Mežaparks is the spot for those who like to be outdoors and cannot imagine a perfect day without some sort of physical activity. On sunny weekends the place is full of people and families going on walks, running, riding bicycles, rollerskating and visiting the zoo but it is rarely deserted on weekdays as well.
There are so many things to do in Mežaparks that it is probably best to plan a bit more than a few hours to really experience what this spot has to offer. There is a large playground for children, the adventure park Mežakaķis, disc golf and mini golf, a little beach with a beautiful view over Lake Ķīšezers, rental spots for roller skates and other equipment and the Riga Zoo. Training sessions and various sports competitions also take place in Mežaparks regularly. You just have to choose, which is probably easier said than done.
Sometimes I like to visit Mežaparks when I just want some peace and quiet because a walk through this forest is the closest thing people in Riga can get to a real countryside retreat. The area is so big that even I can find something new and unexplored every time I visit it.
Mežaparks is also the home for the Lielā estrāde which is the main venue for the Latvian Nation-wide Song and Dance Celebration. Definitely worth it seeing the spot where all the singing takes place!
