Latvia is family-friendly country and kids will find plenty to keep themselves busy. Services for families range from simple facilities for kids to specially designed programmes for the little ones.
Mezaparks (”Forest park”) is located near Lake Kisezers, Riga. It is pleasant and popular recreation park for families, and one of the city’s wealthiest suburbs. Elegant villas and descreetly dotted amonth pine forests allowing plenty of space for walking, cycling and other activities. There is even a small sandy beach by the lake and an activity centre where watersports equipment can be hired as well as skates and skis during the winter, when it’s possible to watch ice-sailing on the lake. Mezaparks is also the venu for the Ozo Golf Course, Riga Zoo and Open Air Song and Dance Festival grounds. From the city centre, boat services operate during summer, otherwise tram number 11 task 30 minutes to get there.
Livu is the largest aquapark in Northern Europe, this is an absolute paradise for children, with plenty to keep adults happy as well Tropical air and water temperatures are maintained inside for year-round appeal. Activities include water sliders and pipes with different themes, special pools for younger children, a chance to try scuba diving in a safe environment, water cannon, wave machines and more, all after supervision of properly-qualified lifeguards. Once you’ve worked up a healthy appetite you can enjoy the food at several on-site cafes and restaurants.
Riga National Zoo has one of the oldest zoos in Europe which has been operating here since 1912. This park is home to 2,500 animals and 400 different species now. It is known for its bron and polar beers and Amur tigers. Rides on horseback or in carriages are available as wll as guided tours in English.
The Ethnographic Open Air Museum is located in pleasant surroundings by Lake Jugla amid pine forest covering 100 hectares. It depicts traditional ways of life from the 16th to 19th centuries. There is collection of traditional farm buildings, windmills, and excibits from all four Latvian regions. Usma church is wonderful example of wooden architecture and it is stall used for Sunday services and weddings. In summer there are folk music and dance concerts, craft days and other events. Most popular is the annual Craft Market, visited by artisans from all over the country.
Latvia is increasingly becoming known as a place where many species of birds can be observed. There are good nesting conditions for birds here – natural environments have been preserved, and the migration routes of many different birds cross the country. Birds are common in Latvia including the black stor, the eagle owl, the sea eagle, the corncreake, the kingfisher and others.
Latvia offers good opportunities for cycle tourists with a long season stretching from April until October. There are several routes popular with bycicle tourists: the ancient Abava valley (Tukums and Talsi districts), Vanema hilly region (Talsi district), Kemeri National Park (Riga), Gaulja National Park (Riga, Cecis and Valmiera districts); Aluksne highlands, Vidzeme central highlands.
Review by: Travel Guide
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