Klaipėda with children

Klaipėda is a city that smells of the sea, breathes in the wind and has not yet been discovered by many. And here you will definitely find something to do – you can welcome the sun in the old port, you can welcome and escort incoming ships, ride a bike on excellent bike paths, taste the most delicious soft ice cream, bask in the treetops, walk in parks, admire sculptures, enjoy fountains and music and, of course, swim. splashing on the beaches. We share ideas of what to do in Klaipėda with children.

Klaipėda with children is a green city full of various paths. The uniqueness of these trails is that more than 95 percent of all trails follow various forest paths and roads. On these trails, you can not only run with the breeze, but also calmly drive, walk, dream and visit Klaipėda’s attractions together.

Klaipeda guide

We share with you a guide on where to have fun, what to visit and see, where to swim, ride bikes in Klaipėda with children. And further on in this article you will be able to read about all the objects in more detail.

Where to have fun in Klaipėda with children

1. Klaipėda swimming pool
2. Lithuanian sea museum
3. Dino Park
4. Radailii manor complex with spa
5. Gardens of Babylon
6. Klaipėda Recreation Park
7. Dane Square and Yard
8. Melnragė Park
9. John’s hill complex
10. Sakura Park
11. Sculpture Park
12. Sea park near the summer stage
13. Oak grove park
14. Trinity Park
15. Movement Park

Klaipėda‘s museums with children

1. Clocks Museum
2. Castle Museum
3. Ship-museum Sūduvis
4. Museum of the History of Little Lithuania

Events and theaters with children in Klaipėda

1. Klaipėda “Švyturio” arena
2. Klaipėda Drama Theater
3. Klaipėda Puppet Theater
4. Klaipėda Musical Theater
5. Klaipėda Youth Theater

What to see and visit in Klaipėda with children

1. Curonian Spit National Park Visitor Center
2. Litorina trail-Holland’s hat
3. Memel Nord-Coast Artillery Battery
4. Old town of Klaipėda
5. Meridian
6. Exchange bridge
7. Arc
8. Swing bridge
9. Lighthouse
10. Defensive Fortifications “Memel Süd”
11. Theater Square
12. Klaipėda Gas Factory
13. Klaipėda city central post office
14. Klaipėda University Botanical Garden

Where to swim

1. I Smiltynė beach
2. II Smiltynė beach
3. “Dviratininkai” beach in Smiltyne
4. I Melnragė beach and the North jetty
5. II Melnragė beach
6. Giruliu beach

Where to ride bikes

1. Bicycle path of the central part of the city
2. The northern part of the city cycle track
3. Bicycle track of the southern part of the city

Entertainment with children in Klaipėda

Klaipėda swimming pool

If you want to enjoy the pleasures of summer at any time of the year, Klaipėda swimming pool is great choice. Allow yourself and your family to take a break from everyday life and enjoy relaxation in the pool and sauna area. We invite you to swim, float in the pools, splash in the whirlpools, bask in the saunas, beat the challenge trail… summer in the Klaipėda swimming pool every day!

Read our review about the Klaipėda basin – Holidays in Lithuania: visit the best swimming pools.

Lithuanian sea museum

Lithuanian sea museum – this is a perfect place for the whole family to spend time and get to know each other. Museum expositions are located in Nerija fort. Here you will enter a real sea fortress, where now – not soldiers, but penguins, seals, a North sea lion and many, many beautiful fish of the whole world! In the impressive tunnel, you will come face to face with two and a half meter long sturgeons.

Dolphinarium Sunshine Bay always puts you in the holiday mood with dolphins and resourceful California sea lions frolicking, smiling and playing. And where there are other free exhibitions – giant open-air ships, Ethnographic seaside fisherman’s homestead with fishing games and goats.

Radailiai manor complex, Dino Park and Babylon Gardens

If you want engaging and unique entertainment for the whole day, go to Radailiai Manor, which is located just 7 km from Klaipėda. Although the complex is not in Klaipėda itself, many entertainments in Klaipėda cannot be imagined without the famous dinosaurs, the upside-down house, the labyrinth of mirrors and traveling around the world in the gardens of Babylon.

