Jūrmala with children

Jūrmala is the fifth largest city in Latvia and the largest resort city in the Baltic States, located approximately 25 kilometers west of Riga. Jūrmala has a 33-kilometer-long, white-sand beach that has been beckoning everyone or a long time. After all, we have heard many times how beautiful the beaches in Latvia are, how many undiscovered places and corners are.

So, is Jūrmala suitable for children? Of course yes! In Jūrmala, there are a lot of establishments providing wellness services, because this region has a lot of coolness of the sea, the smell of pine forests, spring water and wonderful sandy beaches. Jūrmala is full of all kinds of entertainment: butterfly houses, water entertainment, boating, kayaking, survival games in the forests, adventure parks, private organ concerts, hiking in the swamps, learning to smoke fish, painting, paddle boarding and much more. So it’s time to go to Jūrmala.

This is your GUIDe to Jūrmala – where to have fun, what to see, what to visit, where to eat and where to stay with children. We have prepared this guide to Jūrmala with children after visiting Jūrmala several times and in cooperation with our friends Visit Jurmala.

Jūrmala with Children – Guide

Where to have fun with children:

1. Followed the Sun
2. Dzintari Forest Park
3. Kauguri Park
4. Meluži Park
5. Livu water park

What to visit and see:

1. Kemeri Nature Park
2. Ragakapa Nature Park
3. Jūrmala Household Museum
4. Jomas street
5. Jurmala Museum
6. Kemerii resort park
7. Kemeri water tower
8. Kemeri railway station
9. Amazing architecture of wooden houses

Where to live:

1. Followed the Sun
2. Hotel Semarah Lielupe SPA & Conferences

Where to eat:

1. Coffee corner
2. Thank you
3. Restaurant Sea

Jūrmala with Children – Entertainment

The variety of activities for children in the city and nature is so wide that the feeling of boredom simply does not exist here. In the summer, the seaside beach turns into a large 24 km long sandbox where you can build sand sculptures, castles or just splash in the waves. Thanks to the excellent shallow beach, it will be easy for even the smallest beach guests to learn to swim.

The city environment of Jūrmala also offers many entertainment and leisure activities. Jurmala with children is a wonderful destination in all seasons!

„Seko Saulei“

Seko Saulei provides accommodation and entertainment for the family. This is a camping site located in a cozy area where you can find sleeping spots in “cocoons” on trees, on the very bank of the Lielupė river.

A large yard and a spacious beach area with a children’s playground, changing cabins. The owners rent many means of water entertainment: yacht, kayaks, water bikes, paddle boards. Also, the place offers to try its floating terrace.

This place is also perfect for excursions, exclusive teambuilding, graduations or other meetings. The hosts are especially looking forward to school groups and invite them to come here for a class trip, excursion. In nature, far away from technology, city noise and hustle and bustle of everyday life, students discover new opportunities to communicate, cooperate and strengthen mutual relations. Such excursions not only strengthen the collective feeling, but also educate, teaching us to appreciate the gifts of nature and understand its importance in our lives. And when combined with water and nature fun, it can become the most wonderful outing for children.

Read more about this wonderful place here:

An exclusive place in Latvia for recreation closer to nature.

Dzintari Forest Park

The park is intended for lovers of both active and quiet recreation. Here you can spend time with children, family and friends, exercise and enjoy time in the pine forest.

The park has playgrounds for children of all ages, paths for skaters and pedestrians, a skateboard park, street basketball courts, cafes, parking lots, toilets. The park is open all year round. In winter, you can do cross-country skiing here.

In the middle of May 2010, Dzintariai Forest Park has opened its tower. The observation platform of the tower is at a height of 33.5 m. The tower has 12 balconies. It is free and open to everyone during the working hours of the forest park.

Kauguri Park

It is a place for quiet relaxation, children’s games, walks and sports. The 3.8-hectare Kauguri Park has a skate park with a 350-square-meter roof, outdoor exercise equipment, a basketball court and a place for an ice rink. Small visitors to the park will be delighted by the 1,240 square meter playground.

The territory of Kauguri Park is richly planted. The park opened in 2022.

