The autumn school holidays are the perfect time to step away from everyday routines and explore somewhere new. In Jūrmala, families can walk along wooden paths through Ragakāpa Nature Park, turn a stroll into an orientation game, listen to stories about the city’s spa history, discover hidden figures in art or enjoy a day of water attractions.

There is no need to choose between adventure and relaxation. One day in Jūrmala can include an active walk through the forest, a warm swim in the pool, an exhibition or film in the evening.

A Walk, a Game or an Adventure?

In autumn, Jūrmala is more than a place for a peaceful walk by the sea. It can become a playground, an exploration route or a destination where several different experiences come together in a single day.

Dzintari Forest Park is a good choice for a day outdoors. Families can follow the pine-lined paths, try the skate park, explore the playgrounds or climb the observation tower for a view over Jūrmala from above. The park is open all year round, so cooler weather is no reason to stay indoors.

For more nature and less city noise, head to Ragakāpa Nature Park. Wooden walkways lead through an old pine forest and across the dunes, with information boards offering insights into the coastal landscape. The walk can be continued along the beach, where children can watch the waves, look for unusual stones and see where the Lielupe River meets the sea.

Kauguri Park is ideal for families who prefer an active holiday. The spacious playground is suitable for children of different ages, while the skate park, basketball court and outdoor exercise equipment offer plenty of opportunities to burn off energy.

Jūrmala as a Game

What if an ordinary walk could become a family competition? “Roadgames” invites you to explore Jūrmala by following tasks on a map, finding different locations and collecting points. Create a team, divide the roles and see who is best at spotting details.

The “Wellness Retreat: Jūrmala” game follows an approximately eight-kilometre route through Majori and Dzintari, including the beach, the Lielupe River, Dzintari Forest Park and historic sites. “Seaside Discoveries: Vaivari–Melluži” offers an approximately nine-kilometre route through several coastal neighbourhoods. Both routes are available in Latvian and English and can be completed at your own pace.

Stories Revealed Along the Way

With the Ķemeri Resort Park audio guide, a walk becomes a journey through time. The stories explain how Ķemeri developed as a resort, why the “Lizard” sulphur spring is located in the park and what role the historic Ķemeri Hotel and water tower played in the town’s history. The audio guide is available in Latvian, English and Lithuanian.

The “Kaugurciems Story Trail” reveals the lesser-known side of this former fishing village. The approximately four-kilometre route explores coastal life, historic events and local personalities. At the intersection of Kaugurciema and Zvārta streets, look for an interactive outdoor installation featuring life-size coastal fish.

Those who prefer exploring with a guide can join a guided tour of Ķemeri Resort Park on 31 October and 7 November. Tours begin at Ķemeri Water Tower: at 11.00 in Latvian and at 13.00 in English. Advance booking is required at least two days before the tour by calling +371 29126551. The tour takes place if at least five people have registered. The fee is EUR 5 for adults; children under 12 participate free of charge.

On 1 and 8 November at 12.00, a guided walking tour of central Jūrmala begins at the Jūrmala Tourist Information Centre (Lienes iela 5, Majori). During the approximately 90-minute tour, participants can learn more about the resort town’s history, architecture and the secrets of Jomas Street. The tour is available in Latvian, English or Russian, depending on the group. It takes place with at least four participants. The suggested donation is EUR 10 for adults and EUR 5 for children, payable in cash on site. For more information, call +371 29232450.

Art That Everyone Sees Differently

At the Jūrmala Museum (Tirgoņu iela 29, Majori), the Latvian Ceramic Association’s exhibition “Vēstkopa” can be seen from 18 September to 1 November. More than 60 ceramic artists explore the many ways a message can be expressed through art. The exhibition is accompanied by “Studentu vēstkopa”, featuring works by young ceramic artists from the Art Academy of Latvia. Look closely at the shapes, textures and colours and imagine what each piece might be trying to say.

The museum also features the audiovisual installation “A Holidaymaker’s Journey to Jūrmala”. Sound, images and scenography recreate journeys to the resort in different eras – by horse-drawn carriage, steamboat and train – inviting visitors to compare them with their own journey to Jūrmala today.

From 17 September to 7 November, the Bulduru Exhibition House (Muižas iela 6, Bulduri) presents Anna Egle’s exhibition “Saules pinums”. Her abstract sculptures combine forms inspired by nature, the rhythms of the human body and the imagery of Latvian folk songs. Encourage children to decide what they see in the works and compare your impressions – the differences may be surprisingly interesting.

While walking through Dzintari, stop at the square beside Dzintari Concert Hall, where the open-air exhibition “Dzintari Concert Hall – 90” can be seen until 31 October. Historic photographs and stories reveal the venue’s changing role, from acrobatic performances to grand balls. Visitors can also discover unusual details about its construction, including the use of timber from old Jūrmala summer houses.

If you are planning a family visit before the school holidays, add Priedaine and the Raiņa and Aspazija Summer House in Majori to your itinerary. Until 11 October, Gallery “Bastejs” (Skultes iela 10, Priedaine) presents Artūrs Akopjans’ painting exhibition “Joe of Abstract” and Henrijs Preis’ digital print exhibition “On Paper”. Colour relationships, forms and rhythms take centre stage. Choose a favourite work and compare your impressions – one composition may suggest calm to one viewer and movement or energy to another.

At the Raiņa and Aspazija Summer House (Pliekšāna iela 5/7, Majori), Maretta Staprāne Bārlova’s exhibition “LAIMA. RAIMONDS: Family Portraits of Happiness” is on view until 19 October. The exhibition combines art and technology: portraits of 27 family members incorporate memories, favourite music, colours and even brain activity data, transformed by the artist into visual elements. Continue the visit with a conversation about your own family – what colours, places and shared memories would you include in your family portrait?

When It Gets Dark

After a walk or exhibition, end the day at Star Cinema Jūrmala in the KORSO Centre (Jomas iela 37, Majori). The two small screening rooms, Gold and Platinum, offer a quieter and more personal cinema experience. Before booking, check the film’s age recommendation, language and subtitles.

For an evening with a little competitive spirit, try the new The Bowling Club Jūrmala (Meža prospekts 49, Bulduri). Organise a family tournament and see who can knock down all ten pins in a single throw. In bowling, precision and enthusiastic supporters are equally useful at any age.

Warm Water and SPA Relaxation

When the autumn wind becomes too chilly, Līvu Akvaparks (Viestura iela 24, Bulduri) is a great destination. Slides, pools and water attractions are suitable both for active fun and for relaxing in the whirlpools. Opening hours vary from day to day, so check the website before visiting. Please note that Līvu Akvaparks is closed for annual technical maintenance until 24 September and is scheduled to reopen on 25 September.

For a longer family break, consider staying at a hotel with SPA facilities. Hotel Jūrmala SPA offers the “Wellness Oasis” centre with pools and saunas; Lielupe by Semarah Hotels has a 25-metre pool, saunas and a children’s club; while Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA offers the seawater relaxation centre “Sea Wellness”. Before booking, check the conditions for children and what is included in the selected offer.

Choose your autumn adventure in Jūrmala and let the school holidays take you a little further than your usual route.