Saaremaa and Muhu are perfect destinations for a summer family vacation – here, beautiful nature, exciting experiences, and a friendly atmosphere come together. Whether your family includes adventurous hikers, little water enthusiasts, or culture-loving explorers, Saaremaa has activities for every age.
Here, adventurous kids can climb on playgrounds and explore nature trails, while parents enjoy the peaceful pace and beautiful views of Saaremaa. Family-friendly beaches invite you to relax in the sun and play in the waves, while the adventure centers offer educational entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Conquer the heights
The islands offer adventurers plenty of opportunities, whether it’s climbing between tall treetops or scrambling along lower trails. Saaremaa’s adventure parks are located both in the parkland of Kuressaare and in the beautiful spots between the island’s forests. If you’re into thrills from climbing heights, you should visit the adventure parks, where you can walk on narrow ropes, cross balance-demanding bridges, and try daring descents. These courses offer adrenaline-pumping moments and give you a chance to push your limits.
However, if you prefer to start more calmly or if heights aren’t really your thing, there’s no need to worry – Saaremaa also has lower adventure trails that are perfect for younger family members or those just getting familiar with climbing. The best part? Many of them are free to use!
For example, climbing enthusiasts can enjoy the lower adventure trails in Leisi, near the Püha-Soobiku discovery trail, and in Lümanda. These trails offer a great opportunity for children and families to spend time actively together while enjoying the beautiful nature of Saaremaa.
And actually – why limit yourself to just one adventure park? Saaremaa’s adventure parks are so diverse that it’s worth trying more than one to find your favorite and experience excitement in every corner of Saaremaa.
Lounge on the beach or splash in the water
Saaremaa’s nearly 900 kilometer-long coastline offers a variety of options to enjoy summer pleasures – from livelier swimming beaches to quiet and private coves. Whether you prefer an active beach vacation or a peaceful time by the sea, Saaremaa has a spot for every desire.
The beaches of Saaremaa and Muhu provide everything needed for an ideal beach day. In some of the beaches, you can not only swim but also play beach volleyball, enjoy an ice cream or a pleasant lunch, and spend the whole day relaxing carefreely. Popular beaches, like Kuressaare Beach, attract many vacationers during the summer, so be prepared for a bit of a lively atmosphere.
However, if you value peace and wish to be by yourself, it’s worth heading to one of the smaller beaches, where you can often enjoy the sound of the sea and swim almost completely alone. It is in these places that you’ll find the true charm of Saaremaa’s coastline – tranquility, quiet, and untouched nature.
And if the weather turns and the sunshine is replaced by a cool breeze or rain, there’s no need to interrupt your beach experience. Saaremaa is also known for its spas, where you can comfortably swim indoors, enjoy a warm hot tub, or relax in the sauna.
Explore nature trails
Saaremaa and Muhu offer nature lovers plenty of opportunities for discovery through various hiking trails. While long and varied journeys through forests and along the coastline may seem tiring for some children, there’s no need to worry in Saaremaa – there are many fun and exciting trails designed specifically for younger adventurers.
The Püha-Soobiku hiking trail is an ideal place where children can also learn something new and exciting during their hike. On the trail, you can see, for example, how large a sea eagle’s nest is and peek at the busy ants working in their home. These discoveries offer both excitement and new knowledge about nature for the kids.
The undeniable highlight of the Püha-Soobiku trail, however, is the rope raft, which provides a fair dose of adventure and thrill. Every hiker must pull themselves across the water using the raft – it’s a fun and engaging challenge that tests both skill and teamwork.
On Saaremaa, you can also enjoy two RMK nature trails, where, in addition to enjoying nature, you can also test your knowledge in a playful way. From the information board at the start of the trail, you’ll find everything you need to download a game to your mobile device and start exploring and solving puzzles. These nature trails are the Koigi Nature Trail and the Harilaiu Hiking Trail.