Meluži Park and stage

If you are looking for the most favorite children’s place in Jūrmala – we will reveal the secret – it is Meluži Park. It is equipped with a stage, a playground, high-quality outdoor exercise equipment, a pond full of ducks and a fountain.

Everyone who thinks creatively creates works of art from natural materials in creative eco-workshops, while fun games and adventures await the smallest ones on the Meluži stage together with their favorite fairy-tale characters. Free events for children sponsored by the Jūrmala City Council take place on the Meluži stage throughout the summer, every Sunday at 11:00 a.m., regardless of weather conditions.

Livu water park

All year round, the most active lovers of water sports are welcome in the “Līvu” water park with various pools, slides and attractions.

The water park is not new, in our opinion, it already requires repair. By the way, the tickets are expensive (it was the first time we encountered that you have to pay for a baby as well), but if you are a fan of water sports and have half a day to spare, it’s worth a visit.

Jurmala with children – Nature Parks and Trails

Kemeri Nature Park

Near Jūrmala lies the Kemeri Nature Park of indescribable beauty and size. Here you will discover mysterious marshes, mosses, hall lit up, when bees and beetles are buzzing in the mysterious vegetation and fairies seem to be hiding. Here, near the lakes of Kanieris and Sluokas, there are many nesting water birds, you will smell dry pine forests, and maybe you will meet rare species of animals – black storks, eagles, green snakes and others. The Kemeriai National Park offers walks on educational trails, cycling routes in nature, educational activities for children and adults, and themed events for the whole family.

If you are looking for love, discover Love Island in this park. It is the most sophisticated object of Kemeriai Park, which includes the wonderful feeling of falling in love and the desire to hold hands or hug.

Near Kemeriai Park, the Juodalksniai Swamp Trail has been established, where during a short walk you will get to know the wet multi-herb forest-juodalksniai swamp, which stretches along the shores of Väršupytė. the path is made of wooden boards, it is easy to drive with a wheelchair, but it is not long – only a couple of meters, information stands are installed on the path, which introduce the objects on the path.

Ragakapa Nature Park

Even bigger, because the 150-hectare park is the Ragakapa Nature Park. Ragakapa Nature Park is a specially protected nature area established to preserve the dunes covered with old pine forests and the natural diversity of the sea coast. In order to enjoy the natural scenery, visitors are invited to walk around the park along the wooden paths, the longest of which – 2 km long – passes through the pine forest. Along this trail, you will find information about the natural diversity of the park, the extraordinary history of the Ragakapa landscape, the plants that grow here, the natural life of old pine forests and the traces of insects left in the forest.

The ever-changing ecosystem of the nature park is the only refuge for many rare species. Both colorful flowers and modest-looking plants await you in the Ragakapa Nature Park. All of them have adapted to grow in special conditions. The sun-drenched slopes of the forested coastal dunes are warmed by those plant species that are not affected by the dry land at all, while on the misty slopes of the northern side, the growing conditions are slightly wetter, which is why the species that like the soil grow there. The proximity of the sea, the influence of the wind and the salty sandy soil create a unique microworld where only the most hardy survive.

What to Visit and See in Jūrmala with Children

Jūrmala Household Museum

To get to know the peculiarities of the life and history of the old fishermen, we invite you to visit the Jūrmala Household Museum.

It is the largest and most visited museum in Jūrmala, which is located at the foot of Ragakapa. The daily life of fishermen in the 19th and 20th centuries is presented in the museum. Here you will be able to climb on the deck of two authentic fishing boats, learn how to thread ropes and weave nets in a workshop if you book in advance, and visit authentic fishermen’s homesteads. On summer Thursdays around noon, the museum always prepares a pleasant surprise for those with a sweet tooth, because then fish is smoked, and local fishermen tell and show how fish is smoked in traditional ways and invite you to taste it. We will make you happy, the entrance is free.

The Horn Garden

If you love flowers, you must visit the Horn Garden. It is a unique place, where a hotel and a restaurant used to operate, concerts were held in the garden. Here you will find cozy flower arrangements, gazebos woven with plants and you can admire, admire, admire.

