A family vacation can give us memories that we will cherish all our lives, yet, traveling with kids can be a challenge. Balancing family activities with personal interests is difficult but not impossible. This is why today we present a guide to the best places to visit with your family in Latvia.
Pros and cons of traveling with children
Whether you have a baby, a peppy toddler, or a stubborn teenager, traveling with them has pros and cons. Depending on your child’s age and other conditions like travel vehicle, accommodation type, etc., you’ll encounter different challenges.
Firstly, you have to learn to compromise. Kids demand attention and have their own needs, which can be difficult to handle, for instance, during a long ride. Vacations with children are more costly too. While travel tickets are usually free for young children, they pay the full fee for tours and excursions. You can also estimate the cost of your trip by yourself.
On the other hand, the advantages are huge. Studies indicate that the memories from family vacations are an important anchor when recalling one’s childhood. You’ll be creating memorable situations that will help you bond with your kids. This will also give you lots to talk about in future Christmas gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, etc.
Even if you have to spend a few extra dollars or keep a strict bedtime, there are many ways for the whole family to enjoy the trip. Here we present some interesting family-friendly places to visit in Latvia.
Ultimate fun in Jurmala: Livu Akvaparks
This park will keep the whole family happy. It has fun water slides, pools for all ages and a sauna and spa for parents. With views of the Lielupe river, you can enjoy the following entertainment options:
- Wave pool
- Diving pool
- Swimming pool
- Tornado slide
- Kamikaze
- Water loop
Explore the local fauna in the capital city at the Riga Zoo
Not far away from Riga’s center, the Riga Zoo offers an escape from the hectic city life. Take this opportunity to show your kids 500 different species including falcons, eagles, and owls. Children will also have the opportunity to bond with farm animals like sheep and goats.
Adventure for the whole family in Sigulda at the Adventure Park Tarzan
Being the widest adventure park in the Baltic states, Park Tarzan is a must-see place. In the video below you can see the enormous land that is home to a variety of adventure games. Both adults and kids will have a thrill while taking a ride through the obstacle tracks. You can also enjoy a climbing wall, practice archery, and take a shot of adrenaline riding the toboggan track at 40km per hour.
A journey through traditional medicine in Riga: Pauls Stradins Medicine History Museum
For the more intellectual ones, Riga offers one of the three largest museums of medical history in the world. Embark on a wonderful journey starting from ancient medicine to the reconstructed medieval pharmacy and hospital. Learn about the diseases that were treated and how medicine took a big leap forward with the help of science during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Live your own fairy tale at Tērvete Nature Park
Featuring the beloved characters created by Anna Brigadere, the famous Latvian playwright, you’ll find these forests to be magical. Take a walk through the wooden sculptures, plankways, and bridges in the Tervete River’s valley.
Visit an original puppet Kingdom in Preili
Created by Jeļena Mihailova, an artist from Preili, this is a unique museum. It features over 150 dolls created by the artist herself. They are displayed through the facilities in special environments and each of them has a story to tell.
Both children and adults will have a terrific time admiring Mihailova’s works of art in a museum that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Enjoy a unique experience at the Park of Senses
The Park of Senses brings an original program to enjoy with your family. Take a walk on the barefoot trail and enjoy a variety of sensations. The trails are made of natural elements like chestnuts, sand, pebbles, and glass marbles. After your walk, feel free to enjoy a relaxing experience with warm feet baths.
Have fun at the AB Park amusement park
If fun is what you are looking for, then this is the right place for you. Here you can enjoy a variety of attractions including tube sliding, pendulum, and a caterpillar journey. Ride the electric cars at the auto drome and have safe laser fights. You can also use the jumping pillow and rope course. The younger ones will have a blast at the kids’ town featuring characters from the film “Emergency Brigade”.
Feed the deers at More Safari Park
For a wilderness experience, visit this safari park. Children can enjoy sightseeing these majestic creatures through a 1.5-kilometer trail.
Enjoy your family vacation in Latvia!
Thanks to these reviews you now know that there are many interesting places to visit with your family. Finding activities that everyone likes is not impossible. Take your children to the aquapark while you enjoy a massage at the spa. If you love science, get to know the wonders of traditional medicine. With older children, you can take a thrilling ride at Tarzan Park, and at the end of the week, take a walk through the Park of Senses and enjoy a relaxing foot bath.