Pet the feathered and furry friends
Modern city kids might sometimes get confused – is that a goat or a sheep? But on Saaremaa, these questions can be answered quickly! Here, you’ll find several lovely farms and animal parks where you can get to know animals up close and make friendly introductions.
Saaremaa Zoo is home to over 50 different species and nearly 1000 animals and birds. There, you will encounter both exotic and rare animals as well as familiar and beloved domestic animals. The zoo is constantly evolving – every season, new animals arrive, and educational programs and exciting attractions are added, offering joy for both children and adults. The most important goal of Saaremaa Zoo is to ensure the best possible life for its residents and to raise awareness and respect for nature and wildlife among visitors.
In addition to discovering Viking life, Asva Viking Village also welcomes visitors with its lovely domestic animals. Children can meet rabbits, goats, and other friendly creatures who are patiently waiting for some affection and attention. The proximity of the animals makes the Viking Village experience even more memorable – it’s an ideal place for the youngest members of the family to make friends with nature and animals.
If you’d like to get to know more exotic birds and four-legged creatures, head towards the Ostrich Farm on Muhu Island. There, you can feed the ostriches corn from your palm and count how many stripes are on a zebra’s back. In addition to ostriches and zebras, the farm is home to several other exotic animals and birds that bring plenty of joy and discovery to visitors.
In the summer, make sure to visit the charming Rabbit Village located on the Sõrve Peninsula, where you’ll meet adorable bunnies. The soft fur and curious eyes of the rabbits make this place a true favorite among both small and large visitors. In Rabbit Village, you can pet, feed, and simply spend time with the animals – it’s the perfect place for children to build confidence and joy in interacting with animals.
On the western coast of Saaremaa, in Karala village, you can get acquainted with a unique group of sheep at the Lamb Collection. The Lamb Collection is home to 101 stone sheep, each of whom plays an important role in the collection. You can also participate in a true sheep dance party, where the sheep and rams in folk costumes happily skip together.
During your Saaremaa and Muhu adventure, be sure to stop by these locations – animal-friendly adventures will bring both learning joy and sweet moments to your family vacation.
Travel in style
Kuressaare and its surroundings, with their bike paths and flat terrain, offer excellent opportunities to explore the island’s scenic landscapes and historical landmarks by bike. It’s a pleasant and accessible activity for people of all ages, including children.
To make your bike ride even more memorable and special, you might consider riding a tandem bike. A tandem bike provides a great opportunity to ride with a friend, family member or loved one, making the trip a fun and social experience. If you’re looking for something faster, you could also consider renting an electric scooter. Electric scooters, which have become extremely popular recently, offer a very convenient way to get around the city and its surroundings.
If you plan to explore Kuressaare’s city park and its surroundings, you’ll easily find options to rent both pedal bikes and various balance scooters. Rental points are conveniently located near the park, so you can quickly and easily get the ride you prefer.
Whether you choose a bike, balance scooter or electric scooter, exploring Kuressaare and its surroundings in an active way will definitely leave a lasting impression and make your vacation even more memorable.
Glide on the water surface
Where else to enjoy water-related activities but on Estonia’s largest island, Saaremaa! Here, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for water sports and aquatic fun, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced adventurer.
To start, you could take a rowboat tour on Karujärv. This popular lake, beloved by both locals and visitors, offers everything you’d want from a summer day at the lake. Whether it’s swimming, balancing on a SUP board, playing ball games, or sunbathing – you can do it all at Karujärv. A rowing tour with children is safe on this calm lake and provides a chance to teach the youngest members of your family the art of rowing.
A canoe trip is a great way to explore Saaremaa’s beautiful nature. What’s more, these trips are suitable for almost everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Saaremaa’s largest rivers flow calmly, and the shallow bays provide the perfect environment for a family outing to enjoy everything that nature has to offer.
If you still have energy left, you should definitely try SUP boards. Stand-up paddleboarding allows you to challenge your balance while enjoying the freedom of moving across the water. You can find SUP board rental options both on Saaremaa and Muhu Island, so you’ll surely find a suitable spot to try out this fun and popular activity.