Jomas Street

What about a recreation city without a main street – the promenade? In Jūrmala, it is the Jomas street. It is full of restaurants, shops, cozy ancient buildings. Not all shops are operational, some remain as an architectural monument.

The Kemeriai resort park and Kemeriai Water Tower

The Kemeriai Park is one of the oldest and largest public parks in Latvia outside Riga.

The Kemeriai water tower is one of the historical landmarks in the renovated Kemeriai resort park. The 42-meter high tower was built in 1929 and is part of Latvia’s industrial heritage. Today, the tower, in addition to its main function – water supply, is also a tourist attraction. In it, you can see expositions about the historical development of Kemeriai, as well as visit two panoramic platforms on different floors.

Kemeri Water Tower from May to October. open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a free entry.

From 2023 in June a regular “Hop on hop off” bus runs to the Kemeriai Castle every day. The route also includes a stop at the Kemeriai resort park.

Kemeri railway station

If you like trains, visit the Kemeriai railway station. In the summer of 1912, an electric tram was launched from the railway station, running directly to the beach of Jaunkemeri, which operated until 1915.

Amazing architecture of wooden houses

There are still many wooden houses in Jūrmala, which create a romantic image of the resort.

Jurmala is famous for its elegant buildings, sanatoriums with a rich history. So if your family is interested in architecture, this is a wonderful place to experience the pleasures of resort architecture.

Very beautiful and the first facility in the history of Jūrmala – the former Emilia Racene swimming facility. The two-story wooden building features a high plinth visible from the beach side and wood carvings, creating an urban accent in the beach area. In Soviet times, this building housed the best-organized medical treatment clinic in Jūrmala, offering warm seawater, oxygen and pine extract bath treatments.

On Dzintaru Avenue you will find Kristaps Morberg’s botanical garden and homestead. The homestead building is an architectural monument of national significance, a wonderful example of neo-Gothic wooden construction, built around 1883 by the Latvian entrepreneur and philanthropist Kristaps Morberg. In the interior of the building, painted ceiling panels have been preserved, stained glass, stoves and a fireplace are decorated with round glazed tiles with a polychrome surface. After the reconstruction of the buildings, the 19th century garden was also restored.

And while traveling around the city, we wish to discover ancient hotels, all of which are different, unique and pleasing with their peaks rising easily into the sky – Hotel Europa (Eiropa), Majori, Pegasa Pils, Villa Joma, Vakeri’s House, Kemerii Hotel.

Thanks to our fellow hiker, avid traveler and to the creator of the wonderful blog “History on the Road” Andrius Mazrimas.

What is a city without unique symbols?

There are a lot of sculptures, fountains, small and large objects in Jūrmala, which you simply have to discover while living in the city.

Sculpture Aspaziya in the dunes – fascinating at all times of the year. The sculpture is dedicated to the prominent Latvian poet and playwright Aspazija, and is located in a place overlooking the sea, as well as Aspazija’s house, where the poetess spent the last ten years of her life. The sculpture in the dunes can also be seen from the veranda window of Aspazija’s house.

Here you can see yet another charming lady – Rožė Turaida – who keeps calling on the phone waiting for her fiance – maybe one day he will show up?

Sculptures and Forests

The Baltic Current sculpture is built on the seashore.

The Jūrmala white seagull (lat. Jūrmalas bālta kaija) environmental object is located in three popular places in the center of Jūrmala. These are three benches with 13 seagulls cast in bronze and one seagull made of aluminum. The benches are located in the square in front of Majuoriu station, on Juomas street near the Jūrmala cultural center and in Dzintarai, at the end of Turaida street – at the exit to the beach. The creation of these sculptures was inspired by the coat of arms of the city of Jūrmala – the white seagull – the symbol of Jūrmala.

