain age ride public transport free or at reduced fares; check the current rules at rigassatiksme.lv. A standard adult 90-minute ticket is EUR 1.50 (~$1.73)
Old Town cobblestones are bumpy for strollers, so a light, foldable stroller or baby carrier is more practical than a large one; trams have low floors on newer vehicles
Public toilets are limited and usually paid; use cafes, museums and shopping centres, and carry wipes
Pharmacies (aptieka) sell paediatric medicine; the Children's Clinical University Hospital is at Vienibas gatve 45
Winter days are very short (about 6.5 hours of daylight in December) and cold; plan museums and indoor activities, and bring warm layers and grip-soled shoes
Emergency numbers: 112 (general), 113 (ambulance), 110 (police)