For an adrenaline boost, head to Pidula Wakepark, where you can get your pulse racing with wakeboarding. The park has a separate track for beginners, making it easy and safe to start wakeboarding. If this isn’t your thing, don’t worry – Pidula Wakepark also features a funpark, an inflatable water adventure park filled with exciting challenges for the whole family.
Saaremaa offers unparalleled opportunities for enjoying water sports and active relaxation, whether it’s a peaceful rowboat trip or testing your balance while paddling on waves.
Experience history or challenge yourself
Saaremaa enjoys more sunshine than any other part of Estonia, making it the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy warm, sunny weather. However, even here, the sun doesn’t shine every day. If the weather turns gloomy and rain clouds take over, don’t worry – there are plenty of exciting indoor activities on Saaremaa to make a cloudy day just as fun and enjoyable.
One of Saaremaa’s most famous attractions is the Kuressaare Castle, which captivates visitors with its mysterious staircases, intriguing corridors, and fascinating exhibits. Children will find plenty to discover within the castle, as it hides numerous interesting details and a captivating history, enhanced with modern solutions.
If you’re looking for something more thrilling, head over to the Medieval Experience Center, Archebald. There, you can step into the medieval world, try on a suit of armor, and peek into a chilling torture chamber, offering a thrilling and intense experience. If that sounds a bit too frightening, a great alternative is the Thule House Alternative History Museum. Through various exhibits and engaging games, you’ll learn about Saaremaa and the legendary story of Ultima Thule. To challenge yourself and your family, visit Saare KEK, the Beautiful Life Center. Saare KEK allows you to test your skills in an escape room and discover who will prevail – you or the relentlessly ticking clock.
If none of the above seems too exciting, don’t worry! Kuressaare also has several playgrounds where little ones can burn off their energy. In the castle courtyard, just behind the castle walls, there’s a fresh, modern playground that offers activities for both younger and older children. You won’t have to look far for other playgrounds – one is located right in the castle park, and another at the Kuressaare beach. In the town center, near several cafes and restaurants, there’s also a playground surrounded by a fence to ensure a safe playtime for the little adventurers.
So, no matter the weather, Kuressaare has plenty to offer for exploration, whether on a sunny or rainy day!
Spend your time actively
Kuressaare and its surroundings offer a wealth of exciting opportunities for active and fun-filled activities. Whether you’re into golf, archery, horseback riding or even disc golf, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
One of the best golf courses in Estonia, Saare Golf, is located in Kuressaare. Saare Golf’s driving range is a fantastic place for both beginners and experienced golfers to hone their skills or even take their first swing with a golf club. If a full-sized course feels a bit daunting, starting with a game of minigolf is a great way to get a taste of the sport. Minigolf is fun for the entire family and also helps improve hand-eye coordination and aiming.
In addition to traditional golf and minigolf, disc golf has become a popular sport in recent years. This dynamic and exciting activity combines outdoor movement with skill development. Saaremaa is home to several disc golf courses where you can spend time with friends or family while improving your throwing technique.
For those looking for something unique and challenging, archery offers a fantastic alternative. The Hiievälja archery range gives you the chance to test your Robin Hood skills and experience the concentration and patience required to send an arrow flying. Archery is suitable for both beginners and experienced archers and is a great way to spend time with friends or family.
Saaremaa is also known for its excellent horseback riding opportunities. Many farms offer horseback riding tours for both beginners and advanced riders. Families with children can enjoy specially designed pony rides, where the little ones can safely interact with the horses under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Some farms also allow children to pet the horses and offer them treats, making the experience especially memorable for the youngest visitors. Horseback riding is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful landscapes of Saaremaa and enjoy the island’s stunning nature from a new perspective.
Whether you’re interested in golf, minigolf, disc golf, archery or horseback riding, Kuressaare and its surroundings provide a wide variety of options for active and enjoyable outdoor adventures for all ages. The choices are endless, ensuring that everyone finds something fun to do!
