In this article, we will share tips and ideas on how to plan a memorable and fun trip to Riga, which is famous for its charming Old Town architecture, various museums and attractions. And from the end of this year, we will be able to reach Riga by train as well!
Traveling by train to Riga with children is a great opportunity not only to get to know a new culture, but also to spend quality time with the family. From educational tours of the city’s historic districts to fun adventure parks and interactive museums.
LTG Link, the passenger transport company of Lithuanian Railways Group, plans to offer passengers a new international rail connection with Latvia already this winter. It is expected that the first direct train without transfers from Vilnius to Riga will be able to leave on December 27 this year. On the international connection, trains will run on the direct route Vilnius–Kaišiadorys–Šiauliai–Joniškis–Jelgava–Riga. Starting at the end of December, the Vilnius-Riga train route will last about 4:15 hours, but it will be shortened.
Riga by train with children
Traveling by train to Riga with children – a Guide
Live Riga and Traveling with children has compiled a GUIDE to what to visit and see in Riga with children in winter. Believe me, Riga in winter with children is a no less impressive destination than in the warm season.
Entertainment in Riga with children:
What to see in winter in Riga with children:
- Old town of Riga
- Dome Church and St. Peter’s Church
- Daugava river promenade
- The winter moon at the Opera House
Riga‘s museums with children:
- Latvian National Museum of Natural History
- Riga Automobile Museum
- Laima Chocolate Museum
- Riga Film Museum
- World Hat Museum
- Riga Fashion Museum
- Latvian Sports Museum
Parks in Riga in winter with children:
- Bastion Hill
- Esplanade Park
- Garden of lights in Mežapark
- Kronwalda Park
Where to eat with children in Riga:
Entertainment in Riga in winter with children
Riga Zoo
The Riga Zoo is open all year round: it is an ideal place for leisure and picnics in summer, and in winter the zoo doors are opened at specific times to show certain animals – snowy owls, arctic foxes.
More than 3000 animals from different continents: giraffes, hippos, tigers, kangaroos, lemurs and many others. You can pet some traditional Latvian pets at the zoo, which always includes baby lambs, piglets and rabbits. A large area is occupied by waterfowl and birds of prey. In the tropical house you can also see reptiles and insects – alligators, crocodiles, marmosets and a great collection of amphibians.
Riga’s Zoo in Winter
Riga’s Zoo in Winter
Adventica Amusement Park
One of our favorites, the Adventica amusement park’s brother in Latvia Adventica, is located in Riga (Latvia) on the second floor of the OLIMPIA shopping center. It is more than 2,300 sq.m. m. as always, special attention was paid to the safety, convenience and comfort of visitors.
The amusement park is full of both traditional and unseen attractions: large, open, bright spaces that are well visible from all sides, new, safe, interesting, unseen attractions and entertainment equipment, spacious, aesthetic toilets, a cozy relaxation area for parents with a drink island.
Adventica adventure park
Adventica adventure park
What to See in Riga in Winter with Children
Old town of Riga
Old town of Riga is the oldest part of the capital, the city center, as well as a favorite recreation and entertainment place for tourists, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The old town has a unique architecture.
Here, from the observation deck of the 72-meter-high tower, a wonderful panorama of the city of Riga opens up. The streets and squares of the Old Town of Riga have countless restaurants, cafes and bars for every taste. While walking around the city and wandering the streets, we always stop by the Riga Central Market, where you can have a tasty and inexpensive snack in a local cafe. By the way, the market is open every day.
And in winter, the Old Town of Riga is lit up with various lights, and a Christmas fair is held. This year, the fair will be held from December 3 to January 7, so it is a great opportunity for a winter trip by train to Riga with children.
Travel to Riga with children by train
What to see in Riga in winter
Daugava river promenade
It is located on the right bank of the Daugava river, encircling the old town to the Kengarags district. It is especially beautiful here in winter!
The winter moon at the Opera House
Next to the Opera House, the festive atmosphere is created by the 11-meter-high twinkling Moon – the main highlight of the Christmas light trail. A platform is installed at a height of two meters. On the other side, in front of the Opera House, the Star shines with soft light above the Opera Square.
The object will be available for viewing from December 3 until February 5.
Riga during Christmas time
Riga during Christmas time
Riga’s museums with children
Latvian National Museum of Natural History
It is a real natural oasis in the middle of civilization – in the center of Riga. Human evolution, rare animals and birds from all over the world, collections of insects, plants and minerals, a journey into the history of the Earth, reconstruction of a volcanic eruption, sky research, several exhibitions, modern and interactive screens, quizzes and stories – a visit to the museum will be remembered with pleasure even by the little ones. and for adult visitors!
