STEM Field Trip to Sigulda – Science, Nature, and Exciting Activities for Pupils

🔬 STEM and Science Exploration in Sigulda

The main educational component of the tour can be structured in two different ways. RoboSkola allows pupils to gain hands-on experience with modern technologies, virtual reality, and robots, while the Gauja National Park Nature Center offers the opportunity to learn about the natural sciences by studying real rocks, plants, animals, and the processes of the Gauja River’s ancient valley.

STEM project activities are also available at both destinations, so teachers can choose the program that best suits their class’s age group and the topic being taught.

RoboSkola – STEAM Center

RoboSkola offers pupils a hands-on introduction to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The classes use virtual reality headsets, programmable and modular robots, interactive floors, and other modern learning tools.

The programs are tailored to different age groups. Pupils in grades 1–3 can take a virtual journey into space or deep into the Earth; pupils in grades 4–6 can explore the Earth’s structure, resources, space, and fractions; while grades 7–9 have access to lessons on robotics, geometry, human respiration, and the use of virtual reality in future careers.

Why include it in the tour? At RoboSkola, for pupils, listening to lessons is not enough—they apply what they’ve learned through hands-on activities: they experiment, program robots, work in a virtual environment, and solve problems in teams. It’s a great choice for a class where you want to show how the math and science learned in school apply in the real world and in a technology-driven environment.

Estimated duration of the visit: When planning a day trip, it is recommended to set aside approximately 1.5–2 hours for the activity; the exact duration depends on the program you choose.

STEM: The availability and terms of specific programs must be confirmed at the time of booking.

Address: 1 Vidus Street, Sigulda.

Nature Conservation Agency’s Gauja National Park Nature Center

At the Gauja National Park Nature Center, activities are designed for pupils to engage in hands-on natural science exploration—they learn about the geology of the Gauja River Valley, Devonian sandstone formations, caves, plants and animals, examine rock samples with magnifying glasses and a microscope, and learn how the Gauja Riverbed was formed.

Classes take place both at the center and outdoors. In STEM programs, classes are offered for pupils of various ages who can explore ecosystems, living and non-living nature, plants, biodiversity, human impact on the environment, and other natural processes. Group work, observations, measurements, and small “science conferences” allow pupils to draw their own conclusions.

Why include this on the tour? It is an opportunity to learn the natural sciences in a setting where the processes being studied actually occur. Geology, biology, and environmental science are linked to the environment of Gauja National Park and hands-on activities, rather than just viewing exhibits.

Estimated duration of visit: up to 2 hours.

STEM: The availability and terms of specific programs must be confirmed at the time of booking.

Prices: nature education session at the center and in the surrounding area – 45 EUR per group.

Group size: up to 25 pupils; group visits must be booked in advance.

Address: 3 Baznīcas Street, Sigulda.

🎯 Second stop – active recreation or cultural and historical exploration

After a more intensive STEM lesson, the teacher can plan the second half of the day based on the class’s interests. The Sigulda Water Park is ideal for a more active and entertaining program, while Sigulda New Castle allows students to continue their educational day by exploring history, architecture, and cultural heritage.

Sigulda Sports Center – Water Amusement Park

The Sigulda Water Park is a great way to wrap up a field trip for a class that wants to unwind with some active recreation after an educational lesson. The park features two 40-meter-long water slides, a children’s water play area, a counter-current pool, hydromassage facilities, and saunas.

A special group offer is available for school groups on weekdays. A visit to the water park serves as a great contrast to an intensive STEM lesson—in the first part of the day, pupils explore and experiment, while in the second part, they relax and get some exercise together.

Why include it in the tour? It is an emotionally engaging end-of-day activity for pupils and an opportunity for classmates to spend time together in a more informal setting.

Estimated duration of the visit: 2 hours—90 minutes at the water park and about 30 minutes for changing clothes.

Prices for pupils: 12 EUR per person on weekdays for groups of 11 or more; free admission for two teachers.

Address: 7A Ata Kronvalda Street, Sigulda.

Group visits must be reserved in advance. Before the trip, the teacher must also clarify the safety requirements for accompanying adults and minor visitors.