In the Radailiai complex after an eventful day in the DINO park you can stay in the cozy “Radailių dvaras” apartments near the park and relax in the Radailiai SPA! This offer is also great in that it is suitable for any weather, even at the beginning or end of the season – you can enjoy many activities throughout the day and then warm up in the jacuzzi bubbles in the evening.

Also, do not miss the opportunity to travel around the world with children a little further from Radailiai, by the Klaipėda-Palanga road. Here, you will find the first and only miniature and botanical park in Lithuania, Babylon Gardens!

Read our review and recommendations about these wonderful attractions near Klaipėda in the article “TOP entertainment with children on the beach“.

Klaipėda Recreation Park

The most famous and most popular park is Klaipėda Recreation Park. This park is a sports, entertainment and recreation space for city residents and guests. The park has 18 active leisure zones. Here you can play football, basketball, tennis, mini golf, volleyball. Children’s playgrounds have been built specially for them, as well as for the little residents of Klaipėda and the guests of the city. So you will definitely not be bored.

Dane Square and Yard

Newly arranged and immediately loved – Danė’s square. In the center of the square, you will find an oasis of relaxation and a learning space, and at the end of the square there is an active recreation area. Here you will admire the cozy environment, deepen your historical knowledge – a special timeline is installed on the main street of the square, telling the most important events in the history of the city.

In Danė Square, there is a track for skateboards, bicycles and scooters (helmets and protection are mandatory), a trampoline playground for the little ones, adults can enjoy coffee in the cafes, and everyone will be refreshed by the charming fountains, which are complemented by wonderful melodies in the summer.

Next to the square – loved by all the townspeople is the so-called townspeople’s Yard – a cultural and social space called Hof, which is frequented by Klaipėda citizens to meet, chat, listen to evening music and hang out…in their yard.

Melnragė Park

A great place for quiet relaxation and active entertainment. While parents walk along the promenade and admire the views of the dunes and the Baltic Sea, children can run around on the sand in the modern children’s playgrounds. Those who are curious will also find something to do here – there are information stands set up next to the path, telling about the flora and fauna of the coast.

And that’s not all – there are wooden loungers in the park for the tired, and picnic tables for the hungry.

John’s hill complex

We wouldn’t find a single resident of Lithuania who hasn’t at least heard of John’s hill. John’s hill complex consists of 3 separate areas. The best view of the fortifications can be seen from the bastions at the end of Turgaus street. In front of them is the water of the protective ditch and the only surviving ravelin. In the evenings, there are fountains, children’s playgrounds, a basketball court, outdoor exercise equipment, a beach volleyball court, it’s nice to take a walk, sit looking at John’s hill, watch ducks swimming, swans, fishermen fishing. There are many concerts here, St. John’s Day and other holidays are especially celebrated.

Sakura Park

In Klaipėda, next to the Fisherman’s Palace on the side of Naikupė Street, a new recreation space – Sakura Park – has recently been opened. This park has created an atmosphere typical of a traditional Japanese garden – a space where the pace of life slows down, you can experience the feeling of harmony with nature, and relax with your family after the day’s work. There are three comfortable children’s playgrounds, outdoor benches and tables are placed in the recreation areas.

Sculpture Park

This is an open-air gallery, founded in 1977. Today, 116 sculptures created by 67 Lithuanian artists-sculptors are exhibited in the 12-hectare park. in 1820 the central city cemetery was opened in this area, so in the park you can see a monument to those who were buried before 1944. Rebels who died in the battle for the annexation of Klaipėda to Lithuania are buried here.

In the park you will also find a monument-obelisk, which was built in 1925. and is an authentic demarcation (border) pillar that separated Little Lithuania from Great Lithuania. For park visitors, this is a great space to walk through Klaipėda’s 19th century – 20th century in the footsteps of the first half of history, to rest in the shelter of nature and art.

Little visitors to the park will not be disappointed either, as they will be able to play and have fun in the newly installed children’s playground.

