A weekend with children in Lithuania can be memorable even without long trips, as interesting destinations can be found in every region: from the Anykščiai Treetop Walking Path to the seaside aquarium and Dzūkija adventure parks. According to a study by „Travel Lithuania“, about two-thirds of the population vacation in Lithuania, and the most common way to travel is precisely with the family.
The real problem is usually not a lack of supply, but the choice: where to go with a toddler versus a teenager, what to do when it rains, and how much it will all cost. A poorly chosen destination means a long road, tired children, and half a day spent in the car.
Therefore, it is worth choosing a destination based on the region, the children's age, the weather, and the budget, without forgetting free alternatives. Another piece of good news: research shows that the anticipation of a trip alone strengthens the feeling of happiness, so it is worth telling children about the getaway in advance.
Where to go for the weekend with kids: the best places by regions of Lithuania?
Popular weekend destinations with children are the Anykščiai region with the Treetop Walk and mazes, the seaside with the Lithuanian Sea Museum, and Dzūkija with adventure parks and the national park.
This choice is partially supported by the 2025 domestic tourism study by „Travel Lithuania,“ which involved 1,020 residents. The Klaipėda County remains the most popular travel destination, while the Alytus County is a favorite for weekend getaways.
Below, the locations are grouped by region to make it easier to choose based on the distance from home.
Aukštaitija and the Anykščiai region
The Anykščiai Puntukas tree canopy walkway is the first of its kind in the Baltic States and Eastern Europe, operating since 2015. According to the Universal Lithuanian Encyclopedia, the 300-meter-long walkway rises up to a height of 21 meters, and the observation tower reaches 35 m.
You can take a lift to the 21 m and 30 m observation platforms, so the site is also accessible for visitors in wheelchairs. It is located 5 km from Anykščiai, on the left bank of the Šventoji River.
Near the city, there are two family-oriented attractions: the Labyrinth Park and the Safari Park. It is recommended to purchase tickets for the safari tour in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
Because of this, Anykščiai is great for a one-day trip: 2–3 sites are located in the same area, so the family saves travel time and can spend more of it on entertainment.
Lithuanian Coast and Samogitia
The Lithuanian Sea Museum in Klaipėda is the main seaside attraction for families: here you can visit the aquarium, the penguin exhibition, and see sea lion performances. Live shows keep children's attention longer than traditional exhibits, making the museum suitable even for a visit lasting several hours.
During the warm season, the dunes and beaches of the Curonian Spit become a free alternative. Since Klaipėda County is the most popular travel destination for Lithuanians, it attracts the highest number of visitors on summer weekends.
However, there is one catch. The seaside is more than 200 km away from Vilnius or Kaunas, so a one-day trip turns into an exhausting marathon. Experience shows that it is better to plan for two days and book accommodation in advance, especially in July and August, when places to stay fill up the fastest.
Dzūkija: adventure parks, national park and resorts
Dzūkija is a popular weekend destination in southern Lithuania: according to a study by „Travel Lithuania“, the Alytus county is among the favorite weekend destinations. Here, adventure parks, the country's largest national park, and resorts come together in a single region.
For active time, choose the Tarzanija adventure park in the Nemunas valley near Alytus: waiting for you 30+ attractions for children and adults, including tree-climbing courses and various attractions. This is one of the largest amusement parks in the Baltic States. Tickets cost starting from 16 €, and you can find the full list by checking the park's entertainment.
For the rest of the day, the Dzūkija National Park is suitable – the largest protected area in Lithuania (58,452 ha), which features the Merkinė and Liškiava mounds and hundreds of springs. Walking here costs nothing, so it perfectly balances out the expenses of the amusement park.
On the way, you can also visit Druskininkai and Birštonas, which, according to the same report, are the most frequent weekend destinations for Lithuanians.
How to plan a one- or two-day weekend itinerary with kids?
For a one-day trip, choose a destination within 1.5 hours of home and 2–3 sites in one area, and for a two-day trip, book your accommodation in advance. Children's patience on the road usually runs out faster than their parents', so this principle allows you to spend more time on entertainment rather than sitting in the car.
Planning can also provide psychological benefits. Based on a study of 1,530 Dutch people (Nawijn et al., 2010), holidaymakers were happier than non-holidaymakers even before the trip, likely due to the anticipation of it. Therefore, the trip can be announced to children in advance: the anticipation can become an enjoyable part of the journey.
And what kind of trips do Lithuanians themselves choose? According to a 2025 survey by „Keliauk Lietuvoje,“ 67 % travelers opted for short trips of 1–2 nights, while the share of long weekend trips (3–4 nights) rose to 45 %. Both types of trips remain popular, so it’s a good idea to book accommodations for weekends in advance.
Two-day itinerary example in Dzūkija: on the first day – active entertainment at an adventure park, in the evening – overnight stay, on the second day – a calmer plan with hillforts or Druskininkai. Tarzanija offers a package for such a scenario „Two days for the family“: entertainment, climbing ropes course, and overnight stay at the „Dzūkijos dvaras“ hotel with breakfast. The price for 2+1 (child up to 12 years old) is €215, for 2+2 it is €285, and for a child under 2 years old, entertainment and the hotel stay are free of charge.
It is necessary to book the hotel in advance by phone or email. You can find the full selection here: amusement park prices.
What to do with children on a rainy weekend in Lithuania?
Indoor activities are best for a rainy weekend: museum educational programs, swimming pools, playrooms, and workshops. Rain doesn't mean a canceled weekend—just a changed schedule.