Riga Automobile Museum
Its collection is spread over three floors and covers more than 4,000 square meters, and currently exhibits the largest and most diverse collection of vintage vehicles in the Baltic States, with more than 100 unique cars, motorcycles and bicycles.
The Museum also offers comprehensive guided tours of the museum collection, a museum cafe, gift shop and free parking. Educational programs for children: interactive lectures on traffic safety, history of vehicle construction and engineering knowledge. Children can also engage in fun activities in the outdoor and indoor playgrounds.
Riga’s Car Museum
Riga’s Car Museum
Laima‘s Chocolate Museum
Only here you will immerse yourself in the still mysterious world of chocolate making, where taste, smell and sound come together. Taste different types of chocolate, see special ingredients in chocolate making, see how chocolate is packed and see the legendary clock of Laima.
Riga‘s Film Museum
Here you can feel like a movie star – you will be taken to the other side of the screen, which is full of decorations and equipment. You will see not only cartoons, but also dolls, digital animation – children will see how their beloved cartoons have evolved. If you plan a visit in advance, ask about ongoing discussions, meetings, film screenings.
Riga with children
Riga’s film museum
World Hat Museum
This museum will amaze you with its impressive ancient collection of headgear/head coverings made of human hair, bones, gems and other materials. Here, hats will both surprise and thrill you – extravagance and uniqueness in one place, and at the same time – you will feel as if you have traveled the world by hats.
Riga Fashion Museum
Mothers and daughters are invited to the Riga Fashion Museum, where you will see a rich collection of Alexander Vasiliev’s impressive clothes. Various ruffles, silhouettes, accessories, colors, pleats – unique and worth seeing. Everyone, looking at the dresses of different eras, will adapt something to the current outfit, or maybe remember what is hidden in the closet – after all, it is said that fashion goes around in circles.
Riga’s fashion museum
Riga’s fashion museum
Latvian Sports Museum
And fathers with boys can visit the Latvian Sports Museum while the ladies of the family are looking at the spectacular dresses. An abundance of medals, cups, sports equipment, clothing, audio and video material that tells the history of sports from the 19th century to the present day. If you get tired of looking at the exhibits – get some exercise, there is a climbing wall and board games waiting for you here. Sport and art are compatible.
Riga parks in winter with children
Bastion Hill
It is called one of the most romantic places in Riga, full of cozy alleys and paths for walks. Don’t be afraid, this park is cozy both in summer and winter and you can find it very easily – right next to the Freedom Monument.
In the Bastejkalns Park, Riga’s festive spirit is spread by illuminated ice crystals rising up to three meters high and a glowing horse. In addition, the Bastejkalns bridge is decorated with twinkling stars that cast their glow over the city canal, illuminating the park even more with real magic.
The object will be available for viewing from December 3 until February 5.
Christmas in Riga
Christmas in Riga
Christmas in Riga
Esplanade Park
In the very center of the city, surrounded by Elizabete, Kalpaka, Krišjāņa Valdemāra and Brīvības streets, there is an 8.78-hectare Esplanada Park. Two wonderful museums are located in this park: the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Museum of the Academy of Arts.
Garden of lights in Mežapark
Located in Riga’s Mežapark, the “Garden of Lights” illuminates the surroundings with its bright lights. Visiting the park is paid.
The object will be available for purchase from December 3. until February 5
Kronwalda Park
When winter hits Riga’s Kronvalda Park, it turns into a wonderland. In the park, you will be surprised by the festive Christmas sleigh decorated with glowing lights.
The object will be available for viewing from December 3 until February 5.
The Kronwalda Park
Where to eat with children in Riga
Leisure center “Lido” has been one of the most famous and popular vacation spots for families in Riga for more than 20 years. There are 5 different carousels, an autodrome, mini cars, a pony garden, go-karts, trampolines and boats! Of course, you can’t forget a visit to the popular restaurant, where everyone enjoying their free time in the “Lido” recreation center will find a delicious treat.
Relaxation center “Lido”
Relaxation center “Lido”
The Guide 24/7 app is a Lithuanian-speaking “guide” for independent travel around Riga
If you want to get to know Riga on your own – we recommend downloading a free app created by Lithuanians Guide 24/7 from Apple or Google Play stores.
In the app you will find an audio guide in Lithuanian and a route around Riga. In the route, you will find not only the audio guide’s narration about the place of interest, but also other useful information: opening hours, entrance fees and recommendations.
Only 6.99 euros and you will have your own personal, Lithuanian-speaking guide and route in Riga, the capital of Latvia. You can also purchase routes around the regions with 30 objects for only 8.99 eur and have unlimited use for the whole family.
Try it out! Download and familiarize yourself with the program – it costs nothing! After downloading the app, you will be able to conveniently and most importantly – listen to stories in Lithuanian not only about Riga, but also the attractions of other countries and cities and use the map!
Guide 24/7