Sea park – next to the summer stage

Interesting and noteworthy Sea Park is next to the summer stage. There are 4 educational trails here, which you can distinguish by different color markings on stakes or trees. The forest is contrasting, dynamic, sometimes the pedestrian paths intersect with the bicycle paths, so be more attentive. In the park you will also find children’s playgrounds and exercise machines.

Oak grove park

The advantages of this park are large trees, greenery, an open space by the pond, a territory for pedestrians and bicycle paths, and most importantly, newly installed playgrounds and entertainment areas for children of all ages.

Trinity Park

Trinyčiai Park is one of the most picturesque parks in the city. In this area, the 18th century Joniškės and Būtsargiai estates were located. An important highlight of the park and an element of the landscape is the Malūnos pond. It was part of the branches of the Dane River, later a dam was built. This park is full of bridges, benches, playgrounds, lots of trees and ducks quacking in the pond.

The Sąjūdis Park

Sąjūdis Park, established in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Sąjūdis of the Lithuanian Reorganization. In the park covering an area of ​​8.3 hectares, pedestrian and bicycle paths have been built, children’s playgrounds, sports fields have been created, and the best 1000 sq. m skateboarding and BMX bike track, an amphitheater with a site for events, dug ponds. 276 types of trees are planted in the park.

Klaipėda with children – museums

Clocks Museum

The Clock Museum is waiting for you in the city – a place where you can count the time of the whole world, here you will see many exhibits, get acquainted with the history of clocks, mechanisms, the museum has professional employees who will tell you many interesting facts.

Castle Museum

By the way, do you know that Klaipėda is the oldest city in Lithuania, and at the beginning of the 19th century it even temporarily became the capital of Prussia! You need to get to know the history of this city, and the best place to do it is in the Castle Museum. Here, the historical development of the city is presented, various archaeological finds, documents, ancient costumes and even jewelry with precious stones are exhibited. This museum has many interactive solutions: as many as 12 interactive computer terminals, 11 projectors, 8 sound zones, various holograms, LED screens… that will involve visitors and leave lasting impressions.

Ship-museum Sūduvis

The ship M52 “Sūduvis” was handed over to the Lithuanian Navy in 1999. It was donated by Germany, in whose naval forces it was christened M1071 “Koblenz” and used since 1958. in 2021 the ship ended its service and was handed over to the Lithuanian Maritime Museum, which opens this exhibit to the public, adapting it for museum and educational activities.

Museum of the History of Little Lithuania

This museum is interesting because here you will have a really great opportunity to learn about the prehistory of this land, the life and burial customs of the Curonian and Scalvian tribes, the conquests of the Teutonic Order and the existence of the state they created. A special place in the exposition is occupied by the traditional culture of Lithuanians.

Klaipėda with children – events, theaters

Klaipėda “Švyturio” arena

An average of 100 sports, cultural and entertainment events take place in Klaipėda’s Švyturys Arena during the year. This can be one of the most interesting entertainments of your vacation –attend a sporting or cultural event.

Klaipėda Drama Theater

The famous Klaipėda Drama Theater is located in Anikes Square and attracts children with its interesting spaces. It invites children to wonderful performances such as “Snow Queen”, with the wonderful story of the friendship of Kajus and Gerda, the sinister but impressive Snow Queen. This fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen is one of the most famous and children will surely love this play about the unbreakable power of love and kindness.

This theater also pays special attention to education. Therefore, both children and adults can find education here.

Klaipėda Puppet Theater

Although it is a young, innovative theater, it has won the hearts of the audience. The mission of the Klaipėda Puppet Theater is to introduce the children and youth of Klaipėda to the traditional and non-traditional art of the puppet theater, to develop their intellectual and cultural knowledge and to form the value system of children and young people. Did you know that the Klaipėda Puppet Theater is the only professional, repertory puppet theater in Western Lithuania? The Puppet Theater organizes not only performances, for which it is really difficult to get tickets, but also educations, projects, and various festivals.

