With the arrival of the summer season, people are thinking about where to go on vacation. At the same time, many choose inexpensive and accessible options in the near abroad. Latvia is one of the most attractive countries in Northern Europe where you can go with the whole family. Plan a summer holiday in Latvia with children in 2019 by reading about the main local cities and resorts in this article.
It cannot be said that Latvia is the best country for a seaside holiday. The fact is that it is washed by the waters of the Baltic, and this is by no means the warmest of seas. However, from mid-May to mid-September, local residents and tourists enjoy sunbathing and swimming at some beach resorts. The water temperature is most comfortable in July - it warms up to 23 degrees Celsius. As for the air, the average temperature in July is about 20 degrees Celsius, which is quite comfortable. So, if you are very interested in this country and this option is suitable for financial reasons, you can consider this destination for a seaside holiday.
Latvia on the map:
Prices for tours to Latvia
Tours to Latvia have recently become more popular among tourists, and holidays in this country will delight you with its diversity. Some people choose excursion tours to visit the most popular attractions, others simply want to relax in a spa hotel on the seashore. The cost depends on the type of hotel, city and set of excursions, however, on average, affordable prices will be another bonus that will encourage people to travel to this country.
Traveling by train will cost a tourist approximately 100 euros. The price includes meals, accommodation, excursions. Additional fees include visa, train ticket and insurance. The cost of bus tours across several countries with visits to Riga, Tallinn, Jurmala and Vilnius starts from 130–170 euros per person.
Popular destinations for summer holidays in Latvia with children
Riga
The capital of Latvia is the pearl of the country. Most of the buildings here are built in an elegant Art Nouveau style. Riga is located on the banks of the Daugava River. The history of the city is full of glorious events: Riga was part of the Hanseatic League, was, and is, a major port, as well as the economic and cultural center of the country.
How to get there?
There are several ways to travel from Riga. So, the flight will last less than a couple of hours, and the ticket will cost around 7.5 thousand rubles. You can also get there by train - they run about once a day, a ticket for a reserved seat carriage costs about 4.5 thousand rubles. Finally, the most budget option is a bus trip, which will last 15 hours, but will take about 3.5 thousand rubles from the budget.
How to get around Riga? Very easy. There are many bus, tram and trolleybus routes in the capital. You can purchase a ticket for all types of transport at once for a certain amount of time. There are also taxis in Riga. But renting a car is only worth it for those who want to explore not only the capital, since the historical center of Riga can be easily navigated on foot or by public transport.
Where to stay?
The capital offers more than 250 accommodation options to suit every taste. So, three of us with a child can stay in a hotel located on the outskirts of the city - the furnishings are simple, but the price is low - around 1.5 thousand rubles per day.
Of course, to the question of where it is better to live, there is only one answer - close to the center, because the majority of attractions and entertainment are located there. Three people can stay in a 3* hotel, located in the center and furnished with good furniture, for 4 thousand rubles, including breakfast. Finally, if possible, allow yourself a luxurious holiday in a 5* establishment, where there is a fitness center, sauna, bathhouse and many other services - for 10 thousand rubles per day for three.
Adults and children will be able to find entertainment for every taste in Riga: from bike rides in parks to creative workshops. As for standard excursions, all kinds of travel agencies offer a large selection of tours with visits to the Dome Cathedral, Riga Castle, Cat's House and much more. But you can visit the sights of Riga on your own.
The best part of the city for walking is Old Riga. This historical center is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In Old Riga, fragments of fortress walls and towers have been preserved, including the Powder Tower and the Swedish Gate. The Dome Cathedral is a real symbol of the city. This medieval Gothic building is not only interesting from the outside: inside there is a stunning organ, as well as the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, containing more than half a million exhibits.
Riga Castle was built in the 14th century. Previously, knights lived here, and currently the building is the residence of the head of the country. In the castle you can visit museums - the National Museum of the History of Latvia, from which you will learn everything about the country, and the Museum of Foreign Art, its exhibition includes ancient artifacts. But the Cat House, or the House with Black Cats, was built already in the 20th century. Children will really like it, because the pointed towers of this house are crowned with sculptures of cute cats.
Families with children can also admire animals and birds at the famous Riga Zoo. This is a well-groomed area in the European style, where you can admire bright flamingos, mysterious Pallas' cats, exotic pandas and other cutest creatures of nature.