Sigulda New Castle

Sigulda New Castle offers pupils the opportunity to explore 20th-century Latvian history, architecture, art, and National Romantic-style interiors in an authentic setting. The castle was built in the Neo-Gothic style in the late 19th century and is now a national architectural monument.

While touring the exhibition, pupils can learn about the history of the castle and Sigulda, use an audio guide, participate in the scavenger hunt “Unlock the National Treasure Chest,” and build their own castle in a digital game, all while learning facts about Sigulda and its surroundings.

Why include it in the tour? Sigulda New Castle complements STEM Day well with its cultural, historical, and creative content. It allows you to combine technology or the natural sciences with history, architecture, and art in a single itinerary, without overloading the excursion day with excessively long travel times.

Estimated duration of the visit: 1–1.5 hours.

Prices: 3 EUR for pupils; combined ticket for Sigulda New Castle and the Castle of the Livonian Order – 3.50 EUR per pupil. One teacher per 10 pupils is admitted free of charge.

School Bag: The “Discover Sigulda’s New Castle!” program is designed for pupils in grades 1–4, 5–9, and 10–12.

Address: 16 Pils Street, Sigulda.

It is recommended to schedule your visit at least one month in advance.

🚌 Recommended tour routes

1. STEM + Technology Class Break

1. RoboSkola – STEAM Center – approximately 1.5–2 hours;
2. lunch break – approximately 45–60 minutes;
3. Sigulda Water Park – 2 hours.

This option is particularly well-suited for a class that wants to combine learning with entertainment and group recreation. The program in Sigulda should take approximately 4.5–5.5 hours, not including travel time to Sigulda.

2. Natural Sciences + Active Recreation

1. Gauja National Park Nature Center – up to 2 hours;
2. lunch break – approximately 45–60 minutes;
3. Sigulda Water Park – 2 hours.

During the first half of the day, pupils act as nature explorers, while during the second half, they relax and get some exercise. The total duration of the program in Sigulda will be approximately 5–6 hours.

3. STEM + History and “Latvian School Bag”

1. RoboSkola or the Gauja National Park Nature Center —about 1.5–2 hours;
2. lunch break – approximately 45–60 minutes;
3. Sigulda New Castle – about 1–1.5 hours.

This option combines STEM or natural sciences with Latvian history, architecture, and cultural heritage. It is particularly suitable for teachers who want to combine learning content from several subject areas into a single field trip day. The program in Sigulda should be scheduled for approximately 4.5–5.5 hours.

4. STEM + Architecture and Digital Literacy

1. RoboSkola – STEAM Center – approximately 1.5–2 hours;
2. lunch break – approximately 45–60 minutes;
3. Sigulda New Castle —whether you choose the exhibition, the digital castle-building game, or the orienteering challenge—takes about 1–1.5 hours.

This route does an especially good job of combining modern technology with architecture and history. At RoboSkolā, pupils work with robots and virtual reality, while at the castle, technology is used to explore cultural and historical content.

🚍 Transportation and Getting Around

All of the attractions included in the itinerary are located in Sigulda, so they can easily be combined into a one-day excursion. For pupils, the most convenient option is a chartered bus, especially if several pre-booked activities are planned for the day.

It is recommended to allow at least a 20–30-minute buffer between attractions so that delays or traffic do not affect the start time of the next reservation. Before the trip, it is recommended to coordinate with each attraction regarding where pupils will get off and where the bus can park.

Find transportation for a field trip for pupils

✅ What should a teacher keep in mind?

• Select a STEM program based on your grade level. The programs offered by RoboSkolas and the Gauja National Park Nature Center are organized by age group and educational topic.
• Please register for STEM events well in advance. Please check with the event organizer regarding the availability of programs on a specific date.
• Don’t plan too many attractions. One STEM class and one additional activity make for a sufficiently full day of field trips.
• Plan your lunch. It is recommended to schedule a 45- to 60-minute break between the STEM class and the second activity.
• Please take the weather conditions into account. Some of the activities at the Gauja National Park Nature Center may take place outdoors, so pupils need to wear clothing and shoes appropriate for the weather.
• Prepare the classroom in advance for the water park. Pupils must bring their swimwear and follow the center’s safety rules and guidelines for group visits.
• Check current prices and availability. Offers and availability are subject to change.