Klaipėda Musical Theater

Even those who live in the capital know the melodious Klaipėda musical theater, which gives all of Lithuania extremely beautiful and professional moments.

Klaipėda Youth Theater

Anyone who feels young, creative and is flying through life with the wind cannot pass by the Klaipėda Youth Theater, which you will often meet on tours throughout Lithuania.

In the summers, this theater hosts the Young Creators Camp, the creative Process workshop, where children will feel unreal inspiration to create, enjoy the process and never stop dreaming. In the theatrical class “Užkulisiai”, professional actors of the Klaipėda Youth Theater introduce the class participants to the profession of an actor and the secrets of the theater through theatrical games and exercises. Students have the opportunity to try acting tasks of various complexity in practice.

What to see and visit in Klaipėda with children

Curonian Spit National Park Visitor Center

The visitor center of the Curonian Spit National Park will not leave its little guests indifferent either. Visitors are especially welcome here during the summer. The center offers various nature educations, cognitive nature afternoons and musical and cultural activities.

Litorina trail-Holland’s hat

Right next to Klaipėda, just a few kilometers outside Girulii is the wonderful Litorina trail. The length of the trail is 5 km, here you will enjoy wonderful views, a lot of information is provided at the stands, which are numerous along the trail. The charming one is nearby the Dutch hat – which is worth visiting every time you visit Klaipėda. Holland’s Cap offers a view of the sea with steep shores and rocky beaches. It is convenient to watch birds flying over the sea from the cliff.

Memel Nord – coastal artillery battery

Just next to Holland’s cap is the Memel Nord-Coast Artillery Battery. These are World War II-era defensive fortifications by the Baltic Sea, installed after Klaipėda region was annexed to Germany. Here you can feel the spirit of World War II history – history buffs will love it.

Old town of Klaipėda

While walking around the old town of Klaipėda, admire the secret inhabitants of the city: a magical mouse, a cat, a dragon, a ghost, a chimney sweep and others. Go on a sculpture and adventure hunt in the cozy old town.

Meridian

While walking around the city, you will definitely not pass by the symbol of the city, which, by the way, is very much loved by the citizens – Meridian. The ship was built in 1948. Finland, Turku shipyard. For 20 years, “Meridianas” was used as a training ship, in 2012 it was in a critical condition and was renovated and placed in Dane quay. Dressed in magnificent sails every warm season, the ship invites you to get to know the ship both from the outside and from the inside by visiting the inside restaurant where presidents and kings have dined.

Exchange bridge

In order to go to the other side, you will have to cross the Birža bridge. It is a steel swing bridge over the Dane River, which was destroyed during the Second World War, rebuilt after the war in 1948. Until 1770 one of the oldest wooden bridges in the city is called “Bridge Gate”. The name of the stock exchange bridge got its name because of the nearby stock exchange.

Arc

After crossing the Birža bridge, you will see the monument to united Lithuania – the Arch. The monument building was built in 2003, the red column symbolizes Little Lithuania, and the gray column symbolizes Greater Lithuania. The upper part of the monument, as if torn off, symbolizes the lost area of ​​the Kingdom. The words of the writer I. Simonaitytė, written a month after 1923, are engraved on the monument. of the uprising: “We are one nation, one land, one Lithuania”.

Swing bridge

The hand-turned metal bridge over the castle canal was built in 1855. This is the only mechanism of this type in Lithuania. It is made of riveted iron and decorated with chains, which is why it was called “Chain Bridge” (German: Kettenbrücke) until World War II.

Interestingly, the mechanism for turning the bridge is manual. Two people have to turn the bridge in such a way that the overcast under it can be entered into the former Klaipėda castle’s fossa (defensive moat). This bridge is “protected” by the 2.4 m high bronze sculpture “The Black Ghost”, created by Caspar Hennenberg in the 16th century. written at the end with the motifs of the legend “The Black Man from Memel”.

Lighthouse

Klaipėda lighthouse is a navigational sign located in Melnrage, 500 m from the shore of the Baltic Sea. Its height – 44 m above sea level. The signal is visible 33 km away.