A good choice would be to go to one of the entertainment centers and parks. Thus, Lido has a carousel, an autodrome, a hippodrome and other activities that are interesting for children. In summer, you should also try your hand at the Mežakaķis amusement park, a rope town with many trails of different levels. There is also a circus and a puppet theater in Riga.
Shopping lovers should definitely visit the theme fairs in the Kalnciema quarter. This place is interesting because you can taste a lot of Riga delicacies there, as well as have fun with the whole family: a variety of creative workshops are offered for children, there are hammocks, and performances are organized at special venues. What should you bring with you from Riga as a souvenir and as a gift? It could be:
- amber jewelry;
- linen clothing;
- chocolate from the Laima factory;
- Riga balsam;
- ceramics.
What to try in Riga? Dishes of Latvian cuisine are, first of all, fish. Thanks to the proximity of the Baltic Sea, Latvian residents love and know how to cook it. In addition, soups (milk and pea), smoked meats, cheeses and beer are very popular. You can have dinner in a traditional restaurant for about 2.5 thousand rubles. Affordable canteens, bistros, and coffee shops will cost about 700 rubles.
Riga is a great place for a summer holiday in Latvia with a child on the way to the sea.
Jurmala
The city is famous for the fact that it used to host the famous New Wave music festival. And now a holiday on the coast of the Gulf of Riga will be an excellent option for families with children.
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to Jurmala is from Riga. The cost of a car trip is quite high: around 3 thousand rubles. Budget-conscious tourists should consider traveling by bus - after all, the journey is only about half an hour, and a ticket will cost a couple of euros. You can also use the train, which will cost about the same money.
Where to stay?
Jurmala has accommodation options for every taste and budget. So, you can stay in a simple hostel - for 3 thousand rubles per day for a family of three people. A 3* hotel with its own beach will cost a family about 8 thousand rubles per day. There are also a couple of luxury options: for 15 thousand rubles a day, a family can stay in a hotel in the very heart of the city, which will have a swimming pool, its own park, children’s playground, excellent food and atmosphere.
What to see and do?
Jurmala is the largest resort in the Baltic states. 30 kilometers of coastline, surrounded by forests. Beaches in some areas of the resort receive an honorary Blue Flag, the coast is covered with fine white sand, and the coast is regularly cleaned. Jurmala is suitable for families with small children - the water here is clear and the entrance to the water is gentle. In addition, the beaches are well-maintained: there is all the necessary infrastructure, you can rent a sun lounger and an umbrella. Some beaches are equipped with sports grounds; in some places you can go windsurfing, kiting, and on the Lielupe River you can ride a yacht or water ski.
Numerous buildings in Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic styles will delight the eyes of strolling tourists. You should definitely take a look at the complex of Kristaps and Augusta Morberg, which was built in the 19th century and is made entirely of wood, but at the same time looks like a small castle. The complex is surrounded by a beautiful garden with elegant gazebos.
Those who love cultural recreation should go to the Dzintari Concert Hall. Here you can listen to classics or opera, and also, which is important for families with children, attend a children's performance. Children will remember the Jurmala City Museum for its interesting collection of objects that were raised from the bottom of the sea, and you can also learn a lot about the history of navigation there.
Those who love outdoor recreation should head to Kemeri National Park. Sands, river and sea - this is the variety that awaits visitors to the park. You can just walk along the paths, or if you want, take a boat ride.
What do children need in summer? Of course, water activities! Līvu Water Park offers four dozen slides - for the little ones and for extreme sports enthusiasts. Kids will love the children's pool, adults will relax in the wave area and enjoy the sauna and jacuzzi. And if you want outdoor entertainment, you can go to the Dzintari rope park (not to be confused with the concert hall).
About Jurmala beach - in the video:
Liepaja
Undoubtedly, this city deserves tourists to come to it. It is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, and its beach is famous for its fine and very white sand. The resort is great for relaxing with both children and friends.
How to get there?
There are different ways to get to the resort. Motorists can easily reach Liepaja from Riga in about a couple and a half hours. If it is not possible to get there by car, there is an option to go by bus - regular service between Riga and Liepaja is quite well developed, a ticket will cost around 9 euros. You can also get there by train, although they run every day. It will take 3.5 hours and cost approximately 8 euros.
Where to stay?