Since there are many pine forests in Jūrmala, it is not surprising that you will also find a sculpture of Kankorėžis (lat. Čiekurs) in the city. The 7-meter-high sculpture stands in Jaundubulti square, in front of the Dubulti cultural quarter. Looking up, you’ll notice that the structure forms a beautiful, geometrically symmetrical pattern. The “pine cone” is covered with stainless steel sheets – pine cone scales that reflect like many small mirrors. Therefore, the sculpture visually constantly changes, depending on the lighting and weather conditions. Its sound effect inside is also changed by Jūrmala winds.

While walking along the streets of Jūrmala and on the beach, you will also see a copper globe where you can try to find Lithuania, a turtle, the Rainis pine sculpture, the Horizontas fountain – you will be able to become detectives of the city.

Jurmala Resorts

Jūrmala consists of tiny resorts: Ķemeri, Jaunķemeri, Sloka, Kauguri, Vaivari, Asari, Melluži, Pumpuri, Jaundubulti, Dubulti, Majori, Dzintari, Bulduri and Lielupe. In the past, the city was considered part of the city of Riga and was called Jūrmala of Riga. The Germans used to call the city “Riga – Strand” (“Riga Beach”).

Where to live in Jurmala with children?

Follow the Sun – a special night in the trees

This is a campsite located in cozy bedrooms in “cocoons” on the trees, right on the banks of the Lielupe River. Spending the night in Seko Saulei cocoons, which they call “Chiekuri”, or otherwise “sensory houses”, is not only interesting, but, oddly enough, comfortable and very pleasant. Why? Here are the reasons:

• You will be sleeping about 1.5-2 meters above the ground, so low enough not to be scary, but high enough to be interesting.
• You can easily access your cocoon by climbing a short ladder.
• Not only two adults can comfortably stay inside, but this cocoon also perfectly accommodates a family with two small children.
• Inside, you will have a cozy interior, essential items (table, rug, storage box) and most importantly – a charming view through the wide windows to the flowing Lielupa, trees, birds and the rising sun.
• There are as many as 15 cocoons in the area, but all the cocoons are placed at a comfortable distance from each other so that each cocoon allows you to immerse yourself in a quiet and rewarding presence.
• The toilet and showers are about 50-100 meters from the cocoons, near the administration.
• If you’re still in doubt about security, it’s definitely not worth it. The cocoons are stable, there is a normal solid floor inside, and neither wind nor rain are terrible for these hanging tents.

Book quickly and conveniently.

Hotel Semarah Lielupe SPA & Conferences

Four stars Hotel Semarah Lielupe SPA & Conferences is located in one of the most beautiful places in Jūrmala – it’s surrounded by a centuries-old pine forest, only a couple of hundred meters from Buldurai beach. This is one of the favorite beaches of the Baltic Sea coast – an ideal place for family vacations.

At the Semarah Lielupe SPA & Conferences place you will find:

• 264 elegant rooms;
• a large and modernly equipped children’s club;
• a spacious Wellness Center with a 25 m long swimming pool, Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, whirlpool and SPA area for adults and children;
• a restaurant and 13 halls of various sizes for organizing conferences and events.

Make a reservation for your next vacation or weekend.

We’ve been there and recommend reading the full review: Rest in a hotel in Jūrmala by the sea.

Where to eat in Jūrmala with children

Coffee corner “Kafijas stūrītis”

Our discovery in Jūrmala! A great place for both breakfast and lunch. The interior is very cozy, it also has a terrace. There is a great children’s play area. There is a bakery on site that bakes fresh buns and makes desserts. Very tasty food, especially pancakes. We highly recommend tasting the mozzarella salad.

Thank you

If you like Georgian or Armenian cuisine – Jūrmala is the perfect place for you! There are so many restaurants of these cuisines! Although this one is very unsightly, it is always full of people. And the food is very tasty. There is a park nearby, so it is a great place for children to play.

Restaurant Sea

The legendary Jūrmala restaurant has been operating here since 1930. A very popular place, but we wouldn’t say that the food is anything special or very tasty. It’s just that the place is so popular that it seems like you just have to visit when you come to Jurmala.

Where else to travel and have fun in Latvia, read our prepared reviews and GUIDES.

This article Jūrmala with children is author’s work, it was prepared by “Traveling with children ®”. Copying and use without permission is strictly prohibited.

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