One of the first Klaipėda lighthouses on the northeastern Baltic coast was built and lit in the fall of 1796. After 1819 the construction works lighthouse was raised, more reflectors were installed, lit by 13th oil-burning lamps. At that time, the light of the lighthouse spread more than 30 kilometers in the sea.

Only the 4 m plinth part of this 200-year-old lighthouse remains authentic. The lighthouse was completely destroyed during the Second World War. In 1945, it was restored, in 1953 rebuilt and improved. Now the lighthouse is 44 m high. The distance from the sea is 500 m. The signal is visible 33 kilometers away.

Defensive Fortifications “Memel Süd” or “Jachman”

Battery Memel-Süd. Jachman. The battery was named after German Vice Admiral Eduard von Jachmann. The coastal defense artillery battery was built in the spring of 1939. No attention was paid to her for a long time.

In this coastal artillery battery, four 150mm SKL-45 naval guns remained mounted only on temporary concrete platforms. A two-story bunker – a fire control post – was also built nearby.

Theater Square

This square is the heart of Klaipėda city. It is a very popular gathering place for Klaipėda residents and their guests. The theater square attracts people like a magnet. Concerts, Sea Festival and other events are held here. It is said that already in the 17th century. On the theater square, various plays were performed by passing actors.

Klaipėda Gas Factory

The factory was built in 1860-1861. according to the project of J. Hartman, director of the Karalaučius gas factory. In November 1861, gas storages began to operate, which reflected the renewed economy of the city of Klaipėda. Of the 28 factory buildings, three have survived: a two-story red brick administrative building with an apartment for the director and two octagonal red brick gas storages.

At first, the gas factory produced gas only for lighting, later also for stoves and industrial enterprises. After the war, apartments were installed in the buildings of the gas factory, people lived here until 1981. Currently, the “small” gas storage is equipped with an exhibition of classic cars, introducing the first 19th century cars.

Klaipėda city central post office

Next to the Clock Museum – the former central post office of the city of Klaipėda. The post office was built in 1893. On the site of the Argelander family home. The complex consists of 3 neo-Gothic buildings, and in 1987 the largest Klaipėda carillon in Lithuania was installed. The new Klaipėda carillon was cast in 2006. In Holland, it consists of 48 new bells with a smooth profile, the total weight of the bells is about 5095 kg. Isn’t it impressive?

Klaipėda University Botanical Garden

If you want to get to know the plants and see the impressive flower gardens, we invite you to the Klaipėda University Botanical Garden, located in the valley of the Dane River. The total area of ​​the territory is 9.3 ha. More than 250 species of plants grow naturally in the territory, and in total there are about 40 thousand plants in the park. plants. The main activity of the garden is to plant and nurture plants, as well as the exchange of seeds and green cuttings, and the accumulation of the seed fund of cultivated plants.

Klaipėda with children – where to swim

I Smiltynė beach

Smiltynė is a great place for Klaipėda guests who want to enjoy the fresh Baltic Sea and soft sand dunes just a few minutes from the old town of Klaipėda – you only need to get on the ferry to the Curonian Spit. Smiltynės beach is wide and clean. It has beach volleyball, tennis, football pitches, children’s playground, changing cabins, toilets. The beach is adapted for people with disabilities. The safety of vacationers is ensured by lifeguards and employees of the medical center. On the beach there is free Wi-Fi connection, the possibility to charge mobile phones.

II Smiltynė beach

II Smiltynė beach is covered with fine sand, but it is not very wide. Locals sometimes call it the Portuguese-style beach. There are fewer people here, and the feeling is like being at the ocean. The nearby Hagen dune offers a great view of the sea. Here, relaxation by the sea can be perfectly combined with active and educational entertainment. Both young and old visitors to this beach will be impressed by one of the most visited museums in Lithuania – the Lithuanian Maritime Museum and Dolphinarium.

