Undiscovered region of Lithuania that completely captivated us: Rokiškis with kids
LithuaniaTraveling

Undiscovered region of Lithuania that completely captivated us: Rokiškis with kids

If you are searching for ideas for a weekend getaway in Lithuania, Rokiškis with kids can become one of the most delightful discoveries in the country. This Aukštaitija region surprised us with its diversity – from impressive manors and parks to a cozy town center. Here, you will find not just one, but three remarkable manors – Rokiškio, Ilzenbergo, and Salų. There is a unique street of painted shutters, an incredibly fun and affordable swimming pool, a sculpture park, and so much more. You can also discover exciting activities, educational programs, VR experiences, the town’s symbol – the rabbit, an impressive church, and an incredible relaxation oasis with a pool for families – Žiogelis Hotel. If you are looking for a fun place for a family trip, trust us – Rokiškis truly will not disappoint.

If you are wondering what to do in Rokiškis with kids, this article presents the places we visited, our route, and recommendations. While looking for things to see in Rokiškis over a weekend, we realized that this region deserves much more attention than it receives today. For this reason, we are sharing the places that left the strongest impression on our family. They showed us that Rokiškis with kids can surprise even the most seasoned travelers in Lithuania.

Rokiškis with kids – three impressive manors

Rokiškio Manor – one of the most beautiful and impressive manors in Lithuania

If you are visiting Rokiškis for the first time, we recommend starting with Rokiškis Manor. It is not only the town’s main symbol but also one of the best-preserved manors in Lithuania. Visitors are impressed by its grand architecture and stunning interiors. As soon as you enter the palace, you feel as if you have stepped into a historical film. Luxurious halls, original furniture, works of art, and a unique atmosphere take you back to the days of the nobility. By the way, the famous film Sisi was filmed here. The manor tells the story of the Tyzenhaus and Przezdziecki counts. Today, it houses a museum where visitors can discover the region’s history and experience the exceptional lifestyle of the manor.

We especially liked that Rokiškis Manor is interesting not only for adults but also for children. The palace is surrounded by a well-kept park, perfect for walking and meeting manor animals. The museum constantly hosts various educational activities and family events. The authentic manor spaces – the concert hall, dining room, the counts’ apartments, and unique exhibitions – leave a strong impression as well. This is one of those places where it is worth taking your time and spending at least a few hours. If you want to learn more about the manor’s history, exhibitions, and our impressions, we invite you to read the detailed article about Rokiškis Manor.

There are also various educational programs, exhibitions, and events held here. You can even watch a truly interesting VR film.

Ilzenbergo Manor – food, nature, and activities

Just a few dozen kilometers from Rokiškis, you will find Ilzenbergas Manor – one of the most unique places in Lithuania. It is not only a carefully restored historical manor but also a living complex for the whole family. Here, cultural heritage, nature, an organic farm, and various activities come together. The manor is located between two lakes, near the Lithuanian-Latvian border. Its vast territory invites visitors to spend the whole day exploring. There are three kilometers of walking paths, Love Island, sculptures, and breathtaking landscapes to discover.

If you are traveling with children, you will find even more activities. The manor features a modern playground, many interactive objects, educational activities, tastings, and opportunities to get acquainted with the manor’s farm and animals or take a boat ride. For more, read our separate review – Ilzenbergas Manor activities for families. We were impressed by how every part of the territory is thoughtfully designed to be interesting for both children and adults. Some admire the heritage, others explore nature or play. It is no wonder that Ilzenbergas Manor is considered one of the most beautiful and family-friendly manors in Lithuania. You will find more about attractions, activities, and our recommendations in our separate article about Ilzenbergas Manor.

Salų Manor – historical gem on a lake island

If you are looking for extraordinary places in Lithuania, Salos Manor is definitely worth adding to your route. This is one of the few Lithuanian manors located on a real island, surrounded by Lake Dviragis. Salos Manor has over five hundred years of history – it was home to the Kęsgaila, Radziwiłł, Tyzenhaus, and other famous noble families. Today, the manor has become a residence for culture and leisure, hosting concerts, educational programs, exhibitions, a restaurant, and even offering accommodation in the historic palace.

What we liked most was the unique atmosphere of this place.

Unlike the grand manors of Lithuania, this place offers peace and tranquillity. You can stroll through the old park, admire the classical architecture, sit on the lake shore, or simply enjoy nature. If you travel with kids, it is a perfect place to stop and relax. It also shows that manors can be more than museums – they can be lively spaces that welcome visitors.

If you plan to visit Rokiškis with kids, we recommend combining Salos Manor with the Sartai Observation Tower or Kamajai town. We also highly recommend visiting the Salos Manor restaurant, which stands out for its great menu and uniquely decorated interior.

What to see in Rokiškis

Symbols of Rokiškis – hare, milk truck exhibition, and impressive St. Matthew’s Church

While walking around the center of Rokiškis, pay attention to the details that give the town a distinctive charm. One of them is the hare, now a symbol of Rokiškis, which you can spot in various city spaces and with which children love to take photos. This cute hare is an integral part of Rokiškis’s identity. You should whisper your wish into its ear, and it will come true.

Near the town center, you can also see the milk truck exhibition, which recalls the strong dairy traditions of the Rokiškis region. Vintage milk collection vehicles tell the story of when dairy farming was one of the most important activities in the region. For children, it is a great opportunity to see equipment that has almost disappeared from daily life.

