Nothing to Do? Pūkainītis Says Otherwise – Come to Cēsis!
Summer is here, and parents everywhere are hearing the same phrase from their kids: “There’s nothing to do!” This summer, Pūkainītis – a jungle dweller from director Edmunds Jansons’ new animated film “Laimīgie” (“Born in The Jungle”) – is on a mission to prove them wrong across Latvia’s cities.
Photo: Agnese Zeltiņa
Animation studio “Atom Art”, in partnership with ViVi trains and seven Latvian municipalities – including Cēsis – has created the initiative “One Train with the Happy Ones”, offering special family-friendly routes you can reach by train. Each city has put together ideas for walks, sights, playgrounds, nature trails and activities for children of all ages. Discover what to do in Cēsis Region when there’s “nothing to do” – hop on the train and come on over!
On foot from the station
🏰 Cēsis Medieval Castle (660 m)
Explore the medieval castle by magical lantern light. Uncover its secrets with the bat-themed “Walter’s Activity Backpack” – drawing, deciphering codes and completing tasks or follow the footsteps of young Count Emanuel at the New Castle. On summer weekends, the castle garden comes alive with medieval games.
Pils laukums 9, Cēsis
cesupils.lv
🌿 Museum of Northern Natural Medicine (700 m)
Did you know how much power meadow herbs hold? Through hands-on, sensory exhibits, discover the strength of Latvia’s plant world and how ancient traditions meet modern science. Especially designed for children.
Pils laukums 15, Cēsis
naturemedicine.lv
🚂 Rakši ZOO Train (660 m)
Want to see the city while sitting comfortably? Hop on the Rakši train for a relaxed ride through the streets of Cēsis. Scan the code on board and listen to the special audio guide.
Pils laukums, Cēsis
kamieli.lv
🗺️ “Discover Cēsis” Orienteering Game (640 m)
Grab the game and set off to uncover the city’s secrets! A fun activity whether you’re visiting Cēsis for the first time or think you already know it inside out.
Pils laukums 5, Cēsis
Explore Cēsis – Cesis
🦢 Maija Park Playground (700 m)
A playground, black swans, a bike track and a skate park — Maija Park invites families to enjoy a relaxed day in the fresh air.
Maija Park, Cēsis
⚽ Cēsis Sports Stadium Playground (400 m)
While young athletes train nearby, kids can have fun climbing, jumping and hanging out at the playground.
Valmieras iela 6, Cēsis
🎬 Cēsis Cinema (300 m)
When little legs are tired from walking, or the weather isn’t on your side, settle into a comfy seat and catch the latest animated and family adventure films.
Raunas iela 12, Cēsis
Cinema CĒSIS
By bike – further and faster
Bring your bike on the train, or rent one in Cēsis at Velo noma Eži (Rīgas iela 51A · elektroezi.lv) or Žagarkalns (also available near the station with advance booking · zagarkalns.lv).
🌲 Cīrulīši Nature Trails (3.5 km)
Shorter and longer looped trails leading all the way to the Gauja River, passing impressive sandstone cliffs and caves along the way.
🗼 Green Tower (3.5 km)
From a height of 22 metres, enjoy sweeping views over the Gauja valley, above the treetops.
Cīrulīšu iela 70
🚀 Space Discovery Centre (3.3 km)
Interactive exhibits, astronaut secrets and a full-scale spacecraft replica. On weekends, enjoy science shows and a special space mission where you can step into an astronaut’s role.
Cīrulīšu iela 63
Space Knowledge Center
💧 Svētavots (3.3 km)
A nature park where a legendary spring flows from the ground, surrounded by a garden of unusual sculptures. A real-life fairy tale.
Atpūtas iela 12
🏎️ Jeeps in the Jungle (1.3 km)
An RC off-road track with powerful model cars — an adrenaline-filled adventure for speed lovers, big and small.
Bišu iela
facebook.com/dzipidzunglos
🦙 Rakši ZOO (7 km)
Meet over 200 animals up close and feed them yourself. Take a walk with llamas, ride in a donkey cart, or let a lemur perch on your shoulder. Refuel afterwards with pancakes at “Camel Cafe”.
Drabešu Parish
kamieli.lv
🦅 Ērgļi Cliffs (6.4 km)
An impressive cliff wall on the banks of the Gauja River. Take in the river’s bends from the viewing platform, or climb down to the foot of the cliffs for the full view.
🏊 Ninieris Lake (3.5 km)
A well-equipped beach with a pier and gentle entry into the lake, perfect for a relaxing swim — or a short walk around the lake afterwards.
🥏 Disc Golf in Priekuļi (5.7 km)
18 baskets spread across a large area. Bring your own discs or rent them on-site.
Izmēģinātāju iela 1B, Priekuļi
🌊 “Rifs” Swimming Pool (5.5 km)
A large pool plus two family-friendly hydro pools with massage jets for parents and a slide for kids — water temperature 31–35°C. Saunas also available.
Cēsu prospekts 46A, Priekuļi
Where to eat
“Zaļie Gurķi” Café (summer season only) · Idi Ridi · Pagrabiņš · Studio Pizza · Vecpilsētas Kebabs · Go to Pizza Bar · Vinetas un Allas Kārumlāde · Krodziņš Glendeloka (bike-accessible)
For more “Pūkainītis” routes, visit vivi.lv and laimigie.com.
📍 Cēsis Tourist Information Centre, Pils laukums 5
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00 · Sun 10:00–15:00
More: visit.cesis.lv
“Laimīgie” (“Born in The Jungle”) is a visually rich adventure film about nine-year-old Elizabete, who rescues her missing brother in the Venezuelan jungle and meets a never-before-seen creature named Pūkainītis. The film will have its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, with Latvian audiences able to watch it from August 20. On July 18, during the Cēsis City Festival, Pūkainītis himself will visit Cēsis in person – everyone will have the chance to meet him, take photos and join in creative activities.
