Is Riga good for kids? I was sure it would be!! For us it was only going to be a very quick trip so I knew I wanted to find some cool places for kids in Riga.
Awesome food stalls at the Riga Christmas Market
Riga may be known for its charming old town and Art Nouveau architecture, but there’s plenty to do in the winter months too. We arrived and spent New Year’s Eve in the town of Riga.
We loved our time in Riga. We had a little bit of a whirlwind tour of Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius. Racing through is definitely not how we normally travel, but I thought it would be a great way to see the Old Towns of each of these countries.
I had booked our accommodation far in advance and it didn’t seem any more expensive for that time of year to travel to Riga with their kids. Hotel Justus was in the old town, a 2-minute walk to the Christmas Market, and a Family-friendly accommodation in Riga. We couldn’t have asked for a better location.
This was the only hotel on our trip! I thought that we may feel like an easy buffet breakfast for a change!!! We had a family room with two bedrooms and a bathroom. There was a small table and a chair but no other seating space. For a quick trip, it was perfect. If we were staying longer I would have opted for an Air BnB so we had more space to spread out.
We caught the Lux Express bus from Tallinn to Riga. Super simple and easy and we loved having a break from flying. I have a quick post on catching the bus, check it out here if you are interested.
We were not in Riga to rush around a tick all the tourist boxes. This trip was about enjoying and exploring during White Christmas and New Years Eve.
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a beautiful city to visit in the winter, especially if you have kids. The city is filled with charming architecture, festive holiday markets, and plenty of family-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained.
Is Riga a family friendly city?
Riga is a great city for all the family and Ned and Olive would say a great big yes! Especially if you are there at Christmas time and visit the old/smaller Christmas Market to visit the Rabbit Kingdom! They thought this was just the best! They would definitely say it was one of the best places to take kids in Riga.
The Bunnies of Rabbit Kingdom
Rabbit Kingdom!
There are plenty of family-friendly activities in Riga. Riga, is a city that is both historical and modern, making it a great destination for families. With its charming Old Town, beautiful parks, and fun activities (even in winter! Meaning that there are plenty of winter activities for families in Riga), Riga has something to offer for visitors of all ages.
Here are some of our tips for visiting Riga with kids-
Definitely first and foremost, explore Riga’s Old Town. Riga’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with cobblestone streets and old charming medieval buildings. We spent most of our time exploring these streets. We didn’t do an official tour here (in Copenhagen we took a free local’s tour which was a lot of fun). Although, there are tours available.
We arranged through ‘Get Your Guide’ a scavenger hunt around the city. We all really enjoyed this and would be happy to do something similar in other new places we visit. A great thing to do in Riga with kids. It took us to different areas of the town which we normally wouldn’t venture (there were a few hiccups though; we took some shortcuts and a couple of the clues and answers were muddled). We thought this was one of the top things to do in Riga with kids.
Exploring the city on a scavenger hunt
We also made sure we had time to visit the Riga Central Market. I just love visiting markets around the world. Ross thinks they are a bit all the same same! I think it’s a real eye-opener with all the different foods, meat, fruit and vegetables on sale. It was a great lunch stop too.
Delicious Turkish Delight!
Of course Ned ended up with a burger!
We didn’t have time to visit the Latvian National Museum of Art although it receives great reviews as a very good Kid-friendly attraction in Riga. The museum is a great place for families to explore together. It has a wide variety of art on display, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. The museum also has a children’s section where kids can learn about art in a fun and interactive way.
Again, we didn’t have time for taking a boat tour: Riga is located on the Daugava River and taking a boat tour would be a great way to see the city from a different perspective. Perhaps a chance to see the city’s skyline and learn about the history of Riga’s port. In Copenhagen, we also took a boat tour and the canals.
A little nippy for a boat tour!
Have you ever heard of the House of the Blackheads in Riga? 🤔 Did you know that it’s not actually a house, but a stunning medieval building?⚓🌊
Blackheads at night – gorgeous
The House of the Blackheads is a historical building located in the old town of Riga, Latvia. The house was built way back in 1334
The original building was destroyed during World War II, but it was rebuilt in the 1990s using historical records and photographs. The facade of the building is adorned with intricate sculptures and colorful decorations.
The House of the Blackheads now serves as a cultural center and museum, with exhibits showcasing the history of Riga and the Brotherhood of Blackheads. We walked in and saw that people were buying glasses of Champagne to drink whilst walking around. Hmm I wasn’t sure if it would be suitable for the kids. But it was fine. There were plenty of exhibits (and naked people statues haha) to keep the kids interested. Actually, there was heaps. It is worth a visit for kids. We all learnt a lot!
If you’re planning a family trip to Riga, don’t miss the chance to explore this gem!
To be honest, being there at Christmas, we spent the majority of our time wandering the streeets, getting lost completing our scavenger hunt and exploring the Christmas Market. I loved the Christmas market. It just felt different to the Tallinn Christmas market. Perhaps it had a more ‘local’s’ feel to it. The market is held in the heart of the Old Town and is a great place to pick up unique gifts and souvenirs. The market also features a variety of food and drink options, including traditional Latvian dishes, hot drinks, and sweet treats. Again, we loved seeing all the different foods available.
Riga Christmas Market, cozy corner to sit and eat a warm meal
Winter Weather and What to Wear
It’s no secret that winter in Riga can be cold and snowy, but don’t let that deter you from visiting. With the right clothing and preparation, you and your family can enjoy all the city has to offer. Would you like me to put together a post on what we took on our Christmas Winter wonderland trip? Lots of layers and thermals. I am happy too. So just let me know.
When packing for your trip, be sure to include:
- Warm layers: It’s important to dress in layers, so you can easily adjust to the changing temperatures. Start with a base layer of thermal underwear, add a sweater or fleece, and finish with a waterproof and windproof jacket.
- Hats, gloves, and scarves: These are essential for keeping warm, as heat is lost through the head and hands. Look for items made of wool or other warm materials.
- Winter boots: Make sure your footwear is waterproof and has good traction, as sidewalks and roads can be slippery.
- Hand warmers: These small packets of heat can be a lifesaver on especially chilly days. We also had toe warmers. They didn’t work as well as the hand warmers – but we still used them!!
- Sunglasses: Snow can reflect sunlight and cause glare, so sunglasses can be helpful when exploring the city.
Brr, yes it was cold whilst out exploring the city!
We had a great time in Riga with our kids. We loved Riga, we really didn’t have long enough to explore any further than just the old town, due to time constraints so we didn’t see all the Things to Do in Riga.
What do you think about Exploring Riga with your family? Is it a destination you would like to visit?
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