“Dviratininkai” beach in Smiltyne

The favorite of cyclists who set out to ride around the Curonian Spit. It is interesting that this beach is not marked on the maps and is only unofficially called “Dviratininkai” beach in Smiltyne, located about 7-8 km from Senojis kēlė, at the border of the municipalities.

On the way to “Dviratininkai” beach, you can find tables, stop at them for a picnic or a short rest. There are no changing cabins, cafes or lifeguards on duty on the beach itself. However, locals and guests of the city call this secluded beach iconic – it is wide and little touched by man, like a real wild beach.

I Melnragė beach and the North jetty

I Melnragė beach with the Northern jetty is a favorite of vacationers. On sunny calm days, vacationers enjoy the sun on the beach. On windy days, kitesurfing fans and Klaipėda residents who want to admire the impressive waves are happy to choose this beach. The North Pier is an ideal place to watch passing ships, sunsets and take amazing photos. The beach is soft sand, clean and long. There are changing cabins, a toilet, lifeguards on duty, and cafes. Those who are still dreaming of surfing can try their hand at a surfing school. The beach is easily accessible, so it is popular with teenagers and young people.

II Melnragė beach

This beach is mostly chosen by lovers of active recreation. On the beach, vacationers will find equipped children’s playgrounds, volleyball, handball, sand basketball courts, fitness equipment, there are changing cabins and showers. The safety of vacationers is taken care of by lifeguards, and there is a medical station at the lifeguard station. II Melnragė beach is also adapted for people with mobility disabilities.

Around this beach there are pine forests and a calmer atmosphere, with significantly fewer residential houses and accommodation facilities. The clean beach, suitable for vacationers, is loved by both Klaipėda residents and seaside guests.

Giruliai beach

One of the favorite beaches of the city of Klaipėda is Giruliai Beach, which is mostly chosen by families on vacation. The beach has a lifeguard station, changing cabins, and several cafes. One of the attractions of Giruliai Beach is a wooden observation deck built a few years ago. Vacationers like to climb to admire the beach, watch the sun or take pictures.

Bicycle paths in Klaipėda

Bicycle path of the central part of the city

If you have decided that walking around the city and swimming in the sea is enough, grab the bikes (you can rent them in Klaipėda as well) and ride with the breeze. Running along the central cycling route, you will cover about 8 kilometers and it will take about an hour. Driving on it, you will see the symbol of the city, Meridian, the port of Danė, the bastions of the city’s defensive fortifications (island and ramparts), Pelenynas (a potash factory used to process ash for glass production) and many other places of interest in Klaipėda.

The northern part of the city cycle track

If you choose the path in the northern part of the city, you will cover about 20 kilometers. While walking, you will see Klaipėda University located in the former barracks of the city of Klaipėda (it is said that the barracks were visited by Jonas Basanavičius, Vydūnas, Martynas Jankus, Maironis, as well as two interwar Lithuanian presidents – Antanas Smetona and Kazys Grinius); The sea park, the summer stage and other famous and well-known objects of the city.

Bicycle track of the southern part of the city

If you choose the route of the Southern part of the city, you will cover about 10 kilometers. You will visit the Baltic region, Pempininki, Draugystės Park, St. Brunonos Kverfurtietis parish, Debrecen microdistrict, Gedminai, residential area, Gedminai estate, Žardininkai district, Orthodox church of Mykolos Apvijada, St. Juozaps Darbininkas Catholic Church, Klaipėda Pranas Mašiots Pro-gymnasium, Sąjūdis Park, Pigeons are bred and kept here, and in Klaipėda there are even 5 dovecots in the yards), Žardė and Alksnynė, New Market, cinema “Jūratė ir Kastytis” (one of 7 during the Soviet era operating cinemas), the New Apostles’ Church, the Fisherman’s Palace of Culture.

And if you visit Klaipėda with older children and have more time – have fun on the coast of Lithuania and in Palanga.

The article was prepared with the help of our loyal readers Ineta and Giedrė, the Klaipėda Tourism Information Center and other institutions provided information and photos.

This article is author’s work and was prepared by “Traveling with Children ®”. Copying and using without permission is strictly prohibited.

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