Interactive activities keep children's attention longer than passive exhibition viewing, so choose places where children can do things themselves. A chocolate-making educational workshop or a flight simulator engages them in a completely different way than exhibits behind glass.
Specific rainy day ideas by city:
- KaunasAviation museum with flight simulators and real aircraft
- Kaunas / Vilniuschocolate museum and workshop where children make sweets themselves
- KlaipėdaLithuanian Maritime Museum, because most of the exhibition is indoors
- Druskininkaiwater park with slides and pools for little ones
- Vilniuswater park and playrooms in shopping malls
Swimming pools and water parks have an extra advantage on a rainy day. Children burn off energy that they wouldn't be able to release while sitting at home, so the evening goes by more peacefully.
Most outdoor parks operate even in the rain, but in extremely rainy weather, opening hours may change. Before leaving, check the venue's social media or call, especially if the trip takes more than an hour.
What entertainment is suitable according to children's age: for toddlers and teenagers?
For toddlers up to 5-6 years old, petting zoos where animals can be touched, playgrounds, and short nature trails are best, while for teenagers, adventure parks, mazes, and water activities are ideal. Age determines not only the appeal of an activity but also its safety, so activities should be chosen according to the child's age, and not the other way around.
According to Travel Lithuania research, traveling with children under 7 is less convenient for parents than with older children, and the main challenges include a lack of entertainment and activities for kids. For toddlers, it is worth choosing places with adapted infrastructure: mini zoos, alpaca and fallow deer farms, or the treetop walk with a lift.
Teenagers need challenges. Roped courses in trees, for example in Tarzania and other adventure parks, are categorized by height and age, so a child can choose a course that matches their level, being neither too easy nor too difficult. In cities, entertainment of a similar nature is offered by „UNO Park“ type parks, while water parks in Druskininkai and Vilnius are suitable for any weather.
Before the trip, check the age restrictions: some cat cafes only admit children from 6 years old, and climbing trails have minimum height requirements. One phone call helps avoid disappointment upon arrival.
How much does a family weekend in Lithuania cost and where can you have fun for free?
Amusement park tickets usually cost around 15–20 € per person, museum educations are usually cheaper, and two-day packages with overnight stay for a family of four start at around €285. Admission for children under 3 years old is free in many places, so families with toddlers can save even more.
However, a weekend doesn't have to cost money. There are plenty of free alternatives in Lithuania in all seasons:
- nature and educational trails in regional parks;
- The Merkinė and Liškiava mounds in the Dzūkija National Park;
- observation towers across the country;
- beaches in the warm season;
- picnic areas in national and regional parks.
The value of nature is also scientifically grounded. A study by White et al. (Scientific Reports, 2019, 19,806 participants) found that at least 120 minutes in nature per week was significantly associated with better health and well-being, regardless of whether this time is spent in one long or several shorter visits.
Parents can also benefit. According to Hunter et al. (Frontiers in Psychology, 2019), the decrease in cortisol was most effective during 20–30 minutes in nature, so a hike with children can also be part of adults' relaxation.
Practical money-saving tip: instead of eating at cafes, bring your own food and choose picnic areas, as dining often makes up the largest part of a trip's expenses. Most amusement parks accept both card and cash, so no extra preparation is needed.
A weekend with children in Lithuania: FAQ
Where to go for the weekend with kids if we only have one day?
Choose a direction up to 1.5 hours' drive from home and 2–3 sites in one location – this way you will spend less time in the car. Good examples are Anykščiai with the Labyrinth Park and the treetop walking path, or the Alytus surroundings with the adventure park and the Merkinė mound.
Popular weekend activities are worth booking in advance, especially safaris and educational sessions.
What to do with kids in Lithuania when it rains?
In autumn, indoor activities are best: museum education, swimming pools, playrooms, and chocolate workshops. In Kaunas, children are engaged by the flight simulators at the Aviation Museum, in Klaipėda, the major part of the Lithuanian Maritime Museum's exposition is under a roof, and the Druskininkai Aquapark is suitable in any weather.
What entertainment with children is free in Lithuania?
You can visit some nature trails, the Merkinė and Liškiava mounds, some observation towers, beaches, and recreation areas in regional and national parks for free. Time in nature can be beneficial for the whole family, and according to the study by White et al. 120 minutes in nature per week was associated with better health and well-being.
What places are good for a weekend with small children under 5 years old?
Petting zoos, playgrounds, and short stroller-friendly trails are best for little ones. A relaxed pace is more important than the number of activities.
Before the trip, check the age and height restrictions, as some climbing routes and attractions are inaccessible for toddlers. Good news: admission for children under 3 is free in many places.
Do I need to book a visit to amusement parks and farms in advance?
Yes, some activities need to be booked in advance: safaris, alpaca tours, educational sessions, and accommodation packages, especially on weekends, as the number of places is limited.
Opening hours may change off-season or during bad weather, so please check the attraction's social media or call directly before you leave. For example, you can find up-to-date information before your trip by using the park's contact.
A planned trip can bring joy even before it begins, so it is worth choosing a weekend destination in advance. If you are looking for a place where the whole family can spend an active day in nature, the Tarzania Adventure Park in the Nemunas Valley near Alytus offers a variety of entertainment for children and adults, while the „Two Days for the Family“ package with overnight stay allows you to turn your weekend in Dzūkija into a fulfilling mini-trip.
The park is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00, so for adventures you can choose any day of the weekend. Plan a day that the kids will look forward to all week.
