Tallinn may not have much to entertain children, but it’s blessed with a pleasantly unblemished natural surrounding. The country has scores of excellent beaches, several of which are close to Tallinn. You can also ride horses, ski in the winter and explore the lovely Lahemaa National Park. Tallinn’s zoo isn’t spectacular, but it can serve as a distraction for kids.

Beaches 
Many visitors are surprised to learn that Estonia has great beaches. Just outside the capital Tallinn, you can find peaceful, clean sand and sea at Pirita, Rohuneeme, Lohusalu, Kakumäe and Vääna-Jõesuu. If you venture a little farther from Tallinn you can enjoy Pärnu Beach, which is arguably the prettiest in Estonia. Lahemaa National Park also has some nice beaches at Kaberneeme and Võsu.

Horseback Riding 
There’s a decent horseback riding scene around Tallinn that allows you to get out into the Estonian countryside. Just 25 minutes southwest of the capital is the popular Niitvälja riding club, where trails lead into the Keila Forest. The Tallinn Riding Club and Pallase Tallid are also great choices, the latter of which offers horse-pulled sleigh rides in winter. Phone: +372 501 6336 (Niitvälja riding club).

Lahemaa National Park 
This incredibly scenic national park is just 50kms (30 miles) east of Tallinn, making it easily accessible from the capital for a day outdoors. Dense, wooded forests, sparkling bays and little peninsulas offer countless places to explore. There are trails to walk and basic infrastructure to keep you safe.

Otepää 
This sleepy Estonian village of 2,500 is a fantastic outdoor getaway all year round. In winter, it turns into Estonia’s premier playground for cross-country skiing and other snowy sports. It is also the home of Pühajärv (Holy Lake), a sublime mountain lake that is ideal for picnics, boating and leisurely walks.

Saunas 
The sauna is a veritable institution in Estonia, providing welcome bodily relaxation in both winter and summer. If you’ve never tried one, Estonia is one of the world’s top places to experience a sauna at its best. There are dozens of them scattered all over the country, including many in and around Tallinn, and nearly all are excellent. Hotels, spas and resorts invariably have one, but there are also popular public saunas in Tallinn, such as Kalma Saun.

Tallinn Zoo 
There are more than 3,000 animals in the Tallinn Zoo, many of which are native to the vast Russian region. While there are some standouts worth seeing, overall the zoo is rather run down and unimpressive (unless you’ve never been to a zoo). Even so, it usually makes a fun outing for kids. Phone: +372 694 3300.

Tallinn’s old town is chock full of interesting places to check out. Its tiny medieval streets are home to dozens of art galleries, museums, entertainment spots and tourist attractions. There are also a couple of charismatic neighbourhoods in Tallinn worth checking out, such as Põhja.

Dome Church 
This Gothic church, which is also known locally as St Mary’s, is the oldest church in Estonia. Built in 1223, the impressive structure is a defining feature of Tallinn’s old town. There are more than 100 medieval coats of arms lining the walls of the interior, and the courtyard is a centuries-old cemetery for Swedish and German noblemen. Phone: +372 644 4140.

Estonian Open Air Museum 
One of the more interesting museums in Tallinn is this open-air park located in a beautiful setting beside the bay. The concept is to give visitors a feel for rural life by reproducing an authentic Estonian village from 1800s. Windmills, churches and thatched farmhouses have been perfectly reconstructed, and traditional songs and dances are performed by a local folklore troupe. Phone: +372 654 9100.

Põhja-Tallinn 
One of the capital’s most charming and engaging districts is Põhja-Tallinn. This area is the most historically, architecturally and socially diverse part of the city and always a joy to explore. From the old wooden houses of the Kalamaja neighbourhood to the lively port and railway station, there is plenty of real life local action to take in.

Museum of Occupations 
Tallinn’s most stirring museum is dedicated to the long period of Nazi and Soviet occupation that the city endured between 1940 and 1991. The striking glass and steel structure houses artefacts and numerous high-tech multimedia presentations documenting Tallinn’s struggle with its occupiers. Phone: +372 668 0250.

Tallinn Chill Out Walking Tour 
This fun and quirky walking tour provides a different way to explore the old town. Local musicians serve as tour guides, giving interesting commentary and taking you to sites not commonly seen by tourists in addition to standard highlights. The tour, which starts at the Tallinn Traveller Information Tent, takes about 2 hours and is conducted in English.

Despite its location right on the sea, Tallinn’s culinary scene encompasses a lot more than just seafood. The city’s historic trading roots have allowed a wide range of food styles to thrive here over the centuries, but the main influence came from the Germans, who ruled Estonia for centuries. The local cuisine centres around pork, potatoes and fresh produce from the countryside. It’s simple fare, and occasionally dull, but most dishes are tasty and filling.

Local specialities include trout served smoked, salted or pickled; locally caught crayfish when they’re in season; and German mainstays like traditional black bread known as leib. Tallinn also has a decent selection of international restaurants. Visitors can find Mexican, Italian, Russian and American food in the shopping malls, and even some surprisingly trendy Asian cafés tucked away in the heart of the city.

For the most atmosphere with your meal, head to the old town where there are plenty of excellent cafés, bars, breweries and wineries to choose from. Reservations are suggested for the more popular restaurants, especially on weekend evenings.

Tallinn isn’t what you’d call a shopper’s paradise, but it does have a few locally made products that are worth taking home. Hand-knit woollen sweaters, leather items, ceramics and amber jewellery are all great buys. The best shops can be found in the old town, especially along the charming Katarina Passage. Here, a number of craft shops and art galleries have set up in lovely medieval buildings selling hand-made items to take home.

Lühike Jalg is another good location in the old town for browsing craft shops and galleries featuring the works of Estonian artisans, as is Viru Street and its many side alleys. A huge modern shopping mall, Viru Keskus, can be found on Viru Väljak for more sundry needs. Tallinn also has a handful of outdoor markets that are fun to explore. This is the place where you can haggle until the cows come home with friendly vendors.