Liepaja is not as popular as Jurmala, but you can stay here in more than three dozen establishments. So, a very modernly furnished apartment will cost a family of three about 2.5 thousand per day. You can also stay in a hotel: for example, accommodation in a 3* category, in the city center and a 10-minute walk from the beach, will cost three tourists approximately 3.5 thousand rubles per day. There is only one 5* hotel in the resort. For 14 thousand rubles per day, guests will receive an elegant room, the opportunity to enjoy works of modern art or sit on the terrace overlooking the pier.
What to see and do?
Liepaja beach is one of the best on the Baltic coast. Golden soft sand, a gentle entrance to the water and a wide strip - this is what you need for a good rest. Blue flag mark - present.
The central square (Rose Square) will delight you with an abundance of various flower beds, and the Grand Port will delight you with views of all kinds of ships. In the building of the garrison guardhouse you can take part in the reality show “Behind Bars”. Unusual impressions and adrenaline are provided to all participants.
There are also excursions to the main attractions of Liepaja: churches, cathedrals, castles and museums. The Church of St. Anne was built back in the 16th century. Inside the temple, visitors will find a baroque interior, including a stunning carved altar. Liepaja Castle is also definitely worth a look, some of its fortifications have been preserved quite well.
By the way, the Seaside Park stretches along the coast, which is definitely worth a visit with children. It has many play areas with attractions for people of all ages; you can go bowling, play tennis or mini-golf. Sporty families will enjoy cycling - bicycles can be easily rented.
If possible, it is worth going to the Kalven Zoo, which is located in the vicinity of Liepaja, 50 kilometers from the city. Wolverines, lynxes, llamas and other inhabitants of this place will definitely entertain little tourists.
Latvia is a good place for a summer holiday with children. Relatively inexpensive travel and accommodation, ease of language (there are many Russian-speaking guides, many signs and useful information are translated into Russian), mild climate, historical and natural beauty and clean beaches - all this is worthy of going to Latvia in the summer of 2019 .
1 day Moscow - Minsk
Joining/detaching from a group in European cities is carried out only after written agreement with managers in the direction, before booking air or train tickets to the place of joining/detaching.
Departure from the Belorussky station by train No. 3 (on even days) or No. 7 (on odd days) at 22:03 or another train, meeting to receive documents 40 minutes in advance. before departure (guide, train and carriage number, see section a week before departure).
Day 2 Minsk - Vilnius - Trakai* - Trakai Castle*
Arrival in Minsk early in the morning (at 06:31).
Overnight at a hotel in Riga.
Day 7 Jelgava - Klaipeda
Breakfast in the hotel.
Departure to Klaipeda, along the road (~ 40 km) - brief inspection Jelgava, the former capital of the Duchy of Courland: Mitava (Jelgava) Palace, St. Anne's Church, etc.
Moving to Klaipeda (~ 260km). Tour of Klaipeda with an accompanying person. Klaipeda - an ancient port cityon the Baltic coast, at one time belonged to the knights of the Teutonic Order, then was the capital of Prussia. The German influence was reflected in the architectural appearance of the city - half-timbered buildings, churches, the Post Office building, etc.
Klaipeda is famous not only for its attractions, but also for its beaches, which have been awarded the “blue flag” for meeting high EU quality standards.Free time.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 Klaipeda - Curonian Spit* - Nida*
Breakfast in the hotel.
Holidays at sea.
For those interested, a trip* (~50 km) to the Curonian Spit (€30, transfer + ferry). The Curonian Spit is sand dunes, some of the highest in the world, snow-white beaches, a place of inspiration for writers and artists (Thomas Mann et al.). Moving to a resort town
In the afternoon, transfer to Kaunas (~236 km). Brief tour with an accompanying person: Town Hall "White Swan", "Perkūnas House", Kauna Castle, etc.
Transfer to Minsk (~285 km).
Day 10 Minsk - Moscow
Departure by night train No. 96 at 05:40 or another train. Accurate andInformation on train number and departure time is in the section .
If you purchase tickets on your own, it is important to leave Minsk for your city no earlier than the main group. A tourist's ticket for an earlier train than the main group does not constitute grounds for changing the group's schedule.Arrival in Moscow at Belorussky Station at 16:26.
15 days have passed, and I can say with confidence that this trip to the Baltics was the best and happiest of my entire life. The reason is the combination of everything you love in huge quantities.
Travel around Baltics, new cities, stunning unique nature, delicious food, excellent accommodation, no stress and, of course, the best company. Even though everything comes to an end, I'm not sad. And now we need to move on, because there are still so many countries, cities and people that I want to meet. You never know where a new joyful meeting awaits.