St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist Church in Rokiškis leaves no less of an impression – it is one of the town’s most prominent symbols. This is the largest neo-Gothic church in Lithuania, with tall towers visible from various parts of the town. Impressive architecture, a spacious interior, and a unique atmosphere attract not only the faithful but also town guests. Even if visiting churches is not usually a priority during family trips, this site is truly worth seeing – it is one of Rokiškis’s most important symbols. Notably, this is the first church in Lithuania where we found a corner for children with toys and books. While we explored the church, the kids had their own activities.

The street of painted shutters

One of the most unique places in Rokiškis – and rare elsewhere in Lithuania – is the street of painted shutters. Walking this street feels like visiting a small outdoor art gallery – dozens of different artworks have been painted on the shutters of residential houses. Some show historical scenes; others depict nature motifs, old crafts, stories of the city, or playful characters. Each shutter is unique, so as you go along, you want to stop and take in each new image.

This idea has not only beautified Rokiškis’s old town but also become one of its calling cards. Children enjoy searching for the most interesting paintings, while adults can admire the creativity and notice many subtle details. It is places like these that create Rokiškis’s cozy atmosphere – there is no need to rush, just stroll the streets. If you are traveling to Rokiškis with kids, this street is definitely worth a stop and a few nice family photos.

Discover more about the street and its history in our dedicated article – The phenomenon of Lithuania’s painted shutters street.

Lionginas Šepka Park – an open-air art gallery and a fun place for kids

Another place that pleasantly surprised us in Rokiškis was Lionginas Šepka Park. This is not only a charming green space. It is also a kind of outdoor gallery dedicated to one of Lithuania’s most famous woodcarvers, Lionginas Šepka. Walking through the park’s paths, you can admire impressive wooden sculptures. And each is telling its own story and inviting you to pause. The park has a calm atmosphere, so it is a pleasant place to relax after exploring the town or just to enjoy a walk in nature.

Families with children will love that there is a modern playground nearby. While the little ones climb, slide, and spend time outdoors, parents can relax or enjoy the surroundings. We found this place to be a great combination – art, nature, and active leisure all in one space, so we highly recommend adding Lionginas Šepka Park to any family’s Rokiškis route.

Sartai observation tower

If you want to see the impressive Aukštaitija landscape from above while exploring the Rokiškis region, be sure to stop by the Sartai Observation Tower. Located in Baršėnai village, Sartai Regional Park, the tower is 36 meters tall, with the observation deck at 33 meters. Climbing up, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Sartai Lake.

Access to the tower is convenient – you can park your car in a nearby lot, and a short forest path leads to the tower. It is worth climbing not only for the views but also for the experience itself. The metal spiral stairs may be challenging for some. If you travel with younger children, keep in mind that the climb can be a bit difficult. However, even if you do not reach the top, this place is well worth a stop. For us, it was one of the most beautiful nature stops in the entire Rokiškis region and a perfect way to end our journey through this undiscovered part of Lithuania.

The Sartai Observation Tower is nearby and can be reached on foot from the Žiogelis Hotel, where we stayed.

Rokiškis swimming pool

If you want to swim or are looking for activities on a rainy day while traveling in the Rokiškis region, be sure to visit the Rokiškis Swimming Pool. We admit – we arrived with no great expectations, but we were most surprised by the excellent value for money. The pool is modern, clean, suitable for both athletes and families with children, and the visit is truly budget-friendly.

What impressed us most was the spacious children’s pool, which is rare in other Lithuanian pools. Here, the little ones can safely splash and play, while parents can watch them in peace and enjoy their own relaxation. For older children and adults, there is a 25-meter swimming pool, a leisure area, a whirlpool, and even four different saunas, so there is plenty to do for the whole family. If you plan to visit Rokiškis with kids, be sure to add this place to your itinerary. You will find more about prices, activities, and our impressions in a separate article about the Rokiškis Swimming Pool.

Rokiškis with Kids: where to stay

If you plan to spend more than one day in the Rokiškis region, it is worth considering accommodation. One of our biggest discoveries in Rokiškis was the Žiogelis Hotel. It is a modern leisure complex on the shore of Sartai Lake, where the peace of nature meets hotel comfort. Cozy family rooms, a restaurant, and, best of all, a water and sauna area with a heated pool, whirlpool, and saunas are available. After an active day exploring the region, it was the perfect place to relax for both children and adults.

We were especially impressed that the hotel is located in the heart of nature. Sartai Lake stretches outside the windows, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Children have plenty of space to play and enjoy time outdoors. It is one of those places where you want to stay longer than just one night and conveniently explore the entire Rokiškis region from here.

If you are looking for quality accommodation in Rokiškis with kids, we can confidently recommend this place.

You will find more about our impressions, the hotel, and its amenities in a separate article: Hidden gem for relaxation in Lithuania: SPA, swimming pool, and 4-star hotel on the shore of Sartai Lake.

This article is an original work by “Travel 4 kids®”. Reproduction and use without permission are strictly prohibited.
For more information about attractions all over Lithuania, please visit our Facebook account “Traveling with children” and Instagram account “Traveling with children”.
For more information on traveling around the world, visit our Facebook account “Traveling with children around the world” and Instagram account “Traveling with children around the world”.
Looking for more places to visit with kids, travel tips, and recommendations?! – Join the group for travellers with children. You are also welcome to share your travel experiences here.
Share the article

Read also