Family holidays in Estonia

Lounge on empty beaches, explore hands-on museum exhibits, meander through bogs on wooden boardwalks, and refuel at family-friendly restaurants!

Estonia has 1.3 million inhabitants — 10 times fewer than the annual number of visitors to Disneyland Paris.

And Estonia covers 2.3 times more territory than Disneyland Paris. Here you'll have room to breathe, and the air just so happens to be some of the cleanest in the world. Family-friendly policies mean tourists can also enjoy a society where children are welcome, and the top attractions are easily accessible to visitors of all ages.

Nature in Estonia is safe — there are no earthquakes, avalanches, rattlesnakes, or volcanoes. You need not fear getting lost, as trails are clearly marked. All you're left with is the joy of discovery!

Cities are safe, too! Plus there are endless options to learn about science and history at interactive museums, climb the ropes at an adventure course or have some old-fashioned fun at a uniquely Estonian theme park.

Water play for all weather

Estonia has 3,800 km of coastline, making a visit to the sea a must for visitors. Pärnu, Estonia's "summer capital," is a great place for toddlers who will love splashing in the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea. Older kids will have fun lounging on the sandy beach or exploring the riverside promenade on bike.

If the weather doesn't allow for the beach, head to a spa (you're sure to find one nearby wherever you happen to be). Atlantis H2O Aquapark in Viimsi and Aura Centre in Tartu are two definite winners with local families. Some spas even have nursing rooms for mothers and babies, and most have special pools for tiny tots. Older kids can brave the waterslides, while teens will enjoy testing the different saunas.

Happy boy floating in the pool at Toila Spa Hotel in Estonia

Source: Ken Oja

Source: Tervise Paradiis

Thrilling water parks in Estonia

Estonian water centers are so thrilling that you'll find a hundred reasons to enjoy them. For instance, check out these five featured in the story

Family-friendly restaurants

When you travel with kids, you spend a lot of time eating! Thankfully, in Estonia, it doesn't have to be fast food. Just pop in to a café or restaurant – most have highchairs, and many offer kids' menus and play areas. Still nursing? No worries. Breastfeeding in public is not an issue. Plus, grocery stores are well-stocked with pouches of baby food and formula.

Traditional Estonian food pleases even the tiniest travelers. During the summer, seek out sweet Estonian strawberries at the market and during winter, try your hand at decorating gingerbread. Grab a flaky pastry, known as pirukas, or a kohuke, a tiny treat akin to a chocolate covered piece of cheesecake, for a snack on the go.

Little girl eats happily at a restaurant in Narva

Source: Kairi Tähe

Source: Kairi Tähe, Visit Tallinn

Best places to eat with children

Eating out with children can either be stressful or fun. It depends on where you go. Luckily, it's easy to find kid-friendly restaurants in Estonia.

Source: Visit Estonia

Estonia may be a digital nation...

...but it's a great destination for getting kids off screens and outdoors!

Outdoor adventures abound

Your kids will love spending time outdoors in Estonia. Families traveling with children in Tallinn will want to stop at one of the many playgrounds. Check out Toom Park if you're near Old Town or head to Kadriorg Park — there's a children's museum right next to the playground.

Older kids will love the many adventure parks around Estonia. Parents can also strap on a harness and enjoy the ziplines and balancing challenges high up in the trees. Estonian lakes and rivers are also easily explored by canoe; little ones can sit back and enjoy the ride while older kids can be in charge of their own paddle.

Child gives thumbs up before going on zipline

Source: Hannes Arus, Visit Ida-Virumaa

Source: Sven Zacek

Best hiking trails for children

Circular or straight, these tracks are great for little legs!

Interactive indoor attractions

Estonia has plenty of interactive museums to keep little minds and hands busy. In Tallinn, stop by the Seaplane Harbour Museum and check out the newly refreshed exhibits featuring even more play areas for kids. In nearby Noblessner, older children can immerse themselves in VR experiences at the PROTO Invention Factory.

Tartu is another top destination for family holidays in Estonia. The AHHAA Science Centre and the National Museum are fun (and educational!) for both parents and children.

Little knights and princesses will love the castles in Kuressaare, Rakvere, Narva, and Haapsalu; future engineers will be fascinated by the mining museum in Ida-Viru County; and mini detectives will love solving crimes at the Police Museum.