It turns out that there is something to see near the house, and the impressions from all this splendor are no less than from or.
Traveling around the Baltics was strikingly different from everything I was used to over the past couple of years, which is why the title of the post is “Holidays in the Baltics.” There were no extreme travel, no weekly changes in temperature or altitude.
I traveled on comfortable buses with Wi-Fi, and not standing on one leg in chicken buses. A small suitcase on wheels, opened in the closet, successfully replaced my favorite backpack.
I lived in comfortable apartments with all amenities in the city center, almost like a local. The weather over these two weeks was... strange, but now I know what to answer to people who ask whether it is worth going to the Baltic Sea in the summer for a beach holiday.
The impressions from the trip were very positive. The Baltic cities are wonderful. I liked it most Lithuania. In terms of atmosphere, convenience and friendliness of people. Baltic photo:
I have mixed impressions from Latvia and Estonia. There are a lot of Russians in Latvia (30% of the population according to statistics), accordingly, your native language is heard on the streets more often than Latvian, sometimes you even forget that you are not at home. In Lithuania and Estonia, more people still speak their native languages.
The most beautiful girls- in Latvia
The most beautiful cities— Tallinn and Riga. It’s difficult to choose one, because they are completely different in both atmosphere and attractions. Tallinn has beaches, so we'll give it first place. 
Riga is a beautiful and impressive city, but for some reason it brings me nothing but frustration, and the weather was like that - you can’t really spoil it
The most stunning natural attraction and the best beach all rolled into one— . Sea in the Baltics: 
The worst roads are in Latvia, especially the Klaipeda-Riga road (I’m glad that roads in Latvia are being actively repaired).
The most vivid impression- one amazing day in , when everything was perfect (morning, ferry, spit, dancing, bicycles, dumplings with sour cream and beer, rain, bubble bath, fireplace, candles, photos, blanket on the wooden floor).
The funniest word— Stripy Klubi in Estonia
Grocery prices in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
In terms of prices for food in stores and lunches and dinners, Lithuania seemed to be the cheapest; in Latvia and Estonia the prices are approximately the same. Definitely cheaper than in Moscow and sometimes even cheaper than in Minsk.
Move between countries by bus quite convenient, but for more detailed exploration and visiting national parks and other natural wonders, a car in the Baltics will not hurt (buses and trains rarely go to some places).
Travel route to the Baltics:
Clicking on a name highlighted in blue opens a post on my blog with a detailed description of the corresponding city.
Lithuania:
Minsk — — Vilnius — — Klaipeda —
Latvia
Most children in seaside resorts in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia either do not react at all to changing weather conditions or tolerate them very easily. Therefore, parents will not have problems with the notorious acclimatization of the child, even in the midst of summer.
Coniferous (mainly pine) forests stretch along the entire Baltic coast, thanks to which the air in seaside resorts is not only very clean, but also healthy due to the presence of phytoncides released by the resin of coniferous trees.
Food in almost all hotels is organized according to the buffet principle, and also contains dishes most suitable for small children, for example, porridge cooked in milk or water, pureed soups in meat or vegetable broth. In any case, ask the tour operator about food.
In addition, in many Baltic hotels, chefs, at the request of parents, can prepare separate dishes for children.
Finally, due to the cooler climate and strict adherence to sanitary standards, the likelihood of food poisoning and intestinal infections in the Baltics is immeasurably lower than in many southern countries (including Egypt and Turkey, which are very popular).
Where is the best place to relax in the Baltics with children?
Back in Soviet times, Palanga (in Lithuania) and Jurmala (in Latvia) were considered the most popular resorts in the Baltic states. And now parents can choose any of these resorts. The choice depends, first of all, on the age of the child and whether the parents plan to visit nearby attractions with him.
Jurmala is designed for energetic tourists, especially since the Latvian Riga with a lot of interesting sights is located not far from it.
A walk through the beautiful historical center of Riga will certainly bring great pleasure not only to parents, but also to children (of course, if they are not the youngest).
In addition, Jurmala has more opportunities for active children's recreation (for example, it has a good water park and children's land-based attractions). The city of Klaipeda, located near Palanga, also has attractions, but they are much smaller. Palanga is considered a calm resort with lower prices, so those who like a quiet holiday should go there.
Parents who want to provide their child with peace, quiet and home comfort can also rent housing in the private sector.
