Looking for a Destination for a Long Easter Weekend with Kids? Come to Lithuania

Easter holds a special place in the hearts of Lithuanians. It’s a celebration as important as Christmas and blends both Christian and pagan traditions in a vibrant, meaningful way. If you think those two can’t be combined, come and spend a long Easter weekend here with your loved ones. You might be surprised.

Last year was incredibly successful for Lithuania. The country was featured in the prestigious Michelin Guide, with 32 restaurants included, and four of them earned a well-deserved Michelin star. Furthermore, Lonely Planet ranked Lithuania as the second-best travel destination in the world and the number one in Europe. Quite amazing, right?

You can also expect sunny days and pleasantly mild temperatures. But don’t forget – although small, Lithuania can surprise you with sudden weather, so pack both warmer layers and lighter clothes, and don’t forget a bag big enough for a few small traditional Lithuanian souvenirs, like wooden Easter eggs.

Here are some places we highly recommend visiting.

Vilnius

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has something for visitors of all ages. Parents can soak in the city’s medieval charm, while kids will enjoy a variety of engaging, hands-on activities. For example, the Toy Museum offers interactive exhibits, and the Automuseum has a unique collection of more than 100 vehicles that once carried presidents, popes, and even kings. Here you can also find models of the legendary Rolls-Royce Phantom, which was first introduced 100 years ago, in 1925.

"This museum is not only about car history but also about design and human stories. It tells how people in Lithuania hid cars during the Soviet occupation. We have exhibits that were preserved throughout the entire period of the Soviet Union's occupation," says the museum’s founder, Alfredas Eitutis.

For even more fun, head to the Skypark Trampoline Arena – a perfect place for children to jump, climb, and play in a safe, indoor environment. There’s also a ZooPark in the area where children can see, feed, and cuddle cute bunnies, and even feed parrots.

To embrace the Easter spirit, don’t miss the Easter Egg Sculpture. This 300 kg egg was placed on a granite column in 2003. In 2007, artist and designer Lijana Turskytė transformed it into a traditional margutis (decorated Easter egg) for the first time. The sculpture is located near the bus and train station, an area known for its diverse food offerings. You’ll find everything from Asian street food and Spanish empanadas to pizza and even Georgian cuisine.

Vilnius is also known for its many churches. In a city of just over 600,000 people, you’ll find around 100 churches. The most impressive ones include Vilnius Cathedral, located in the heart of the city, the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the world, and the Church of St. Anne, often called a Gothic masterpiece. According to legend, Napoleon was so struck by the beauty of St. Anne’s that he wanted to take it back to Paris.

Trakai

No trip to Lithuania’s capital is complete without a visit to the storybook-like Trakai Castle. Located on an island in Lake Galvė, this historic site – once the capital of Lithuania – is truly a must-see.

While you’re there, be sure to try kibinai – delicious pastries introduced by the Karaims, a Turkic-speaking ethnic group brought to Lithuania by Grand Duke Vytautas in the 14th century. They were invited to serve as loyal guards and administrators and were granted special privileges. As of 2021, only around 196 Karaims remained in Lithuania, but their cultural presence lives on.

Kaunas

Upon arriving in Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, wander through the vibrant Old Town alive with street art, cosy cafés, historic architecture, and a vintage funicular that's been running since 1931. UNESCO also recognises Kaunas for its unique modernist architecture.

Families will enjoy the Lithuanian Aviation Museum, where children can explore real airplanes, or the Devil’s Museum, home to a quirky yet fascinating collection of devil-themed art and folklore. Another must-visit is Lithuania’s first science and innovation centre, Mokslo Sala (“Science Island”), featuring a permanent exhibition with over 140 interactive exhibits, a modern planetarium, and emerging STEAM laboratories.

For a sweet break, visit Spurginė — a beloved local spot famous for its classic doughnuts.

Also worth visiting is Pažaislis Monastery, just outside the city. It’s a stunning cultural landmark where you can take a scenic walk and admire beautiful Baroque architecture.

Šiauliai

Šiauliai, Lithuania’s fourth-largest city, may be famous for many reasons, but the Hill of Crosses is undoubtedly its most iconic attraction. This small hill is covered with over 100,000 crosses of various sizes and styles – a powerful symbol of faith, hope, and resistance.

The Hill of Crosses, located about 12 kilometres north of Šiauliai, is a notable pilgrimage site filled with crosses, crucifixes, and statues of the Virgin Mary, along with carvings of Lithuanian patriots and numerous small effigies and rosaries from Catholic pilgrims. After the Soviet Union dissolved in 1990, cross-crafting in Lithuania became popular, with visitors making crosses from twigs and rocks tied with grass as a symbol of support. UNESCO has recognised this tradition as an important part of intangible cultural heritage, reflecting its significance during the Soviet occupation.